'Silent disease' with no warning signs is becoming increasingly common among men, doctors reveal
Rhianna Benson
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image
An alarming new survey has found that only 1 per cent of men are concerned about a 'silent disease' that could one day render them immobile.
According to doctors at the The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, around two million members of the male species suffer from said condition, with a further 16 million having a mild yet progressive variation of it.
The slow-developing ailment not only makes bones weak, but more susceptible to snapping altogether, as per the National Spine Health Foundation. This, as we say, can result in severe difficulty with manoeuvring in general, and sees more and more men each year to succumb to long-term sitting out of comfort - a position which can also affect organ and muscular health.
What we're talking about here is osteoporosis. This condition describes newly-weakened or brittler bones to such an extent that a fall or mild stress can be disastrous, potentially causing severe breakages, according to Mayo Clinic.
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It is diagnosed in cases where new bone tissue is unable to be created, or simply can't keep up with the replacement of the old tissue.
Despite osteoporosis being a common condition for individuals over the age of 65, a fall following such a diagnosis can be life-altering, or potentially deadly.
Trips and stumbles and are the leading cause of injuries, as well as injury-related deaths, in adults of this age group.
Due to the brittle nature of the bones of osteoporosis sufferers, even minor slips could result in fractures.
Whilst it's long been thought that the condition affects more women globally than men, a new study has found that the tables are turning.
Addressing the very real risk to men's health which is often overlooked, Dr Paul Lewis - an interventional radiologist at Wexner - told the New York Post recently: "Unfortunately, there are no warning signs before it presents with a fracture."
Attempting to emphasise that the condition needs to be taken more seriously societally, he recommended four prevention strategies that should help bones retain their strength, even at older ages.
He begins with testosterone, which he believes men should discuss with their doctors when they turn 30. This chemical decreases with age, which contributes to lower bone density.
Next, he believes exercises that are purposed to thicken bones and improve general balance should become more of priority - activities like weight-bearing, walking, hiking and stair climbing. He also recommends trying out resistance training with weights or bands and yoga or other balance exercises.
Dr Lewis explained: "Some exercises can combine into helping your heart as well, such as pickleball, tennis or other sports.
"Other practical options are walking the golf course instead of riding the cart, taking the stairs instead of the elevator [and] actively playing with your children or pets."
Despite the fact he seeks to emphasise that refusing to engage in resistance training could result in a loss of 3 per cent in bone mass, he believes it's equally vital not to push too hard, as this could result in a different type of injury altogether.
Thirdly, he believes general lifestyle changes can be hugely beneficial when it comes to preventing osteoporosis, such as cutting down or stopping smoking, drinking less alcohol, moving more, and thinking more carefully about nutrition.
Lastly, Dr Lewis mentions the importance of osteoporosis screening tests, like DEXA scans.
These are low-dose x-ray that are able to assess bone density, in order to provide an initial osteoporosis diagnosis.