It’s not every day you hear people talking about their bones. Most people have 206 of them in their body and let me tell you they are jolly important! 

Bones have a number of functions:

• The marrow is where red blood cells are manufactured. 

• They help store and regulate calcium
• They give us structure, shape and keep us upright

If it weren’t for bones we’d be a big floppy mess on the ground, and that wouldn’t be a pleasant sight! 

Bones help protect our organs from being damaged when we have a fall. Because of this, the bones need to be robust and resilient to injury. 

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become more fragile and more susceptible to breaks. Some people with osteoporosis can break a bone from a simple trip or cough. 

Thankfully, there is treatment available for osteoporosis. In many cases, it can be reversed. 

Q & A:

How do I get tested for osteoporosis? A bone density (DEXA) scan is a simple scan that is painless.

Who is eligible for a bulk billed for a DEXA scan? Everyone over 70 years old is eligible for a DEXA scan every 5 years. A DEXA scan should be performed every 2 years in patients with osteoporosis, minimal trauma fractures, early menopause, osteopenia, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney/liver disease, Crohn’s disease and some hormone disorders (such as thyroid disorder). If you are under 70 with any of those conditions, then you’re eligible for a scan too!

What should I do now? Book an appointment now with your GP and ask for a referral for a  DEXA scan.