Happy Bones, Happy Life

🎉 It's my birthday week, and I'm celebrating with you! Enjoy extra savings on my Fullscript shop November 11–14: https://us.fullscript.com/s/mbissinger/shop  If you have arthritis or ongoing joint pain, you may find yourself avoiding exercise because movement hurts. But when you also have osteoporosis, becoming less active can create another challenge: maintaining strong bones, muscles, and balance. The good news? There are many ways to support joint health and keep moving. In this episode, I'm sharing an interview with Dr. Micah Yu from my last Natural Approaches to Osteoporosis and Bone Health Summit. Dr. Yu is an integrative rheumatologist who understands arthritis from both a professional and personal perspective.  We explore the differences between osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis, how inflammation and certain medications may affect bone health, and natural approaches that may help ease joint discomfort. We also discuss anti-inflammatory nutrition, the gut-joint connection, supplements, red light therapy, and exercises that can help you stay strong, even when movement feels challenging. If you're living with arthritis and osteoporosis, this conversation offers practical ideas to explore options to help you keep moving and supporting your health.   "All the food you're eating is talking to your immune system every day. You just don't know it, you don't feel it. But you will feel it once you get joint pain." ~ Dr. Micah Yu   In this episode: [02:53] - Osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid and inflammatory arthritis [04:18] - How arthritis and inflammation can contribute to bone loss [06:26] - Natural supplements that may help with joint pain [13:39] - Prednisone and steroids: Benefits, risks, and bone health [17:34] - Anti-inflammatory foods and the gut-joint connection [22:49] - Salt, processed meats, and other potential food triggers [27:08] - Exercises that support joint strength and bone health [30:55] - Red light therapy and mind-body approaches to joint pain [33:57] - Hope for people with osteoporosis     Resources - Dr. Micah Yu websites - https://drlifestyle.org/ and https://myautoimmunemd.com/. - Fullscript - https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/mbissinger  - Arthritis & Joint Health Supplements - https://us.fullscript.com/s/mbissinger/shop/plans/TXVsdGlQYXRpZW50UGxhbi0xOTMwMjY= - Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures - tinyurl.com/osteoporosisexercises   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 always tired even after a full night's sleep? Do you rely on coffee or sugar to get through the day, or put off activities because you just don't have the energy? You shouldn't automatically dismiss persistent fatigue as a normal part of aging. And some of the underlying factors that affect your energy may also have implications for your bone health. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, a naturopathic physician who specializes in chronic fatigue and post-viral conditions. We explore potential root causes of ongoing exhaustion, including hormone imbalances, thyroid issues, and chronic infections. We also discuss the relationship between stress hormones and bone health, the efficacy of normal bloodwork and what it might not reveal, and how to recognize when exercise is doing more harm than good. Understanding what's behind your fatigue can be an important first step toward feeling better and supporting your bones.   "A lot of the root causes I'm looking at that lead to people's energy going down also make it so that your bones can't be as healthy." ~ Dr. Jenny Tufenkian   In this episode: [00:00] - Why constant fatigue shouldn't be dismissed as aging [04:08] - Five potential root causes of persistent fatigue [07:48] - How cortisol may affect your bones [11:58] - Chronic infections, toxins, and other possible causes [18:31] - Fatigue caused by thyroid issues or reactivated viruses [23:54] - What chronic viral infections may mean for bone health [26:42] - When exercise helps and when to scale back [36:11] - Practical ways to support your energy [41:20] - Dr. Jenny's resources and how to get support   Resources - Dr. Jenny's Free Cold and Flu Guide - https://drjennytufenkian.com/flu-prevention-and-treatment/ - Dr. Jenny's website - https://drjennytufenkian.com/ - Osteoporosis Exercises for Stronger Bones & Preventing Falls - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/osteoporosis-exercises-to-strengthen-your-bones-and-prevent-fractures - Margie's Membership: The Happy Bones Club - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/bones-club   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 experiencing poor sleep, anxiety, or stress even when your basic bloodwork looks normal? These concerns are common for women during and after menopause, but they don't have to be something you simply accept. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Doni Wilson, naturopathic doctor, clinical nutritionist, bestselling author, and women's health expert, to explore how stress, sleep, and other changes can relate to bone health and overall well-being. We discuss how cortisol and the nervous system may influence sleep and mood, and why personalized testing and care can be helpful. Dr. Doni also shares practical approaches involving nutrition, recovery activities, exercise, and individualized support. You don't need to tackle everything at once. Small changes are a good start. And if you're still struggling, a qualified healthcare professional can help you explore more options for sleeping better, feeling calmer, and supporting your bones at every age.   "Cortisol is so important because it's our main stress hormone. It affects everything from our bones to our blood vessels to our brain... And it's well known that if your cortisol is either too high or too low, that can increase anxiety, depression, sleep issues, as well as other health issues." ~ Dr. Doni Wilson   In this episode: - [01:54] - Common health concerns during and after menopause  - [07:05] - Why a whole-body approach matters - [09:07] - The C.A.R.E. foundation for better health - [12:55] - Practical ways to support stress recovery - [16:29] - Understanding neurotransmitters and personalized testing - [22:10] - Bloodwork that may offer additional clues - [25:20] - Cortisol's connection to stress, sleep, and bone health - [37:45] - Why sleep problems need individualized solutions - [44:09] - Sleep, vaginal health, and options to discuss with your doctor   Resources - Dr. Doni's website - https://doctordoni.com/ - The Natural Insomnia Solution by Dr. Doni Wilson - https://doctordoni.com/ddpp/the-natural-insomnia-solution/ - Certified Integrative Bone Health Practitioner™ Program (next cohort starts January 11, 2027) - https://www.thebonehealthacademy.com/ - Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures - https://tinyurl.com/mybonehealthexercises     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.

