Question:
I’m in my mid-70s, and I’ve always been a fairly active, healthy lady.  My neighbor, who’s about my age, has me worried, though.  She was recently told that she had broken a bone in her back because of osteoporosis.  Now my neighbor says that I should get tested for osteoporosis, too.  In fact, she says all women should be tested.  My doctor has never mentioned a test, so I assume my bones are healthy enough.

Do you think I should get tested?  I have a 51-year-old daughter.  Should she be worried about osteoporosis, too?
—Lake Forest, IL

Answer:
Your neighbor is right on this one:  as a woman over 65, you should be screened for osteoporosis.  It’s a condition that weakens your bones by changing how quickly and effectively you regenerate bone.  It’s often painless.  You may not have any idea that you’re losing bone faster than you’re replacing it.

Your bone mass matters because...
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