Episode 40: Men & Bone Health with Dr. Rodrigo J. Valderrábano
Dr. Rodrigo J. Valderrábano
On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill talks to Dr. Rodrigo Valderrábano. His research focus is on metabolic bone disease and during his time as a research fellow at Stanford University, he was awarded the Endocrine Society’s Outstanding Abstract award and the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research’s Young Investigator award for his work studying the links between bone health and hematopoiesis in older men. He continues his research efforts with the ultimate goal of further delineating treatable risk factors for osteoporosis and devising non-pharmacologic treatment strategies for osteoporosis such as rehabilitation and exercise.
People often forget that osteoporosis impacts men too. Dr. Valderrábano explains that one contributing factor is not getting to maximum bone density, putting one at a deficit earlier in life.
What prevents good bone health? Conditions like diabetes, poor health in early life, or lack of exercise. Losing bone density can also occur from steroid mediations, smoking and alcohol consumption. In men specifically, testosterone levels can have a significant impact as well. Low levels negatively impact bone health in men and can often happen during treatment for other conditions.
When should a healthy man get bone density screening?
Dr. Valderrábano explains that all men should be screened at age 70. Because this is a low-risk screening, if there are any concerns like falls or fractures, he recommends asking for that even sooner.
What can men do to improve bone health?
Exercise, physical activity, muscle mass and strength are significant factors contributing to men’s bone health. Dr. Valderrábano explains that if you can do more physical activity, you absolutely should. He reminds us that bone is active tissue, and it can feel what’s happening in the body. It gets a signal to grow or become more dense when it’s pushed out of the comfort zone.
Whatever level of exercise you do now, level up. It’s important to push yourself to help you improve your bone health. He also stresses that you have supervision from a trainer or physical therapist who understands how to do this safely and for best results.
If you vary exercise and really push yourself, you will see and feel the difference. Variety encourages our muscles and bones to adapt to become stronger.
There is something we can all do to encourage good bone health at every age. Small steps forward, done consistently, can lead to big results.
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