Osteoporosis: Diagnosis, Prevention & Exercise

Join us for a live & interactive discussion where you will learn about Million Dollar Bones, an innovative program dedicated to the prevention and management of osteoporosis by combining exercise modifications, bone-healthy nutrition, and mindfulness. We will also learn about the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) which has been committed to preventing osteoporosis and promoting awareness about bone health for over 35 years. 

• Penelope Wasserman, CPT Leadership Ambassador, Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation President, Sea & Flour Baking Company pw@milliondollarbones.com 
• Lindsey West, MPH Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation lwest@bonehealthandosteoporosis.org
• Amy L. Griboff, J.D., LL.M Elder Law Attorney, Griboff Law, LLC amy@griboffestateplanning.com 

Questions Asked

• I have been walking 3-5 miles every day for the past two years and my recent Dexa scan from two years ago showed no change. I was encouraged by this as I do have osteoporious and have been reluctant to take bisphosphonates. Also my walking partner who was on bisphosphonates had a femer break and her prthopedic doctor told her not to go on those drugs.  i realize this webinar cannot diagnose so I am just sending this information of my experience.
• Is the seaweed toast gluten free?
• Does the foundation accept donations from pharmaceutical companies?
• can you talk about tymlos?
• How about the effect of thyroid medication on bone density?
• are you familiar with REMS scan as a substitute for DEXA?
• I saw a PT, a supervisor in dept, who had barely seen patients w osteoporosis. Where can I go/send him to learn about appropriate exercise. Recommended exercises…
• Pls comment on prolia injections. Seems there are many serious side effects so who should actually get this? If you have had one injection, how dangerous is it to stop and not get the next one 6 months later?
• How is it possible to know which it is when bone pain occurs, medication or side effects from medications, or femur fractures?
• my doctor told me to jump up and down every day for a minute if I couldn't go for a walk. thoughts?
• "Also, do the drugs really prevent fractures.
• Finally the Dexa scan numbers really don’t take into account the person’s history.  What about the Frax score as part of the whole picture."
• Can you spell name of doctor Penelope?
• REMS doesnt use radiation, unlike DEXA, so you can have frequent REMs scans.
• Lifestyle options for Osteoporosis? The Foundations website says, Absolutely yes on meds if dx of osteoporosis?
• what are the bone building markers to look for?
• I was given a urine test as a baseline when diagnosed… should I be having bloodwork?
• Steve you should do a session on REMS. I Will send you info and contacts.
• blood work for bone turnover markers, so how do we find these doctors to provide this care for bone loss and bone density? thank you
• Comment: For all on SSRI’s and medication for ADHD, I have learned have leached bone. Increase in dx may be more common because these drugs are more common.
• what type of medical specialist should your see with a diagnosis of osteopsoris
• I medication life long… once you have started?
• What about the FRAX score?
• Johns Hopkins has a bone specialist department
• Amy, Did you experience “pain” with injections?
• what do you think of collagen supplements
• I meant pain as side effect??
• Approximately 50% of women and 30% of men will be raped at some point in their lives. Does rape cause the stress hormone that causes osteoporosis? Following the 2022 Dobbs decision, JAMA Internal Medicine found that nearly half a million women who reported rape, across 14 states, resulted in 64,565 pregnancies. Most of the states, notably Texas, have strict abortion laws with no exceptions in cases of rape. NBC News. How do we cover resulting medical costs?
• Frustrating because doctors who specialize in metabolic disease, functional medicine, are not covered by insurance. Two tiered medicine… class based. Do you know of assistance from foundations.
• Is osteoporosis curable — if not now, do you think it will be at some point in the future?
• I sleep curled. Is this an issue?
• Swimming? Yes or no?
• can someone talk about Fosamax?

Chat Transcript

12:09:03     From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : Who is pushing these drugs for bone density? I fear it is the big Pharma after the Dexa scan was put into use.

Also, do the drugs really prevent fractures.

Finally the Dexa scan numbers really don’t take into account the person, have they been active all their life, what type of body type do they have, never smoked or drank, etc I know the Frax score covers this but the Dexa scan is only a part of the whole picture.

12:09:44     From Deborah Dougherty : Dexa Scan

12:11:02     From Deborah Kovach  to  Hosts and panelists : Have med caused osteoporosis..only Fosamax & yearly infusion recommended by DR. What non medication alternatives are there, with research?

12:11:17     From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : DEXA (DXA) Scan: Bone Density Test A DEXA scan is an imaging test that measures bone density (strength). DEXA scan results can provide helpful details about your risk for osteoporosis (bone loss) and fractures (bone breaks). This test can also measure your body composition, such as body fat and muscle mass. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/10683-dexa-dxa-scan-bone-density-test

12:12:12     From R H  to  Hosts and panelists : You can actually be diagnosed with both osteoporosis and osteopenia.

