Advertisement First, in all of my
69 years I cannot remember ever being checked for risk of osteoporosis or low bone mass.
Second, I would have the opportunity to jaw with others taking advantage of a free heel screening sponsored by Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.
I found the medical center’s Diane Bushek, a radiological technologist certified in bone densitometry, to be quite helpful in a very common-sense way.
“Did you know,” she asked, “that a fracture can be life-altering?” I had not thought about this. “It can change your mobility forever. If for some reason you need surgery, there is the chance there could be complications,” she said.
This makes perfect sense. I felt no shame removing the shoe and sock from my right foot and placing it in the ultrasound unit to be screened.
I felt encouraged with a score that indicates I’m at medium risk for bone problems, easily overcome with a diet that includes proper amounts of calcium. My score was mostly based on being fair-skinned and the fact that adult members of my family have, at one time or another, lost height or developed a rounded back.
Diane warned: “The hardest part of adequate calcium intake is to remember to do so daily. The easiest part is to remember that the simple (and free) act of walking is an excellent way to keep those bones strong.”
Well, enough about me and my “no bone-density” issue. Time to dwell on others and their reasons for taking the test.
Sharon Hammes, 55, of Onalaska, Wis., explained: “I was diagnosed with diabetes about two years ago. It was suggested that I have this test periodically.” She proudly reported, “I’m fine.” She agrees that Ben Franklin, famous for “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” would be proud of her.
I met up with La Crosse’s Jim and Phyllis Millin, too. Phyllis, 82, “checked out medium, which means I could be taking a calcium supplement. At my age, I should be anyway. It’s important for all to be tested. Don’t we all lack calcium? As a kid, I remember hearing many times, ‘Don’t leave this table until you have finished your milk.’”
Jim, 86, confessed he was “a little low. I should be drinking more milk daily. I used to drink milk a lot, but lately I haven’t. I don’t know why.” It had been a long time since Jim’s last bone density test.
Judy Gates, 67, of Coon Valley, Wis., said: “I came here for this test because I know keeping track of your bone density is important. We have had bone shrinkage in our family. My test results were very good, but I do drink a lot of milk and take calcium supplement.” The test renewed her confidence that “I’m physically fit.”
For Debby Johnson, 56, of La Crosse, the test satisfied her curiosity. “I’ve never had one before, so I was curious. The test went very well. But there’s always room for improvement.”
Debby advised: “The test is painless, easy and free. You shouldn’t put it off. At the very least, it gives you a base to work from.”
So folks, keep your eyes and ears open for more free bone density tests. They’re conducted about every two months or so at such places as pharmacies, women’s health fairs and senior expos. And they’re a wonderful way to prevent problems from lurking down the road.
Larry Olson can be reached at lolson@lacrossetribune.com.
