Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DXA (dual x-ray absorptiometry) is the standard for diagnosing osteoporosis. The question of which is the best bone density test depends on your individual health needs, risk factors, and what your doctor is evaluating.
While commonly associated with blockages, a growing body of evidence shows that bile ducts can indeed dilate with age, a physiological change often unrelated to disease. Understanding this age-dependent variation is crucial for accurate medical diagnosis and for avoiding unnecessary interventions, especially in senior care.
Over 50 million Americans are affected by osteoporosis or low bone mass, a silent condition that increases fracture risk. If you've recently been asked, "**why would a doctor order a DEXA scan?**", it's often a proactive step to evaluate your skeletal health and manage these risks effectively.
According to the National Institutes of Health, a DEXA scan is the most widely used and standard test for measuring bone mineral density. For the most accurate results possible, it's crucial to understand **what to avoid prior to a DEXA scan**, as several common factors can significantly affect your readings.
The thymus, a vital part of the immune system, is largest during infancy but begins to shrink shortly after birth. This natural process, known as involution, is the reason it becomes less visible in medical imaging. Understanding at what age the thymus disappears in an xray is important for distinguishing normal development from potential pathology.