12:12:50     From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation: Home https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/

12:13:26     From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : Million Dollar Bones

Working to PREVENT & MANAGE Osteoporosis https://www.milliondollarbones.com/

12:18:23     From Deb Wilburn : I've been diagnosis with osteopenia. Isosteopenia is the first stage before a person develop osteoporosis?

12:18:48     From wendy zenker : love to hear about fosamax and vitamins

12:19:04     From Virginia Keim  to  Hosts and panelists : Me too I have been diagnosed with osteopenia

12:19:17     From Stacie Joseph : I would love to hear about things other than drugs

12:19:24     From Laura Voss-Allen  to  Hosts and panelists : Can we just buy the flour?

12:20:00     From jane Perry  to  Hosts and panelists : What calcium supplements are best?

12:21:14     From R H  to  Hosts and panelists : I was told I had both osteopenia and osteoporosis.

12:21:35     From lynne Calman : Please comment about Prolia shots

12:22:01     From Wendy Berger  to  Hosts and panelists : Is there a way to understand the objectively the results of the Dexa scan measurements?  I just want to know when and if to start medicine as there are a lot of unpleasant side effects

12:22:51     From Penelope Wasserman  to  Wendy Berger and all panelists : Have you lost inches in height or had a fracture? Those are symptomatic.

12:23:15     From Karen Dotson : Great app to track 84 nutrients, log meals, exercise and health metrics, this app has been great for me to manage my osteoporosis - cronometer.com

12:24:47     From Edith Harriet  to  Hosts and panelists : what about collagen supplements (powder)?

12:28:38     From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/patients/

12:30:27     From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : This roadmap is for patients and care partners at

any stage of their osteoporosis journey. https://www.pathtogoodbonehealth.org/

12:31:19     From Laura Voss-Allen  to  Hosts and panelists : What exercises should I not do if I have been diagnosed?  Is running bad?  I’ve been running for 40 years

12:32:00     From Laura Voss-Allen  to  Hosts and panelists : Just started taking Fosamax. What are the risks of this?

12:33:25     From Kathryn Brue  to  Hosts and panelists : What have we learned about nutrition and smart eating?

12:35:04     From Virginia Keim  to  Hosts and panelists : I am on Boniva once a month

12:35:16     From MarthaLeah Chaiken : I'm frustrated: I had strong bones until menopause and then then very rapid bone loss. I have been taking a "bone builders" class twice a week for years, plus more than one exercise class a day and take my dog on long walks, walk to the grocery store, post office, etc.. My diet is good to the point of eccentricity-- I even eat seaweed. But my bone density is still going down.

12:35:52     From Penelope Wasserman : My program tap.milliondollarbones.com is an online video library of SAFE exercises for bone health! It’s just $25.00 monthly. Also has a vlog and dynamic movement solutions.

12:35:57     From Linda Morgenstern  to  Hosts and panelists : Does stress affect bone health?

12:36:07     From Eileen Caroscio  RN, MSN, CSC  to  Hosts and panelists : salt and alcohol can impact bone loss

12:36:09     From wendy zenker : if you have a diagnosis of osteopsoris, is there a specialist that you should see versus  GP?

12:38:50     From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : New technology REMS for bone evaluation compared to DXA in adult women for the osteoporosis diagnosis: a real-life experience https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34786596/

12:39:02     From Jeanne Smith : There was a nasal spray for osteoporosis.  Do you have any pro-con on it   Miacalcin (sp)

12:40:57     From Virginia Zavacky  to  Hosts and panelists : I’ve heard jumping etc is good for osteoporosis but I also have arthritis in my hip as well which is contrary to what should be done for osteoporosis. How should I proceed with both conditions?

12:42:14     From Linda Morgenstern  to  Hosts and panelists : How do we determine quantity from quality in bones?

12:42:55     From Linda Morgenstern  to  Hosts and panelists : Is Millions Dollars Bones a subscription services?

12:43:17     From Penelope Wasserman : yes

12:43:25     From Penelope Wasserman : yes

12:44:17     From Jean Ivory : Yes, I have osteoporosis but I square dance and line dance once a week. I refused the medication but do take Vitamin D3 and try to eat Bone Healthy. I also walk weekly, with my cane. I broke my ankle 8 years ago.

12:44:54     From Janet Gritz : how often should a Dexascan be done?  I am 80 years old.  Just diagnosed with osteopenia.

