Final answer:
Osteoporosis screening with BMD usually begins at around 65 for postmenopausal women and 70 for men. Early prevention through proper nutrition and exercise is important before the age of 30.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteoporosis screening with bone mineral density (BMD) should generally start at about 65 years of age for postmenopausal women and 70 years of age for men. However, earlier screening may be recommended for individuals with certain risk factors, such as those with a family history of osteoporosis or previous fractures.
Screening involves measuring BMD using a special X-ray called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This test helps determine the strength of the bones and diagnose osteoporosis. BMD results are reported as T-scores, with values below -2.5 indicating osteoporosis.
Early prevention of osteoporosis is crucial and should start before the age of 30. This can be achieved through a childhood diet that includes sufficient calcium and vitamin D, as well as engaging in weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or weightlifting.