No matter how you feel about your hips, they're an important part of living the healthy, active life you deserve. To show you what we mean, we've put together some information to show you why preventing hip fracture is so important -- and how Os-Cal can make all the difference.

What is a hip fracture?

Usually when you hear someone talk about a broken hip, they're referring to a break near the top of the thighbone. The thighbone curves at the top to meet the hip socket, and can be a point of weakness -- especially if you haven't been getting enough calcium or Vitamin D.

How serious is a hip fracture?

Incredibly serious. A broken hip severely limits your mobility and well-being in the short term, and hip fracture can have powerful effects on your long-term health, as well. In fact, only 1 in 4 women with a broken hip make a full recovery, and one out of two will require the use of a cane or walker. But this is the most shocking statistic: one out of four women over fifty who break their hip die within one year. That's why preventing hip fracture is vitally important to anyone who wants to live a healthy; active life.

What is your risk of fracture?

Some people are at higher risk of breaking a hip or other bones because of their medical history or lifestyle.

For example, certain prescription medications can weaken bones, putting you at increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture. Many other factors, from having type 2 diabetes or a lower body mass index (BMI) to smoking, can make you more vulnerable to fracture.

Understanding your own personal risk for fracture is a crucial step in trying to prevent them. On this site, you'll find tools for assessing your risk factors and calculating your level of risk. Use those tools, along with our printable "Bone Health Q&A" questionnaire, to ask your doctor what else you can do to protect your bones.

How do you prevent hip fracture?

The steps you can take to reduce your risk of hip fracture fall into two categories.

Step one is to build and keep your bones strong - that’s where Os-Cal makes a difference. Our calcium + Vitamin D products give your bones the calcium they need – plus Vitamin D so your body can absorb the calcium. If you have osteoporosis, your doctor may prescribe special medications to help protect your bones, including bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates such as Boniva, Fosamax and Actonel prevent your body from drawing on your bones for the calcium it needs. These medications do not eliminate the need for calcium or vitamin D supplementation, though. In fact, taking Os-Cal can make these medications more effective.

Step two is to avoid falls. And that’s another way that Os-Cal 500 + D can help. Not only is Vitamin D essential for calcium absorption, it plays an important role in keeping your muscles active and strong. And some studies have shown that getting enough Vitamin D can also help you prevent falls.

You can also avoid falls by playing it safe. Take a look at our "Fall Prevention Checklist" of tips for keeping your living and working space "fall proof" so that you can stay fracture-free.

And another important way you can prevent falls is by maintaining your strength and balance through exercise -- especially weight-bearing exercise. Weight-bearing exercises include walking, jogging, dancing or even gardening. Remember, if you haven't already made exercise a part of your daily routine yet, talk to your doctor before you do.