Happy Bones, Happy Life

Did you know that there are simple habits, posture strategies, and exercises that can protect your bones for life? In this episode, I'm joined by Penny Shure, an osteoporosis exercise specialist and creator of the Million Dollar Bones program and book, to share practical habits for stronger bones at any age. Penny has trained in Pilates and dance and brings a fun, engaging approach to movement that works for everyone–from teens to grandparents.
Penny also teaches the importance of neutral pelvis, hip hinging, and posture to prevent fractures and maintain mobility. She walks through simple exercises for wrists, hips, and toes that can be integrated into your daily routine to improve balance and bone strength.
You'll understand how small, consistent changes can compound over time to protect your bones, enhance mobility, and set your family up for long-term bone health.
 
"Younger generations deserve to know that they have the power to prevent this disease (osteoporosis)." ~ Penny Shure
 
In this episode:
[01:56] - Daily habits to support bone health
[05:18] - How to overcome negative self-talk
[15:02] - Posture and text neck: risks of slouching
[19:08] - Understanding pelvis alignment and hip hinging
[29:12] - Exercises to strengthen your wrists
[31:46] - The inspiration for Million Dollar Bones
[37:16] - How drinking soda affects your bones
[39:55] - Teaching the next generation: prevention and education
[43:44] - Toe spacers and foot mobility for stability
 
Resources
- Penny's three exercise videos - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/penny-shure 
- Order Penny's book Million Dollar Bones here - https://www.pennyshure.com/ 
- Book an Online Private Session (Use the coupon code LOVE42 for a $42.00 discount on one session only - https://www.pennyshure.com/ 
- Dance for Strong Bones - https://happyboneshappylife.com/dance-for-strong-bones-on-demand
- Gentle Pilates and Tap Dancing for Bone Health - https://happyboneshappylife.com/gentle-pilates-tap-dancing-for-bone-health-replay
- Get quality supplements from Margie's Fullscript Dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/paylesssupplements
 
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.

New probiotic strains may hold the key to better gut health, stronger bones, and even longevity. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Oscar Coetzee, a recognized expert in psychology, human nutrition, and metabolic health, to discuss the latest research on probiotics and bone health. 
We explore why traditional probiotics may not always provide lasting results and how new strains are designed to target root causes of inflammation, optimize gut balance, and support calcium metabolism. 
We also cover practical tips for implementing probiotics safely, including guidance on timing, dosage, and considerations for people with SIBO, thyroid medication, or other conditions. Plus, we discuss the impact of gluten sensitivity on inflammation and bone health, emphasizing holistic lifestyle approaches.
Today's conversation is to help you understand the emerging science behind probiotics and why your gut matters for bone health.
 
"Our guts and the intelligence of these microbes far exceed anything that we have in our brains. They are literally intellectual to the point that they can resurrect life." ~ Dr. Oscar Coetzee, MS, DCN
 
In this episode:
[00:00] - Introduction: Probiotics and emerging research on bone health
[04:45] - Why probiotics do not always deliver desired outcomes
[06:02] - Two types of gut bacteria and what they do
[11:07] - Scientific breakthrough: supplement form of anaerobic probiotic strains
[22:11] - A better way to treat microbial imbalances
[24:27] - Why gut health is critical for bone health and longevity
[27:25] - The link between probiotics and mental health
[33:35] - Best practices for taking probiotics: timing and combination
[41:30] - New probiotic strains for improved outcomes
[52:34] - Considerations for SIBO and thyroid medication users
[1:00:33] - What this research means for your bone health
 
Resources
- Get quality supplements from Margie's Fullscript Dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/paylesssupplements (Here are the 3 supplements Dr. Oscar talked about that can be ordered on Fullscript: Complete Commensal Probiotic™, Akkermansia Pro GLP-1 Probiotic™, and Anaerostipes Probiotic - all from Designs for Health)
- Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures (video series) - https://tinyurl.com/strongerbonesexercises
 
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.

Can you reverse osteoporosis naturally? This is one of the most common questions I get asked. Today, I'm joined by Dr. Kim Millman as we explore what's truly possible when it comes to bone health. Together, we share what we've seen in clinical practice, what's realistic, and how to set proper expectations when it comes to improving bone density.
We discuss how natural therapies like bioidentical hormones, weight training, and root-cause interventions can meaningfully improve bone health over time. We walk through real case studies, including women who improved bone density through hormone optimization, structured strength training, and correction of underlying issues like hyperparathyroidism. These cases highlight how addressing the root cause can dramatically change outcomes.
This conversation reinforces something I deeply believe: With the right approach, many people can improve bone density, stabilize loss, and significantly reduce fracture risk.
 
