Your Bone Health- Reflections from the Kitchen Sink

Your Bone Health

Disclaimer: While we were not paid for this event Amgen did cover our trip expenses.

A few months ago, I had an awesome opportunity come my way: I was asked to join eleven other social media influencers from across the United States for a health care summit in Los Angeles, California.

The topic was osteoporosis which I thought was more of an older-than-me health issue, but, boy, was I wrong. For two days, Amgen poured so much knowledge into our group and the topic became more personal. I came home with a heightened awareness and the know how to put a health plan into action.

I remember being taken aback by the idea that we get reminders from the vet when our pets need routine health visits, but oftentimes, we don’t get that prodding about ourselves. Some tests like mammograms are pretty mainstream so are kept in front of us, but tests like DEXA scans—the first level osteoporosis check—aren’t even discussed by most physicians. We go to the doc to resolve an immediate illness, but chats don’t go into other realms most of the time. Bone health is connected in some way to almost every body system and can be managed by almost any physician, primary through speciality. That fact blew my mind. During my checkup last month, I brought up the bone density text, and my PCP added it on to my upcoming mammogram appointment. So simple. 

Dr. Mary Oates with Amgen had described the DEXA scan as one that was quick and easy and totally uninvasive. (Some of our lady checkups are way awkward!) She was right. My sweet technician walked me to the room, explained the test, and put me right on the table. No clothing change or anything! Conversation and all, I was in the room maybe 15 minutes. That was it. 

Right after, I ventured down the hall to the machine of squeeze for my mammogram, then I was out the door for the rest of my day. (No, I didn’t keep my oh-so-fashionable gown from the mammogram room!)

I spent way less than an hour at the Women’ Health Center that day, and every minute was valuable. 

I’ve mentioned before since becoming a widow, I have been more paranoid about what-ifs with my health. I want to do all I can to protect myself for my kiddos. Well-checks help me do that, and now the DEXA scan is in my health record and will be put into the rotation of preventative care from now on. 

It took about a week to receive the results, and thankfully, my bone health is good. I was actually surprised a bit because I have some issues that limit my ability to exercise like I once did. Working to increase my flexibility and staying on top of my food choices will stay at the top of my must-do list though. 

What About The Cost?

Just so you know, I paid nothing for the DEXA scan. I had the test at the end of the year, but on my insurance plan, it’s considered a test that helps avoid issues later and doesn’t have a co-pay. You might want to check out the parameters on your insurance plan, too. 

Time for another cup of coffee here at the sink, then I will have a calcium rich breakfast to encourage my bone health a little more. I am so thankful Amgen asked me to participate in the Aging Differently Summit. Let’s continue to encourage and empower each other to age with strength and determination.

It’s never too late to take charge of our health! 

#Osteoporosis #Amgen #AgingDifferentlySummit #TakeChargeOfYourHealth #ReflectionsFromTheKitchenSink #MyHealthJourney #FiftyIsh #TJSamson

Bio:All Reflections from the Kitchen Sink posts are written by Melinda Campbell. Melinda is a retired educator who currently focuses her efforts on raising her two teenaged boys, advocating for individuals with special needs and against drunk driving, and serving in her local community. New Kitchen Sink Merchandise-Click Here?