Happy Bones, Happy Life

When we talk about osteoporosis, we often think about women, but men can develop osteoporosis too. And because it's frequently overlooked, many men don't discover they have a bone-health problem until after a fracture. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Tom Forfa, a medical doctor who was diagnosed with osteoporosis at just 37 after experiencing 13 fractures in 10 years. His experience led him to investigate the underlying factors affecting his bone health and ultimately turn things around. We talk about why osteoporosis can be missed in men, potential risk factors including low testosterone, certain medications, malabsorption, alcohol, and lifestyle factors. We also discuss exercise, nutrition, bone density testing, bone turnover markers, physical therapy, and how men can be more proactive about their bone health. I hope this conversation helps you and the men in your life see osteoporosis differently. Don't panic, but don't ignore it. Ask why it happened, get informed, and take action.   "For men, there isn't an intense period of bone loss. It tends to be more gradual. Or for the vast majority, there's an underlying medical condition or a medication that's causing it, and that is often underlooked." ~ Dr. Tom Forfa   In this episode: [00:00] - Introduction: Osteoporosis in men [02:01] - Dr. Tom Forfa's 13-fracture osteoporosis story [05:10] - Why osteoporosis develops differently in men [07:53] - Major osteoporosis risk factors for men [14:01] - Exercise, nutrition, and medication for bone health [15:26] - Medical treatments and testing [23:27] - Misconceptions and patient mindsets [34:47] - When should men get a DEXA scan? [37:11] - An osteoporosis diagnosis can be a positive turning point   Resources - Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures - https://tinyurl.com/mybonehealthexercises - Dr. Forfa's Men's Osteoporosis Program - https://bonedensityeducation.com/ - Dr. Forfa's app for newly diagnosed osteoporosis - https://lenarihealth.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.

Did you know that Pilates could help you build strength, improve balance, and move with more confidence without compromising your bones? In this episode, I'm joined by physical therapist and Pilates expert Dr. Lisa Grimmer to explore how we can safely combine Pilates with strength training for osteoporosis. We talk about why traditional Pilates exercises may need modifications, why avoiding spinal flexion matters, and how strength training can provide the additional stimulus our bones need over time. Dr. Lisa also shares how to approach progression, balance, active warm-ups, and multidirectional movement. She demonstrates several Pilates-inspired exercises you can do at home, including standing options for those who don't comfortably get down on the floor. I hope that this conversation helps you feel more informed, confident, and empowered to keep moving and building strength safely.   "When you get stronger, your whole world opens up." ~ Dr. Lisa Grimmer   In this episode: [00:00] - Introduction: Pilates and strength training for stronger bones [02:21] - Why Pilates can benefit people with osteoporosis [03:22] - The power of mindful movement and core strength [04:23] - Pilates exercises that need osteoporosis modifications [05:36] - Why spinal rounding can increase fracture risk [07:18] - Movements to avoid with osteoporosis [08:23] - Why Pilates alone may not provide enough stimulus [10:25] - Being safe, brave and progressive with exercise [14:20] - How to find a Pilates instructor trained in osteoporosis [20:57] - Why multidirectional movement matters for bone health [24:10] - Practical exercises you can try at home   Resources - Discounted Supplements at Margie's Fullscript Dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/supplementsatadiscount  - Pilates & Strength Training On-Demand Class (for the Happy Bones, Happy Life community) - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/pilates-strength-training-for-osteoporosis-on-demand-class - Dr. Lisa Grimmer's contact information:  Website - rightsideuppt.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rightsideuplisa/ - Dr. Lisa Grimmer's Classes (including virtual) through Elements Center - https://elementscenter.com/classes/ - 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.

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.