Latest news with #DEXA
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
DR SARAH JARVIS: You pledged to act, Wes... yet 2,500 have died from this preventable problem while you've sat on your hands
I've lost count of the number of people – and it's usually women – who come to my clinic after having suffered several painful fractures. Some, in their 50s and otherwise in perfect health, have stumbled and injured a wrist or cracked a rib. For others it might be their third or fourth break in a matter of months, and they're coming to me wondering why. The stories are strikingly similar. They will have been to A&E multiple times over the years, or been suffering severe back pain. And all of this will have had a devastating impact on their mood, relationships, their ability to live their lives normally and, crucially, their ability to work. It's heart-breaking to see, and as a GP I know that these issues are a red flag for a common but horrendous condition which causes bones to thin and weaken – osteoporosis. When I refer them for a DEXA scan – a type of X-ray which measures the density of bone – lo and behold, they are finally diagnosed. But in some parts of the country just getting that appointment can take up to two years. For many of the 3.5 million people diagnosed with osteoporosis in the UK, it comes too late for treatment that can help protect against loss of bone density. Many end up suffering for years, in pain, becoming increasingly disabled and shuffling into an early grave. But on Thursday, when the Government published its Ten-Year Health Plan, there was no mention of osteoporosis. Other conditions, such as HIV, cancer and diabetes, got a mention. But not this one, which affects half of all women and one fifth of men. That is why, this weekend, more than 100 of my colleagues – NHS doctors and hospital workers – have written to Health Secretary Wes Streeting urging him to finally make good on his pre-election commitment to prioritise early diagnosis for osteoporosis by rolling out Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) across England. These screening clinics save lives by picking up the disease early, and prioritising people for safe, effective bone-sparing drugs. Right now, only half of England's NHS Trusts have one, leading to an unacceptable postcode lottery across the country and putting people at risk. As our letter reminds Mr Streeting, plugging those gaps where FLS is absent is crucial, because delay causes harm and costs lives. The late diagnosis of osteoporosis leads to avoidable fractures, loss of independence, long-term disability and, in many cases, premature death. In the past year alone, while Mr Streeting has sat on his hands, around 2,500 people have died due to preventable hip fractures alone. He has said the rollout will happen by 2030, but this delay could mean a further 12,500 deaths which FLS could have avoided. And there will have been 74,000 preventable fractures, including 31,000 life-threatening hip fractures, which will take up to 750,000 bed days. Those are beds the NHS sorely needs. That is unacceptable, not to mention unimaginably tragic for those needlessly affected. So while Mr Streeting might say in the Ten-Year Plan he is committed to prevention, when it comes to osteoporosis that couldn't be further from the truth. It's all the more baffling because rolling out FLS is an easy win. It would cost £30 million – 1.5 per cent of the £2 billion the NHS spends annually to treat hip fractures. But studies show that a single FLS covers its cost after just 18 to 24 months – and after that saves the NHS money by reducing the number of hospital beds required for fracture patients. And Mr Streeting knows all this. When he was in Opposition, he talked about it endlessly. After the Conservative government said it would roll out FLS, he criticised it for being too slow. Then, in May 2024, he promised that should Labour win the upcoming General Election, it would fully fund them. The following month, taking a more personal tone, he went further, telling this newspaper that it would be one of his first acts in Government because a close relative had broken a hip after becoming a victim of the postcode lottery for bone-density scans. But after Labour won the Election in July, it went quiet. To add insult to injury – quite literally – he was caught on video in January mocking charities for campaigning to improve the lives of patients, sarcastically singling out the Royal Osteoporosis Society as the 'worst offender' when it came to 'lobbying' the Government. Only in February did he finally say the FLS plan would be implemented 'by 2030', but it came with no indication as to how this would be achieved. Today, even after the Ten-Year Plan has been punished, that remains the case. This ongoing failure to drive this forward is a huge blow for those yet to be diagnosed with osteoporosis – they can get access to safe, effective medication only if they're diagnosed. I know this, unfortunately, from my own personal experience with this disease. In early 2023 I asked my GP for a DEXA scan after a friend fractured a wrist and hip playing tennis. I was found to have the bones of a 90-year-old, despite then being 60 (I'm now 62), and was diagnosed with the disease. And I know I was lucky. I got the right treatment to improve my bone density – and I've still never had a fracture. Without that early knowledge, I'd have likely suffered multiple breaks by now. Every day, every week, every month this Government delays rolling out FLS, more people suffer preventable injuries – an own goal, because it then costs them more to treat them. If you have a hip fracture, you're up to eight times more likely to die within three months, and three to four times more likely to die within a year. Three quarters of those who fracture a hip never have the same level of independence. The human misery this causes is horrendous. Yet FLS would save the NHS £440 million over five years and free up 36,000 hospital beds every winter. Quite simply, this isn't something that can wait. There is the political will, Mr Streeting, but we now need an urgent way forward.
