Walk Your Dog and Save a Hip

Did you know that one in every three women and one in every 5 men over age 50 will develop a fracture due to bone thinning or osteoporosis? Fractures most commonly affect the spine, arm, and hip. To put this into perspective, a woman’s risk of a hip fracture is higher than her risk of getting breast cancer! One in every nine women develops breast cancer, but one in every six will have a hip fracture!

And hip fractures are a BIG DEAL! After a hip fracture, 10 to 20 percent of people have to go into a nursing home. And after you’ve had a hip fracture, your risk of dying increases by 20 to 25 percent.

Where does Fido fit in? A new study soon to be published in the journal Osteoporosis International linked walking with improved hip health. In this study, 875 adults between 50 and 80 years old were followed for about 2 and a half years. At the start of the study, people who walked more had stronger hips, as shown by bone mineral density testing. Over time, those who walked more loss less bone mass in the hips than those walking less — showing that their bones stayed stronger over time. While this study did not record the occurrence of hip fractures, the authors speculated that fracture risk would likely be reduced among those walking more — those with stronger hip bones. Furthermore, while most studies have looked at exercise and hip density only in women, this study showed this important link also occurs in men.

So get the facts on osteoporosis and hip fractures at the International Osteoporosis Foundation website. Then whistle for Fido, hook on his leash, and head out for a brisk daily walk. Walking today will help strengthen your hips and help keep you walking for many years to come!