THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026 Page 17 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 aff ected are the hip, spine and wrist, and hip Do Men Get Osteoporosis? Prevention 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 aff ect balance and mobility. Long term use of corticosteroids, some prostate cancer treatments, acid refl ux 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. 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 caff eine. Treatment If testing shows signifi cant bone loss, medications such as Fosamax, Actonel, Reclast, Prolia, Forteo or Tymlos may be prescribed. Your doctor can explain the benefi ts and possible side eff ects 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 questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5, Norman, OK 7070. 1. In 1893, Katherine Lee Bates wrote what after seeing the view from Pike’s Peak? 2. On June 26, 1977, in what city (with a four-letter nickname that starts with I) did Elvis Presley perform his last concert? 3. What Marblehead, Mass., politician signed the Declaration of Independence? 4. In the FIFA World Cup, Cabo Verde and Spain drew a 0-0; what does Cabo Verde mean? 5. On June 27, 1871, what became Japan’s offi cial currency? 6. How are “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “Come See About Me” and “Baby Love” similar? 7. Whose signature on the Declaration of Independence is the largest? 8. On June 28, 1491, what king was born that Herman’s Hermits recorded a song about? 9. During the American Revolution, which country was the USA’s best ally? 10. What actress had her fi rst name in the names of three TV shows? 11. June 29 is National Waffl e Iron Day; what had a sole designed on a waffl e iron? 12. What state first requested that July 4th holiday? be a state 13. What dictionary with two people’s names has “Baseball is as American as apple pie”? 14. Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell is inscribed with “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” which is derived from what book? 15. On June 30, 2011, the world’s longest (102.4 miles) bridge opened; it connects Nanjing and China’s largest city, which is what? 16. Dates come from what kind of plant? 17. On July 1, 2019, what island country with whale vending machines resumed whaling? 18. What is the diff erence between Soho and SoHo? 19. Which president (name means to clean) in 1931 signed off on making “The Star-Spangled Banner” the national anthem? 20. On July 2, 1776, the 13 Colonies declared their independence, and that date should be a holiday, according to what Founding Father from Quincy, Mass.? Answers 1. “America the Beautiful” (Published on July 4, 1895, in Boston’s The Congregationalist newspaper.) 2. Indianapolis (Indy) 3. Elbridge Gerry (of “gerrymander” fame) 4. Green Cape in Portuguese (Cape Verde debuted with their goalie making 27 saves.) 5. Yen (Previously, Japanese shogun had their own currency.) 6. 1960s songs by The Supremes 7. John Hancock’s 8. Henry VIII (“I’m Henry VIII, I Am” — original version by a British comedian in 1911) 9. France 10. Lucille Ball (“Here’s Lucy,” “I Love Lucy” and “The Lucy Show”) 11. Nike Moon Shoe (A cofounder used his wife’s waffl e iron to create a lightweight grip sole.) 12. Massachusetts 13. Merriam-Webster (The line is an example; ironically, apple pie was invented in England.) 14. The King James version of the Bible (Leviticus 25:10) 15. Shanghai 16. Date palm 17. Japan 18. Soho is in London, among other places; SoHo is short for South of Houston Steet in NYC 19. H e r b e r t H o o v e r (Hoover is a vacuum cleaner trademark; in British it means to vacuum.) 20. John Adams (July 2 is the date of the Continental Congress’ vote for independence; on July 4 it approved the finalized Declaration of Independence document.)
18 Publizr Home