Prevent Osteoporosis with Simple Bone Scans [Susan Vander Wal]

This video shares a patient’s experience with bone health, including osteopenia, osteoporosis, and the role of DEXA bone density scans. It highlights how simple, preventative screenings can help individuals stay active, independent, and informed about their bone health as they age.

  • Bone density scans help detect early bone loss: A DEXA scan can identify osteopenia or osteoporosis before serious complications like fractures occur.
  • Osteopenia is an early warning sign: Thinning bones may progress to osteoporosis if not monitored and managed.
  • The scan process is quick and comfortable: Most appointments take less than 30 minutes and involve simply lying on an exam table.
  • Lifestyle and treatment can improve bone health: Medication, exercise, calcium, and vitamin D all support stronger bones.
  • Preventative care supports independence: Early detection helps reduce the risk of falls, fractures, and long-term mobility issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. It often develops gradually and may not show symptoms until a fracture occurs.

A DEXA scan is a quick, non-invasive imaging test that measures bone density using low-dose X-rays. It helps diagnose osteopenia or osteoporosis and monitor changes over time.

Bone density scans are often recommended for older adults, especially those at risk of bone loss or fractures. Your doctor may suggest one based on age, lifestyle, or medical history.

DEXA scans are the standard method for measuring bone density. Other imaging tests exist, but they are less commonly used and may not provide the same level of accuracy.

Without screening, bone loss can go undetected and lead to fractures, reduced mobility, and loss of independence. Early detection helps prevent complications and supports long-term health.

Video Transcript

My name is Susan Vander Wal and I am the proud mother of three children. I have nine great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. And through the years, I've been a farm wife and a mother and I was home for several years of helping out on the farm and I enjoy staying active and doing that kind of thing.

What is osteopenia?

Osteopenia means it's a thinning of the bones, but if you have osteoporosis, that indicates a bone-riddled disease. So I do not want to have a fall. I do not want to fall down. I just want to remain healthy. So I said why not? I'll have the scan.

Why did your doctor recommend a DEXA bone density scan?

My doctor knew that I wanted to stay active with my family. They knew I wouldn't like to be inside. They knew I would not like to be bound into a wheelchair. So at my age, they recommended that I have the bone density and do all that and I'm very glad I did.

What is a bone density scan?

Your appointment is probably for half an hour, but it maybe takes 15 to 20, you know, by the time they get you situated. You just lay on an x-ray bed. The x-ray arm comes over the top of you. You get to go in in your swishy pants or your sweat pants, your comfortable pants, as long as there's no buckles and belts and blings.

What were the results of your recent scan?

I've had three DEXA scans. The first one was in 2024, as my initial one. I went in for a repeat one two years later. My second scan showed that I had improved. My bone density had improved. And then this last one just stayed normal, which is good. I didn't go down.

How were you treated by the imaging staff?

The technology staff, everyone was very accommodating. They explained everything that was going to happen. I had no fear of anything going wrong. I felt very comfortable. I was pleased that the results came back within just a few days. I didn't have to live with, "Oh, what's going to happen?" But it comes back very fast, so technology is great, and the staff was all very great.

What medications and exercises help you maintain your bone health?

I do take a little tiny pill once a week, right away in the morning when I get up. Then I get to either sit or walk for a half an hour. My Fitbit watch is set to help me get to the goal of 10,000 steps a day. But in the South Dakota winters, you can't always get that done. So I have to supplement. I try to go up and down my steps into my basement lots of times a day, just to get that bone density. That's an exercise that's very good for you. Vitamin D is a good thing. Calcium is a good thing to do, to help yourself in your in your growth, your growing of your bones.

What would you tell someone feeling nervous about a DEXA scan?

Bone density is not hard. If you're afraid of a tunnel, going into a tube for a scan of some kind, no, this is not that at all. There's nothing to be nervous about. There's nothing to fear. Just go on in and with a smile and they're meeting you there with a smile and all goes well.

Why are preventative screenings important to you as you age?

I want to live a long active life, if possible. I want to be able to be there for my kids, my grandkids, my great-grandkids. And I'm very active in the church and in town, in Volga, as well as going to the kids' sporting events and their band concerts. It takes a little bit to get up and down some of those bleacher steps, but I'm going to keep doing it. If you can prevent a fall, a broken bone or two, it not only helps you, but it helps your family because then, you become dependent upon them, and I would not like to have that happen. They need to live their own active lives. If I can stay out of a nursing home, I'm going to do it.

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