You may be exercising, watching your nutrition, and taking steps to protect your bones, but are you paying attention to the things that can make your efforts more effective? On this World Osteoporosis Day episode, I'm joined by my husband, Dr. Craig Bissinger, to share the often-overlooked pieces of a comprehensive bone-health plan. We discuss bone turnover testing, why comparing DEXA results matters, and exercise components beyond lifting weights. We also explore nutrition, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2, protein, and the connection between stress, happiness, and bones. The best part? You don't have to change everything at once. Small, consistent steps can help you build healthier habits and support your overall well-being. Tune in to discover what might be missing from your osteoporosis plan and choose one simple step to start with today!   "When you take care of your health, you're taking care of your bones too." ~ Dr. Craig Bissinger   In this episode: - [01:36] - Bone turnover tests, besides the DEXA scan - [09:40] - Tips for exercise, beyond weightlifting  - [14:45] - What you should know if you have an injury - [24:04] - Nutritional needs for bone health - [32:37] - The connection between stress and bone health - [37:42] - Small changes that can make a difference   Resources - Get Discounted Supplements from Margie's Fullscript Dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/mysupplementsforless - Osteoporosis Testing Guide - https://tinyurl.com/osteoporosistestingguide - Core and Pelvic Floor Exercises - https://vimeo.com/1237458197/e1e6630e9a?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci  - Slides I showed in the podcast - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DQ_aAOocKTx_hA8OZ68UpDK2WX2apZWX/view?usp=sharing   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.

Fear and confusion have surrounded hormone therapy for decades, especially since the Women's Health Initiative. But what really happened, what did the research show, and how did those findings shape the way women think about hormones today? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Felice Gersh, a double board-certified OB-GYN and integrative medicine physician, to discuss the history, the research, and the ongoing debate around hormone therapy and bone health. We talk about why estrogen matters for bones, Dr. Gersh's take on what was misunderstood in the Women's Health Initiative, and why she believes progesterone deserves more attention in the bone-health conversation. We also discuss what women in their 50s and 60s should know, why individualized decision-making matters, and why more research is still needed.   "We want to help people to have healthy longevity. And that means when nature takes us down the wrong path, we try to do something to make it better. If you don't believe that medicine is about defying nature, then you don't know what medicine is." ~ Dr. Felice Gersh (on the necessity of medical intervention)   In this episode: - [02:37] - History of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - [09:27] - How the Women's Health Initiative changed HRT - [21:48] - Why HRT may be necessary before official menopause - [33:12] - How to access HRT in a safe and effective way - [45:43] - What Dr. Gersh says about different HRT regimens - [1:04:10] - HRT after 60: did women really miss their window?   Resources - Dr. Gersh's website - https://integrativemgi.com/ - Dr. Gersh's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.felicegersh/ - Osteoporosis Exercises to Improve Strength and Prevent Fractures - https://tinyurl.com/exercisesforyourbones - Happy Bones Club (Margie's membership) - https://tinyurl.com/happybonesclub   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.