New Technology at Mangum Community Hospital Helps in Fight Against Osteoporosis
Mangum, Oklahoma (October 21, 2008) – Twenty-five million Americans have osteoporosis, the most common bone disease. Fifty thousand people die each year because of it. Yet, most of us know little about protecting ourselves from this disease.
Osteoporosis results in more than 1 million hip, spine, and wrist fractures annually. This disorder affects nearly one-half of all post menopausal women, the largest group at high risk for osteoporosis.
Research in osteoporosis, the disorder in which progressive bone loss results in increased risk of fracture, is making important new advances. A key factor in this success has been the availability of new and improved equipment to measure bone density.
Using a bone densitometer, physicians can measure patient bone density and follow it over time. If the patient’s bone density is low, or decreases at an abnormally fast rate, the patient may be a risk for osteoporosis. Through changes in diet, exercise habits and/or medication, further deterioration of bone can be prevented. A new bone densitometer was recently installed at Mangum Community Hospital.
The Lunar bone densitometer (GE Healthcare, Madison, Wisconsin) measures the density of the spine, hip, and other bones which are the most frequent sites of fracture,” explained Dr. Jeff Lester, Medical Director, Mangum Community Hospital.
“In just 30 seconds, this highly precise densitometer helps us identify risk at a much earlier stage. It can also evaluate response to treatment so that we know whether our therapy is effective or if we need to modify our approach.”
“Recent research findings clarify the nature of the disease and demonstrate the effectiveness of new treatments. New diagnostic devices, such as the GE Healthcare Lunar bone densitometer improve the early detection and treatment of osteoporosis,” said Dr. Lester.
Dr. Lester encourages you to visit a family care provider at any of the Quartz Mountain Medical Clinics in Mangum or Hollis or speak with your primary care provider and be evaluated for a bone density examination. “There is no special preparation involved for the patient. The exam is very brief and is a comfortable procedure for the patient,” he said.
Contact: Melissa Tackett mtackett@mangumhealth.com
About Mangum Community Hospital
Mangum Community Hospital is a critical access hospital serving Magnum and the surrounding communities. Mangum Community Hospital currently has three affiliated clinics, Quartz Mountain Medical Clinic – Mangum, Quartz Mountain Medical Clinic – Mangum North and Quartz Mountain Medical Clinic – Hollis. Our energized and committed staff of employees, physicians and volunteers work together every day to provide excellence in healthcare to our communities.
About Blackhawk Healthcare
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Blackhawk Healthcare is an owner and operator of small community and Critical Access Hospitals. Blackhawk’s desire is to transform rural healthcare by working synergistically with each rural community to build confidence and pride through improved healthcare delivery. We are passionately dedicated to the uniqueness of rural healthcare and improving the community by bringing the resources required to meet the broader needs of each "hometown" we touch. Blackhawk is inspired to provide excellence in service and modern facilities that convey trust, confidence and healing.