A. Yes, men do get osteoporosis, but women are at greater risk.

Osteoporosis, or “porous bone,” is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. This condition creates an increased risk of fractures.

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for 44 million Americans; about 68 percent affected by this disease are women. One out of every two women and one in four men over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

Our bodies remove old bone and replace it with new bone. During our growth stage, new bone is added faster than old bone is removed. We hit peak bone mass around age 30. After that age, we lose more bone than we form.

Who is at risk of getting osteoporosis?

The chances are greater for females. Women have less bone tissue and lose bone faster than men because of changes from menopause. Small, thin-boned women are at greater risk. Caucasian and Asian women are at highest risk. Age is a major risk factor because bones become thinner and weaker as you age. Heredity can also increase fracture risk.

Low calcium intake appears to be associated with bone loss. Good sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products, dark-green leafy vegetables, almonds and foods fortified with calcium, such as orange juice. Some people may need to take a calcium supplement.

Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and in bone health. It is made in the skin through exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D production decreases in the elderly, in people who are housebound and for most people in general during the winter. Depending on your situation, you may need to take vitamin D supplements.

Bone responds to exercise by becoming stronger. Weight-bearing exercise is the best for your bones. Translation: Encourage your patients to get off the sofa.

Women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen compared to nonsmokers, and they often go through menopause earlier. Smokers also may absorb less calcium from their diets. Translation: Strongly encourage your patients to quit smoking.

Regular consumption of 2 to 3 ounces a day of alcohol may be damaging to the skeleton. Heavy drinkers are more prone to bone loss and fractures, because of poor nutrition and increased risk of falling. Translation: Encourage your patient to quit or, at least, cut down on alcohol consumption.

People may not know they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a bump or fall causes a hip to fracture or a vertebra to collapse. Translation: Encourage all your patients to see a physician regularly for a check-up.

Following a comprehensive medical assessment, the physician may encourage the patient to have his or her bone mass measured. A bone mineral density (BMD) test is the best way to determine bone health. BMD tests can identify osteoporosis, determine risk for fractures and measure the response to osteoporosis treatment. The most widely recognized bone mineral density test is called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DXA test.

A comprehensive osteoporosis treatment program includes a focus on proper nutrition, exercise and safety issues to prevent falls that may result in fractures. In addition, some physicians may prescribe medication to slow or stop bone loss, increase bone density and reduce fracture risk.

With experience as a freelance writer and publicist for major pharmaceutical companies, such as Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Merck and Pfizer, Fred Cicetti is now a New Jersey-based columnist writing about a variety of senior health issues. His opinions and views do not necessarily reflect those of Therapy Times or Valley Forge Publishing Group. Questions or comments can be directed to editorial@TherapyTimes.com.

All Rights Reserved © 2006 by Fred Cicetti