Worried about osteoporosis? The Bone Bus will pull into Helensburgh later this month, giving local residents the chance to get their bone density checked from September 25-27.

Thanks to Dr Cindy Htet, owner of Parkes Street General Practice, for taking the time to tell us more.

What is the Bone Bus?

The Bone Bus is a mobile bone densitometry service that provides an accurate, reliable and precise bone mineral density measurement service. Patients do not need to travel to a radiology or imaging service to have their bone density measured. The assessment will be done from the comfortable mobile lab, equipped with a state-of-the-art bone densitometer (DEXA).

The Bone Bus will be parked right outside our practice to service Helensburgh community from 25th September to 27th September 2024. 

Who should get their bone density checked?

Figures from the Bone Bus, which works with Healthy Bones Australia to prevent and diagnose osteoporosis, show that every 3.6 minutes someone is admitted to hospital with an osteoporotic fracture in Australia. Check-ups are recommended:

• If you are aged 70 years and older and if you have never had a bone density test before. 
• If you have had a fracture of any bone with minimal trauma. 
• If you have had a previous history of osteoporosis or osteopenia. 
• If you have a parathyroid condition, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, proven malabsorptive disorders (e.g., Coeliac or Crohn’s disease), Rheumatoid Arthritis or conditions associated with thyroid hormone excess. 
• If you have prolonged and current steroid therapy, or if you have a condition where your body doesn't produce enough male or female hormones. 

Why is this an important check?

Osteoporosis is a silent disease and it can cause thinning of the bone and a person can experience a fracture as a result of a minor fall. You have no way of knowing whether you have low bone density or osteoporosis unless you have a bone density scan. 

What can people do to maintain bone density?

Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol intake.

Do regular weight bearing exercises e.g. jogging, brisk walking, stair climbing, dancing, tennis, skipping are all great for building bones.

Eat a well-balanced diet rich in calcium.

Keep your Vitamin D levels up with exposure to safe levels of sunlight. Use sun protection and avoid the hottest time of day to reduce your risk of sun damage.

Where will the Bone Bus be parked and how can readers book a spot?  

The Bone Bus will be parked at Parkes Street General Practice (at the corner of Parkes Street and Gibbons Lane). Early booking is essential as the Bone Bus will be in Helensburgh for only three days.

We provide referral letters to patients during a bulk billing Bone Bus referral consultation. This referral will include the eligible Medicare item number. Contact the practice for more information.

What is the cost of this check-up?

If a patient is eligible for the bone density scan, it is covered by Medicare bulk billing. Eligibility can be checked during the consultation with one of our GPs. 

How long does it take and what should patients expect? 

The scan takes 10 minutes and you remain clothed during the scan.

Dr Cindy Htet was awarded a fellowship by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in 2015. She has a strong interest in skin cancer, women’s health, and cosmetic procedures, having earned postgraduate qualifications in these fields. Since 2016, she has been dedicated to serving the Helensburgh community as a full-time GP at Parkes Street General Practice. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling and cherishes spending quality time with her son and family.