The DEXA Scan
I went to see my rheumatologist for the regular check-up yesterday. It had also been two years ago already when I had my last DEXA scan and it was scheduled to take place before my doctor's visit.
For those of you who are not familiar with a DEXA scan; it is a kind of x-ray which measures the bone mineral density and can detect even the slightest bone loss. The one I had done two years ago showed my bone density had decreased by 10%.
Ouch, that was not good and if that would continue I would definitely end up with Osteoporosis. Right now, I was still considered to have Osteopenia. The latter means that the bone mineral density is lower than what is considered normal, but not low enough yet to be classified as Osteoporosis.
Usually, women are more at risk then men, but that doesn't mean men will not get it. Any one who is Caucasian or Asian, is thin, has a history of Osteoporosis in the family, uses corticosteroids or anticonvulsants long-term, has a diet with insufficient nutrients, vitamins, calcium and/or vitamin D, is inactive, smokes, or drinks too much alcohol, is at risk.
My DEXA scan showed an increase of 4% compared to the test taken two years ago. It may not be much and it may be slow going, but having consistently and diligently taken my extra calcium, vitamin D supplements, and monthly pills to increase my bone density, turned out to pay off.
It is not always easy putting forth an effort without knowing whether it will be beneficial or not. It takes a lot of commitment, persistence, perseverance, and mostly faith to reap the benefits. Putting your efforts and faith in God is more then worth it though.
The reward is much greater than the effort!
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
For those of you who are not familiar with a DEXA scan; it is a kind of x-ray which measures the bone mineral density and can detect even the slightest bone loss. The one I had done two years ago showed my bone density had decreased by 10%.
Ouch, that was not good and if that would continue I would definitely end up with Osteoporosis. Right now, I was still considered to have Osteopenia. The latter means that the bone mineral density is lower than what is considered normal, but not low enough yet to be classified as Osteoporosis.
Usually, women are more at risk then men, but that doesn't mean men will not get it. Any one who is Caucasian or Asian, is thin, has a history of Osteoporosis in the family, uses corticosteroids or anticonvulsants long-term, has a diet with insufficient nutrients, vitamins, calcium and/or vitamin D, is inactive, smokes, or drinks too much alcohol, is at risk.
My DEXA scan showed an increase of 4% compared to the test taken two years ago. It may not be much and it may be slow going, but having consistently and diligently taken my extra calcium, vitamin D supplements, and monthly pills to increase my bone density, turned out to pay off.
It is not always easy putting forth an effort without knowing whether it will be beneficial or not. It takes a lot of commitment, persistence, perseverance, and mostly faith to reap the benefits. Putting your efforts and faith in God is more then worth it though.
The reward is much greater than the effort!
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
2 Comments:
Amen! :)
Audrey,
And glory to God! :-)
God's Grace.
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