Fracturing Your Hip
Every year, about 30,000 Canadians visit hospitals because they have suffered a hip fracture. Nearly every one of these fractures are caused by preventable falls.
Properly preparing your home can help avoid falls that lead to fractures. Things like loose rugs should be removed. Cover exposed wires running across the floor with rubber wire covers and use cable ties to tuck them behind electrical appliances. Bathtubs and showers should have handholds installed, and non-slip mats placed inside. Removing hazards like these from the home can reduce the chances of falling and breaking your hip.
Vitamin D can also improve bone strength. You should try to get at least 600 IU of vitamin D every day. To do this naturally, try spending up to 15 minutes in the sun every day. Expose as much skin as you are comfortable with as each patch of skin generates a limited amount of Vitamin D. In the winter, it is nearly impossible to get enough sun and a Vitamin D supplement can help.
If you do fracture your hip, should you have surgery? According to a recent medical study, there was no difference in mobility, time spent in hospital, or mortality for surgery compared to non-surgical treatment. Every case is different so consult your healthcare practitioner.
Also, try doing exercises that help strengthen leg muscles and bones. Stronger muscles can help prevent falls. Try low impact exercises such as a single leg step-ups, lunges, and heel slides (lay on your back and slide your heel towards your hip).