"Medications should be used as a short-term bridge, while we simultaneously work on stabilizing the root causes of bone loss." ~ Dr. Kim Millman
 
In this episode:
- [03:46] - Extent, timeline, and monitoring results of various therapies
- [07:19] - Three pillars of natural bone building therapies
- [08:55] - Case study: hormone therapy and spine improvement
- [16:50] - Trabecular bone score (bone quality vs density)
- [17:47] - Case study: weight training + hormone synergy
- [27:17] - Hyperparathyroidism: a hidden driver of bone loss
- [37:01] - Root causes of bone loss
- [38:09] - When medication becomes necessary in an integrative plan
- [45:01] - Restore & Rebuild program and practical next steps
 
Resources
- Get quality supplements from Margie's Fullscript Dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/paylesssupplements
- Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures (video series) - https://tinyurl.com/strongerbonesexercises
- Dr. Millman's Class: Restore & Rebuild: 100 Days to Healthier Bones (next class starts August 15th) - https://themillmanclinic.com/randr (Use coupon code  HAPPYF26100 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.

Many listeners ask whether foods like spinach, nuts, and beans could be affecting their calcium absorption and overall bone strength. Learn what's in these foods, how they work, and what you can do to reduce risk. 
In this episode, I share a masterclass recording from Dr. Kim Millman, a Stanford, UCSF, and USC-trained integrative medicine physician and osteoporosis expert, to explore the role of oxalates and their impact on bone health. 
We also cover strategies to reduce oxalate impact safely, including boiling, steaming, soaking, fermenting, and pairing high-oxalate foods with calcium-rich foods. We discuss how supplements like calcium citrate and probiotics such as ProbioMed 50 can support mineral balance and oxalate clearance. Dr. Millman also highlights the importance of a healthy gut and bile flow to reduce oxalate absorption.
I love how this conversation blends practical, evidence-based strategies with real-world applications, empowering listeners to take control of their nutrition, support calcium absorption, and protect their bones effectively.

 
"Oxalates are not necessarily a problem for everyone. It's not as if I'm saying that anyone with bone disease has a problem with oxalates. But it's something to be on your radar." ~ Dr. Kim Millman
 
In this episode:
- [03:33] - Oxalates and why they matter
- [05:54] - Symptoms from high oxalate intake
- [11:52] - Top foods that contain high oxalate levels
- [14:54] - Soluble vs. insoluble oxalates and absorption factors
- [16:51] - Gut bacteria, probiotics, and oxalate metabolism
- [25:02] - Testing options available 
- [26:18] - How to know if you have an oxalate problem
- [29:09] - Dietary strategies to reduce oxalates safely
- [32:27] - Tips for managing oxalate intake for better bone health
- [35:17] - Possible benefits of removing oxalates 
- [40:01] - Bile flow and oxalate absorption
 
Resources
- Dr. Millman's Class: Restore & Rebuild: 100 Days to Healthier Bones (next class starts August 15th) - https://themillmanclinic.com/randr (Use coupon code  HAPPYF26100 for a $100 discount)
- Oxalate resources from Dr. Millman - https://themillmanclinic.com/oxalates?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=oxalates_podcast 
- Get quality supplements from Margie's Fullscript Dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/paylesssupplements
- Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures (video series) - https://tinyurl.com/strongerbonesexercises
 
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.

Are you wondering what's new in osteoporosis research for 2026? In this episode, I'm joined by my husband, Dr. Craig Bissinger, as we review the most exciting osteoporosis updates from 2026. We share insights from the Interdisciplinary Symposium on Osteoporosis in Washington, DC, covering everything from new medications and bone-building drugs to the latest research on estrogen therapy and early screening strategies.
We discuss the FDA's new endpoint for drug approval, which could speed up the availability of new medications like the oral version of Forteo. We also review the removal of the estrogen black box warning, showing that for many women, the benefits outweigh the risks, especially for those under 60 or within 10 years of menopause. We also dive into bone turnover markers that track bone building and breakdown in real time, helping you see progress in months rather than years.
Finally, we discuss new screening guidelines, early detection for women, and the importance of interdisciplinary care. Tune in to learn how you can be proactive in protecting and strengthening your bones.
 
"By changing the criteria for assessing the quality of the drug, they've chosen a different parameter, which is the Bone Mineral Density [BMD]...You're going to have a much more rapid evaluation, and henceforth new drugs will be able to come to the market earlier." ~ Dr. Craig Bissinger 
 
In this episode:
- [01:23] - FDA approves total hip BMD as endpoint for drug trials
- [01:57] - Oral Forteo: First pill version of anabolic drug
- [04:29] - Removal of estrogen black box warning and implications
- [10:16] - Estrogen for bone health, heart, and colon protection
- [11:36] - Short-course anabolic therapy vs. maintenance therapy
- [16:35] - Importance of medication sequencing
- [24:30] - Bone turnover markers for monitoring progress
- [32:04] - New screening guidelines for women
- [37:55] - Bone medication and cardiovascular risk
- [40:07] - The use of AI in diagnostics
- [43:18] - Interdisciplinary care and referrals to physical therapy
 
Resources
- Get quality supplements from Margie's Fullscript Dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/paylesssupplements
- Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures (video series) - https://tinyurl.com/strongerbonesexercises
 
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.