August 26, 2009

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

(HealthDay News) -- 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.

-- Diana Kohnle

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