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Osteoporosis: Can Men Get It Too?

December 16, 2010

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Today, the lack of awareness of osteoporosis and fractures as a disease in men is similar to the lack of awareness in women 50 years ago

MONTREAL (RPRN) 12/16/10 — When we are in our twenties, we often feel invincible.  But when we get into our thirties, reality sets in and all of sudden the topics of conversation turn to bad knees, sore backs, wrinkles and even worse, who we know that has had cancer, heart disease, etc.  But, what about all the others illnesses that we don’t really talk about, like osteoporosis?

Typically when we think about osteoporosis, we think about fragile little old ladies. The reality is, one in 4 women and at least one in 8 men over 50 have osteoporosis which comes to almost 2 million Canadians. So yes,  men get it too. As a matter of facts, you  may suspect, your better half may also need a bone density screening test and osteoporosis treatment.  Most men will not get screened for osteoporosis until their seventies or eighties — if ever. As a result, men and their doctors often miss the signs of osteoporosis, such as a fracture or break that shouldn’t have occurred.

But back to me.  After all, it’s my blog! I know you are probably wondering why I am writing about this since I am only in my thirties?  I’m not a hypochondriac who thinks I am going to get everything but at some point I have to face the fact that i’m not going to be superwoman forever (well I am not really superwoman now but I do come close)!

There are some simple solutions to prevent or at least reduce the risk of osteoporosis.  To help maintain bone density in adulthood and reduce the risk of fracture as we age, it is important to have a diet filled with calcium and vitamin D enriched foods (unfortunately tanning and excessive vitamin D from the sun isn’t an option).  Healthier options include yogurt, milk, and cheese.  Everyone in the family can benefit, especially our children because by the time women are 16 years old (20 for men), bones typically stop growing in length and we are almost at our peak bone mass.  It is extremely important that children (and teenagers) get the required calcium intake daily and pretty important for us to since we need to be strong to chase those little rug rats around!

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