EDITOR’S NOTE: Physicians, providers, and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in HEALTHWISE MAUI, which appears in The Maui News. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana’i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.

Q: How do I know if a cut needs stitches or if I can treat it at home?

Dr. Caesar Ursic, Maui Memorial Trauma Medical Director and General Surgeon, Maui Memorial Medical Center: Most cuts are minor and heal just fine with home care. But for deeper wounds, it’s important to seek medical attention in order to avoid scarring or a serious infection.

For shallow cuts with smooth edges that stay together during normal movement, a trip to the emergency department usually isn’t necessary. Simply clean the wound thoroughly with mild soap and water (not peroxide, alcohol, or iodine, which can irritate tissue), then apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, and cover with a bandage.

Seek medical attention if:

• The cut is deeper than a quarter of an inch or longer than three-quarters of an inch.

• The edges gape open and won’t stay together on their own.

• You can see visible fat, muscle, or bone.

• It’s still bleeding even after 10-15 minutes of steady pressure.

• The wound is located on the face, hands, joints, or near an eye.

• The wound was caused by an animal or human bite, a dirty or rusty object, or a crushing injury.

• You have a puncture wound.

Take steps to stop the bleeding while you head to the ER. Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth and elevate the injured area above heart level. If blood soaks through the bandage, don’t remove it, but layer another cloth on top.

If you’re unsure what to do, err on the side of caution and get the wound checked out. Even a few hours’ delay with a deep cut can increase the risk of infection.

And if there’s heavy bleeding, or you see a deep cut to the chest, abdomen, neck, or eye, or if the person is having trouble breathing or passing out, don’t wait, call 911.

The Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) Emergency Room is an American College of Surgeons (ACS) Verified Level III Trauma Center for advanced trauma care. Our ER staff is trained to care for a wide range of wounds and other traumatic injuries. To learn more about our emergency services visit mauihealth.org/emergency.

Q: How do I know if I am at risk for osteoporosis?

Kelly Combs, Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Maui Health: Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because it usually develops without symptoms until a bone breaks. Many people don’t realize their bones have become weak until they experience a fracture from a minor fall or everyday activity. Understanding your risk factors and getting screened when appropriate can help detect osteoporosis early and reduce your risk of future fractures.

Your risk for osteoporosis increases with age, especially after 50. Women are at greater risk after menopause because lower estrogen levels accelerate bone loss, but men are also affected, particularly as they get older. Other factors that can increase your risk include a family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures, low body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol use, long-term use of corticosteroid medications such as prednisone, and certain medical conditions that affect bone health.

Bone Health by the Numbers: 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men over age 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime. Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, while another 44 million have low bone mass (osteopenia), placing them at increased risk for fractures. Hip fractures can have serious consequences, with up to 1 in 4 older adults requiring long-term nursing home care following a hip fracture.

If you have one or more risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan. This quick, painless test measures bone mineral density and is the most effective way to diagnose osteoporosis and estimate your risk for future fractures. The scan uses very low-dose X-rays, takes about 10 to 20 minutes, and requires no special preparation.

Identifying your risk before a fracture occurs gives you the opportunity to take steps to protect your bone health and maintain your independence as you age.

Maui Health’s Imaging Services provide advanced diagnostic imaging, including DEXA bone density scans, to help patients take a proactive approach to their bone health. This fast, noninvasive screening can detect osteoporosis early and help guide treatment decisions before fractures occur.

To learn more about DEXA scans and other imaging services, visit mauihealth.org/imaging or speak with your healthcare provider.