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For further information call: 0845 290 3244 Advice and Booking Line
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Dealing with medical conditions is often difficult. Connecting with others who are going through the same thing can make a world of difference. SMS is delighted to offer an exclusive women’s health support forum where you can find others who are going through similar health issues and challenges. You can interact by sharing stories, asking questions or offering advice. Or you can just read the stories, questions and advice that others have posted.

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Where possible, SMS will endeavour to provide advice from a qualified health professional who is part of the SMS medical team.

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With our best wishes,

SMS health information team

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Osteoporosis screening

What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition resulting in fragile bones that are prone to fracture, usually in the hip, wrist and spine.

Our bones are made up of a thick outer shell with a honeycomb of bone tissue inside. This structure makes them strong and throughout our lives bone tissue is broken down and replaced with new cells to keep bones healthy. When we are young we create tissue resulting in peak bone density when we are around 30 or 40. After that, we lose cells and our bones become less dense. With osteoporosis the tissue losses are so much that bones become weak and break very easily.   

How do you know if you have osteoporosis?
We cannot see or feel bones getting thinner so for most of us the first sign of osteoporosis is a broken bone often in the wrist or spine after a minor fall or incident.  Healthy bones are largely down to our genes.  There are however lots of other factors that can increase your risk of osteoporosis:

Other factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis


• An early menopause or hysterectomy before of the age of 45 years
• Men with low testosterone levels
• Women or men who have used steroids for conditions such as asthma or arthritis
• Women or men who are immobile for a long time
• Women or men who drink heavily
• Smoking
• Women or men who have an eating disorder
• Women or men who have food absorptions conditions such as Crohn’s or Coeliacs disease

Osteoporosis screening
SMS is delighted to announce the introduction of a state-of-the-art DEXA scanning unit at its health centre on 59 Barrington Road, Altrincham.

What is a DEXA scan?
DEXA is an acronym for dual emission x-ray absorptiometry.  It is a special scan used to measure bone density by using low dosages of radiation.  It is a quick and reliable method of measuring the density/strength of bones.  It is generally accepted that DEXA is the gold standard technique for the measurement of bone mineral density.

There are different types of DEXA machines.  Some DEXA scanners measure bone density in the wrist or foot.  At SMS the mobile DEXA scanner measures bone density in the spine and hip – this is regarded as the most accurate measurement.

How much does a DEXA scan cost?

During July and August 2008, SMS are offering a DEXA scan for £85*

To book an appointment
The DEXA scanning unit at SMS, 59 Barrington Road, Altrincham, will be available from July 2008.  To find out more about DEXA scanning or to book an appointment please:

Call 0845 290 3105

Email info@smshealth.org

For further information please visit http://www.smiscan.co.uk

*Usual cost £121