Men, Osteoporosis..and Exercise

Thinking about osteoporosis, I think about those who have the highest number of these risk factors--

small frame
female
Caucasian or Asian
post-menopausal or post-hysterectomy
family history

Osteoporosis in and of itself is not painful, but it increases the risk of fracture. If a fracture does occur, it can be disabling or perhaps even fatal. In the last few years I have seen a few women with known osteoporosis suffer fractures that laid them up for months on end. And it never seems to be the same after the fact, even after the bones have healed, and many physical therapy sessions have been attended.

With that in mind, we must also keep in mind that other persons can suffer from osteoporosis as well.
Men, for example, can develop this condition, and it's sometimes overlooked because the focus is on women with known risk factors. Sadly, this group can suffer the same risk of fracture, and when it happens, they can be laid up for months on just like their female counterparts.

That being said, there is good news to report! It has been found that men who participate in physical activity later in life have increased bone mass density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fracture.
So for all you men out there, it's not to late to get out there and exercise! It will do more for you than you can ever know. You can read more about this interesting topic by clicking here.

Sources: PainWeek.org; Wikimedia

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