Bone Talk

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.

Claire Gill, CEO of the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, delves into the crucial role of bone health during childhood with guest Dr. David Weber, MD, Medical Director at the Center for Bone Health at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Together, they explore how early habits in nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle play a pivotal role in setting up children for lifelong bone health.

This episode of Bone Talk reviews the crucial role dairy plays in supporting bone health. BHOF CEO Claire Gill is joined by two distinguished experts from the National Dairy Council, Dr. Michelle Slimko and Dr. Christopher Cifelli, who share their extensive knowledge in nutrition research. Together, they dive into the essential nutrients found in dairy, the latest research findings, and why dairy is important for maintaining strong bones at every stage of life.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gil lis joined by Joyce Shulman to discuss the transformative power of walking and the benefits of community exercise. Joyce is the dynamic CEO and co-founder of 99Walks, a movement dedicated to improving women’s wellness through walking. She’s also the author of Why Walk? The Transformative Power of an Intentional Walking Practice. Joyce's passion for walking began in her youth and has grown into a lifelong commitment to health and community. Her work with 99Walks has empowered countless women to find strength, connection, and improved well-being through regular walking practices.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill is joined by Angie Asche, MS, RD, CSSD, to discuss how physical activity and nutritional intake directly affect bone health. Angie grew up as a competitive dancer and swimmer, and she realized the impact eating certain foods before a competition or meet had on her performance. After earning degrees in both Dietetics and Exercise Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she went on to complete her dietetic internship, got certified as a Registered Dietitian, and completed her Master of Science Degree in Nutrition & Physical Performance.

Dr. John Neustadt joins BHOF CEO Claire Gill on this episode of Bone Talk to delve into the crucial role of nutrition in bone health and osteoporosis prevention. He shares invaluable insights and practical tips on how to optimize bone health through dietary strategies and holistic approaches. Dr. Neustadt is a distinguished naturopathic doctor, author, entrepreneur, and a member of BHOF’s Corporate Advisory Roundtable. He’s also the founder and president of the dietary supplement company Nutritional Biochemistry, Inc. With a passion for integrative and functional medicine, he’s authored several books, including Fracture Proof Your Bones, A Comprehensive Guide to Osteoporosis.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill sits down with Dr. Philippe Halbout, CEO of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) to discuss the groundbreaking Capture the Fracture global program. Capture the Fracture Program is a global initiative that provides recognition, resources, training, and tools to support Post-Fracture Care Coordination Programs (Fracture Liaison Services) worldwide. It has the goal of facilitating and supporting the implementation of coordinated multidisciplinary models of care for secondary fracture prevention. Since 2020, they’ve been able to train 71 mentors in 14 countries.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill sits down with Natasha Williams, CEO of Phoenix Hipwear, a brand that produces a soft and functional hip protector designed to reduce the risk of a hip fracture by up to 80%. As a member of BHOF’s Corporate Advisory Roundtable, Natasha is also a passionate advocate for hip protection and fall prevention. Natasha's journey into the world of osteoporosis started with her mother working at nursing homes and she recognized the significant need for innovative hip protection solutions.

Joining BHOF CEO Claire Gill on the latest episode of Bone Talk is Sonia Satra, founder of Moticise, a lifestyle wellness program integrating movement with mindset for lasting personal transformation. Sonia, an accomplished actress with a deep interest in mindset, explains how her acting career instilled resilience and adaptability, crucial for overcoming rejection. Discussing common challenges in transformation, Sonia highlights fear and self-doubt as significant hurdles. She advocates for reframing negative self-talk and utilizing empowering questions to unlock potential.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill interviews Dr. Howard Sesso, an expert in epidemiology and nutrition research. Dr. Sesso shares his personal motivation for studying the relationship between lifestyle factors and health outcomes, stemming from his father's experience with heart issues. He delves into the significance of evidence-based research in understanding the impact of dietary supplements on bone health, particularly highlighting the insights from the Women's Health Initiative study.

Mike Mayo, an osteoporosis patient and contributor to the Bone Talk blog, joins BHOF CEO Claire Gill on the latest episode of Bone Talk to discuss his inspiring journey of combating osteoporosis with the help of strength training. In the conversation, Mike shares his experiences, from denial to acceptance and engagement with his condition, highlighting the importance of lifestyle changes for bone health. His story is like so many others who never expected to deal with this type of diagnosis.

