The invisible killer of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is known as the "invisible killer" because it tends to silently erode bone health until a fracture occurs. According to statistics from the Hong Kong Health Bureau, about 30% of Hong Kong people over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis in women, and 20% of men suffer from osteoporosis. The disease weakens the bones, and minor impacts and falls can cause serious fractures, especially in areas such as the hip, spine, and wrist. Fractures not only cause severe pain but can also lead to prolonged rest, loss of self-care, and even an increased risk of death. Therefore, understanding the risk factors for osteoporosis, how to test for osteoporosis, and how to prevent osteoporosis is crucial for maintaining bone health.

What is a high-risk group?

People at high risk of osteoporosis include:超聲波檢查收費

• Women over 50 years of age (especially postmenopausal women)
• People who have been taking steroids for a long time
• People with a family history of osteoporosis
• Underweight (BMI less than 18.5)
• Those who do not exercise for a long time or have insufficient calcium intake
• Smokers or heavy drinkers

Early detection of osteoporosis is important because bone loss is a slow process and is often very serious before symptoms appear. Routine check-ups are used to assess bone density and, if necessary, take preventive or therapeutic measures to prevent fractures.

Pre-exam preparation: feeding and medication precautions

Before undergoing testing for osteoporosis, you should pay attention to the following:

• Do not consume calcium tablets or calcium-rich foods for 24 hours before the test so as not to affect the test results.
• Wear loose, non-metallic clothing to avoid interfering with the operation of the inspection equipment.
• Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, especially those containing barium or bismuth that may interfere with the test.
• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should tell their doctor in advance because some tests may not be suitable for pregnant women.

Inspection process description: DXA, ultrasound, etc.

The most commonly used method for densitostomy of bones is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which is fast, painless, and has a very low radiation dose. During the examination, the patient lies flat on the examination table, and the equipment scans the bone density of the hip and spine, and the whole process takes about 10-15 minutes. Another method is quantitative ultrasound (QUS), which is usually used for initial screening of the heel or wrist. Ultrasound is convenient and does not radiate, but it is not as accurate as DXA, so it is often used for initial evaluation rather than diagnosis.

Conditions and Scope of Health Insurance Benefits

In Hong Kong, there are relatively few public hospitals, but the waiting time is long. Patients who meet the following conditions are eligible for partial or full subsidies:

• Older adults over 65 years of age
• High-risk patients with a history of fracture
• Patients taking steroids for a long time

Private hospitals and clinics may have higher testing costs, but they typically have shorter wait times and better facilities. Below is a comparison of the cost of osteoporosis testing at some medical institutions in Hong Kong.胸部抽針

Before the examination, tell your doctor about your medical history and medications

Before the test, be sure to tell your doctor about your medical history and medication status.

• If you have a history of fractures
• Whether you have been taking steroids, antiepileptic drugs, or thyroid medications for a long time
• The presence of chronic diseases such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis.

This information can help your doctor assess your risk of osteoporosis and determine if you need further testing or treatment.

Diet: Calcium and vitamin D supplements

The diet to prevent osteoporosis focuses on adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D. The recommended daily dose for adults is as follows:

• Calcium : 1000-1200 mg
• Vitamin D: 600-800 IU

Calcium-rich foods include dairy products, dark green vegetables, tofu, and nuts. Vitamin D can be obtained by sunbathing (15-20 minutes a day) or eating vitamin D-rich foods such as cod liver oil, egg yolks, and fortified foods. People who are not getting enough nutrients from their diet may consider taking calcium pills or vitamin D supplements, but they should be used under the guidance of a doctor to avoid overdose.

Exercise: Weight-bearing exercises strengthen bones

Regular weight-bearing exercise is an effective way to strengthen bones. Appropriate exercises include:

• Walking, jogging, going up and down stairs
• Dance or Tai Chi
• Strength training (using dumbbells or bands)

Doing 30 minutes of exercise at least 3-4 times a week can effectively stimulate bone growth and slow down bone loss. Swimming and cycling are beneficial for heart function, but they do not support body weight and have little effect on bone health.

Proactively check and prevent to stay away from the threat of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is common, but not inevitable. With regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper training, most people can maintain healthy bones. If you are in a high-risk group, it is recommended to check your bone density as soon as possible and take preventive or therapeutic measures under the guidance of a doctor. Remember, prevention is better than cure, and investing in bone health is an investment in your future freedom of movement and quality of life.

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