Bone Health

Diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in St. Helena

Bone is living tissue that provides shape and support for the body, as well as protection for some organs. Bone also serves as a storage site for minerals and provides the medium — marrow — for the development and storage of blood cells.

Because the functions of bone are numerous and complex, there are many disorders that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. These conditions include benign (noncancerous) disorders, cancers that occur in bone and cancers that affect bone.

Unfortunately, women are at a higher risk of developing bone disorders after menopause. Osteoporosis is a common problem among women that often results from calcium deficiency. At Adventist Health St. Helena, we offer bone density scanning and osteoporosis treatment.

Bone density scanning to screen for osteoporosis

A bone density scan measures how much calcium and other types of minerals are in your bones. This imaging test uses low-dose X-rays to measure the density of the bones. The test is completely painless and noninvasive.

The results of this test will tell us more about the strength of your bones. There is no cure for osteoporosis, but knowing you have it is important for slowing its progression and preventing injuries. Patients with osteoporosis are more vulnerable to bone fractures and other bone injuries.

Some treatments used to manage osteoporosis include:

• Medication
• Including more calcium in your diet
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Quitting smoking
• Aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises

The primary danger of osteoporosis is the increased risk of sustaining a serious bone injury. Our women’s health team can help you take measures to prevent this.