Bone Health 101: What Everyone Should Know

Bone issues and injuries affect millions of Americans, often without warning. Join us as Living Health Together hosts a wide-ranging conversation about osteoporosis, low bone mass, and why bone health is a critical but often overlooked part of lifelong wellness. Hear from experts in orthopedics, physical therapy, nutrition, primary care and gynecolocy about how bones grow, weaken and respond to stress; what puts you most at-risk for fractures and bone health issues; and what you can do to build and protect strong bones at every stage of life. Orthopedic nurse practitioner Deborah Brown, FNP, explores how bone health develops over time, the role genetics play, and why fragility fractures can have devastating consequences for independence and longevity – and how early screening and knowing your family history can change outcomes. OB/GYN and menopause specialist Colleen Horan, MD, explains how hormonal changes before and during menopause accelerate bone loss and cost women up to 10% of their bone density; and how lifestyle changes and hormone therapy can help slow that decline. Emily Byrne, FNP, discusses the critical role primary care practitioners play, why osteoporosis is considered a “silent disease,” and how you can advocate for screening and early prevention with your own health care provider. Physical Therapist and orthopedic certified specialist Jackie Jancaitis, PT, breaks down the science of how bones respond to stress; why lifting heavy (safely!) is essential for bone density; and how strength, balance and fall prevention work together to reduce fracture risk. Registered dietician nutritionist Nancy Wagner, RDN, CDCES, explains how nutrition influences bone health starting in early childhood – and how a surprise diagnosis of osteopenia, or low bone density, brought the risks home for her.