Frequency of bone-density testing in older women

Osteoporosis is a condition that leads to the bones being weakened and a heightened likelihood for fractures. Millions of people across the US are already suffering from osteoporosis or are now exposed to greater risk for fractures because of their BMD (bone mineral density) being much less than usual, which means they are suffering from osteopenia.

Osteoporosis usually progresses silently and slowly with no symptoms until one sees a fracture happen. However, early screening can identify if the bone density is low, following which therapies and lifestyle changes can help lessen the fractures risk and even remove any issues related to bone density. Therefore, current osteoporosis management guidelines recommend routine bone mineral density (BMD) test for women 65 years of age or older. But there is no enough data to specify how often to undergo the test.

To help clinicians decide on the intervals for BMD testing in women in whose initial assessment osteoporosis doesn’t show up, a study analyzed data on a total of 4957 women, aged 67 or older, and followed prospectively for up to 15 years.

Based on their original bone density test, the study participants were divided into 4 groups: advanced, moderate, normal, or mild osteopenia. The women were given two to five BMD tests at varying intervals during the study period.

The study report showed results that were suggestive that < 1% of women with regular bone mineral density progressed to developing osteoporosis during the study period. Only 5% who had somewhat low bone density initially went on to have osteoporosis. This suggests that women from these two categories need not be re-screened for around 15 years as they are likely to be safe until then. That’s a great news for this category of women.

However, the data shows that 10% (1 out of 10 women) with moderate osteopenia during their initial assessment made transition to osteoporosis in a span of 5 years. And for women with advanced osteopenia initially, around 10% got osteoporosis in a matter of a year, indicating that this group needed the 1-year screening intervals.

This study report also suggests that frequency of screening may also be influenced by other risk factors, including age, specific diseases, or medications.

Featured Products

Featured Blogs

  • Understanding the car insurance market
  • Importance of recycling centers
  • Top 5 monthly cell phone plans

Recent Blogs

  • Top features of the new 2021 RAM 1500

    The 2021 RAM 1500 pickup truck is one of the best models with “almost no flaws” and is ranked 9.1 on 10 according to the U.S. News and World Report. This light-duty truck is equipped with a powerful engine, plush interiors, and smooth suspensions that are a class apart. Debuted in 2019, the new 2021 RAM 1500 sets a high bar that its competitors may find challenging to beat. Here are its key features:

    Trims and prices
    There are nine trims available in the 2021 RAM 1500. The lowest is the Tradesman, which is priced at $32,795, followed by HFE at $34,645. The Big Horn and Lone Star costs $39,965, Laramie is $41,980, Rebel costs $46,120, Longhorn costs $52,280, Limited costs $56,950, and lastly, the TRX is priced $70,325. All of them are equipped with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.

    Engine performance
    The 2021 RAM 1500 comes with a 305-horsepower V6 base engine, a powerful machine for a pickup truck. Other variants of engines available are the 260-horsepower V6 diesel, 395-horsepower V8, and 702-horsepower supercharged V8 that comes in the new RAM TRAX trim. The V6s are suitable for highway and city driving, while the V8s are more powerful. Its diesel choice has an excellent towing capacity. The TRX engine, however, is next-level with runs from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

    Gas mileage
    The RAM V6 engine gives a 20 mpg in cities and 25 on the highways; however, it drops to about 17 in the classic model. The V8 engine gives a lesser mileage of 15-22, which is similar to other pickup trucks. The RAM TRX V8 engine pushes the mileage slightly and averages at 17-23, better than all models. The most fuel-efficient diesel-powered engines in the RAMs deliver 22-23 mpg in cities and highways. 

    On and off-road performance
    Powered with four-wheel drive, all the models of the RAM have good stability on curved paths and winding roads. Its luxurious interiors and smooth ride are what sets it apart from other pickup trucks. For off-roading, the Rebel and TRX RAM trims are the best. Additional features include skid plates, robust off-road suspension, and locking differentials. 

  • Which Columbia jacket is best for you?

