Osteoporosis Health Center

New Guidelines for Osteoporosis Tests

Reducing Your Risk

Although men have a lower risk for osteoporosis-related fractures than women, their risk is far from insignificant.

One in five men will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in his lifetime, compared with one out of two white women, according to the surgeon general.

Recommendations cited in the NOF report to help postmenopausal women and men over 50 reduce their osteoporosis risk include:

• Make sure you get at least 1,200 milligrams per day of calcium and 800 to 1,000 international units of vitamin D.
• Engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise to reduce the risk for falls and fractures.
• If you smoke, stop. And if you drink alcohol, don't drink too much.
• Know your osteoporosis risk factors and follow your doctor's advice with regard to testing and treatment.