7 ways to prevent hip injuries

4. SET UP YOUR HOME TO AVOID FALLS One of the easiest ways to avoid falls is to set up your home so that you’re less likely to trip over cords, pets or rugs. Choksey suggests night-lights

to avoid tripping when going to the bathroom at night, decluttering to clear paths and being wary of rug edges. Also helpful: Make sure you get vision exams and hearing checkups. In

addition, watch out for unexpected beings or items in your path. For instance, Choksey has had patients come in because they’ve fallen as a result of tripping over their cat or dog. If you

have pets, watch carefully for where they are when you are walking through your home. Also, watch for where they may have placed their toys and treats. Develop an evening routine that

includes looking for and carefully putting away your pets’ toys at the end of the night. Creating a checklist for falls with your doctor or physical therapist that includes items you can

check off every day may help, too. For more tips on how to avoid falls at home, read AARP’s article on fall prevention. 5. VARY YOUR WORK AND HOBBY POSITIONS Exercise is great, but how you

move throughout the day also matters, says Enseki. When gardening, for example, vary your position to avoid putting too much strain on your body, he says. You may want to sit sometimes

instead of squatting, and try alternating which hand you’re using to dig or weed. If you’re sitting for long stretches while at work, Enseki recommends using a back support on your chair.

Make sure to get up when you can — at least once an hour — and walk around for a few minutes. Standing at a desk for a full eight-hour day may not be good for someone with knee or hip pain,

he says. Instead, work in a variety of positions. When watching television, the best position is sitting up straight with back support and your knees bent at 90 degrees, according to

Choksey. 6. CHECK YOUR VITAMIN D AND CALCIUM LEVELS Vitamin D and calcium are the most important nutrients for your bone health, Choskey says. Have your doctor check your levels via blood

tests to insure you are getting enough before you start taking supplements or make dietary changes. Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption, she says. However, too much vitamin D can

cause “nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, excessive urination and thirst, and kidney stones,” according to the National Institute of Health,

so be careful not to get more than the recommended amount.