Hello there!

It’s National Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month.

We’ve brought on Julio Alcala, osteoporosis expert to tell us more.

Julio is a radiographer and owner of XR Imaging. He’s taught radiography at the university level and is a specialist in finding and measuring osteoporosis.

Here are some highlights from the osteoporosis interview:

• Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones are less dense or “brittle” and more likely to break
• It usually affects the low back and hips
• Osteopenia is the beginning stage of osteoporosis
• It can affect anyone at any age, but usually affects people after 50 years old
• Women 50 and up and men 55+ should be screened
• Women tend to be affected more frequently and sooner because of hormonal changes related to menopause
• You might not have pain if you have osteoporosis
• X-Rays are not the best test for osteoporosis – a DEXA scan is the gold standard for measuring osteoporosis
• If caught early, you can prevent osteoporosis for getting worse – this prevents related fractures
• Healing from a fracture for someone with osteoporosis is much slower
• This is a preventative test so insurance covers a DEXA scan 100%
• For those without insurance, the rate is $59.
• SPECIAL OFFER for El Paso Manual Physical Therapy clients $40 for a screening (That’s a 33% discount!!!)
  • Call 915-613-2748 to ask XR Imaging for details or book online at xrimagingep.com