Osteoporosis is a form of arthritis that causes the bones to weaken, which makes them increasingly fragile and highly prone to fractures. It is estimated that around two million fractures are caused by this condition annually. Although osteoporosis can affect any bone, it is usually observed in body parts like wrist, spine, and hip. Almost 80 percent of the osteoporosis patients are postmenopausal women. This is because, during menopause, a woman’s body experiences a significant hormonal change. Therefore, it is essential for women over 65 to get osteoporosis assessments on a regular basis.
How often should you get screened for osteoporosis?
The osteoporosis testing frequency depends on multiple factors like age, gender, underlying medical conditions, medical and family history. For example, if you are a woman in your 60s in the post-menopause phase with vitamin D deficiency, then you should get osteoporosis testing done every year. On the other hand, if you are a healthy woman in your postmenopausal phase, then you should get osteoporosis testing done in every two years.
Moreover, osteoporosis testing is not only valuable for identifying the condition but also for monitoring it. If you are already dealing with osteoporosis, then the doctor might ask you to get screened in every few months to keep an eye on the progress of the condition and how well are the treatments working against it.
What does osteoporosis testing involve?
After you have discussed your symptoms, medical and family history with the doctor, a physical exam will be performed. If the doctor suspects any anomalies, she or he will recommend you with the following two tests for osteoporosis.
- Bone density evaluation Like the name suggests, the bone density evaluation (DEXA test dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) gauges if the mass inside the bone tissue has reduced.
- Urine and blood exam Such type of tests allow the doctors to verify if bone loss is occurring due to an underlying health condition.
Likewise, QCT (quantitative computed tomography) is typically used for assessing any changes in the spine, however, it can detect bone changes in any part of the body. QCT for bone loss is done to review the effectiveness of the osteoporosis treatments.
Do insurance companies cover osteoporosis testing?
Yes, insurance providers like Medicare will cover expenses for osteoporosis testing like DEXA in every two years for:
- Women who are 65 years or above
- Men who are 70 years or above
For younger patients, any private insurance company will cover the screening costs if they:
- Have suffered a low impact fracture in past.
- Are battling a disease linked to bone loss.
- Have been taking medications associated with bone loss.
- Are already fighting osteoporosis.
- Are receiving cancer treatments.
- Are eligible for an osteoporosis treatment.
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Renting a cargo van one way
Read moreWhen you’re shifting your house or planning on moving places, a cargo van makes the job easier. You will have to pack your stuff and move it all. So renting a cargo van is a necessity. Looking for a cargo van can be a challenge and renting a cargo van one way can be an even bigger challenge. However, when you rent a cargo van one way, you don’t have to worry about driving the van back to the company. You just need to leave it at the nearest branch or the company will handle it themselves. Also, if you rent a cargo van one way, you will be saving time. So here’s how you can rent a cargo van one way:
Start Looking Out Right Now
Almost everyone prefers renting a one way cargo van, so it is always in demand. Also, there aren’t many companies that have the option of renting out a one way cargo van, most companies rent it out for both the ways. So search for a good company and make the reservations as soon as possible. If you don’t, you might not find a cargo van for a one way use and your plans to move out might get affected.Check For The Nearest Available Locations
If you’re renting a one way cargo van, then you’ll have to choose one that can be picked up from a location near you, so that you can drop it off after use at the same location or one that is convenient. One way cargo vans will be rented out only within the state. One way cargo vans won’t rent it out for movement across states. So look out for the nearest available locations. Try your luck with local companies as they work out cheaper.Get The Best Rates And Offers
Each cargo renting company has a different rate and offers. Some companies charge you on a daily basis, while the others will charge you according to the miles covered. Figure out which works best for you. Some companies also take into consideration the weight of the cargo. The route that you choose to travel is considered too. Find out if they charge for gas and fuel. Sometimes, if the company rents out van with a full tank, you are expected to return the cargo van with a full tank too.Ask Around, Do Your Research
Find out from friends and family, as them their suggestion on the best one way cargo van rental. You might get good suggestions. Look up for online advertisements and forums which offer services to rent cargo vans. Renting a cargo van one way can be tricky, but once you follow these steps you might be able to get yourself a good deal. -
5 Cyber Monday mistakes to avoid this shopping season
Read moreAs you know, Cyber Monday is the second biggest day to shop, and the biggest online shopping day in the country. Since the day is meant for sales and exciting deals, many people log in early, much before Cyber Monday, to check for price drops and exclusive products. To make the most of Cyber Monday, here is a list of mistakes that you should avoid to make the most of the discounts.
Cyber Monday mistakes to avoid this year
Do not only rely on Cyber Monday discounts for necessary purchases
It is often seen that some retailers do not wait until Cyber Monday to offer discounts on their products. To reduce the online rush, there are discounts on several items on the previous and following days of Cyber Monday. That is why you should not consider the day to be the holy grail of discounts and spend on things that you may not need at the time. Being aware of when a retailer makes discount available is important to purchase things.Do not be unprepared
You should not make the mistake of being unprepared for online shopping. It is important because often you’ll find the same product priced differently at different stores, which may put you at a loss. Thus, planning is essential. In this regard, you have to keep your eyes and ears open. It would also be helpful if you downloaded the apps of some of the retailers, as they often give special discounts to app users.Do not act on impulses
As you browse online stores, you are going to find several products that are not on your wishlist at discounts. It may be tempting, but do not make impulsive decisions. Buying things you do not need will only bring regret and make a hole in your pocket even if it is at a discount. Thus, you need to make a proper list of all the items that you need to buy and stick to it.Take security precautions
No matter where you are shopping, online or in-stores, you must take a few security precautions. Scamsters and hackers are always looking for weak links, and one tiny mistake on your part could lead to something quite disastrous. Thus, always do online shopping from personal internet connections and not on any public connection. Always avoid sharing bank details with unauthentic website links, and do read the reviews for new shopping websites that you find online. Being safe is always better than being sorry.Keep your budget in mind
If you are planning to buy everything you can get your hands on, think again. If you have a budget for Cyber Monday, you will be at a bigger gain. You will have everything you need and you will also be able to buy from multiple online stores, all selling at high discounts. You must also avoid buying from retailers that don’t provide free shipping. Additionally, do not buy things you don’t need just to avail free shipping. This way, you will not find yourself with things you do not need and you’ll save money.Cyber Monday sales are a big opportunity for you to buy all that you need at a discount. However, if you make these and other mistakes then you will be at a loss. Thus, plan and do make a list of things you wish to buy within a limited budget to make the most of Cyber Monday.