It’s why next month Australian pharmacy brand Discount Drug Stores is launching bone density awareness and testing clinics across the majority of its 112 stores.
A bid to better educate customers about osteoporosis which is often referred to as the ‘silent disease’, the pharmacy brand hopes to get more Australians testing for and taking preventative action against the debilitating condition that has no cure.
Discount Drug Stores’ Professional Services Manager, Casey Clark, stresses that with osteoporosis often showing no symptoms until it’s too late, prevention is absolutely vital.
"Bone density can deteriorate slowly and silently over many years,” Ms Clark explained. “As bones become thinner and more brittle, even a small bump or minor fall can cause a fracture and since you cannot see or feel your bones getting thinner these tests are important to determine if an individual is at risk.”
Predominantly affecting Australians over the age of 50, osteoporosis is caused by bones losing their density and thereby increasing risks of fractures with the hips, ribs and spine most commonly affected.
A debilitating condition that can result in a loss of functionality and independence, the loss of density is often attributed to a person’s diet and lifestyle, which Ms Clark says will also be addressed in Discount Drug Stores’ clinics.
“It’s not just about testing a customer’s bone density to see if they have or are at high risk of developing osteoporosis,” she said. “It’s also about evaluating lifestyle and diet factors such as if they have low vitamin D levels, low calcium intake, are smokers or are on any medications that may increase risk of osteoporosis.
“This assessment is just as important as the bone density testing itself because it’s here where people can take real preventative action against the disease and where we can help them to make positive lifestyle changes before it’s too late.”
At the clinics each person regardless of age and level of risk receives information about the benefits of calcium, vitamin D and exercise, and also fills out a questionnaire so their specific risk factors can be determined.
A simple and quick ultrasonic bone density test is then performed, with customers only needing to place their heel on the comfortable machine for one minute to gain a result.
Customers will then sit with a clinician who will go over their bone density result and personal risk factors and discuss the best preventative measures and treatments.
“The bone density test is quick and painless and allows customers to gain completely tailored advice on their risks of osteoporosis and how to prevent the disease,” said Ms Clark. “It’s also very convenient as it doesn’t require the customer to book in to see a doctor or wait for any test results.
“Our pharmacists will also provide vital information on preventative measures and recommend relevant products to assist in the maintenance of healthy bones.”
Bone density testing is highly recommended for anyone over the age of 50 or who are concerned about bone health, with Discount Drug Stores strongly encouraging Australians to book any family members or loved ones that are at risk of osteoporosis into the clinics.
“In order to reduce the number of Australians affected by osteoporosis we need to break the silence surrounding the disease,” said Ms Clark. “That is what we are trying to achieve through our clinics. We hope to get more people thinking and talking about bone health and taking preventative action against osteoporosis.”
Discount Drug Stores’ bone density testing and awareness clinics will run throughout August across the majority of the pharmacy brand’s stores. Bookings are recommended in order to secure an appointment. For more information, please visit www.discountdrugstores.com.au.
Media enquiries: please contact Suzanne Ross on 0488 441 589 or 07 3250 9406 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au
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