A lot of men don’t worry about developing osteoporosis because the disease is more common in women. But about 2 million men have osteoporosis, and an estimated 12 million men have low bone mass, which increases their risk for the disease. Unfortunately, many men don’t know they have osteoporosis until they have hip or other fractures.

The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to preserve your bone health and reduce your risk for fractures. Here are some tips.

• Don’t smoke or drink too much alcohol. This can cause bone loss.
• Talk with your doctor if you take steroids for asthma or other medications that may affect your bones.
• Watch your intake of calcium and vitamin D. You need about 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day. Milk, yogurt, and fortified cereals can help you reach your daily goals. Vitamin D is also important because it helps your body absorb calcium. Spend at least 10 minutes a day outside in the sun so that your body can produce vitamin D naturally.
• Get moving. Ask your doctor whether it’s safe for you to engage in weight-bearing activities, such as walking and jogging, which can help preserve your bone mass.

Are You Losing Bone Mass Right Now?
After about age 40, men and women lose around 1 percent of their bone mass every year. Find out more about keeping your bones strong at www.paramounthealthcare.com. Click on “Better Health for Life,” “O” in the encyclopedia at top, and then “Osteoporosis.”