While most of us are aware that osteoporosis is a problem for women, especially those over 65, did you know that it also affects men?

Bone loss occurs in everyone. Around age 35, osteoporosis becomes a greater risk since the body produces less new bone. Osteoporosis is a disease of progressive bone loss associated with an increased risk of fractures. With no symptoms or discomfort, this disease can go unnoticed for years until a fracture occurs.

Although more women than men suffer from osteoporosis, approximately one-fifth to one-third of all hip fractures occurs in men according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Additionally, Caucasian men have a 25% chance of having an osteoporotic fracture after the age of 60.

Bone loss in men is due to many factors and approximately 50-60 percent of men with osteoporosis also have other conditions or disorders that can produce bone loss. Such conditions are: low production of the male sex hormone testosterone (hypogonadism), intestinal disorders, steroid therapy, (e.g. chronic prednisone treatment) and immobilization. Additional risk factors are similar for men and women, which include unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as poor diet, smoking, alcohol abuse, chronic inactivity and low body weight.

So what is the big deal about a little bone loss? Well, for one thing, one in five men and one in two women over age 65 will sustain bone fractures due to osteoporosis. These are painful fractures of the hip, spine, wrist, arm and leg that often occur as a result of a fall but even simple household tasks can produce a fracture of the spine if the bones have been weakened. Of all of the fractures that can occur, the hip fracture is the most serious. The hip fracture can cause loss of independence and may require the use of walking aids for several months and over half will permanently require the use of a cane or walker to move around. More notably is that when men sustain a hip fracture they are more likely to die from complications than women.

What to do?

Prevention. Start today with some simple steps and help prevent osteoporosis, slow down its progression and protect yourself from fractures.

Be sure that you are getting an adequate amount of calcium and Vitamin D. Women and men over 50 should consume at least 1,200 mg per day according to The National Academy of Sciences. Excellent sources of calcium (and Vitamin D) are dairy products, including yogurt and cheese, sardines with bones and green leafy vegetables, including broccoli and collard greens. Vitamin D recommendation is 200-600 IU daily.

Exercise. You knew this was going to be here. No matter how much you try to avoid it, exercise helps your bones, and muscles, stay strong. Exercise done three to four times a week is all you need. Walking, jogging, hiking, climbing stairs, dancing, treadmill and weight lifting are probably the best weight bearing exercises to participate in. Avoiding falls can prevent bone fractures (over 50 percent of fractures are caused by falls). Improve your balance by joining programs that emphasize balance, like Tai Chi.

Osteoporosis is known as a "silent disease" because you don't know you have it until a fracture occurs or you get tested for bone mineral density.

Don't wait until you have a fracture. Take the first step, literally, to preventing this disease, or at least, slow it down. Get out there and walk, jog, run, play racquetball, dance, lift weights, whatever you fancy, but just do it!