310 E. Torrance Ave., P. O. Box 650

Pontiac, Illinois 61764  map

PH. 1-815-844-7174    FAX 1-815-842-2408    TDD 1-800-526-0844

Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease in which bones become fragile, making them more likely to break.

The LCHD offers adult women osteoporosis screening using the Sahara Ultrasound bone densitometer. This quick, easy, painless screening uses ultrasound to estimate the bone density of the heel bone.

The screening is performed with a bare foot placed in the ultrasound unit.  Test results are processed immediately. Along with family history, lifestyle and diet, the results are used to determine a woman's risk for developing osteoporosis.

The Screening fee of just $16.00 includes:

• Written results of screening

• Osteoporosis prevention counseling with a certified Health Education Specialist

• Osteoporosis education materials

Screening is conducted by appointment. To schedule an appointment call LCHD at 844-7174.

• In the U.S. today, 10 million individuals already have osteoporosis and 34 million more have low bone density.  The majority of those affected are women.
• One out of two  post-menopausal women over th age of 50 will have an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime.
• More than 2 million American men suffer from this condition.  Each year, 80,000 men suffer a hip fracture and one-third of these men die within a year.

At first, osteoporosis usually does not have any symptoms and most people don't know that they have it until a fracture occurs.  However, some common symptoms associated with it include:  back pain, loss of height, spontaneous fractures, and the Dowager's hump.

Certain risk factors contribute to an individual's likelihood of developing the disease.  These risk factors include:  low-bone density, low body weight (less than 127 pounds), family history of fractures, low-calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency, early menopause, prolonged absence of menstrual periods, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol and/or caffeine intake, the use of certain medications, and inactivity.

There are five key elements in helping to prevent and treat osteoporosis.  These include:

• Getting the proper amount of calcium and vitamin D everyday through diet and/or supplements.
• Doing weight-bearing exercises (such as walking) several times a week.
• Limiting your use of substances which are harmful to bone such as alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.
• Correcting medical problems that promote bone loss.
• Asking about and taking prescription medication which can help to slow or reverse bone loss.

Contact the health department at (815) 844-7174 or visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation Web Site at:  www.nof.org