Since men are not usually checked for osteopenia, 51-year old Bruce Miller never dreamed he would be diagnosed with this condition of low bone density which is a precursor to osteoporosis. Although his mother suffers from the disease, Bruce didn’t expect it would happen also to him. As an avid walker, the news was a wake-up call. The condition was spotted when Bruce underwent a DexaScan as part of the battery of tests he received at the Center for Preventive Medicine in Sioux City, Iowa. In addition to the bone scan, Bruce had an ultrasound of his upper body, a CT scan of his heart and lungs, as well as an echocardiogram. Additional testing included ”body metrics” to measure weight, height and blood pressure, extensive blood work and a mental acuity test. Bruce also underwent a stress treadmill test. Bruce was especially impressed that all the testing occurred in a single day and that he didn’t have to wait for results, which usually take days or weeks elsewhere.

Peace of Mind
According to Bruce Miller, “The best part of my visit to the Center for Preventive Medicine was the peace of mind I have now. The second best part was the practical solutions they provided so I can better manage my own health.” Bruce described the testing as “very conclusive” and says that the lifestyle counseling was just what he needed to make changes. In addition to making recommendations that would help slow bone loss, such as calcium supplements, Bruce’s counselor also recommended he incorporate more fruits and vegetables into his diet and that he cut back on his soda consumption. Said Bruce, “What impressed me most was the follow-up. My counselor, Rhonda, called me several times to check on how I am doing.” Bruce also mentioned that during his time at the Center, he felt like he was “the center of their world” and was impressed with the individual attention he received when he asked questions.

In His Backyard
Bruce found the convenience of the local Center to be one of the biggest benefits. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota has a similar program; however, it requires him to make a four-hour drive each way. He appreciated the fact that the Center required him to be away from work just a single day. He also mentioned the importance of communication between the Center and his primary care physician. “The health information I received at the Center was forwarded to my family doctor so now he is also better informed to help me proactively manage my health.”