Inspiration

The Fonda Factor

Did you know that Jane Fonda has had hip replacement surgery? She was 67. As a former leg warmer-wearing aerobics instructor myself, I felt comforted by the information – but I was 43, not 67.

I felt less alone in the titanium world when I discovered that Prince had hip replacement at age 49. Toss in tennis legend Jimmy Connors. He was back on the courts six weeks after the operation.

Add Mary Lou Retton and Tony Award winning dancer BeBe Neuwirth (Remember her? She played Lilith on Cheers.). Neuwith had both hips replaced. Did I mention Martha Stewart? She had her hip replaced too.

I feel more mainstream now. A new joint could become the plastic surgery of the century!

The relatively new trend of younger adults having this radical surgery is closely correlated to the aging baby boomers who have been sweating and exercising their entire lifetime. My parent’s generation was different – they looked down on exercise.

Running for fun almost seemed unheard of until Forrest Gump invented the sport in 1970 or thereabouts. (I wonder how Tom Hanks’ pelvis is holding up?)

We are the first aging jock population - or what I prefer to call the Baby Zoomers. We are unwilling to take an antiquated doctor’s advice to wait as long as possible with a painful hip because a new joint won’t last the duration of a younger person’s lifetime. It just isn’t true.

A deteriorated hip socket causes excruciating pain. I used to think people limping were just walking a little off center. Now I know from personal experience and hobbling around for two years that when someone limps, they are HURTING BADLY. The inability to bear weight on your leg is crippling.

Hip replacement surgery has become state of the art and the device installed is no different. It’s able to endure more wear and tear. Us aging athletes can get back to what we love: living our active lifestyle to the hilt without limping or whining.

I am thankful every morning when I first throw my bedcovers back that my day won’t be ruined by the pain of putting my foot on the floor just to go to the bathroom.

Hey. Now I have something in common with Prince besides high heels. Bring it on.

DIET TIP FOR HIP HEALTH

Maintaining a low body weight is vital for the joints of the lower body.For every extra pound of body weight you carry, your hip and knee joints have five times the impact. That means that five extra pounds adds 25 pounds of impact every time you take a step.

DE-STRESS TIP FOR HIP HEALTH

Struggling with hip pain? Try this deep breathing technique. Inhale to a slow count of six and exhale the same length. Do this six times. Try it now! (If it is hard for you to inhale six counts, you really need this. Don't worry if you get dizzy. That's just more oxygen getting to your brain. Long, slow breathing lowers your blood pressure by twenty points, which helps the body relax any areas of holding or tightness. It also triggers those feel good hormones like endorphin.

TIPS FOR TIGHT HIPS

Ever heard of a foam roller? This three foot long styrofoam tool that you use on your body like a rolling pin to release tight muscles and relieve body aches. This technique give a deep tissue release that is instantaneous and since you roll at your own speed of comfort, it's better than a deep tissue massage!