Calcium Deficiency Test

A diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on the results of your bone mineral density (BMD) scan, the decision about what treatment, if any, you have can be based on a number of factors, including your risk of fracture. If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis because you’ve had a fracture, you should still be treated to try to reduce the risk of any further fractures.

You may not need or want to take drugs to treat your osteoporosis. However, you should maintain good levels of calcium and vitamin D in your body but not without health experts. Your healthcare team may advise a change to your diet or taking supplements to do this. One way you can help is to ask your doctor about possible treatment if you have falls or broken bones, if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or if you have any of the risk factors for osteoporosis.

The key messages for older people, family and carers are:

Falls are a risk as you get older, but are not inevitable. There are measures you can take to prevent them or reduce the harm that might result from falling.
Staying active and healthy (for example, with exercise and diet) is likely to keep you independent and reduce your risk of falling.
If you are getting unsteady or falling, speak to your doctor so possible causes of falls, such as eyesight, medications, muscle strength and balance, can be identified and treated by the physiotherapist.