Over 1 million fractures that occur every year can be attributed to osteoporosis.

Bone fractures can be a serious threat to our lives. Radiology Manager Robin Healy says women should be very proactive in this area of their health. "All women that are going through menopause or post-menopausal need to be worried and have their first Dexa-scan and see where they fall."

Radiologist Cathleen Doughtery explains that the Dexa-scan takes photos that can show areas of the body where bone loss is occurring. "As women age, they lose bone mineral density, and as they do that, they increase their risk for fractures."

Dr. Dougherty says that of course calcium is one of the great resources we have to fight off osteoporosis and the older we get, of course the more prone we are to get it, however, younger women should also be concerned. "Women who are of low body weight, below 125 pounds, women who already have had a fracture."

Robin adds that the information received from this test just might save someone's life.

"Having a Dexa-scan, or bone density test. It takes about 20 minutes. Totally painless."

If you are concerned about bone loss, check with your doctor to see if you may require this simple test.

It is estimated that affects over 10 million Americans - mostly women.