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 Health Xchange > Health Tools > Female 40-50
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Important health conditions to look out for |
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In addition to checking for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high sugar level, the following are some health conditions that you can look out for. |
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Osteoporosis |
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Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle, resulting in a greater likelihood of breaking after minor trauma.
Should you be screened for osteoporosis?
If you are adult around age 50 and have the following risk factors:
- Personal history of past fracture as an adult
- History of fracture in an immediate relative (especially mother)
- Low body weight
- Smoker
- Heavy alcohol drinker
- Early menopause / Artificial menopause (surgical removal of the ovaries before the age of 45)
- Long term medications, eg: steroids, thyroid medications
- Prolong period of immobility
- Low calcium intake for most of your life (< 500mg/day)
- Lack of regular exercise
What are the screening tests available?
Osteoporosis self assessment tool for Asians (OSTA). For those who have not suffered fractures, OSTA is a quick and effective test to determine your risk of osteoporosis. OSTA, which is based on age and weight, groups Asian women who have reached menopause into high, moderate or low risk of having osteoporosis. If your risk is moderate or high, consult your doctor for sceening.
Osteoporosis can be easily detected through a simple procedure called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the tests scans your lower back, hip region or wrist. This test measures the density of your bones (Bone mineral density – BMD), indicating your risk of fracture at the most common sites affected.
You could measure BMD annually if you are being followed up for osteoporosis. Frequency of screening varies from 1 – 5 years if you have mild decrease in your bone mass / osteopenia & once in 5 years if your bone mass is normal. Why? For elderly patients, there is a high morbidity and mortality rate for patients who suffer from fractures. |
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