Boots has launched a private Bone Health Service, offering adults an accessible way to gain insights to their bone health and identify early risks of osteoporosis. Initially, the service will be trialled as a pilot in ten Boots stores across the UK, Jersey and Isle of Man. 

Over 3.5 million people in the UK currently live with Osteoporosis2. It can weaken bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to break. Women typically lose bone density rapidly in the first few years after the menopause and can be more at risk than men, particularly if the menopause begins early. 

The new Boots Bone Health Service*** operated by Bindex, offers a quick, non-invasive ultrasound scan of the shin bone, led by a pharmacist or nurse. Customers will receive an immediate printout of their bone density scan results, providing an indication of bone health risk. All customers will receive lifestyle advice and guidance, while those whose results indicate further testing may be required will be advised to consult their GP.  

Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, said: “The launch of our new Bone Health Service is a vital step in helping adults, and in particular women, take a more proactive approach to their health, giving them a convenient and accessible way to understand their osteoporosis risk right on the high street. This service is another example of Boots’ commitment to ensuring everyone has access to the healthcare they need, when they need it.” 

The service is suitable for customers aged 40 and over without any history of fragility fractures****. Each appointment takes around 25 minutes and costs £75. Appointments can be booked instore or online at www.boots.com. 

Erika Radford, Head of information and support services, Royal Osteoporosis Society said: “Looking after your bone health is important throughout your life, but many people are unaware of the risk factors for osteoporosis and broken bones. Raising awareness helps people understand the steps they can take to keep their bones strong and healthy and reduce their risk of broken bones both now and in the future.” 

The Royal Osteoporosis Society also offers the Great British Bone Check, a free, expert-designed online tool to help people understand their risk of osteoporosis and broken bones. The service is quick, confidential and takes just three minutes, with instant results to help people take simple steps towards better bone health. https://thegreatbritishbonecheck.org.uk/ 

The Boots Bone Health Service is the latest addition to Boots expanding range of over 200 healthcare services, which are delivered in-store either privately or on behalf of the NHS. It joins the growing number of women’s healthcare services available at Boots, including Urinary Tract Infection diagnosis and treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First service and Boots Online Doctor Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy treatment service. 

Claire also shares three top tips on how to help maintain strong and healthy bones: 

“Regular weight-bearing and strength exercise is key to keeping bones strong and healthy. As well as aerobic exercise, adults should ideally aim to complete muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.  

Weight-bearing exercise is movement where your feet and legs support your weight. High-impact weight-bearing exercise, such as running, skipping, dancing, aerobics, and even jumping up and down on the spot, are all useful ways to strengthen your muscles, ligaments and joints. 

You should aim to work all the major muscle groups, including the legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, arms and shoulders. Speak to your GP before starting any new forms of exercise if you have an existing medical condition or have not exercised in a while.” 

“Eating a healthy, balanced diet is recommended for everyone. It can help look after our general health and wellbeing. Calcium is a great component for maintaining bone health, with calcium-rich foods including leafy green vegetables, dried fruit, tofu and a variety of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt. 

“Vitamin D is also important for healthy bones and teeth because it helps the body to absorb calcium. Foods high in vitamin D include oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel, red meat, egg yolks and fortified foods, such as most fat spreads and some breakfast cereals. 

“However, it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone. From late March to the end of September, sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D. However, during the autumn and winter months the sun is not strong enough for our bodies to make enough it, and therefore it is recommended that during this time everyone should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D. Some groups of people - those who have little exposure to sun,  are housebound or cover up when they go out -should consider taking a 10mcg vitamin D supplement all year round.” 

“Bones are thickest and strongest in your early adult life until your late 20s. You gradually start losing bone from around the age of 35.  

“Women are more at risk of developing osteoporosis than men because the oestrogen hormonal changes that happen at the menopause directly affect bone density. 

“Other risk factors can include taking high-dose steroid tablets for more than three months, inflammatory or hormone-related conditions, a family history of osteoporosis, having a low Body Mass Index (BMI), heavy drinking or smoking and not exercising regularly. Knowing your risk can help you make proactive choices to look after your bone health.” 

*Access to treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.   

**Supply of treatment is subject to a suitability assessment. In most stores in England only. Subject to availability and store opening hours. Charges may apply. 

***Eligibility criteria and charges apply. In selected pharmacies, subject to availability. Stores include Sheffield Meadowhall SC, Cardiff Queen Street, St Albans St Peter’s Street, Kensington, Jersey, Bluewater, Isle of Man Douglas, Harrogate Cambridge Street, Bath Southgate Centre, Aberdeen Garthdee Road RP.  

****The service is suitable for eligible customers aged 40 and over. Only shin bones may be scanned. If you are over 50 years of age with a history of fragility fractures, you will not be eligible for the service.