12:45:12     From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : Fracture-Proof Your Bones with Dr. John Neustadt https://www.bonetalk.org/podcast-episodes/fracture-proof-your-bones-with-dr-john-neustadt

12:45:38     From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : REMS doesnt use radiation, unlike DEXA, so you can have frequent REMs scans.

12:46:09     From Janet Gritz : what are the lifestyle approach recommendations?

12:47:17     From Penelope Wasserman : Drinking dark sodas cause bone loss (Coke, Pepsi, Diet cokes…)

12:47:42     From Virginia Zavacky  to  Hosts and panelists : What blood test is needed?

12:48:01     From Karen Dotson : Definitely recommend various blood tests and a 24-hour urine test before making decision to take OP drugs.

12:48:13     From lynne Calman : Do metal implants effect reliability of dexa scans?

12:50:00     From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : Pls comment on prolia injections. Seems there are many serious side effects so who should actually get this? If you have had one injection, how dangerous is it to stop and not get the next one 6 months later?

12:50:09     From Virginia Zavacky  to  Hosts and panelists : What blood test should I ask for?

12:51:34     From phyllis Puzzutiello : Can you comment on Infusions?  I had 5 infusions and now was told I cannot have any more ever.

12:53:22     From Eileen Caroscio  RN, MSN, CSC  to  Hosts and panelists : Can you name the specific blood turn over markers?

12:55:29     From Stacie Joseph : Penelope - thank you for mentioning this.

12:55:38     From Penelope Wasserman : Margie Kissinger is a great resource for this

12:55:47     From Penelope Wasserman : Bissinger

12:56:29     From jane omelia : A potential side effect of prolia and evenity can be breaking a femur bone

12:56:35     From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : What Does Your FRAX Score Mean? https://www.healthline.com/health/frax-score

12:56:48     From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : Carol Knickman 12:55 PM 

Johns Hopkins has a bone specialist department

12:56:48     From lynne Calman : Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC does virtual and 2nd opinions. Its #1 orthopedic hospital.

12:58:00     From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : Physical Therapist – Integrative Health Coach https://margiebissinger.com/

12:59:32     From Penelope Wasserman : Margie is also a nutritionist!

13:01:51     From Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : The Functional Medicine Approach https://www.ifm.org/functional-medicine/what-is-functional-medicine/#:~:text=Functional medicine is a systems,of more than one cause.

13:02:00     From Stacie Joseph : yes, total metabolic health should be including this.

13:02:42     From Deborah Dougherty  to  Hosts and panelists : Great public service-lots of people should see this.

13:04:06     From Ana Molina : could you answer this question from Phyllis: Can you comment on Infusions?  I had 5 infusions and now was told I cannot have any more ever.

13:04:08     From lynne Calman : Meaning hip replacements and Harrington rods

13:05:38     From Linda Morgenstern  to  Hosts and panelists : How to distinguish quality bone from increased bone mass?

13:05:56     From Owen Houghton : after my diagnosis and Fosamax prescription,  I got lots of mailings to Mrs? Houghton (I  am a male) a number of years later, I  was advised to stop Fosomax. (about 20 years now).  I have been an active skier for years and have never broken a bone, but at 87 am very careful trying to avoid a fall. years of calcium and multi vitamins seem to have helped    along with good nutrition and exercise.? I have lost about 3 inches in height but density test recently suggests no change needed  .

13:06:51     From MarthaLeah Chaiken : Maybe it's calcitonin?

13:07:16     From Virginia Keim  to  Hosts and panelists : Comprehensive Metabolic Panel blood test seemed to check a lot of things like calcium.  This was done on me by my primary doctor after my bone scan

13:07:41     From Virginia Zavacky  to  Hosts and panelists : What should I not do for osteoporosis if I have arthritis as well?

13:08:12     From Deborah Dougherty  to  Hosts and panelists : thank you for mention C curves, forward compression etc. as many yoga poses involve these types of moves.

13:08:12     From Laura Voss-Allen  to  Hosts and panelists : So no ab exercises?

13:08:38     From Deborah Kovach  to  Hosts and panelists : How to evaluate cos selling supplements for osteoporosis? Know of any that are legitimate & have results in helping with osteoporosis.

13:09:22     From Wendy Berger  to  Hosts and panelists : Is pickle ball contraindicated?  not recommended?

13:09:38     From Eileen Caroscio  RN, MSN, CSC  to  Hosts and panelists : Excellent content rich presentation and discussion.! Thank YOU!

13:11:31     From Virginia Keim  to  Hosts and panelists : What is a good exercise for Hip (Femoral Neck)

13:12:54     From Deborah Kovach  to  Hosts and panelists : Thank you for the patient stories. Extremely important.