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According to Dr. David Silver, Chief of Rheumatology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, a Bone Mineral Density Test is the only way to accurately diagnose osteoporosis. The medical community recommends a bone density test for anyone at risk of the disease and for everyone over age 50.

Osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease, is one of the most common diseases associated with aging. Characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of the bone tissue, it increases your risk of fractures to the hip, spine and wrist. Thirty-four million Americans, or 55 percent of people age 50 and older, have low bone mass. Eighty percent of those with osteoporosis are women. One in two women and one in four men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-type fracture in their lifetime.

There are four basic steps to help prevent the disease from occurring:

1. Eat a balanced diet high in calcium and vitamin D.
   
2. Include weight-bearing exercises in your workout.
   
3. Don't smoke or abuse alcohol.
   
4. Get a bone density test every 3 to 5 years after the age of 40.

According to Dr. David Silver, Chief of Rheumatology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, a Bone Mineral Density Test is the only way to accurately diagnose osteoporosis. The medical community recommends a bone density test for anyone at risk of the disease and for everyone over age 50.

David S. Silver, M.D., Inc.
Rheumatology and Internal Medicine
8641 Wilshire Blvd. #301
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
310-657-9650
davids@OMCresearch.org