There are many people that have a higher tolerance for pain and maybe their fear for going to the doctor outweighs their pain. In the U.S. 2 million men suffer from osteoporosis, which can be very painful, but a new study finds that they are 10 times less likely to be screened.
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Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue due to hormonal changes, calcium, or vitamin D deficiency. As a result your bones become weak and may break from a minor fall, even by bumping into something, or sneezing. Most of these broken bones occur in the hip, spine, and wrists, which can affect your posture and cause severe pain.
Studies show that one in two women and one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. By the time you turn 30 your bones have reached their maximum strength and density. Which means that by the time you hit retirement age around 65 years old, you should get a bone density test. Unfortunately many men don’t get tested for osteoporosis until they break something or have extreme pain, but there are risk factors that are linked to osteoporosis:
- Chronic diseases that affect kidneys, lungs, stomach, and intestines or alter hormone levels
- Medications, such as glucocorticoids, which are steroid hormones
- Low levels of testosterone
- Smoking
- Drinking or alcohol abuse
- Low calcium intake
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Over the age of 65
What Can You Do to Prevent Osteoporosis?
As we begin to age, we begin to slow down. We don’t have as much energy as we used to and this can affect our health. One of the biggest things that we can do to help our overall health is keep a healthy weight and exercise daily. This includes anything from walking, jogging, going up the stairs, weight training, or pretty much anything that keeps you moving.
Taking calcium and vitamin D should also be on top of your list. Some people are lactose intolerant and can’t drink dairy, but there are other foods where you could get your calcium. Also if you’re taking medications, talk to your doctor to see if these not the cause of your bone loss. Avoiding bad habits, such as smoking, drinking will also keep your bones stronger.
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