Don’t Let a Hip Fracture Put You on the Sidelines

(ARA) – Many older adults worry about injuries from falling, especially hip fractures, for good reason. Statistics show that for older adults, a hip fracture can be a life-altering injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control, of all fall-related fractures, hip fractures lead to the most severe health problems and reduced quality of life. Since nine out of 10 hip fractures in older Americans are the result of a fall, according to the National Institutes of Health, taking steps to prevent injury is important.

The good news is that there are some simple steps that can help prevent hip fractures, including nutrition, exercise and common sense.

* Nutrition – Keeping your bones strong is the first line of defense against hip fractures, so it is important to get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Depending on your age, calcium intake should range between 1,000 and 1,300 mg. a day. If you don’t get the necessary calcium from your diet, consider a calcium supplement. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Experts recommend a daily intake between 400 and 800 IUs (International Units). There are also medications for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

* Exercise – Regular physical activity also helps keep bones healthy and strong as well as improve your balance. The best exercise for your bones is weight-bearing exercise such as walking, dancing, jogging, stair-climbing, racquet sports and hiking. If you are already active, keep it up. If you are looking to start an exercise program, be sure to check with your doctor first.

* Common sense –Make sure your house is free of obstacles or other hazards that could lead to falling. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one-half to two-thirds of all falls occur in or around the home. Most fall injuries are caused by falls on the same level (not from falling down stairs) and from a standing height (for example, by tripping while walking).

To make your home safer, start by keeping floors clear of items that could cause you to trip, including throw rugs. Make sure your rooms are well-lit so you can see things that might be in your path. Keep electrical cords close to the outlets – don’t have cords snaking across your living room floor.

Other precautions include installing grab bars in the bathroom, and making sure you have sturdy banisters on both sides of your staircases. Of course, despite all your efforts and good intentions, a fall can still happen.

If you know you are prone to falls, consider using a protective device such as SafeHip Hip Protector. SafeHip has protective shields sewn into an undergarment that is worn under clothing and has been clinically proven to show it reduces the chance of hip fracture from a fall. The SafeHip shield, available in either a soft shell foam or hard shell polypropylene, absorbs and disperses the energy of a fall into the soft tissue surrounding the hip.

Don’t become a statistic – the simple steps outlined above can help decrease your risk of hip fractures due to falling. For more information on SafeHip, call (877) 728-3447 or visit www.safehip.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content