On this episode of Bone Talk, Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, joins BHOF CEO Claire Gill to discuss the nutrients we need for good bone health and some habits we can develop for stronger bones—fun and healthy snacking included! Lauren is a registered dietitian and nutrition communications specialist, author, speaker, and a dedicated advocate for healthy living. She’s also a paid partner of BHOF’s long-term sponsor, Sunsweet Growers. With over 25 years of experience, Lauren is the founder and owner of Nutrition Starring You, where she shares recipes, product finds, and reviews, all to help others find the diet that’s best for them.

On this episode of Bone Talk, we're shining a spotlight on the Global Healthy Living Foundation and their incredible Global Bone Health Initiative, Strong Bones & Me, which is making a significant impact in the world of bone health awareness. Joining BHOF CEO Claire Gill from the Global Healthy Living Foundation are two individuals at the forefront of this work. Adam Kegley, Manager of Global Partnerships, has been instrumental in forging partnerships and collaborations, and Angel Tapia, Senior Patient Advocate and Hispanic Community Outreach Manager, is deeply involved in reaching out to diverse communities. Together, we explore the mission and goals of the Global Bone Health Initiative, Strong Bones & Me. We also discuss the vital connection between bone health and co-conditions, as well as how you, our listeners, can get involved and support this crucial cause.

On today's episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill speaks with Dr. Pamela Peeke, a renowned expert in integrative and preventive medicine, as well as the Chief Medical Officer for Bone Health Technologies and CEO of the Peeke Performance Center for Healthy Living. Their conversation explores the critical connection between physical activity, exercise, and bone health. Dr. Peeke also shares her insights on how we can build and maintain strong bones.

On this episode of Bone Talk, we explore the remarkable benefits of prunes for overall wellness and bone health. Join BHOF CEO Claire Gill and Dr. Shirin Hooshmand, a registered dietitian and professor of nutrition at San Diego State University. Together, they explore Dr. Hooshmand's research in nutritional factors that influence aging and how prunes can support bone health.

On this episode of Bone Talk, we're diving into the fascinating world of sleep, and its irreplaceable role in our well-being, with the incredible Dr. Whitney Roban. Dr. Roban is a renowned sleep expert, author, and the founder of Solve Our Sleep, a company that helps people of all ages to get well-rested. Her mission is to provide the sleep education and support we need to not only survive, but to thrive.

Today on Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill leads a discussion around the pivotal role that pharmacists play in pain management, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like osteoporosis. Joining Claire are two distinguished guests: Josh Rimany, a pharmacist and active member of the National Community Pharmacists Association, and Dr. Kathleen Shoemaker, a trustee at the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF).

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill talks with Dr. Connie Weaver about vital nutrients that promote good bone health. Dr. Weaver is a Distinguished Research Professor at San Diego State University’s School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences. Dr. Weaver has been involved in NIH and USDA funded-research studies of diet interventions for over 30 years. She has led many randomized, controlled trials in children and adults with health and disease risk reduction outcomes, especially related to bone and heart. She has focused on mineral absorption and metabolism and subgroup differences, and her work has contributed to setting nutrient requirements for adolescents in North America. She has also been involved in creating guidelines for best practices in human nutrition research, programs for children, nutrient recommendations, and food policy guidance.

Joining us on this episode of BoneTalk is Brittany Pabon, a Physical Therapist at Lee Health, Outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Cape Coral Hospital in Florida. Brittany is a BoneFit Trainer certified through BHOF. BoneFit is an evidence-based exercise training workshop designed for healthcare professionals and exercise specialists to provide training on the most appropriate, safe and effective methods for working with people who have osteoporosis. Brittany tells us about how working with a physical therapist can help you maintain your independence with osteoporosis, when it might be time to see a physical therapist, and what an evaluation may look like.

The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) can only do the work it does with the generosity of its supporters, ambassadors, and donors. And today we’re honored to have with us BHOF Ambassador Iris Apfel. Ms. Apfel is an amazing businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon. On this episode, we hear all about Ms. Apfel’s colorful career, her legendary style, and her own journey with osteoporosis. Her personal experience has made her a staunch advocate for osteoporosis and bone health awareness, and a generous donor to BHOF. We are very grateful for her support and her willingness to help educate others about the importance of good bone health.

