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HomeBone and DentalPadded Underwear Prevents Fractures in Elderly

Padded Underwear Prevents Fractures in Elderly

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

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