Some men think they are invincible, and these individuals will often assume that their bodies can withstand a great deal of pain, or that they will easily bounce back after an injury or illness. While studies show that men are half as likely as women to go to the doctor, men should not forget that a person’s gender does not dictate a person’s physical wellbeing.

It’s a common misconception that women are the only ones who can be affected by osteoporosis and it is commonly associated as a “woman’s disease.” Although one in two women over the age of 50 will likely have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime, the chance for men to obtain a fracture due to osteoporosis is one in four. This might be shocking to many men, especially considering that the risk of an osteoporosis-related fracture is higher than being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

While there are a few underlying reasons that cause women to be more susceptible to this silent disease, it is no excuse to avoid your bone health. Below are two reasons why men should not overlook bone health, along with important steps to take if diagnosed:

Bone Loss Affects Everyone as They Age

Regardless of gender, bone loss occurs in both males and females as they age. Women are affected by osteoporosis sooner than men, because when a woman hits menopause, her body begins to lack necessary hormones (like estrogen) that assist with maintaining bone mass and strength. Even though they are affected later in life than women, men between the ages of 65 and 70 are losing bone mass at the same rate.

Additionally, research has indicated that men are far less likely to be tested and treated for osteoporosis when compared to their female counterparts. In order to find out if bone mass is decreasing with age, annual bone screenings are necessary to assist with the diagnosis of osteoporosis, which affects close to 10 million Americans. Keep in mind that osteoporosis typically isn’t discovered until weakened bones lead to painful fractures that occur most often in the back or hips. The National Osteoporosis Foundation encourages individuals to take a bone density test if the answer is yes to any of the following:

• – Are you are man in your 70s?
• – Have you broken a bone after age 50?
• – Is osteoporosis common in your family?

You should also consider scheduling a bone density test with your physician if you have recently experienced severe back pain or if you’ve noticed that you are getting shorter.

Bad Habits Can Affect Your Bones Long Term

Even if you are a young male and are not concerned about your bone health, be warned that some of the bad habits developed earlier on in life can also lead to osteoporosis over time. For example, studies show only nine percent of women use tobacco products, while 40 percent of the international male population smokes. Smoking not only weakens your bones, but research has shown that by age 70, a smoker’s bone density is already five percent lower than a non-smoker’s.

Additionally, large amounts of alcohol over time can contribute to bone health issues. Alcohol directly affects calcium levels and absorption in the body, which leads to weaker bones. Despite men being two times more likely to drink than women, both males and females should monitor their alcohol intake from an earlier age. Another habit that can put both men and women at risk for osteoporosis is living a sedentary lifestyle. Simply put, failing to get moving regularly can weaken your bones.

Unfortunately, studies show that diet and exercise improve bone mass very little, if at all. OsteoStrong is a wellness solution that is scientifically proven to dramatically and painlessly increase bone density in just a few months, providing enough weight-bearing force to stimulate bone density. If you are aging or simply seeking better health, visit http://osteostrong.me/ to learn more about recovering your bone density in less than 10 minutes once a week – your bones will be grateful for it!