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Osteoporosis is often considered to be a womans disease. Although it is more common in women,
osteoporosis is a serious health issue for men. According to a Canadian study of healthy men and women, the
number of broken bones (also known as fractures) of the spine is similar in men and women over the age of
50.
What men can do to prevent and manage osteoporosis:
- Talk with your doctor about your risk factors for osteoporosis, especially if you are 50 or more years
old. If you have one or more major risk factor, or two or more minor risk factors, ask your doctor to refer
you for a bone mineral density test.
- Decide what physical activity you are able to do, and like to do, and do it.
- Maintain a high level of foods rich in calcium. If you are between 19 and 50, you require 1,000 mgs of
calcium per day. Over 50, you need 1,500 mgs. If your diet does not provide sufficient calcium, consider a
supplement.
- Make sure you are getting enough vitamin D. If you are 19 50, you need 400 IUs; over 50, 800 IUs.
- Consider a medical examination with a focus on osteoporosis identification.
- Be aware of the risk factors in relation to your lifestyle and take the steps you need to take to prevent
this devastating disease from happening to you.
>> Read Osteoporosis Canada's fact
sheet on Men & Osteoporosis (Clicking on this link will take you away from the COPN section
of the website. Simply click on the blue "For Patients" tab at the top left of your screen at any time to
return)
>> Personal stories of men living with osteoporosis
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