Hip to Be Healthy

Twist. Walk. Jump. Sit.

No matter what you’re doing, your hips help you do it. That’s because your hips play a role in almost every move you make, so they need to be protected and kept flexible. Do just that with these tips:

1. Trim down. Extra weight means added pressure on your joints, including your hips. By reducing your waistline, you lower the stress your hips handle on a daily basis.
2. Exercise. Want some hip reasons to exercise? Weight-bearing exercises help you maintain bone density, while balance exercises help you stay on your feet and prevent hip-fracturing falls.
3. Medicate wisely. Certain medications can cause dizziness, which leads to falls. Ask your doctor if your medication puts you at risk for dizziness. You may also want to ask about a vitamin D supplement for an added boost of hip protection.
4. Check your eyes. Bumps and falls can cause major damage to your hips. Have your eyes checked to prevent an accident.

If you’re beginning to experience hip pain, your primary care physician or an orthopedic specialist can help.