A new machine takes aim at the "Silent Disease" otherwise known as Osteoporosis.
MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island says its machine tests people on the spot and the screenings determine instantly whether or not a person is at risk for osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, often times resulting in fractures.
About 10 million individuals suffer from osteoporosis in the United States and among them, more than 80-percent are women, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Osteoporosis is preventable.
Doctors advice people prone to the disease to get enough calcium and vitamin D in their diets, as well as maintain a healthy weight and limit alcoholic beverages. Doctors also advice people to quit smoking, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Throughout December, MetroSouth Medical Center is offering free bone density screenings to determine if individuals are at-risk for the disease. The sessions take place at the following locations this week:
- Tuesday, December 14: Curves Posen, 14745 S. Kedzie. Screenings take place from 8-11 a.m.
- Wednesday, December 15: Curves Oak Lawn, 8841 Ridgeland Ave. Screenings take place from 8-11 a.m.
- Wednesday, December 15: Heritage I (in the club house), 11949 S. Ridgeway, Alsip. Screenings begin at 10 a.m.
- Thursday, December 16: Heritage II (in the club house), 3715 W. 123rd Place, Alsip. Screenings begin at 11 a.m
For more information or to take a short quiz to determine if you are at risk for osteoporosis, visit MetroSouth Medical Center online.
