Avoid a break with a 10-minute scan at Murray Bridge Medical Centre
Hop on the bone bus when it pays a visit to the Murray Bridge Medical Centre this May.
This sponsored story is brought to you by Murray Bridge Medical Centre.
The Murray Bridge Medical Centre is encouraging locals to hop on the bone bus during its next visit to town.
Doctor Hayan Naser says there are many factors that can make people prone to weak bone points.
"Patients can be offered a DEXA scan (bone density scan) to see how weak or good the density is.
"Especially after the age of 50, because the lack of hormones make the bones quite fragile," he says.
This could be a sign of Osteopenia or Osteoporosis; when bones become weak and brittle.
Symptoms include:
- Back pain, caused by a broken or collapsed bone in the spine.
- Loss of height over time.
- A stooped posture.
- A bone that breaks much more easily than expected.
Practice manager Wendy Ziersch says this is where the bone bus comes in.
"If someone's had a fracture or break that's unexplained, then you sort of start to think about their bone integrity," she says.
The Mobile Bone Density Scanning Service van visits the centre every two months, offering appointments that take approximately ten minutes, and don't worry, you remain fully clothed.
The report comes back to the doctor that referred you and treatments or further management is discussed, she says.
The bone bus is currently full this month, so be sure to get your referrals and book in when it comes back to the Murray Bridge Medical Centre on Monday, May 19.
The scans can be bulk billed for patients who meet Medicare eligibility criteria including:
- All patients over the age of 70 years old
- Patients who have previously undergone a bone density scan showing low bone density
- All patients with relevant co-morbidities
The staff and medical team at the centre have also recently undergone LGBTIQ training since their community skin cancer warning last month.
"We had around seven staff attend the event," Ms Ziersch says.
It's really crucial to be informed, as it's important for us to be collecting that data of preferred pronouns, gender and sex, she says.
"People need to feel comfortable with their doctor, if they can be open and not have barriers then that's what we need to do."
The team at the centre will also be taking part in Harmony Day this Friday, March 21, to help promote cultural diversity with a splash of orange.
- Book a health check: Visit the practice at 35-37 Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge between 8am and 9pm on weekdays, call 8531 2988 or visit www.murraybridgemedical.com.au.
Advertising to more than 20,000 highly engaged locals can do wonders for your business. Call Murray Bridge News’ Jane Intini on 0418 835 768 or email jane@murraybridge.news.
Peri Strathearn
