October 14, 2008

Health Tip: After a Hip Replacement

(HealthDay News) -- Having a hip replaced involves major surgery, and you should lighten your activity load for as long as your doctor recommends.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions to help make your recovery easier:

• Keep items that you use often within close reach, so you won't have to stretch or bend for them.
• Arrange your furniture to accommodate your walker or crutches, and make your primary room doesn't require climbing stairs.
• Get a taller-than-average chair with a firmly padded seat. Low, soft seats will be less comfortable.
• Pick up any rugs that may cause you to slip, and make sure electrical cords are safely secured and out of the way.
• In the bathroom, use a shower chair, a grab bar and a raised toilet seat.
• Create an area with all of your medications, a phone, remote control, water and anything else you may need within reach.
• Use devices that will prevent you from having to reach, such as a long-handled shoehorn, a long-handled sponge, and a grabbing tool.

-- Diana Kohnle

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