Spring – The Most Dangerous Season
Spring is here. The birds are singing. Soon flowers will be blooming. All the world is coming to life. And more hips will be breaking.
32% of all hip fractures (nearly 1/3) occur in Spring! Nearly 1/3 of hip fractures over 70 are in men. And nearly 1/3 of those men die within months from medical complications initiated by their hip fractures. Dangerous!
What can we do to avoid those fractures? Decrease Fracture Risk! How? Do the following:
It is March; this is Iowa; almost 90% of persons not on major doses of Vitamin D3 are low. (By late September that falls to less than 60% that are low.) Remember that if you have a low Vitamin D level, you cannot absorb enough of the Calcium you consume in food and/or supplements. Take extra Vitamin D3.
Remember that while Calcium Citrate is always absorbable, Calcium Carbonate often is not. Remember that you need enough Magnesium to absorb Calcium. A Senior Multiple Vitamins & Minerals has enough Magnesium for those of us over age 50, and lots of other good stuff too.
Protein is a big deal, especially over age 60, when our protein needs actually increase. 80% of bone and 90% of muscle are protein. Regular exercises, including Balance Exercises, are necessary to Prevent Falls.
If you do not already know the quality (as well as density) of your bones, get a Complete Bone Health Evaluation. Identify your opportunities for improvement.
Take Control Naturally with proper nutrition and exercises.
Jay Ginther, MD