You’ve probably heard how a hip fracture can change your life in the blink of an eye. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 people pass away within a year of fracturing a hip
The International Osteoporosis Foundation reports more bleak numbers: 40% of hip fracture patients can no longer walk without help; a full 60% require assistance within a year, and 1 in 3 lose their independence and end up in an assisted living facility by year’s end.
Yet the largest study of its kind shows any fracture after age 45 can mean the worst…
Scary Link Between Fractures and Fatality
Researchers at the University of Sydney’s Kolling Institute of Bone and Joint Research discovered an unsettling truth. They followed 238,673 people aged 45+ with an average age of 63, and they surveyed these folks between 2006 and 2013.
Here’s what the lead researcher Dr. Lyn March and her team discovered…
15.7 men died for every 1,000 person-years in the study. And 7.9 women died in every 1,000 person-years. (1,000 “person-years” is a common measurement in a study of this size to show the frequency of some event.)
But that’s not the surprising part. This is: The death rate more than doubled in the people who first fractured a bone! In this case, 33 men and 19 women died for every 1,000 person-years!
Now, you might think hip fractures were responsible for most of these fatalities. But the researchers found all fractures (aside from fingers and toes) increased subjects’ risk of dying.
Dr. March said it best herself:
“Common fractures like spinal fractures that cause older people to stoop over, arm, collarbone and wrist fractures from a simple fall, or pelvic fractures from a trip on the stairs or a slip on the ice all increase the risk of the sufferer dying in the next few years.”
As you can see, fragile bones are often a precursor to bigger problems. In fact, low bone density is responsible for 1 in every 3 fall-related deaths!
This isn’t overly surprising… I mean, your bones are literally the foundation that keeps you together! So weak bones can’t withstand daily strains like walking, jogging, or even falling like healthy bones can.
2 Simple Ways To Protect Yourself
So what’s the best thing to do to support your foundation? Well, strengthening it of course.
The first way to protect yourself is by exercising to keep your bones strong and healthy! Follow this link for a comprehensive list of bone-strengthening exercises.
And you can do more than exercise to protect yourself too. The second action you can take is going through this Fall Prevention Checklist to make sure your environment is as safe as possible.
Keep safe, keep strong, and be good to your bones!
By Dean Neuls
Dean Neuls is the Co-Founder and CEO of AlgaeCal. He is a natural health author and student of bone health science who is passionate about helping people & bettering lives.
