Osteoporosis in Men
June 25 - It’s not just a woman’s disease. Experts say more men need to be aware of their risk of osteoporosis. Dr. David Winter from Baylor Health Care System is here to tell us more in today’s HealthSource report.
DAN BELL
Good morning Dr. Winter.
DR. WINTER
Good morning Dan.
DAN BELL
So Dr. Winter—what do men need to know?
DR. WINTER
Well women over the age of 50 are routinely screened for osteoporosis. But men aren’t. So we physicians now believe there are as many as 12-million American men who are at risk of the disease and may not know it.
Osteoporosis is generally diagnosed later in men—usually in those 65 or older. But your chances of developing it increase if you smoke, drink heavily, are physically inactive or take certain medications.
DAN BELL
So if we think we think we’re at risk we should talk to our doctor about getting screened?
DR. WINTER
That’s right. In fact the American College of Physicians just put out a new recommendation that says all men over the age of 65 should get a bone scan—it’s a simple and painless procedure.
And if you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, you can start taking medications to make your bones stronger.
DAN BELL
Great information Dr. Winter. Thanks for joining us on today’s HealthSource report.
For more information you can call 1-800-4-BAYLOR.