Dr. Alexander certified in bone density testing for osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease affecting an estimated 44 million Americans, putting them at greater risk for broken bones. Someone may not know they are suffering from this “silent” condition until they have their first fracture. A special test, however, can help measure bone density.
Newton Clinic offers this technology, known as DXA (dual X-ray absorptiometry). Dr. Zachary Alexander, M.D., C.C.D., is the clinic’s resident expert in the analysis of these tests, having been recently designated as a certified clinical densitometrist by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry.
“Osteoporosis is a major public health threat,” Alexander said. “After age 50, one in two women and one in four men will have at least one osteoporosis-related fracture. That can result in pain, disability, loss of independence and significant medical costs.”
While osteoporosis can develop in anyone of any age, there are certain risk factors that make a person more susceptible, including:
• Being female
• Older age
• Family history of osteoporosis or broken bones
• Being small and thin
• Certain race/ethnicities such as Caucasian, Asian, or Hispanic/Latino
• Diet (low calcium intake; low vitamin D intake; excessive intake of protein, sodium and caffeine)
• Inactive lifestyle
• Smoking
• Alcohol abuse
“Early detection of low bone density before fractures occur is the key to successful management,” Alexander said. “With medications now available and under development, we believe that osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable disease.”
To schedule an appointment for a bone density scan, call the Newton Clinic at (641) 792-2112.
