The results of a DEXA bone density exam are interpreted by a physician specially trained in Bone Densitometry.I am a Certified Clinical Densitometrist with International Society for Clinical Densitometry (www.iscd.org). I send an interpretation of your results and a signed report to your primary care physician, who will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Usually available within a few days, your test results will be in form of two scores:

T score — This number shows amount of bone you have compared to a young adult of same gender with peak bone mass. A score above -1 is considered normal. A score between -1 and -2.5 is classified as osteopenia, first stage of bone loss. A score below -2.5 is defined as osteoporosis. It is used to estimate your risk of developing a fracture.

Z score — This number reflects amount of bone you have compared to other people in your age group and of same size and gender. If it is unusually high or low, it may indicate a need for further medical tests.

Despite its effectiveness as a method of measuring bone density, DEXA is of limited use in people with a spinal deformity or those who have had previous spinal surgery. The presence of vertebral compression fractures or osteoarthritis may interfere with accuracy of test. CT scans may be more useful in such instances. DEXA cannot predict who will experience a fracture, but can provide indications of relative risk.

Central DEXA devices are more sensitive than pDEXA devices, but they are also somewhat more expensive. The peripheral devices don't accurately follow changes in your bones during therapy. A test done on a peripheral location, such as your heel or wrist, may help predict risk of fracture in your spine or hip. But because bone mass tends to vary from one location to other, measuring heel is not as accurate as measuring spine or hip.

Adrian J Rawlinson MD http://www.osteoporosis-advisor.com

Dr. Rawlinson is the Medical Director of The Osteoporosis Center in San Francisco. He hails from Manchester, England and earned his medical degree from the University of Leeds, England in 1983.

Medical experts tell us there is no cure for common cold. However, there are ways to alleviate miserable symptoms your baby undergoes.

Make sure he gets plenty of rest and extra fluids. If he has a fever, give him acetaminophen or if he’s older that six months he may take ibuprofen (but don’t give it to your baby if he is dehydrated or continuously vomiting).

If your child has a cough and is under three years old, don’t give him a cough suppressing medicine unless it was prescribed by a pediatrician. Coughing rids lower respiratory tract of mucus.

If your baby has nasal congestion, you can use a rubber suction bulb to draw out mucus from his nostrils. If mucus is too thick, you can apply saline nose drops to soften mucus before extracting with bulb. A humidifier can also be used in baby’s room to help liquefy nasal secretions.

Concluding Thoughts

The best way for your baby to avoid a cold is to not have him near people who are infected. But if your baby gets a cold, best thing you can do is make it comfortable for him. Soon his cold symptoms will disappear and he’ll be back to health, that is, until next episode. But by now you’ll be ready for that, won’t you?

To learn more about newborns and what you can expect during your baby’s first year visit: http://www.firstyearbabyadvice.com

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