Prevent osteoporosis with DEXA scans, the gold standard for bone health. Detect early bone loss and strengthen bones with calcium, vitamin D, and strength training. Book your scan in San Francisco today.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease that weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures and mobility issues as we age. Because bone loss happens gradually and without symptoms, many people don’t realize they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. However, DEXA scans (Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) provide the most accurate way to detect early bone loss, allowing you to take preventive action before serious damage occurs.
By understanding your bone mineral density (BMD) and making targeted lifestyle changes, you can prevent osteoporosis, strengthen your bones, and maintain long-term mobility and independence.
Osteoporosis is a progressive condition where bones become thin, weak, and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures. It’s especially common in:
While osteoporosis often shows no early symptoms, key warning signs include:
✅ Frequent fractures from minor falls or bumps.
✅ Loss of height over time (a sign of spinal fractures).
✅ Chronic back pain due to weakened vertebrae.
✅ Poor posture or a hunched back.
🔹 Women over 50 (1 in 2 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture).
🔹 Men over 70 (1 in 5 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture).
🔹 People with a family history of osteoporosis.
🔹 Individuals with low calcium/vitamin D intake or who consume excessive alcohol/smoke.
🔹 People who live a sedentary lifestyle or do little weight-bearing exercise.
A DEXA scan is the most accurate test available for detecting bone loss early.
Unlike X-rays, which only detect fractures after they occur, a DEXA scan measures Bone Mineral Density (BMD) before serious damage happens.
✅ Measures Bone Density in Key Areas – Typically in the spine, hips, and wrists, which are the most fracture-prone areas.
✅ Identifies Osteopenia vs. Osteoporosis – Osteopenia is the stage before osteoporosis, where bone loss is mild but still treatable.
✅ Provides a Baseline for Tracking Changes – DEXA scans should be done every 1-2 years for bone health monitoring.
✅ Predicts Fracture Risk – The scan provides a T-score, which indicates how strong your bones are compared to a healthy young adult.
👉 With a DEXA scan, you can identify bone loss early and take action to prevent fractures and long-term disability.
Early detection is key to preventing osteoporosis. A DEXA scan should be done regularly to monitor bone density and adjust your prevention plan.
🗓 For postmenopausal women and adults over 50 → Every 1-2 years.
🗓 For younger adults at risk (family history, low bone mass, poor diet) → Baseline scan in your 30s or 40s, then follow-ups based on results.
🗓 For individuals with osteopenia → More frequent monitoring to prevent progression to osteoporosis.
🔹 Calcium: Essential for bone strength. Aim for 1,000-1,200 mg per day from food sources such as:
🔹 Vitamin D: Helps absorb calcium. Aim for 600-800 IU daily, from:
👉 DEXA scans can detect early bone loss, so you can increase calcium and vitamin D intake before serious deterioration occurs.
Bones get stronger under pressure, meaning weight-bearing exercises are essential to prevent osteoporosis.
🏋️♂️ Strength Training
🏃 Weight-Bearing Exercises
🧘 Balance & Flexibility Work
👉 DEXA scans track muscle mass as well as bone density, ensuring you’re maintaining strong bones and muscle mass for longevity.
❌ Excess Alcohol – Interferes with calcium absorption and weakens bones.
❌ Smoking – Reduces bone mass and slows healing.
❌ High Sodium Diet – Excess salt causes calcium loss through urine.
❌ Soft Drinks (Soda & Diet Soda) – Phosphoric acid in sodas leaches calcium from bones.
👉 DEXA scans help you stay accountable by tracking bone density over time.
A 52-year-old woman noticed she was getting shorter and experiencing occasional back pain. Her doctor recommended a DEXA scan to assess bone health.
📌 T-score of -1.8, indicating osteopenia (early-stage bone loss).
📌 Moderate loss of bone density in hips and spine, increasing fracture risk.
📌 Normal muscle mass, but some imbalances detected.
✅ Increased calcium & vitamin D intake through diet and supplements.
✅ Started resistance training and weight-bearing exercises.
✅ Reduced caffeine and increased protein intake for bone support.
✅ Scheduled a follow-up DEXA scan in 12 months.
✅ Bone density improved by 3%, reversing osteopenia progression.
✅ Stronger posture and reduced back pain.
✅ Lower fracture risk and improved muscle balance.
👉 By detecting bone loss early, she prevented osteoporosis before it became a serious issue.
If you’re serious about preventing osteoporosis, book a DEXA scan at KALOS. Our full-body composition scans take just six minutes and provide the most precise assessment of bone density, muscle mass, and fat distribution.
📅 While not covered by insurance, the insights gained are invaluable for protecting your long-term bone health.
📍 Schedule your scan today at KALOS—your journey to stronger bones and a healthier future starts now.
Bay Area residents trust KALOS to deliver results. We proudly serve the entire Bay Area including the following locations:
