Young people may want to be “bad to the bone.” As they age, they need to make sure their bones don’t go bad.

There are many myths about osteoporosis, a condition in which bones weaken and can break from a minor fall or even from a simple action such as a sneeze. It’s a major threat for approximately 44 million Americans, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, but most don’t know they are at risk or how to prevent it.

“Bone health affects overall health,” said bone specialist Dr. Warren Levy, CEO of Unigene Laboratories, a biopharmaceutical company. “For example, a new study recently confirmed that older people who break a hip have nearly a 25 percent chance of dying in the next five years.

“The good news is there are steps that can be taken to protect your bones as you age. Get lots of calcium and vitamin D, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol or caffeine, and do regular weight-bearing exercises. Medications also make sense for many people,” he said.

Here are five common misperceptions about bone health.

•It’s a concern only for women.

Both women and men lose bone density as they age. A man older than 50 is more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than to get prostate cancer, according to the foundation. Some researchers are predicting a 56 percent increase in incidents of male osteoporotic fractures.

•You’ll know it if you have it.

People can’t feel their bones weakening. They may not know they have osteoporosis until a bone breaks from a minor fall or a simple action like a sneeze. Talk to a doctor to see if a simple bone density test is appropriate.

•Bone medications have no side effects.

Osteoporosis drug ads target older women. Golden sunsets and women exercising or playing with grandchildren can obscure the fact that some of these medications have been associated with

potentially dangerous side effects like severe bone degeneration over time, muscle or joint painheart problems, cancer and kidney failure. The focus should be on selecting drugs that can help osteoporosis patients without creating these risks, and patients should educate themselves regarding the available options, said Levy.

•Exercise can hurt. Many people are afraid exercise can harm their bones, especially as they age. Weightbearing exercises are very effective at building bone, even for those who have advanced osteoporosis. Such exercises include lifting weights, climbing stairs, aerobics, dancing, jogging and tennis. Check with a doctor to see which exercises are most appropriate.

•Family history doesn’t matter.

Genetics and heredity greatly influence a person’s risk of developing osteoporosis. If either parent had osteoporosis or a history of broken bones, the child is more at risk. If one had a spine that curved forward or noticeable height loss, osteoporosis might have been the cause.

“Maintaining healthy bones isn’t just about preventing painful symptoms. It’s important for maintaining a good quality of life as you age, so take good care of your bones,” said Levy.

This story is provided by State Point Media.