Tag Archives: active lifestyle

Preventing Bone Fractures: 5 Good Tips To Keep You Safe

Preventing Bone Fractures: 5 Good Tips to Keep You Safe

Many of us have fallen and broken a bone at some point or another in our lives, or we know someone that has. So we’re all well aware of just how easy it is to fracture a bone. Accidents happen all of the time and when these accidents result in a bone fracture, the road to recovery can be a long one. A visit to an orthopaedic doctor and possibly even surgery may be required. Not to mention, these injuries often require additional treatment after cast removal, such as physical therapy.

It goes without saying, bone fracture prevention is important for many reasons regardless of a person’s age. However, as a person ages, bone fractures become more serious situations and are also more likely to happen. For example, hip fracture rates increase exponentially with age and a hip fracture can lead to serious health problems. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “Among adults 65 and older, fragility fractures are the primary cause of hospitalization or death”.

The Bone Fracture and Osteoporosis Connection

Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease involving the gradual loss of bone tissue as a person ages. This reduction in bone density makes the bones extremely fragile. The fragility of the bones causes them to break more easily, which is why people with osteoporosis need to be extra careful in the prevention of bone fractures. If a person with undiagnosed osteoporosis were to break a bone, the situation is even more dangerous.

So how do you avoid bone fractures? The key is proper prevention.

5 Bone Fracture Prevention Tips:

  • Eat Healthy:  Keep your bones fit with a healthy diet. I’m sure when you think of a nutritious diet for bone health the first thought that comes to mind is Calcium. But, calcium is actually not the only important nutrient needed for bone health. Vitamin D and Vitamin K are important as well.
  • Exercise:  Exercising regularly will strengthen your muscles and improve balance, which will make you stronger and help you to avoid falls.
  • Fall Proof Your Home:  As we get older, our vision begins to fail us; this can lead to falls. Keep your home well-lit, so you can better see where you’re going and decrease your chance of falling. Keep rooms clutter free of things that you could easily trip over, avoid slippery floors by putting down runners or carpeting, install handrails where needed, and avoid slips in the shower or bathtub with a rubber mat.
  • Take Care of Your Health:  If you have health conditions that require attention, make sure that you’re taking care of yourself. Treating medical conditions keeps you strong and healthy, so that you’re in good physical shape. Ignoring medical conditions makes you weak and therefore more susceptible to falls.
  • Medications:  Certain medications can increase your chances of falling due to side effects that affect your balance. Talk to your doctor about any balance issues as well as your fears of falling and resulting bone fractures.

Think you are at risk for osteoporosis? Take the “Are You At Risk” Quiz

Call AOC to schedule a bone density test today to find out if you may be at risk for Osteoporosis, 251.410.3600

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Why Your Orthopaedic Physician Cares About What You Eat

 

Portrait of a pretty young girl enjoying a swim on a hot day looking at you

Orthopaedic Surgeons do more than fix broken bones. We also help people decrease the aches and pains that are part of life.  We know that what you EAT has a big effect on how you feel.

Overeating and obesity have the obvious effect of adding stress to joints resulting in arthritis and pain at an early age. The rate of obesity has more than doubled since 1980. Poor diets and obesity are also linked to Type II Diabetes. Diabetes results in damage to both nerves and blood vessels. This damage not only can be painful, but also hinders the body’s ability to heal and can even result in amputations or other painful disabilities.

Various foods have different effects on the body. Some help decrease inflammation and pain. Some can help us to metabolize fat and lose weight.

As Orthopaedic Surgeons, we see the problems that result from bad eating habits. We realize that most people don’t know enough about what makes up a healthy diet. We also know that this is not our area of expertise. That is why we are happy to partner with The Delicious Dietitian. Since 2011, they have offered a FREE Wellness program for our patients.

To see how proper nutrition can Take A Bite Out Of Arthritis, join us at our July 10th wellness program nutrition seminar.

At the Delicious Dietician, they teach people about healthy foods and portions. They can help with proper diets for individual health problems. They can also teach you how to buy the best foods on a budget.

Healthy eating is a choice that impacts how we feel for the rest of our lives.  At AOC, we know that healthy people are more productive. We encourage our employees to improve their health and happiness by working with The Delicious Dietician.

 

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