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New Technology at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas Helps in Fight Against Osteoporosis
May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
PORT ARTHUR, Texas. April 28th, 2008 – Twenty-five million Americans have osteoporosis (most common bone disease). Fifty Thousand people die each year because of it. Yet, most of us know little about protecting ourselves from this disease.
Osteoporosis results in more than 1 million hip, spine, and wrist fractures annually. This disorder affects nearly one-half of all post menopausal women, the largest group at high risk for osteoporosis. Women over 50 should consider getting a baseline bone mineral density test. It is quick, painless and can be done in as little as ten minutes.
Research in Osteoporosis, the disorder in which progressive bone loss results in increased risk of fracture, is making important new advances. A key factor in this success has been the availability of new and improved equipment to measure bone density.
A new bone densitometer was recently installed at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas. Using a bone densitometer, physicians can measure patient bone density and follow it over time. If the patient’s bone density is low, or decreases at an abnormally fast rate, the patient may be at risk for osteoporosis. Through changes in diet, exercise habits and/or medication, further deterioration of bone can be prevented.
The Medical Center of Southeast Texas is a 224-bed hospital providing a full range of hospital services to Port Arthur and the surrounding communities. The hospital is part of IASIS Healthcare® LLC, a leading owner and operator of hospitals with facilities in Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, Texas and Utah.
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