Heritage Valley Women’s Health Center houses a state-of-the-art bone densitometer to check bone density levels. Heritage Valley provides the only comprehensive osteoporosis services in Beaver County.
Osteoporosis Services
Osteoporosis is a disease that silently thins your bones, year after year. In its early stages, this disease does not make you look or feel different. As a result, it is often allowed to progress to a dangerous point before it is diagnosed. Because you cannot feel bone loss, it is important to have an accurate measurement of your bone density.
Osteoporosis Heel Screening (p-DEXA)
The Women’s Health Center offers a free heel screening exam (known as a p-DEXA or peripheral DEXA) to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD). DEXA stands for “Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry,” which is a type of bone density technology. The heel is measured because its bone density is similar to that found in the hip where fractures occur most often. A p-DEXA exam is a powerful predictor of skeletal strength and fracture risk.
Bone Material Density Scan (Central DEXA)
A Central DEXA scan is the most accurate way to measure the thickness of your bones (bone mineral density). This simple, quick, painless test can detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs and predict your risk of fracture in the future.