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Part V: Stay Safe at Home and Away
Besides changes in your lifestyle, such as a better diet and being more active, practical steps to safeguard your home environment will go a long way to prevent falls and broken bones.
Inside Updates to Make
Outside Steps to Take
More Positive Lifestyle Moves
According to the National Institutes of Health, research has shown that hip protectors can decrease the risk of hip fracture among people who are at high risk for falls. Most hip protectors are washable undergarments that fit over the hips. On each side of the garment is a thin layer of lightweight foam plastic. Hip protectors are typically worn by people who have an unstable stride or posture and by people who tend to fall down (with the main impact near the hip) rather than the more typical fall forward (with the main impact on the hands or knees). However, studies have found that up to one-third of people refused to wear hip protectors or wore them for only limited periods. If this sounds like you, it may be time to rethink your strategy to help preserve your independence.
Another vital lifestyle change if you are a smoker is to quit. Tobacco is toxic to your bones, putting you at higher risk for low bone mass and osteoporosis. Excessive alcohol intake also may be damaging to your bones, and people who drink heavily tend to have more bone loss and fractures due to poor nutrition and an increased risk of falling. On the other hand, moderate drinking may improve bone strengthin post-menopausal women.
Senior bone fractures are no joking matter. If you've experienced a break, take the time to create a personal health plan by implementing the ideas in our 5-part series under your doctor's guidance.