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Posted on Sep 25, 2002, 1 p.m.
By Bill Freeman
Hip fractures are one of the major causes of disability in the elderly, thus scientists have been investigating ways to prevent them for some time. A lot of research has focused upon the role of vitamin-D, calcium, and drugs to treat or prevent the disease osteoporosis, however, results of a recent study suggest that one of the best ways to prevent hip fractures - is to wear padded underwear.
Hip fractures are one of the major causes of disability in the elderly, thus scientists have been investigating ways to prevent them for some time. A lot of research has focused upon the role of vitamin-D, calcium, and drugs to treat or prevent the disease osteoporosis, however, results of a recent study suggest that one of the best ways to prevent hip fractures - is to wear padded underwear. The two-year study of 1,800 elderly patients found that those who wore underwear which had padded shields at the hips, were 60% less likely to break a hipbone than those who did not wear the padded undergarments. The researchers stated that the main drawback of hip protectors is getting people to wear them - nearly one third of the study participants refused to wear the protective underwear.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: The New England Journal of Medicine 2000; 343:1506-1513
