Prevention better than recovery for hip fractures

Put the brakes on hip fractures that never fully heal

Ladies, I’ve got some scary news for you today: You account for three-quarters of all hip fractures.

That’s because as you age… and go through “the change”… your estrogen hormone levels plummet. Your body starts replacing bone cells with fat cells instead. And that can lead to thinning bones.

In this case, prevention is EVERYTHING — because according to a new study, the “cure” remains out of reach for many hip fracture patients.

Researchers from the University of California reviewed data from over 700 older hip fracture patients and found that even after surgery and rehabilitation, most never really felt like themselves again.

A whopping two-thirds of them needed assistance with daily tasks, for the rest of their lives. And that means only a third returned to living independently.

Imagine becoming a burden on your kids… or having a stranger come into your home to help you bathe, get dressed, and even go to the bathroom.

Sure, a hip fracture isn’t a necessarily death sentence (although even a minor injury could kill you) — but it may mean a one-way ticket to assisted living. And if you’re like many seniors, you fear losing your independence more than losing your life.

You may be popping those calcium tablets, but don’t stop there. Calcium can’t work on its own — it needs magnesium and vitamins D and K to effectively do its job and keep your bones strong.

There’s also a compound derived from olives called oleuropein, which actually helps direct your body to start making bone cells again instead of fat. (More on that in a moment.)

You can also:

Drink tea. Last year, I shared with you research that suggested that drinking 1-3 cups of black tea a day can lower your risk for bone fractures by about 10 to 30 percent — something that was confirmed by another study earlier this year.
Try growth hormone therapy. When used correctly (and not by an athlete trying to enhance their performance), it can help prevent osteoporosis. Talk to a holistic doctor about safe bioidentical growth hormone treatments to see if it’s right for you.
Sleep. Consistently get a good night’s sleep, because it’s in deep sleep that your cells have the opportunity to repair themselves, which restores your bone and muscle.
Exercise. Weight-bearing activities like walking, jogging, or dancing can also help build up your bones.

It’s important to note that hip fractures in particular aren’t just about bone density.

To work on your strength, control, and balance to avoid a devastating fall, you can ride a bike… practice yoga or tai chi… or join a water aerobics class at your local senior center.
Sources:
Less than Half of Older Hip Fracture Patients Fully Recover: Study
(medlineplus.gov)

National Osteoporosis Foundation — Fractures/Fall Prevention
(nof.org)