Happy Bones, Happy Life

What should you do after an osteoporosis diagnosis? There is so much information online about bone health, and it can be overwhelming to figure out what is safe and what is necessary. In this episode, I'm joined by my longtime colleague and patient advocate Sally Fullman to answer some of the most common osteoporosis questions we hear from our community. 
We talk about where to start after an osteoporosis diagnosis, looking for root causes, and building the right care team. We also dive into calcium from food versus supplements, the types of calcium I prefer, what to know about strontium, and how to approach exercise safely and effectively for stronger bones.
We also cover weighted vests, posture, spinal movement, finding osteoporosis-trained physical therapists and exercise programs, and things to consider for people at higher fracture risk. 
I hope this conversation helps you feel less overwhelmed and more confident about the steps you can take to protect and improve your bone health.
 
"We don't often take the time to think about what's inside our bodies, our bones, because we don't see them. And yet they do help us achieve our dreams." ~ Sally Fullman, PhD
 
In this episode:
[00:00] - Introduction: how Sally became a patient advocate
[05:07] - Recommended first steps after an osteoporosis diagnosis
[08:38] - Calcium tracking via nutrition, high-oxalate food traps, and types of calcium supplements
[19:22] - The limited efficacy of weighted vests
[23:28] - Finding safe exercise programs and utilizing specialized physical therapists
[35:02] - Vetting social media fitness claims and finding reputable information 
[39:12] - When osteoporosis medications may be appropriate
[42:58] - Overcoming the fear of falling: tips on home safety improvements
[47:42] - Raising early preventive awareness for children and teens
 
Resources
- Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures - https://tinyurl.com/mybonehealthexercises
- Discounted Supplements at Margie's Fullscript Dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/supplementsforless 
- Hip Protectors - https://tinyurl.com/hipprotectors (Use coupon code HAPPYBONES for a 10% discount)
- Cronometer app - https://cronometer.com/
- Calcium content of food Sally mentioned from the International Osteoporosis Foundation - https://www.buildbetterbones.org/nutrition-and-diet
- BoneFitTM - https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/bonefit-usa/
- Learn About the Benefits of Exercises - https://www.buildbetterbones.org/exercises
- Find a Physical Therapist - https://www.choosept.com/
- The ONERO® Program - https://onero.academy/osteoporosis-exercises/
 
More about Margie
- Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ 
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ 
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en 
 
DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.
*In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

Could being happier actually be good for your bones? Happiness may seem unrelated to bone health, but research suggests there's a fascinating connection between our emotional well-being, stress, and physical health. 
In this conversation, I sit down with my mentor and one of the world's leading happiness experts, Marci Shimoff, to explore why happiness deserves a place in your bone-health journey and how you can become happier, even when life gets difficult.
Marci is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have sold more than 16 million copies worldwide, and her work has profoundly influenced the way I teach happiness. She shares her powerful "inner home for happiness" framework and gives us simple practices we can start using right away. 
You'll learn her sunning meditation, the Inner Ease technique, and one simple question that can help you practice more self-love every day. We also talk about finding peace and happiness during grief, illness, and other difficult seasons of life.
 
"Happy for no reason means that you have an inner state of peace and well-being that doesn't depend on your circumstances." ~ Marci Shimoff
 
In this episode:
- [02:39] - The health benefits of happiness
- [04:46] - Marci's journey from depression to happiness
- [10:39] - Your happiness set point and its significance
- [13:02] - The seven areas of your inner home for happiness
- [18:08] - Finding happiness during grief and difficult times
- [23:09] - The sunning meditation
- [24:50] - The Inner Ease technique
- [29:11] - A simple question to ask yourself today
- [30:26] - Why happiness isn't selfish
- [32:33] - The Happy for No Reason workbook and Living in the Miracle Zone
- [34:17] - Margie's Happy Me, Happy Life class
 
Resources
- Discounted Supplements at Margie's Fullscript Dispensary (There is a Labor Day Supplement Sale from September 7-9, 2026) - https://tinyurl.com/supplementsforless
- Marci Shimoff's free gift (Happy for No Reason Workbook) - http://happyfornoreason.com/workbook 
- Marci's podcast (Living in the Miracle Zone) - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCmNObyOx_1ADDQ1u4Rl93WjFqMiDvNC0 
- Margie's membership that includes monthly happiness class - Happy Bones Club - $29/month - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/bones-club 
- Margie's Happiness Program - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/happy-me-happy-life-evergreen-program (use coupon code HAPPY2026 for a $100 discount)
 
More about Margie
- Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ 
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ 
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en 
 
DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.
*In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

What if osteoporosis and heart disease have more in common than we realize? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Keith McCormick, a leading osteoporosis expert and author of Great Bones, to explore the shared roots of bone loss and cardiovascular disease. We dive into why these two conditions can appear together and what your bloodwork may reveal about what is happening beneath the surface.
Dr. McCormick takes us beyond the standard lab panel and explains why looking at patterns, trends, and hidden correlations matters when trying to understand the root causes of bone loss. We also talk about homocysteine and why this relatively simple test can provide important information about both bone and cardiovascular health.
This conversation is a great reminder that bone health doesn't exist in isolation. Our bones, blood vessels, metabolism, inflammation, and overall health are interconnected. Understanding those connections can give us more information and more opportunities to take proactive steps toward stronger bones and better health.
 
"Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease can be comorbidities. You need to stand up for your health and speak with your doctor about these things, and ask for good testing." ~ Dr. Keith McCormick
 
In this episode:
[00:00] - Introduction and Dr. McCormick's experience living with osteoporosis
[07:32] - The connection between osteoporosis and cardiovascular health
[12:15] - MTHFR and homocysteine: why they matter 
[28:06] - The deeper lab testing approach
[29:09] - Jane's case: severe osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease
[35:38] - The RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway connecting bones and blood vessels
[39:03] - Other labs to look at for bone and cardiovascular health
[42:20] - Inflammation, metabolism, and cardiovascular risk
[44:10] - Gut-bone-cardiovascular axis 
[48:14] - Sample treatment plan to support bone and cardiovascular health
[53:55] - Advocating for your health and asking for the right tests
 
Resources
- Dr. McCormick's website - https://greatbonesconsulting.com/consultation/ 
- Margie's Strong Bones for Life Free Class on September 8 at 12:00 pm EDT - https://tinyurl.com/strongbonesclass -
- Osteoporosis Exercises - https://tinyurl.com/bonehealthexercises 
- Discounted Supplements at Margie's Fullscript Dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/supplementsforless
 
More about Margie
- Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ 
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ 
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en 
 
DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.
*In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

Many people with osteoporosis focus on strength training but overlook another key piece of the puzzle: mobility. Today's guest explains why staying flexible, balanced, and confident in your movement is essential for stronger, healthier aging.
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Justine Bernard, a physical therapist, Master Trainer of the Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis movement methods, and creator of the Gyrotonic Exercise Applications for Osteoporosis course.
Justine shares how Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis can be adapted for people with osteoporosis, combining mindful movement, breath, resistance, and functional mobility.  She reminds us that the goal is to learn how to move better, and demonstrates how these methods can support posture, balance, body awareness, and safe movement while also complementing traditional resistance training.
Whether you're trying to get back to activities you love, improve your confidence with movement, or simply maintain your independence, this episode will give you practical tools to move better and feel stronger.
 
"Bones are actually intelligent, and they heal quickly, but tendons take forever...So, slow and steady. This is a lifelong journey. Take your time and progress slowly. You'll get there." ~ Dr. Justine Bernard
 
In this episode:
- [02:49] - Understanding Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis movement methods
- [06:04] - How osteoporosis exercise has evolved beyond fear of movement
- [09:10] - Adapting Gyrotonic methods for osteoporosis
- [14:41] - Using resistance and movement to improve mobility safely
- [18:02] - Training balance, hip mobility, and getting on and off the floor
- [26:15] - Avoiding injury: why too much too soon can backfire
- [30:36] - Breathing, pelvic floor, and safe movement foundations
- [37:43] - Why individualized physical therapy can change lives
- [39:11] - Client transformation stories
 
Resources
- Justine's class with Margie on August 27 at 12:00 pm EDT - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/flexible-for-life-moving-freely-and-safely-on-demand-class 
- Justine's website - https://elementscenter.com/physical-therapists-2/
- Margie's Strong Bones for Life Free Class on September 8 at 12:00 pm EDT - https://tinyurl.com/strongbonesclass -
- Discounted Supplements at Margie's Fullscript Dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/supplementsforless
 
More about Margie
- Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ 
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ 
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en 
 
DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.
*In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

For so many people, the thought of memory loss or cognitive decline feels frightening. But today's guest shares an empowering message: there is so much we can do through our daily choices to support brain health and reduce risk.
I'm joined by Dr. David Perlmutter, board-certified neurologist, leading brain health expert, and bestselling author of Brain Defenders, to discuss what we can do today to protect our brains as we age. 
We explore the important shift in how we understand brain health, looking at the bigger picture of immunometabolism, metabolic health, inflammation, and the environment that influences the brain long before symptoms appear. Dr. Perlmutter explains why habits that support the entire body, including blood sugar balance and reduced inflammation, can also support cognitive health. 
He also shares exciting areas of research and reminds us that even small changes can create meaningful improvements over time. Just like we can take steps to support our bones, we can also support our brains through the choices we make every day.
 
"Your brain's destiny is in your hands. It's based upon the choices that you are going to make every single day. A cure for dementia is not going to be given to you in the form of a medication." ~ Dr. David Perlmutter
 
In this episode:
- [03:22] - The new science of brain health and immunometabolism
- [11:19] - Metabolic health and its impact on cognitive decline
- [17:26] - Blood sugar, insulin resistance, and brain health
- [28:35] - How to protect your brain as you age
- [31:37] - Lab tests for proactive brain health
- [39:15] - Environmental toxins, plastics, and brain health
- [45:26] - Emerging therapies and the future of brain protection
- [52:08] - Resources from Dr. Perlmutter
 
Resources
- Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures - https://tinyurl.com/mystrongbonesexercises
- Dr. Perlmutter's new book, Brain Defenders - https://drperlmutter.com/books/brain-defenders/
- Dr. Perlmutter's website - https://drperlmutter.com/
 
More about Margie
- Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ 
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ 
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en 
 
DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.
*In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.