Economic Times
30-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
The silent disease affecting millions of men, and 4 powerful ways to fight it off
This silent disease weakens men's bones, leading to fractures. Around 2 million men in the US have it. Another 16 million have early bone loss. Experts advise men to discuss testosterone levels with doctors. Weight-bearing exercise, lifestyle changes, and bone density tests are crucial. Treatments like Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty exist for spinal fractures. Early action is key for strong bones. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why it's dangerous 4 strong ways to fight osteoporosis - Dr. Paul Lewis Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What if you already have it? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads FAQs Osteoporosis is called a 'silent disease' because it develops slowly and shows no signs until a bone breaks, says Dr. Paul Lewis, Wexner Medical Center. It makes your bones weak and brittle, so even a small fall can cause serious injury. Around 2 million men in the U.S. have osteoporosis according to the National Spine Health 16 million men have osteopenia, which is like an early stage of bone loss. Most men don't even care about it — only 1% are worried about low bone density as per a survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. But they should care — falls are the number one cause of injuries and deaths for people over 65, as stated by The New York are no warning signs until a fracture happens, says Dr. Paul Lewis. Even a small fall can cause a bone to break if your bones are weak. Losing bone mass makes your whole body more fragile, especially as you age, as per the talking to your doctor about testosterone by age 30. Testosterone levels go down with age, which weakens bones and increases your weight-bearing workouts like, walking, hiking, climbing stairs, lifting weights or resistance bands, yoga or balance exercises. Some fun sports help too like pickleball or movement to your everyday life: walk the golf course instead of riding the cart, take stairs instead of the elevator, or play actively with kids or pets, as mentioned in the report by The New Not exercising with proper form or doing too much can cause injury. You can lose up to 3% of bone mass every year without resistance trainingHabits such as smoking, drinking more than 2 alcoholic drinks a day, not moving enough, poor diet, ripping hazards in your home, or muscle or nerve-related issues can increase the risk of weak your doctor about a DEXA scan — it's a low-dose X-ray that checks your bone density. It helps doctors spot osteoporosis you already have osteoporosis and get spinal fractures, treatments exist such as Kyphoplasty: A balloon is inflated in the fractured vertebra to make space. Then bone cement is injected. Vertebroplasty: Bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra, as mentioned in the report by The New is a condition where men's bones become weak and brittle, making them easy to 2 million men in the U.S. have osteoporosis, and 16 million have early-stage bone loss.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
The silent disease affecting millions of men, and 4 powerful ways to fight it off
Why it's dangerous 4 strong ways to fight osteoporosis - Dr. Paul Lewis Live Events What if you already have it? FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Osteoporosis is called a 'silent disease' because it develops slowly and shows no signs until a bone breaks, says Dr. Paul Lewis, Wexner Medical Center. It makes your bones weak and brittle, so even a small fall can cause serious injury. Around 2 million men in the U.S. have osteoporosis according to the National Spine Health 16 million men have osteopenia, which is like an early stage of bone loss. Most men don't even care about it — only 1% are worried about low bone density as per a survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. But they should care — falls are the number one cause of injuries and deaths for people over 65, as stated by The New York are no warning signs until a fracture happens, says Dr. Paul Lewis. Even a small fall can cause a bone to break if your bones are weak. Losing bone mass makes your whole body more fragile, especially as you age, as per the talking to your doctor about testosterone by age 30. Testosterone levels go down with age, which weakens bones and increases your weight-bearing workouts like, walking, hiking, climbing stairs, lifting weights or resistance bands, yoga or balance exercises. Some fun sports help too like pickleball or movement to your everyday life: walk the golf course instead of riding the cart, take stairs instead of the elevator, or play actively with kids or pets, as mentioned in the report by The New Not exercising with proper form or doing too much can cause injury. You can lose up to 3% of bone mass every year without resistance trainingHabits such as smoking, drinking more than 2 alcoholic drinks a day, not moving enough, poor diet, ripping hazards in your home, or muscle or nerve-related issues can increase the risk of weak your doctor about a DEXA scan — it's a low-dose X-ray that checks your bone density. It helps doctors spot osteoporosis you already have osteoporosis and get spinal fractures, treatments exist such as Kyphoplasty: A balloon is inflated in the fractured vertebra to make space. Then bone cement is injected. Vertebroplasty: Bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra, as mentioned in the report by The New is a condition where men's bones become weak and brittle, making them easy to 2 million men in the U.S. have osteoporosis, and 16 million have early-stage bone loss.
