BONE DENSITOMETER ARRIVES

Radiology Technologist Joel Tidd prepares Pam Maynard for a bone densitometer test. The procedure, which is completely non-invasive, takes about 20 minutes.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that 10 million Americans currently suffer from osteoporosis, a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. An additional 18 million more people in this country have low bone mass, which puts them at higher risk for fractures.

Thanks to Grace Cottage's new DXA bone densitometer, patients who are at risk for osteoporosis can more accurately determine their fracture risk, so that therapeutic intervention can begin, if necessary, to prevent further bone loss.

Joel Tidd, Radiology Technologist, has been fully trained in the use of the machine, and will be peforming bone density testing two afternoons per week, with evening hours if more convenient for patients. To schedule an appointment, call (802) 365-7357, ext. 122.

The bone densitometer, delivered in January, was funded by a 2001 grant from the Fanny Holt Ames and Edna Louise Holt Fund, administered by Fleet Bank.