Perham Memorial Hospital is now providing the latest in bone health assessment

Perham Memorial Hospital has expanded its health and wellness services with the purchase of a Discovery ™ QDR bone densitometry system. Previously, bone density testing was available via a mobile system that came to the hospital two days a week. By bringing the equipment in-house, testing will be available Monday through Friday offering people greater flexibility and convenience.

The imaging technology of the Discovery bone density system is the best diagnostic tool to support early detection and treatment of osteoporosis.

"People cannot feel their bones becoming weaker, nor do they know all of the risk factors present in their lifestyle that contribute to the loss of bone density,” says Darla Medeck-Johnson, Director of Radiology for Perham Hospital. “For these reasons, it is important to get a bone density test regularly to detect the risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures early.”

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and can break from a minor fall or any simple action. It is a potentially crippling disease that affects over 75 million people worldwide, and is one of the most preventative diseases today. Each year, over one million people have a hip fracture, which can devastate a person’s ability to walk unassisted, and in 50 percent of the cases, a person may never regain their independence. One in two women and one in four men are at risk for fracture or have at least one spinal fracture and don’t know it. 

Because osteoporosis is a growing health concern, the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends getting the daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D, engaging in muscle-strengthening exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and talking to your healthcare provider about bone health and having a bone density test when appropriate.

Perham Memorial Hospital is a progressive facility that provides a comprehensive scope of services addressing the physical, emotional, and educational needs of its patients. The highly-trained staff and state-of-the-art equipment ensure that each patient receives the very best in personalized care under the patient and family centered care model.