Joining us on this episode of Bone Talk is Dr. Steven Ing. Dr. Ing specializes in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, with a special focus on Metabolic Bone Disorders, Calcium Disorders and Osteoporosis. He practices primarily in Columbus, Ohio, and is affiliated with Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Ing graduated from the NYU School of Medicine and completed his training at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Hospital of the University Pennsylvania.

On this episode of Bone Talk, we’re excited to be talking to Dr. Ellen Albertson, aka The Midlife Whisperer™. Dr. Albertson is a psychologist, registered dietitian, health and wellness coach, Reiki master, and mindful self-compassion teacher. With over 30 years of experience in counseling, coaching, and healing, she brings a holistic approach to her transformational work. Her latest book, Rock Your Midlife: 7 Steps to Transform Yourself and Make Your Next Chapter Your Best Chapter, is a must-read for anyone seeking to unlock their full potential.

Joining us on this is episode of Bone Talk is Dr. Nicole Wright, an associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her research focuses on musculoskeletal epidemiology, osteoporosis outcomes research, and racial disparities in osteoporosis and its management. She is a staunch advocate for osteoporosis awareness and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.

On this episode of Bone Talk, we’re settling right into the new year. Did you know that some studies suggest that up to 80% of people quit their New Year’s resolutions by mid-February? When it comes to your health, now is a good time to look at your long-term objectives and identify the “power moves” you can focus on to achieve your goals for a full year of health.

On this episode of Bone Talk, Claire Gill, CEO of the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) talks with Dr. Andrea Singer, Chief Medical Officer for BHOF, to reflect on the work done at BHOF over the past year.

On this “gratitude-themed” episode of BoneTalk we talk with Claire Gill, CEO of the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, about how gratitude is part of the culture at BHOF. Research has shown that having an “attitude of gratitude” is not only good for us emotionally, but physically too! An attitude of gratitude means making the conscious habit of expressing appreciation on a regular basis for big and small things alike. When we do this, and practice it, it becomes a healthy habit.

On this episode of Bone Talk, Heidi Skolnik talks with Penelope Wasserman, founder of Million Dollar Bones, a program that aims to educate teens about the importance of bone health, and president of Sea and Flour, a company that is the first to integrate seaweed into the commercial baking process. As a member of the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation’s Ambassadors Leadership Council, Penelope is a passionate advocate for bone health awareness and prevention.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill is joined by Colleen Avis to discuss the value of a mindfulness practice to help manage stress and promote healing. Colleen is not only an integrative life coach who helps people find clarity and focus, she’s also a certified Chopra Life Coach, yoga teacher, and practitioner of Ayurveda and NLP. Her book, Sacred Spaces: Subtle Shifts for Mind, Body, and Home Transformation, opens you to what’s possible and teaches you how to develop strategies for living a full and satisfying life. Her approach to mindfulness embraces the whole person. She believes the mind, body, and soul are beautifully intertwined.

Joining us on this episode of Bone Talk is Dr. John Neustadt , a researcher and renowned integrative medical expert. In 2005, he founded Montana Integrative Medicine in Bozeman, Montana, specializing in hard-to-treat, chronic degenerative diseases through an integrative approach that emphasized identifying and treating the underlying causes of disease. He is currently the Founder and President of Nutritional Biochemistry, Inc., a dietary supplement company. Dr. Neustadt is passionate about research and education. He’s published more than 100 research reviews and has written four books, including his most recent, Fracture-Proof Your Bones: A Comprehensive Guide to Osteoporosis.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill talks to Dr. Rodrigo Valderrábano. His research focus is on metabolic bone disease and during his time as a research fellow at Stanford University, he was awarded the Endocrine Society’s Outstanding Abstract award and the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research’s Young Investigator award for his work studying the links between bone health and hematopoiesis in older men. He continues his research efforts with the ultimate goal of further delineating treatable risk factors for osteoporosis and devising non-pharmacologic treatment strategies for osteoporosis such as rehabilitation and exercise.

We all know that exercise is an important part of healthy living. It’s key in maintaining bone health too. Sometimes knowing is not enough. We have good intentions but can let regular exercise slide off the radar. On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill is talks with Barbara Hannah Grufferman, a nationally recognized advocate for positive living, about how to get back on track with an exercise program. Barbara is also the author of several award winning books and is the Team Captain of the BHOF “Be Bone Strong” Team.

