Hardly anyone realizes that around 2 million men in the U.S. suffer from osteoporosis, and another 16 million are at increased risk for what’s called brittle bone disease because of low bone mass.

The risk factors for men include low testosterone, alcohol misuse, taking steroids (either for medical reasons or off the books), and smoking.

And guys who suffer a fracture because of fragile bones face a greater risk of disability and death. In fact, they’re 25% to 40% more likely to die after a hip fracture than a woman is.

Unfortunately, at-risk and older men are rarely screened and they're not often educated about how to prevent a fracture. One survey found that 90% of doctors say they always or frequently screen postmenopausal women for osteoporosis, but only about 22% would screen a 74-year-old man.

Current guidelines say most guys should be initially screened by age 70 — and anyone age 50 to 69 with low testosterone, a hyperparathyroid or hyperthyroid condition, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (as well as smokers, heavy drinkers, and those taking glucocorticoids or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists) should be screened.

Discuss your need for a bone scan with your doctor. There's no reason not to take advantage of the effective treatments for osteoporosis that are available.

And adopt lifestyle choices that help prevent fractures, including weight-bearing exercise, a diet packed with bone-loving minerals and vitamins, and maintaining a healthy weight.