Osteoporosis in men

Osteoporosis: Incidence, Prevention, and Treatment of the Silent Killer

Osteoporosis is a nationwide health care concern affecting millions of Americans. Health care dollars to prevent and treat osteoporosis are needed. Osteoporosis-related injuries and resulting disabilities, and consequent admissions to hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities is costing billions of dollars for care and treatment. Healthy lifestyle choices including vitamin and mineral therapy; safe home environments; a diet replete with calcium, vitamin D, and protein; weight-bearing and resistance exercises; and fall prevention programs for home-bound and hospitalized elders are needed to prevent osteoporosis-related fractures and injuries. Nurses must educate the public on osteoporosis and osteoporosis-prevention activities. Research in nursing, pharmacy, and allied health fields such as physical therapy and nutrition must expand to improve understanding of the risks associated with osteoporosis and to evaluate health-promotion and disease- prevention activities. Interdisciplinary partnerships should be established to study the issues, prevention, and treatment modalities of this "silent killer."

Women's conditions occurring in men: breast cancer, osteoporosis, male menopause, and eating disorders

Each of the four disorders discussed in this article emphasizes its significance in the morbidity and mortality of men. Recent research has improved the ability to identify many of the key risk factors that could predispose men to breast cancer, osteoporosis, male menopause, and eating disorders. There is a significant need for further research into each of these conditions, as most studies have been conducted on women. The myths that these disorders are just a feminist issue can be ignored no longer. Nurses are in a prime position to help men identify and analyze their risks and help them select appropriate prevention and screening strategies to improve their knowledge and quality of life.