The Florida Commission on the Status of Women (FCSW) partnered with Radiology Associates of Tallahassee Women’s Imaging Center on March 16, 2007 to provide osteoporosis screenings at the Florida Capitol. Free heel screenings for the disease were offered and extensive literature distributed to those who visited the display. FCSW Commissioner Thelma V. Crump and FCSW staff greeted attendees and answered questions about the Commission.

Commissioner Thelma V. Crump at the osteoporosis screening.

According to Radiology Associates of Tallahassee and the Women’s Imaging Center, osteoporosis is a condition which is wide-spread and of great concern due to its devastating effects. In addition to exercise, there are now pharmacologic agents which can be used to treat this condition and reduce the risk of bone fracture. Unfortunately, many who are at risk for complications of osteoporosis go undiagnosed. Bone density scanning is a simple, painless way to access bone mineral density, risk for fracture, and response to treatment.
 
Some osteoporosis risk factors may include family history, smoking or heavy alcohol consumption, a diet low in calcium, women age 55 or over and women who enter menopause before the age of 45. Men can suffer from osteoporosis, with some risk factors including being age 65 years or older and those who suffer from low testosterone levels.

After each screening, representatives gave each individual their test results. The screening was used only as a scan of one’s heel bone and was not meant to be used as a diagnostic tool or a monitoring tool if one has already been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Representatives stressed that the information provided during the heel scan should not be relied upon for detection, diagnosis, treatment or care of health conditions or diseases and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a health care professional.