Bone density testing is the most common and accurate method to assess bone health. As we age, our bones naturally begin to lose density, a process that can start as early as our 30’s. It is recommended that women with risk factors for osteoporosis, as well as women aged 65 or older, undergo screening for bone health. There are no specific testing recommendations for men.

At Connect Health, we differ from the conventional guidelines – we advocate for bone density screening in patients from a young age, following a Medicine 3.0 approach that aims to detect problems decades before they potentially become too late to treat. Low bone density increases the risk of fractures, and bone health issues can start developing long before they cause noticeable symptoms. For example, hip fractures can be especially damaging and even fatal as you age. U.S. data shows that falls and related fractures are the leading cause of accidental deaths in people aged 65 and older. Startlingly, up to one-third of people over 65 who fracture their hip die within a year. This is why early detection and prevention of bone loss are key to improving long-term quality of life.

The gold standard for bone density testing is the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, which measures bone mineral density mainly in the spine and hip. After assessing your bone health and determining your individual risk, there are proven strategies to help strengthen your bones and slow bone loss. Detecting low bone density early allows for lifestyle changes, nutritional interventions, or medical treatments to prevent significant bone loss. This includes but is not limited to resistance training, strength and balance exercises, optimizing nutrient absorption, targeting supplementation, and monitoring your progress.

Start interventions early — by maintaining consistency, performing regular check-ins, and seeking professional guidance to strengthen your bone, you can feel confident in knowing that you’re making a proactive investment in your long-term well-being.