Osteoporosis, or weakening of bones is very common in patients whose age is more than 60 years of age. So, sometimes, even a minor injury or a fall results in a fracture.
Spine and hip fractures are very common in such patients, and hip needs to be operated whenever there is fracture. This adds to the morbidity of an elderly person who is already on multiple medications for multiple problems.
This day, let me give you some tips and tricks to prevent hip fractures at home.
MOVE: Resting bones are very much prone to fractures. Walking gives some stress to the bone and hence, improves bone strength. You can use proper precautions and continue with your morning walks.
AVOID FALLS: Keep the bathroom of your elders as dry as possible as it the most common place for falling down and having a fracture. Their clothing should be such that it doesn’t get into their feet. If they need to use the washroom at night, make sure that they switch the light on before stepping out of bed. If possible, let a family member assist them.
SUPPORT: If your elders have difficulty in balance, it is advisable that they use some support (stick/walker) while walking.
FOOD: Take good calcium rich foods like milk and its products, banana, dry fruits, sesame (Til), Fenugreek (Methi)
VITAMIN D: This vitamin aids absorption of calcium from what you eat. It is available from strong sunlight (10 -11 am of present time) and fish liver oils. If you do not have adequate sunlight and you are a vegetarian, you should take Vitamin D supplements as well.
Spine and hip fractures are very common in such patients, and hip needs to be operated whenever there is fracture. This adds to the morbidity of an elderly person who is already on multiple medications for multiple problems.
This day, let me give you some tips and tricks to prevent hip fractures at home.
MOVE: Resting bones are very much prone to fractures. Walking gives some stress to the bone and hence, improves bone strength. You can use proper precautions and continue with your morning walks.
AVOID FALLS: Keep the bathroom of your elders as dry as possible as it the most common place for falling down and having a fracture. Their clothing should be such that it doesn’t get into their feet. If they need to use the washroom at night, make sure that they switch the light on before stepping out of bed. If possible, let a family member assist them.
SUPPORT: If your elders have difficulty in balance, it is advisable that they use some support (stick/walker) while walking.
FOOD: Take good calcium rich foods like milk and its products, banana, dry fruits, sesame (Til), Fenugreek (Methi)
VITAMIN D: This vitamin aids absorption of calcium from what you eat. It is available from strong sunlight (10 -11 am of present time) and fish liver oils. If you do not have adequate sunlight and you are a vegetarian, you should take Vitamin D supplements as well.
