Osteoporosis Now Affects One in Five Men
Osteoporosis , the disease that leads to brittle and weak bones , doesn ’ t just pose a threat to women , but to millions of men as well .
General Health
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On 20 October , World Osteoporosis Day was highlighted around the world to raise awareness of the disease , but a prevention-minded pharmaceutical company that specialises in men ’ s and women ’ s health , Pharma Dynamics , has highlighted that more attention needs to be paid to men ’ s health when it comes to osteoporosis , to help reduce fractures in South Africa ’ s aging male population .
Nicole Jennings , spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics , says that of the country ’ s 4.3 million men that are over the age of 50 , nearly a million are likely to develop osteoporosis . That ’ s roughly , one in five men . “ For years , osteoporosis hasn ’ t been properly treated in men , despite a third of all hip fractures worldwide befalling them . The high incidence of hip and vertebral fractures in men , as well as the impact it has on their quality of life , highlights that osteoporosis is not only a woman ’ s disease and that it should be screened for and treated the same as for women ,” she says .
“ It is something which is routinely checked when women reach menopause , since the drop in oestrogen levels results in bone loss . However , all men over the age of 50 should be screened ,” Jennings encourages .
Importance of Bone Health
According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation , ageing populations and urbanisation are primarily responsible for the rise in osteoporosis cases . Since 1950 , ten times the number of older men have developed the disease , and by 2050 , an estimated 900 million men are likely to suffer from it world-wide .
Jennings explains there are two types of osteoporosis , namely primary osteoporosis , which is typically caused by age-related bone loss , and secondary osteoporosis , which could be related to either vitamin D deficiency , inadequate calcium intake , an overactive thyroid , low levels of testosterone , or the use of medication that alters bone metabolism , like glucocorticoid medications or hormonal treatments for prostate cancer . “ Unhealthy lifestyle factors also play a role . These include poor diet , alcohol abuse , smoking and not getting enough exercise . A family history of the disease , low body mass index ( BMI ) or smaller bone structure also play a part in osteoporosis risk .”
To limit your risk of osteoporosis , Jennings recommends the following actions : 1 . Consume foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D . If you ’ re not sure of your dietary intake , ask your doctor or pharmacists about using supplements . Daily sun exposure is another healthy way of getting enough vitamin D .
2 . Do 30-40 minutes of weightbearing exercises , like weight training , hiking , stair-climbing , walking , jogging etc at least three to four times a week .
3 . Limit alcohol consumption to no more than two units per day .
4 . Quit smoking immediately as it increases your risk of a fragility fracture and hip fracture by 29 % and 68 % respectively .
5 . Go for a screening to assess your risk . If you fall into a highrisk category , take your medication as prescribed .
While osteoporosis cannot be completely reversed , men ( and women ) can incorporate healthy habits as part of their daily routine to improve bone health . Jennings says medications like Alendronate , which belongs to a class of nonhormonal medicines known as bisphosphonates , can help to rebuild bone and reduce the risk of fractures . “ It ’ s equally important to avoid activities that involve twisting your spine or bending forward from the waist , which could lead to fractures . The risk of falling should also be decreased , especially at home or wherever you spend the most of your time .”
Some of the ways you can make your home safer include :
1 . Installing handrails on both sides of the stairs , as well as in bathrooms near the toilet , in the bath and shower .
2 . Good lighting is a must at the top and bottom of the stairs , as well as long passageways . 3 . Keeping all passageways tidy and clear of clutter . 4 . Installing non-slip tiles and / or fixing carpets to the floor . 5 . Replacing broken or uneven tiles and paving inside and outside the house . 6 . Store frequently used items in an easy to reach place .
This article was supplied by Meropa Communications on behalf of Pharma Dynamics . For more info on osteoporosis and the treatment thereof , visit the section on bone and joint health at www . mydynamics . co . za / condition / bone-and-joint-health / osteoporosis .
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