Osteoporosis in Men

Emily Gibbs: Each step Brad Barbin takes has purpose. Five miles a day to keep his bones healthy.

Brad Barbin: I don't ever want to be the guy that can't go anywhere.

Emily Gibbs: This wasn't always his mindset until 30 years ago.

Brad Barbin: The doctor saying you know, your bones aren't looking so good.

Emily Gibbs: Brad was shocked. He never thought he'd have to worry about osteoporosis at age 40. 

[Text on screen: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
National Survey, Men's Health. Which of the following is of the most concern? Results:
- 32% Cancer
- 30% Heart Disease
- 18% Obesity
- 8% Sexual Health
- 1% Bone Density]

Emily Gibbs: According to a new survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, only 1% of men are concerned about bone density.

Paul Lewis, MD: It's a silent bone disease and it's silent until it makes some noise. And how it makes noise is with a fracture.

Emily Gibbs: Dr. Paul Lewis, an interventional radiologist who treats osteoporosis at Ohio State, says these fractures can be deadly, but men can prevent osteoporosis.

[Text on screen: Most effective way for men to prevent osteoporosis?
56% getting enough calcium & Vitamin D.
15% Low-impact physical activity.
12% weightlifting]

Emily Gibbs: Over half of people surveyed know they need calcium and vitamin D, but only about 3 out of 10 people know that low impact exercise and weightlifting are critical.

Paul Lewis, MD: Do you know if you don't participate as an adult in resistive training as early as 30 years, 40 years old, is you can start losing up to 3% of your bone mass per year.

Emily Gibbs: This recipe: Good nutrition, exercise, lifting weight, can build back bone density. Brad is following in the footsteps of his grandfather who walked through his 90s.

Brad Barbin: He never broke a bone in his body. So, yeah, I'm a believer.

Emily Gibbs: At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, I'm Emily Gibbs.