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.

You want to exercise for stronger bones, but with so much conflicting advice, how do you know what really works? Lift heavy, wear a weighted vest, jump, use vibration platforms, try special bone-building devices...how do you know which advice is supported by research?

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Lora Giangregorio, a bone health and exercise science researcher, to separate the science from the hype. She is a professor and a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Bone Health and Exercise Science at the University of Waterloo. She also leads the Bone Health and Exercise Science Lab and serves on the Scientific Advisory Council for Osteoporosis Canada.

We talk about the exercises that have the strongest evidence for preventing falls and fractures. We also tackle balance training, progressive resistance, weighted vests, yoga, vibration platforms, and other popular exercise approaches, and why "lift heavy" isn't the right message for everyone.

Most importantly, you'll learn how to start where you are, progress safely, and become a smarter consumer of bone-health information.

"Standing on one foot at the kitchen sink is not really a comprehensive balance training program. You want to make sure that you include a variety of things." ~ Lora Giangregorio, PhD

In this episode:

[02:28] - The exercise that can help prevent falls and fractures

[04:30] - Why standing on one foot isn't enough for balance

[09:25] - What the research says about preventing bone loss

[15:17] - Why "lift heavy" isn't the right advice for everyone

[21:55] - How to safely introduce impact exercise

[27:05] - The truth about weighted vests and bone density

[33:03] - Are bone-building devices and vibration platforms worth it?

[39:10] - What yoga can and can't do for your bones

[41:29] - How to tell good bone-health information from hype

Resources

- Lora's website - https://boneslab.ca/

- BonES Lab YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@boneslab

- Osteoporosis Exercises to Improve Strength and Reduce Fractures - https://tinyurl.com/exercisesforyourbones

- Happy Bones Club (Margie's membership program) - https://tinyurl.com/happybonesclub

- Discounted Supplements at Margie's Fullscript Dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/mysupplementsforless

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.

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.

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.

Many people with osteoporosis focus on strength training but overlook another key piece of the puzzle: mobility. Today's guest explains why staying flexible, balanced, and confident in your movement is essential for stronger, healthier aging.

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Justine Bernard, a physical therapist, Master Trainer of the Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis movement methods, and creator of the Gyrotonic Exercise Applications for Osteoporosis course.

Justine shares how Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis can be adapted for people with osteoporosis, combining mindful movement, breath, resistance, and functional mobility. She reminds us that the goal is to learn how to move better, and demonstrates how these methods can support posture, balance, body awareness, and safe movement while also complementing traditional resistance training.

Whether you're trying to get back to activities you love, improve your confidence with movement, or simply maintain your independence, this episode will give you practical tools to move better and feel stronger.

"Bones are actually intelligent, and they heal quickly, but tendons take forever...So, slow and steady. This is a lifelong journey. Take your time and progress slowly. You'll get there." ~ Dr. Justine Bernard

In this episode:

- [02:49] - Understanding Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis movement methods

- [06:04] - How osteoporosis exercise has evolved beyond fear of movement

- [09:10] - Adapting Gyrotonic methods for osteoporosis

- [14:41] - Using resistance and movement to improve mobility safely

- [18:02] - Training balance, hip mobility, and getting on and off the floor

- [26:15] - Avoiding injury: why too much too soon can backfire

- [30:36] - Breathing, pelvic floor, and safe movement foundations

- [37:43] - Why individualized physical therapy can change lives

- [39:11] - Client transformation stories

Resources

- Justine's class with Margie on August 27 at 12:00 pm EDT - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/flexible-for-life-moving-freely-and-safely-on-demand-class

- Justine's website - https://elementscenter.com/physical-therapists-2/

- Margie's Strong Bones for Life Free Class on September 8 at 12:00 pm EDT - https://tinyurl.com/strongbonesclass -

- 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.