Extra protein lowers hip fracture risk

Q: My grandmother, who is 82, just fractured her hip, and her doctor has suggested that she shouldn’t live on her own anymore. She’s pretty healthy otherwise. Is it really that serious?

Cheryl W., Cincinnati

A: Hip fracture is a major health risk for seniors — even though a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the incidence has declined by around 4% since 1970. The docs say that’s because of less smoking, less heavy drinking, a smarter lifestyle all around and, perhaps, the removal of lead from gasoline. Nonetheless, it still happens to 300,000 seniors a year — 75% women — often because of osteoporosis (brittle bones), frailty, poor vision, instability caused by medications and trip hazards such as area rugs.

It’s great that your grandmother is healthy, since one study found combining a hip fracture with a chronic disease ups the risk of death from the break by 42%.

That may be, in part, a result of persistent inactivity even after the fracture has healed, either from fear of another fall, from pain and agility problems, or from worsening of a chronic condition.

Regular physical activity and strength-building exercise slash the risk of disability and death and speed recovery. It’s vital to do prescribed physical therapy sessions and then continue doing the exercises at home. They are designed to restore balance, strength and confidence — the trifecta for recovery.

Post-break, it is also important to eat calcium-rich, dark, leafy greens, nonfat dairy and lean, healthy protein. One study found that hip fracture risk fell by 37% when protein intake increased from eating animal protein three times a week and by more than 60% when protein intake increased from eating legumes (once daily or more versus less than once weekly).

So, if your loved one has had a hip fracture, make sure she is getting the recommended nutritional support and physical activity, and let the doctors evaluate how safe it is for her to live alone.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Medical Officer at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute. Submit your health questions at www.doctoroz.com.