I just heard an ad on the radio from the Irish Osteoporosis Society, they reckon that 1 in 5 men will suffer this disease.
This is a disease usually associated with older women (post menopause) but in more recent times has been found in young males. I’ve copied a section of their website entitled risk factors:
Osteoporosis risk factors (from http://www.irishosteoporosis.ie/risk.htm): For women: – a lack of oestrogen, caused by: – early menopause (before the age of 45) – early hysterectomy (before the age of 45), particularly when both ovaries are removed (oophorectomy) – missing periods for six months or more (excluding pregnancy) as a result of over-exercising or over-dieting For men: – low levels of the male hormone, testosterone (hypogonadism) For men and women: – long-term use of high dose corticosteroid tablets (for conditions such as arthritis and asthma) – close family history of osteoporosis (mother or father), particularly if your mother has suffered a hip fracture – other medical conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, intestinal diseases and liver and thyroid problems – malabsorption problems (Coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, gastric surgery) – long-term immobility – heavy drinking – smoking If you think you may have one or more of these risk factors you are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis. You need to discuss your risk with your doctor and find out how to prevent and treat the disease. If you have broken a bone after a minor bump or fall you may already have osteoporosis and you should discuss this with your GP. To read the brief explanations regarding the main risk factors for osteopenia and/or osteoporosis, click here.
Did you see the bit I highlighted? Here it is again: -Low level of the male hormone, testosterone in other words if through laziness, poor diet and excessive drinking and smoking you have managed to emasculate yourself.
Lads, get a grip on yourself.
The good news is exercise is great for the prevention and even helpful in treating the disease, for men and women. Weight training is especially good as it stress the entire musculoskeletal system causing it to get stronger. Thats right you actually make the bones stronger.
Drop into one of the kettlebell classes, book in for a personal training session or look through some of the links in the side bar for other great resources.
These stats make me ill just thinking about them. Ok, if your post menopausal you are at most risk, but you can help yourself. If your not, especially if your a bloke in his prime years, it’s your own fault, now get off the sofa and do something about it.
Wild Geese every cause but our own www.wildgeesema.com