Bone scan imaging is a vital tool for evaluating the health of our bones. DEXA, or dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, is an advanced form of bone scanning that measures the density of our bones to determine whether they are strong and healthy. It can detect changes in our bones before they become a problem, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of bone diseases like osteoporosis.
But DEXA scans can do more than just measure bone density. A DEXA body composition scan can also provide valuable information about our body composition and overall health, helping to identify systemic problems. DEXA scans aren't just for those who are at risk for osteoporosis: they're for everyone. But why?
At HealthspanMD™, Dr. Hurst and his team are passionate about educating patients on the kinds of preventive tests that can help them stay healthy and detect potential issues early. That's why DEXA scans and other forms of preventive testing are a vital part of any Healthspan Action Plan. Here's what every patient should know about DEXA scans and why they should have one sooner rather than later:
What is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan (which stands for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) is a type of imaging test that measures the density of your bones to assess for osteoporosis and other bone diseases. DEXA scans use X-rays to measure the calcium and other minerals present in your bones. The results can then be compared against normal ranges for your gender and age to determine if there are any changes in bone density.
A DEXA body composition scan can also measure body fat and muscle mass. Here's how a DEXA body composition analysis works:
- During a DEXA scan, X-rays are taken from different angles to measure the thickness of different areas of your body.
- This information is then used to calculate the amount of fat, muscle, and bone in each area.
- The results can help determine if there are any imbalances or systemic problems that need further examination.
This body composition measurement data can also be used to track changes over time, providing valuable insights into your overall health.
Why Should You Have a DEXA Scan?
At HealthspanMD, our team believes in the power of preventive testing and early diagnosis. That's why Dr. Hurst recommends that everyone should have at least one DEXA scan in their lifetime.
DEXA scans are an invaluable tool for assessing the health of our bones. But the benefits don't stop there. A DEXA body fat scan can also provide valuable information about our overall health, helping to identify potential systemic issues.
For instance, having too much body fat increases the risk of developing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. A DEXA scan can detect any imbalances in your body composition and provide valuable insight into how to make lifestyle changes that will reduce your risk of developing these serious diseases.
How DEXA Helps Your HealthspanMD Coach
The results of your DEXA scan can help you and your care team determine a clear plan for success by helping us understand your health objectives more clearly. An initial DEXA scan establishes a clear, objective baseline of your current health status. More importantly, it serves as a vastly superior tool for tracking your progress over time, allowing for targeted adjustments to your exercise and nutrition strategies based on accurate data.
In Dr. Hurst’s own words:
“In my practice, DEXA scan body composition analysis has proven to be an indispensable tool for assessing my patients' overall health status and providing actionable insights to guide their pursuit of better health and longevity. By transcending the limitations of traditional weight scales and focusing on body composition, we can gain a deeper understanding of the changes occurring in our bodies, better recognize potential health risks, and optimize our exercise and nutrition plans.”
Our HeathspanMD Health Coaches have seen how DEXA scans help patients make changes as well: “It’s incredibly motivating for patients to see just how big of an impact the small changes they’ve been making over a longer period of time affects their health measures. The DEXA scan allows us to do this. It helps us discover what works for the individual.”
DEXA Scans and the Healthspan-10™
When you develop an Action Plan with HealthspanMD, we work with you to address the ten most powerful factors for reducing and reversing your risk of disease, known as the Healthspan-10™:
- Normal blood pressure
- Normal blood sugar/insulin levels
- Healthy cholesterol levels
- Healthy body weight or body composition
- Healthy nutrition
- Regular physical activity
- Avoiding toxins such as tobacco and excess alcohol
- Restorative sleep
- Managing stress
- Staying connected socially and to your purpose
Getting a DEXA scan is a key component of the Healthspan-10. It helps us identify any imbalances in our body composition and create an action plan for improving our overall health.
Start Your Healthspan Action Plan Today
At HealthspanMD, we believe that preventive testing is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy. And DEXA scans are just one tool in our arsenal. If you're ready to take charge of your health, contact us today and let Dr. Hurst and his team help you develop a personalized Action Plan that will keep you feeling your best for years to come.
Want to learn more? Ready to get started with the top preventive cardiologist Phoenix, AZ has to offer? Schedule an appointment with HealthspanMD™ today, where health and care come together.
