Which of the following is recommended for hip fracture prevention?

• A. Weight-bearing exercise
• B. Smoking cigarettes
• C. High-sodium diet
• D. Prolonged bed rest

Answer: (A)

Weight-bearing exercise strengthens bones and improves balance, which directly reduces the risk of hip fractures. When the body carries weight through activities like walking, stair climbing, or light resistance training, bones respond by increasing bone mineral density and becoming denser. This not only makes the hip bones more resistant to fracture but also improves muscle strength and coordination, lowering the chance of falls that can lead to hip injuries.

Smoking cigarettes is linked to lower bone density and slower healing, increasing fracture risk. A high-sodium diet can cause more calcium to be excreted in the urine, which over time may weaken bones. Prolonged bed rest leads to disuse osteoporosis, with loss of muscle mass and bone density due to inactivity, again raising the risk of fractures. So the best option for prevention is engaging in weight-bearing exercise.