Your Osteoporosis Questions Answered: Calcium, Exercise, Supplements & More | Sally Fullman, PhD

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