Health Tips for August 27

Health Tip: Who's at Greater Risk of Hip Fracture?

A hip fracture can be a very serious injury. People who break a hip are up to 18 percent more likely to die within a year that other people their age, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says.

While some factors are beyond your control, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. The academy offers this list of things that increase your risk of hip fracture:

• Being 65 or older.
• Being female.
• Having a family history of fractures in older age, especially for Asians and whites.
• Having a slender, slim body type.
• Not getting enough dietary calcium.
• Drinking too much alcohol or smoking.
• Having impaired eyesight, arthritis or poor balance.
• Taking certain medications that may make you dizzy or weak.
• Having some forms of dementia.

Health Tip: Protecting a New Hip

A hip replacement needs time to heal after surgery. And while you may be anxious to get back to a normal life, it's important to take it easy for a while.

Your doctor will tell you what you should and shouldn't do after surgery. But the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these general suggestions:

• For at least eight weeks after the surgery, avoid sitting with your legs crossed at the knees.
• Don't lift your knee above the level of your hip.
• When seated, avoid leaning forward -- such as to pick something up off the floor.
• When bending down, keep your feet straight. Avoid pointing them to the inside or outside.
• When in bed, avoid reaching down to grab the sheet or blanket.
• Don't stand with toes pointed toward each other.
• Don't bend at the waist at more than a 90-degree angle.
• Just because a certain movement doesn't hurt doesn't mean it's safe. Pain isn't the only indicator of what you should or shouldn't do.