What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis, which means “porous bones,” is a condition that causes bones to gradually thin and weaken, leaving them susceptible to fractures. About 2 million fractures occur each year due to osteoporosis. Source: What is Osteoporosis? – WebMD
Oftentimes, when we hear or read about Osteoporosis we connect this condition to women who can experience bone loss during menopause. However, in a recent New York Times article it states: Men experience about half as many osteoporotic fractures as women. But when a man breaks his hip because of osteoporosis, he is more likely than a woman similarly afflicted to be permanently disabled and twice as likely to die within a year. Source: Men Get Osteoporosis, Too – The New York Times
Below is a summary of some key issues that should be addressed and focused on by men:
- Men with prior incidents, where bones were broken, can be at risk for oseoporotic fracture, and should have their bones checked. Every man over 70 should have a bone density test.
- Osteoporosis should no longer be considered a disease solely of women. Men can also lose bone as they age. For example, almost 30 percent of all hip fractures occur in men.
- Being underweight, smoking, and the number of alcoholic drinks per day are common risk factors for osteoporotic fractures in men.
- Medications, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease are some of the issues that increase risk.
- There is a tool (FRAX) developed by the World Health Organization, which can evaluate risk of an osteoporotic fracture.
- Calcium, vitamin D, exercise with weight-bearing and resistance, in addition to non smoking can all help to keep osteoporosis from becoming harmful.
Take a moment to read the full article for detailed information.
For many of us retiring to a new lifestyle is not an easy transition. Yes, you hear all the suggestions about ‘having something to do‘, but how do you get started? What are some of the first steps towards this new life experience?
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