Joining us on this episode of Bone Talk is Wendy Kaplan, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in oncology, weight management, and endocrinology. She believes that good nutrition before, during and after cancer treatment makes a difference in how people feel during and how they respond to treatment. Her passion in helping people optimize their overall well-being is so inspiring as she shares her knowledge to help patients reach their nutritional goals.

Dr. Orlando Ortiz joins us on this episode of Bone Talk to discuss vertebral and spine health. Vertebral compression fractures can happen from too much pressure on the vertebral body. This usually results from a combination of bending forward and downward pressure on the spine. Osteoporosis is often a contributing factor.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill is joined by Stephen Perrine and Heidi Skolnik to discuss their new book, The Whole Body Reset: Your Weight-Loss Plan for a Flat Belly, Optimum Health, and a Body You'll Love at Midlife and Beyond. Stephen and Heidi explain that we don’t have to gain weight as we age, and describe how this science-based, tested, and proven weight-management plan, developed by AARP, can help stop – and even reverse – weight gain.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill is joined by fitness expert Carol Michaels. Carol’s exercise programs are designed to be enjoyable, effective and fun. She is passionate about inspiring the best in others and her mission is to help people learn how to live healthy lifestyles. She brings her insight and experience to educating and motivating others to get fit. She even offers free online classes for people impacted by osteoporosis through BHOF via her company Carol Michaels Fitness.

On this episode of Bone Talk, we are excited to talk to Claire Gill, CEO of the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Over the last 18 months the foundation has undergone a significant rebranding process and has been recently renamed the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. While NOF has done a lot of good work over its 37-year history, the leadership team recognized that there is still much more to do. By evolving to build a bigger, bolder brand, the foundation aims to expand its focus on prevention in addition to osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment. NOF is rising to the challenge of building a nation of men and women with “healthy bones for life.”

In this episode of Bone Talk, host Barbara Hannah Grufferman is joined by Shona Hendricks, a sports scientist and head of athlete success at CoachParry.com. Shona also leads live online strength training classes and is the creator of the Running Through Menopause training framework. Unfortunately, losing muscle mass is part of aging. It happens to all of us, but it accelerates as we hit our 50’s. The good news is that there are things we can do to mitigate, and even reverse, the muscle loss.

In this episode of BoneTalk, National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) Trustee Barbara Hannah Grufferman is joined by longtime friend, Mark McEwen, to talk about the power of resilience when it comes to matters of the body and mind. You’ll be inspired by all that Mark has done and how he’s overcome his health challenges. You’ll also hear about Barbara’s personal story and the events that motivated her to connect with NOF. Like many women, she was not aware of the loss of bone density until she had an accident. The resulting injury and subsequent treatment was just the beginning of her story. Both Barbara and Mark share insights into how to they approach challenges to lead impactful and fulfilling lives!

In this episode of BoneTalk, host Barbara Hannah Grufferman is joined by Dr. Daniel Lieberman, author of “Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do is Healthy and Rewarding.” Dr. Lieberman, professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard University and a pioneering researcher on the evolution of human physical activity, tells the story of how humans never evolved to exercise – to do voluntary physical activity just for the sake of better health. Yet due to modern innovations and lifestyle changes, we must now choose to exert energy for the sake of our health.

An osteoporosis diagnosis can be scary and perhaps overwhelming. Whether you or a loved one has been affected, it can often be an emotional journey that requires a shift in perspective and lifestyle changes. Where do you turn for help? Here at the National Osteoporosis Foundation, our online support community, hosted by Inspire, is over sixty thousand members strong. In this episode of Bone Talk, we are joined by two of our community volunteer moderators, Pam Flores and Sarah Purcell. Pam and Sarah share some of their own osteoporosis experiences and how the NOF online peer-to-peer community can help you find answers and support.

On this episode of Bone Talk, Dr. Heather Johnson, an actively practicing gynecologist in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, joins Claire Gill, CEO of the National Osteoporosis Foundation, to talk about how changes that occur in the body due to menopause can affect our bone health. For example, the loss of estrogen impacts our bodies in a variety of ways. Bone is living and always growing in our body and estrogen (or the lack of) impacts the balance of breaking down and building up our bones.

March is National Nutrition Month, an excellent opportunity to review how our diet affects our bone health. You can learn to make healthier meal choices every day by understanding how to incorporate foods that are rich in calcium, vitamin D and other essential nutrients into your diet.