    Selecting the right ski jacket can be an overwhelming choice. It can be the difference between enjoying the slopes or getting wet and miserable in the cold. Head into Columbia and check out their selection, and choose a jacket right for you. There are numerous aspects that you must be watchful of when buying a jacket. Will you be skiing or snowboarding, or both? How much time will you spend wearing the jacket? All these factors play a very important role in deciding which Columbia jacket will be the right fit.

    Features you must take into consideration
    Think about how you will be using the Columbia jacket. Will you need it all day? You can then determine which jacket will serve your needs. You can buy premium quality Columbia jackets in both online stores, as well as brick and mortar shops in your city.

    When you are selecting your ski jacket, you should read the accompanying information and look at all the specifications given. This information will equip you with all the necessary information for making the right purchase. So, here are a few points that you need to know.

    Waterproof vs water-resistant
    A waterproof Columbia jacket is made from materials that stop water entry, and they have taped seams. If you feel that you may fall many times in the snow, this type of jacket might be right for you. The makers measure the fabric for how waterproof it is and provide a rating. This rating is given in the tag of every Columbia jacket.

    On the other hand, some jackets can resist snow and water, but they are not actually waterproof. Such variants are known as water-resistant jackets, and they keep you dry, to a degree. These jackets are suitable for light snowfall, but when you are in a blizzard, it is good to go with the waterproof jackets.

    The ability of the material to breath
    Any breathable material helps moisture to escape, which is really important for those who are active. A ski jacket should allow perspiration to wick away. If not, the wearer may get cold and damp within short notice. You should look for jackets that have pit zippers under the arms, where moisture accumulates. Fit And Comfort Of The Jacket

    It is crucial that you invest in a Columbia jacket that fits you properly without being too loose or tight. A snugly fitted jacket will stay in position no matter how much you move while skiing or snowboarding. Moreover, you should opt for the jacket that has a hood and collar for covering your neck. A jacket with drawstrings and a high collar will go a long way to ensuring you stay warm and dry, especially if it’s raining.

    These few tips will definitely help you choose the best Columbia jacket for enjoying your weekend snowboarding and skiing.

  • How to make bread without yeast

    If you think that making a delicious bread without yeast is impossible, think again! There are many types of unleavened breads that are nutritious as well as delectable! But you must be thinking that why you should switch from the good old yeast bread to an unleavened bread!

    Unleavened bread is an extremely healthy choice to make for your body, especially if you’re suffering from any yeast infections in your digestive tract. It is lower in calories and reduces your sugar levels to an acceptable rate. To be healthy, you don’t have to give up bread, you just should alter the way you cook it.

    So how can you make an unleavened bread at home?
    The most basic bread you should start off with is the flat bread, and it cannot get any simpler. It hardly takes 30 minutes to prepare this beautiful piece of bread. All it takes is some white flour/ all-purpose flour, some water and salt. After you roll out the dough into circular flat pieces, place them on the pan, you can coat it with some olive or butter, and heat it, until it bubbles up. And that’s it, they’re ready. You can serve this in your meals with beautiful vegetables or gravies. And if you happen to just whip these up because you were hungry, you can eat them plain or with a dip, and even with some leftovers from last night.

    The other variety in unleavened breads are the tortillas which elevate the beauty of Mexican culinary varieties like tacos and burritos. Chapati on the other hand is the Indian version of flat bread but it’s made from whole wheat flour. Prepared on a rounded grill it is somewhat thinner and lighter in density as compared to a flat bread.

    During snack time if you have a desire to gobble down a sandwich, try making the pita bread. You can stuff up the pockets of the pita bread with fresh and delightful stuffing like meats, tomatoes, herbs and cheese. Almost all the types of unleavened breads have the same combination of elements, you can change the flour or adding various components for distinctive flavors.

    If you want to try something extremely different then the Norwegian flat bread aka Lefse is something that you shouldn’t miss. Unlike the other versions of flat bread, Lefse has a unique and rich combination of ingredients like flour, potatoes, milk or cream and salt. You can add sugar according to your liking. It can be eaten with both sweet and savory flavors.

    The most amazing part of making an unleavened bread is that it doesn’t take away any kind of versatility because of the absence of yeast. You can still experiment with a variety of food elements and make it equally appetizing.