Page 10 Savvy Senior by Jim Miller Do Men Get Osteoporosis? Dear Savvy Senior, Can men get osteoporosis or is it mostly a problem for women? When I fell and broke my wrist last winter, the ER doctor told me I might have osteoporosis, but I never followed up. What can you tell me? --Almost 70 Dear Almost, A lot of people think osteoporosis is only a women’s issue, but men can get it too – especially as they get older. And like women, men often don’t realize they have it until a bone breaks. Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because it weakens bones over time, making them thin, brittle and more likely to break, usually without any warning signs. While women are about four times more likely to develop it, men aren’t immune. About 2 million American men have osteoporosis, and another 12 million have low bone density, known as osteopenia, which can eventually progress to the disease. One of the biggest problems is that men are less likely to be tested. Even after a fracture like yours, many never get a bone density scan. Doctors sometimes overlook it in men, and men themselves may not realize they’re at risk. The bones most often affected are the hip, spine and wrist, and hip fractures in particular can lead to serious complications and long recoveries. Who is at risk In women, menopause speeds up bone loss. In men, it usually happens more gradually, but age is still a major factor. Your risk rises if you are over 70, thin or underweight, smoke, drink heavily, have a parent with osteoporosis or have already broken a bone, as you have. Certain medical conditions can also increase your risk. These include rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, low testosterone, overactive thyroid, COPD and kidney or liver disease. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or a past stroke can raise the risk because they affect balance and mobility. Long term use of corticosteroids, some prostate cancer treatments, acid reflux drugs, antidepressants and anti-seizure medications can weaken bones too. Testing A smart next step is a bone density test. All men 70 and older should talk to their doctor about being screened. Men over 50 who’ve had a fracture or have other risk factors should get tested too. The scan is simple, painless and takes only a few minutes. Medicare and most private insurance plans usually cover it. Prevention When it comes to protecting your bones, the basics really matter. Get enough calcium from foods like low fat milk, yogurt and cheese, leafy green vegetables, beans, almonds and canned salmon or sardines. Men under 70 need about 1,000 milligrams a day. Those 71 and older need 1,200 milligrams. Vitamin D is just as important because it helps your body absorb calcium. Most adults over 50 need 800 to 1,000 international units daily, through sunlight, food or a supplement if needed. Regular weight bearing exercise such as walking, along with strength training two or three times a week, helps build and maintain bone. It also improves balance, which can prevent falls. You should also avoid smoking, and limit alcohol and caffeine. Treatment If testing shows significant bone loss, medications such as Fosamax, Actonel, Reclast, Prolia, Forteo or Tymlos may be prescribed. Your doctor can explain the benefits and possible side effects and help you decide what is appropriate. Since you have already had a fracture, this is not something to ignore. A simple test and a plan now could help you stay strong and avoid a more serious break down the road. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 26, 2026 PRINCIPAL | FROM PAGE 1 people don’t even see.” “It’s not something you look at on a data sheet or a piece of some spreadsheet; it’s the human touch that he has. That’s really unbelievable,” continued Tivnan. Throughout his time, Mastrangelo has shown so much support for the school with his school spirit, which has translated into the events that have become so memorable in the first place. The Pep Rally, student and faculty sports games, fundraisers, all these events in recent years were only possible because of Mastrangelo himself. Mastrangelo’s career coincided with the Coronavirus pandemic, which added to his list of responsibilities. However, despite the challenge, Craven credited Mastrangelo for aiding students and teachers immensely, focusing on getting everyone online. Additionally, Mastrangelo recalled various special events, like the “Thanksgiving Day Football game at Fenway” in 2022, meeting “Super Bowl champions and rock stars and doctors and Senators,” and most importantly: the There were many well-wishers in the final week of nine-year Malden High School Principal Chris Mastrangelo (right) at the helm of the school, including, from left, longtime MHS educator Rick Tivan and veteran Malden school crossing guard John Finn. (Advocate Photo) graduation of each year’s class. Just in the 2025-2026 school year alone, students have shown massive support for Mastrangelo — whose contract was not renewed for one more year, as he desired — through many campaigns, such as on the Instagram account @maldenhighwalksout, through petitions, and the walkout on December 8, with staff members, students and parents advocating during a school committee meeting the same evening. In a way, it was a final celOBITUARY Glenn Robert Carlton Of Malden. Age 67, passed away very suddenly on June 23, after a brief illness. Glenn is survived by his loving daughter Meaghan Rita Farrell and her husband John of Chicopee and his cherished daughter Ashley Marie Carlton of Holbrook, as well as, his companion of 25 years, Patty Melchionno. Born on August 6, 1958, Glenn was the son of the late Robert and Josephine Carlton. He graduated from Salem State College in 1980 with a degree in accounting. Although he had an early career in Banking, he is best remembered for his over 50 years work at Santarpio’s East Boston where he made many lifelong friends. He is the beloved brother of Sharon Rozzi of East Boston, Carol Baglio of Revere and her late husband, Paul Baglio, and Beth Durfee of Ipswich. Glenn is also survived by many adoring nieces and nephews as well as many great nieces and nephews who he always found time to be with. In addition, he had a special bond with his companion Patty’s children and grandchildren. Glenn loved all Boston sports and especially enjoyed watching his daughter Meaghan throughout her athletic endeavors. He loved spending time with Ashley and her mom Kathleen Carlton on their weekly visits. Glenn was a loyal and faithful friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Family and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, 262 Beach St., Revere on Saturday, June 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be conducted in the funeral home, during the visitation at 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Glenn’s memory to the May Institute’s May Center for Adult Services, 41 Pacella Park Drive, Randolph, MA 02368, an organization he held in high regard. ebration of the school rising for the occasion. “I hope that we never lose sight of this school, that the number one most important thing we do every day is connect with the kids,” wished Mastrangelo. He hopes his legacy will be remembered as not counting Malden staff and students as statistics, but rather, being appreciated for being themselves. “I live 36 miles away. I have cherished every moment of my time in the city. This school, this city, has been a big part of me, my family, my identity, and if I’m being honest with you, I don’t think I’ve completely come to grips with the fact that it’s coming to an end,” Mastrangelo reflected. “So if not in person, certainly from afar. It’s too much, too much a part of who I am to just dry up when I leave,” Mastrangelo added. Mastrangelo reminded everyone to “cherish the time that you have here. Know that there are people that work here, that really love and care for each of you, and don’t lose sight of the fact that this is a very special place filled with very special people.”
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