Advertise on podcast: Bone Talk

Osteoporosis isn't just a women's health issue. Men are also at risk for bone loss and broken bones, often without realizing it until a fracture occurs. In this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF Vice President of Science and Education Ami Patel talks with Annette Gantz, a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease, about the importance of recognizing risk factors, getting appropriate screening and taking steps to protect bone health. From nutrition and exercise to treatment options and ongoing management, Annette shares practical information to help men reduce their risk of fractures, maintain mobility and preserve their independence as they age.

For people living with osteoporosis, making decisions about treatment can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are different types of medications, different ways they are given, and new treatment options continue to become available. One term patients may increasingly hear from their doctors, pharmacists, or health plans is "biosimilar." But what exactly is a biosimilar? Is it the same medication? Does it work the same way? Is it as safe? And what should a patient know if their doctor or insurance company recommends switching from a biologic medication they are already taking to a biosimilar? This episode approaches those questions from the patient perspective. Sally Fullman helps guide the conversation by asking the kinds of questions patients may have when they encounter biosimilars as part of their osteoporosis care. Answering those questions is Dr. Naga Yalla, an endocrinologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine.

Osteoporosis is still widely thought of as a woman's disease, and that assumption carries a real cost. Men are screened less often, diagnosed later, and treated less frequently, even though a man who breaks a hip is more likely to die in the year that follows than a woman who breaks a hip. On this episode of Bone Talk, Ami Patel, Vice President of Science and Education at the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, explores why osteoporosis in men remains so quiet, who is at risk, and what can be done long before a bone breaks. Joining her is Jacqueline Kernaghan, a physician assistant who specializes in osteoporosis with Main Line HealthCare Osteoporosis in Concordville, Pennsylvania. Jacqui has spent nearly two decades caring for patients with bone disease and sees firsthand how often osteoporosis in men goes unrecognized until a fracture forces the conversation.

Osteoporosis is often thought of as a disease that only affects women, but this episode of Bone Talk challenges that misconception. BHOF Vice President of Science & Education Ami Patel is joined by Joshua Wing, a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in orthopedic surgery and bone health, and Michael Lavacot, a Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation patient advocate whose osteoporosis was discovered before he experienced a fracture. Michael shares his personal journey from denial to becoming a passionate advocate for patient education, while Josh explains why early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical for preventing fractures and protecting long-term bone health. Together, they highlight the importance of recognizing risk factors, asking questions, and taking action before a broken bone changes your life.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill is joined by Dr. Mary Bouxsein, Professor at Harvard Medical School and a leading researcher in bone health and biomechanics, to discuss groundbreaking advances that could transform osteoporosis care. Their conversation explores how the SABRE initiative is reshaping osteoporosis drug development, the growing role of artificial intelligence in fracture prediction and screening, and why greater awareness and participation in research are essential to improving bone health outcomes for millions of people.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill talks with physical therapist and health coach Lisa Hamilton, PT, DPT, NBC-HWC about why midlife is such a critical window for bone health. Their conversation focuses on how women can take proactive steps to build strength, prevent fractures, and stay active and independent as they age.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF Claire Gill is joined by Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS, BCB-PMD to unpack a topic many overlook in bone health conversations: the pelvic floor. Their discussion reveals how this hidden muscle system plays a critical role in strength, balance, mobility, and fall prevention. The pelvic floor is more than just a support structure. It acts as a foundation for the body, working in coordination with the core, hips, and spine. When functioning properly, it supports organs, controls bladder and bowel function, contributes to sexual health, and stabilizes movement. When it is weak or not functioning correctly, it can increase the risk of falls and fractures.

Helen and Michelle, a mother and daughter navigating osteoporosis together, join BHOF CEO Claire Gill on the latest episode of Bone Talk. What began as a fall at a summer concert became a turning point that reshaped how their family thinks about bone health. Michelle initially believed her arm could not really be broken after what seemed like a minor fall, but X-rays confirmed the fracture and forced her to reconsider something she had long associated with much older women. Together, Helen and Michelle discuss the role of family history, the importance of self-advocacy, and why bone health should be part of family conversations long before a fracture occurs.

On this episode of Bone Talk, Claire Gill sits down with Dr. Jaimo Ahn, an orthopedic trauma surgeon specializing in hip, pelvic, and complex fracture care, to discuss why hip fractures are far more serious than many people realize—and what patients and families need to know immediately after a fall.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill sits down with physical therapist and bone health specialist Kavita Patel for an in-depth conversation on fall prevention—one of the most critical and often overlooked aspects of bone health and osteoporosis care. With decades of clinical experience, Kavita shares why preventing falls is just as important as treating fractures, and how small, practical changes can significantly reduce risk while helping people stay active and independent.

On this episode of BoneTalk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill talks with Natasha Williams, CEO of Phoenix Hipwear and a member of BHOF’s Corporate Advisory Roundtable. For more than a decade, Natasha has led innovations in hip fracture prevention, starting with a soft hip protector that became New Zealand’s market leader and a preferred choice in U.S. senior care communities. Most recently, she and her team launched Phoenix Hipwear Active, designed for women 55+ who want to stay active through walking, hiking, biking, traveling, and pickleball while reducing their fracture risk. Claire and Natasha discuss this new product, the technology behind it, and how it’s helping women protect their independence and live vibrant, active lives.

On this inspiring episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill welcomes author, advocate, and former BHOF trustee Barbara Hannah Grufferman to share how walking can help transform bone health, boost connections, and reshape how we age. After a wake-up call about her own low bone density, Barbara became a passionate advocate for movement, aging well, and building community. She’s completed 17 marathons since turning 50 and now serves as Special Advisor to the BHOF Board and Team Captain of the Be Bone Strong™ initiative, leading efforts to launch walking clubs nationwide while proving that fitness can be fun, inclusive, and doable at any age.

This Bone Talk episode explores the important connection between bone health and sarcopenia, a condition that causes significant loss of muscle mass and strength beyond normal aging. Guest expert Dr. Stuart Phillips, a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair at McMaster University, shares insights from decades of research on how exercise and nutrition influence muscle and body composition. Although osteoporosis often gets more attention, sarcopenia also plays a major role in mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. Dr. Phillips explains how even small amounts of regular physical activity can make a meaningful difference as we age.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill is joined by Kristen "N'ylah" Singharat, Philanthropy Manager for Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. In 2018, Delta Phi Lambda selected osteoporosis awareness as their national philanthropy focus, partnering with American Bone Health, which later merged into the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF). This partnership has provided valuable educational resources, helping members become peer educators who inform their communities about bone health.

Claire Gill, CEO of the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, sat down with Jenna Zaffino, a board-certified health and wellness coach, to discuss building a powerful vision for wellbeing after an osteoporosis diagnosis. Receiving such a diagnosis can be daunting, but it can also be a transformative opportunity to prioritize health and create a fulfilling life. Jenna shares how a diagnosis often creates fear and uncertainty, but it doesn’t have to define your future. She emphasizes acknowledging that initial fear while also exploring what brings joy and meaning to life.