New York Post
30-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
The ‘silent disease' sneaking up on men — and 4 ways to battle it
Turns out that more men need to bone up on their bone density. Some 2 million US men suffer from osteoporosis, a slow-developing 'silent disease' that makes bones weak and brittle, according to the National Spine Health Foundation. Another 16 million men have osteopenia, which describes mild osteoporosis or pre-osteoporosis. Despite its prevalence, a new survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that only 1% of men are concerned about low bone density. 4 Osteoporosis, which makes bones weak and brittle, affects 2 million US men. Graphicroyalty – No bones about it — this could be a grave error. Falls are the leading cause of injuries and injury-related deaths in adults 65 and older. Even minor falls can result in bone fractures if there has been a decrease in bone density and strength. 'Unfortunately, there are no warning signs before it presents with a fracture,' Dr. Paul Lewis, an interventional radiologist at Wexner, told The Post of osteoporosis. 4 Walking and other weight-bearing exercises may help stave off osteoporosis. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center The good news is that there are prevention strategies — Lewis has four recommendations. First, men should start discussing testosterone with their doctor at the age of 30. Testosterone tends to decrease with age. Low T contributes to weaker bones and increases the risk of osteoporosis in men. Workouts that build bone density and improve balance should also be on their radar in their 30s and 40s. Think weight-bearing exercises like walking, hiking and stair climbing, resistance training with weights or bands and yoga or other balance exercises. 'Some exercises can combine into helping your heart as well, such as pickleball, tennis or other sports,' said Lewis, an associate professor at Ohio State's College of Medicine. 'Other practical options are walking the golf course instead of riding the cart, taking the stairs instead of the elevator [and] actively playing with your children or pets.' 4 Men in their 30s and 40s should look into workouts that build bone density and improve balance. junky_jess – Lewis warns that not participating in resistance training can mean a loss of up to 3% of bone mass a year. Don't push too hard, regardless of the activity — Lewis cautions that doing too much or exercising the wrong way, like with poor form, can lead to injury. Also, consider lifestyle changes. Tobacco use, more than two alcoholic drinks a day, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, falls related to environmental hazards and neuromuscular conditions increase the risk of osteoporosis. And finally, Lewis recommends getting a screening test, like a DEXA scan. 4 The DEXA scan, which reveals body composition and bone density, is shown here. Olga Ginzburg for NY Post The low-dose X-ray measures bone density to diagnose osteoporosis. If you do develop osteoporosis and spinal fractures, kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are treatment options. In kyphoplasty, a small balloon is carefully inflated to make room in the fractured vertebra. A synthetic material known as bone cement is injected into the space. In vertebroplasty, bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra without a balloon. 'Both procedures aim to relieve pain, restore vertebral height and enhance spinal stability, allowing patients to regain function and mobility,' Lewis said. 'They are performed under a twilight sedation and fluoroscopic imaging guidance. Patients experience minimal downtime and faster recovery compared to open surgery.'
Medscape
26-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Body Fat Beats BMI in Predicting Death
'DEXA scans have not supplanted BMI because it's expensive and difficult to use,' Orlando said. A new DEXA scanner costs a practice between $16,000 and $45,000. BIA machines range from $129 to nearly $16,000, an expense Orlando said is well worth it. Clinicians may need to work with leadership at their practices to support the purchase of BIA machines and could use the study findings to convey the value these devices provide, said Ryan Singerman, DO, the section chief for Primary Care at Parkview Health in Fort Wayne, Indiana, who was not involved in the study. 'Not everyone is well-versed in the medical evidence or equipped to convince management of the need,' Singerman, whose practice uses BIA, said. Kyle J. Thompson, MD, a bariatric surgeon at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City, Utah, said while BMI is still the clinical go-to, some patients are gaining awareness of BF% and may seek out clinicians who use the measure. Offering BF% analysis could bring more business, he said. 'By offering this service, you may increase the number of referrals you receive and see an increase in the volume of other services you provide, such as medical weight loss or bariatric surgery,' Thompson, who was not involved with the study, said. But with BMI as the current standard, no consensus exists on the definition of healthy BF%, which has implications for patient care. 'Minimal training is required to interpret the results produced by BIA, but there is still a significant amount of variability in how these results are used to guide clinical care,' Thompson said. Mainous said that the next step in replacing BMI with BF% is reaching a consensus on the definition through large, prospective trials. 'Once these standards are validated, measuring BF% with BIA will then become the standard of care,' Orlando said. 'Until then, clinicians can still use BMI alongside BIA in the office to augment risk stratification using published thresholds for healthy body fat percentage.' None of the study authors reported relevant financial disclosures. Lead image: Microgen/Dreamstime
