Bone Health is Not Just a Women's Issue

Radiology Associates of Hartford, P.C., recommends that men take a closer look at their bone health with a bone densitometry test this May, as part of Osteoporosis Awareness Month. While women are more likely than men to suffer from thinning bones, men are at risk of developing it, especially after age 70. However, most men don’t think they can develop the disease. A 2012 National Institute of Health report found the majority of men in the U.S. consider osteoporosis to be solely a “women’s disease.” But, in fact millions of men are already living with osteoporosis. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), at least 2 million men in the U.S. currently have osteoporosis and millions more could be at risk. “It’s a silent disease. We can’t feel our bones getting weaker,” said Radiology Associates of Hartford radiologist Michael Biondi, M.D. “Men often find out too late, after a fracture, that their bones are weak. So it’s important that they take part in the conversation about bone health.” Radiology Associates of Hartford offers a bone densitometry exam (also known as a DEXA scan — Dual X-ray Absorptiometry). It’s a fast, inexpensive and non-invasive exam that requires no preparation and provides a true measure of a patient’s total bone health. The NOF recommends testing for all men age 50 to 70 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis and for men age 70 or older, even without any risk factors. To schedule an exam with Radiology Associates of Hartford, call 860.714.2724. For more information visit www.rahxray.com. About Radiology Associates of Hartford, P.C. Radiology Associates of Hartford, P.C., is a network of medical imaging centers offering full-service diagnostic imaging in three convenient locations: Avon, Enfield and Glastonbury. Services include state-of-the-art MRI, CT, digital mammography, diagnostic X-ray, ultrasound, DEXA bone densitometry, breast and thyroid biopsies, and varicose vein treatment. Our community-based radiologists are subspecialty trained and committed to excellence in service to patients and referring physicians. For more information, call 860-714-2724 or visit www.rahxray.com for more information. Find RAH on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rahxray and broadcasting on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/rahxray. ### SIDEBAR: Who is at greatest risk for osteoporosis fractures? Information provided by Radiology Associates of Hartford, P.C.(www.rahxray.com) • Females • Caucasians • Advanced age • A small thin frame • A family history of osteoporosis • Early menopause • A low calcium diet • Inadequate physical activity • Eating disorders • Certain medications (such as steroids or anticonvulsants) • Excessive alcohol intake or tobacco use