Osteoporosis group agrees testing is overused Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry is considered the primary way to measure bone density and determine if a patient requires a prescription to buy Fosamax. Yet a recent report suggested that this procedure may not be necessary for women under 65 who have no osteoporosis risk factors. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry is considered the primary way to measure bone density and determine if a patient requires a prescription to buy Fosamax. Yet a recent report suggested that this procedure may not be necessary for women under 65 who have no osteoporosis risk factors. The National Osteoporosis Foundation agrees with this assessment, but says the procedure is still not used enough among those who do have risk factors. The Choosing Wisely campaign recently published a list of commonly overused medical treatments and tests. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was included, as it is often provided to individuals who are unlikely to have osteoporosis. Officials from the National Osteoporosis Foundation said they agree that use of the test should be limited to avoid administering it to patients with no risk factors. However, they pointed out that many people who are likely to have osteoporosis due to their age, gender and lifestyle habits do not receive the testing. The group stressed that the test should remain available and easily accessible for those who are most likely to have osteoporosis. This could improve the number of patients diagnosed at early stages while still limiting inappropriate use.

See also ...

• AAP statement: Recess key for healthy kids
• Study finds cancer screening rates lower than U_S_ goal
• Study shows keeping emotions bottled up can be unhealthy
• CDC study looks at cardio health of states and healthy participants
• Governor Brown being treated for prostate cancer
• High blood pressure may speed up cognitive aging
• New associations found between depression and heart failure
• Testosterone low in young men with obesity
• This red fruit may boost your health
• Loss of smell linked to neurological conditions
• Science unveils the wandering mind
• Insulin-blocking protein unraveled
• New biomarkers could result in better prevention and treatment for type 2 diabetes
• The battle over BPA wages on
• New research links cell death during cardiac events to calcium overload
• "The Biggest Loser" helps science understand weight loss extremes
• Study finds increased risk of cardiovascular disease with poor diabetes care
• Small amounts of exercise can improve morale of overweight adolescents
• Doctors put heads together to tackle difficult-to-treat depression
• Too much glucose control for diabetes patients may cause aspirin resistance
• Apples could improve heart health by lowering "bad" cholesterol
• Dark chocolate improves memory in snails
• African spiny mice regenerate skin without any scars
• International study bolsters understanding of heart disease and stroke
• Lack of sleep may increase diabetes risk, study finds
• Retired military leaders say many Americans are 'Too Fat to Fight'
• Knee replacement revision procedures on the rise, research shows
• High schoolers protest healthy lunches
• Combat-related PTSD may improve with integrated treatments
• Aging population could have ongoing impact on economy
• Yogurt consumption linked to low blood pressure
• New study says ginkgo biloba does not enhance memory or thinking
• Sugary beverages linked to weight gain
• Researchers try to pinpoint risks of alcoholism relapse
• Sibling-less children are more prone to obesity, study says
• Alcohol abuse is a better indicator than dependence for hereditary risk, according to study
• Working out reduces stress and anxiety, study says
• Lives of women preserved by breast cancer screening, Australian research says
• Insomnia is rampant in the UK
• Heart attack care and outcomes are notably bad for women under 45, says study
• Scientists say brain stimulation could combat obesity
• Teens who have oral sex are likely to engage in other risky sexual behavior
• New Alzheimer's treatment is proven ineffective
• Pumping iron could reduce one's risk of type 2 diabetes
• Scientists work on a cure for type 1 diabetes
• Olympians are not immune to osteoarthritis
• New drug therapy approved for breast cancer
• Researchers alter behavior in monkey using optogenetics
• No difference in metabolic rates found between hunter-gatherers and desk workers
• HIV funding is critical despite economic crisis