Study urges screening men for osteoporosis

DENVER, Colorado (WPVI) -- There's a call to include men in screening for osteoporosis - or brittle bone disease.

Doctors at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado, tested the bone density of 3,000 current or former smokers over the age of 45, and got a big surprise.

"We actually found that men were slightly more likely to have low bone density, and that there were slightly more likely to have vertebral fractures," says Dr. Elizabeth Regan.

Vertebral fractures are breaks in the spine.

"In fact, 60 percent of the men had vertebral fractures, compared to 40 per cent of the women, while 55 percent of the men had low bone density compared to 45 of women," she continued.

Dr. Regan says osteoporosis doesn't really give signs, so when most men are diagnosed, it comes as a surprise.

She is concerned many men may be suffering fractures which can be avoided.

Dr. Regan noted that government screening guidelines only cover women, but she and her fellow researchers say it's time to change that.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force last updated the guidelines in 2011.

Most are reviewed and updated every five years.

In the meantime, men can improve their bone density by eating dairy products or taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Also, spend 20 minutes outside every day to get sunshine for generating vitamin D in the body.

And everyone should do strength training. It helps strengthen the bones.