Sunday, April 10, 2011

Bone Densitometers and You

A bone densitometer really does what it sounds like. It checks the density of bones in order to ascertain if there is any onset of osteoporosis or other bone disease.

More specifically, dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry technology is used to evaluate the mineral or calcium levels in the bone being examined.

Of course, exercise, calcium rich diets and avoidance of coffee, can help keep one's bones in top shape.

However, if your family has a history of many broken hips and bones among elderly relatives, you might want to get checked sometime in your 50's or 60's.

Many well known companies manufacture bone densitometer machines, such as GE with their Lunar series, and Siemens with their Norland XR800.