Bone health in men and women

A common misconception about osteoporosis, the condition of gradually thinning, brittle bones, is that it is a "woman's disease." Although men are not spared, little attention has focused on the condition as it develops in them. To learn more about the disease in men, Australian scientists included both genders in their investigation of factors leading to arm and wrist fractures. Their findings are published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.

A closer look at the problem

The current study, part of a larger osteoporosis investigation in Australia, included almost 2000 men and women over age 60. Participants provided information about their physical activity levels, dietary patterns, and history of falls. The researchers measured the volunteers' height loss by subtracting their current height from their maximum lifetime height and assessed quadricep (the major muscle in the thigh) strength and balance. Bone density, an indicator of strength, was measured in the spine and thigh.

The volunteers were monitored for arm and wrist fractures over the next eight years. Only injuries that occurred with minimum or no trauma were recorded, such as falling from a standing height or lower.

During the eight years of follow-up, four times as many women suffered from fractures as did men. Of note, however, is that some of the factors associated with fracture risk were the same for both men and women, including older age, height loss, and less dense bones. For men, a low intake of calcium and poor quadricep strength also increased their risk of fractures. And for women, falling--which they reported occurring more frequently than did men--put them at greater risk of bone fractures.

The cost of brittle bones

Arm and wrist fractures account for considerable medical costs and often occur at a younger age than hip fractures, another costly consequence of osteoporosis. Although the symptoms of osteoporosis become evident as people age, many measures to prevent this debilitating disease are most effective when incorporated over a lifetime. For instance, adequate calcium intake in childhood and adolescence is crucial because that is when bone growth is at its peak. And although other risk factors, like aging, can't be controlled, there are some protective actions you can take, starting as early as possible.

Take preventive steps

Adequate dietary calcium, even as an adult, can help replace the bone loss that occurs with aging. Low-fat dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, and calcium-fortified orange juice are good calcium sources. Exercise, too, is essential for bone health. Weight-bearing activities like walking makes both muscles and bones stronger.

In this study, those that reported falling once were more likely to fall a second time. So, how can you prevent a fall? Exercise. Exercises that emphasize flexibility and balance, like alternating standing on one leg, can help minimize falls. The lesson here is that if you can take steps to get steadier on your feet, you will be more likely to stay standing.