How can osteoporosis in men be prevented and treated?
• Experts agree that all persons should take the following steps to preserve bone health. • Recognize and treat any underlying medical conditions that affect bone health. Identify and evaluate the use of medications that are known to cause bone loss. • Change unhealthy habits, such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and inactivity. • Make sure to get enough calcium each day to keep bones healthy. Men under age 50 need 1,000 mg of calcium daily, and men age 50 and over need 1,200 mg of calcium daily. • Make sure to get adequate vitamin D. Men under age 50 need 400-800 IU of vitamin D daily, and men age 50 and over need 800-1,000 IU of vitamin D daily. • Engage in a regular regimen of weight-bearing exercises where bone and muscles work against gravity. This includes walking, jogging, racquet sports, stair climbing and team sports. Also, lifting weights or using resistance machines appears to help preserve bone density. Exercise also improves balance and muscle tone and imparts a sens
