Through Voices of Osteoporosis: Stories of Hope and Inspiration and the 40 Faces of Osteoporosis video series, individuals from across the country have shared their personal experiences to help raise awareness and encourage others navigating bone health and osteoporosis. Their stories highlight the importance of education, early diagnosis, support, advocacy, and resilience.
Join the Bone Buddies Online Virtual Support Group this May! Weekly sessions cover topics ranging from diet, exercise, treatment, and more.
Join us on May 5, from 5–6 p.m. ET with instructor Carol Michaels for a live virtual class: Strength Training for Osteoporosis for Beginners. This class will teach you how to strengthen bones and muscles, improve posture and balance. You will learn the exercises that should be performed, the exercises that should be modified and the exercises that should be avoided.
From the iconic skyline of New York City to the harbor of Sydney, and into neighborhoods across the country, Be Bone Strong™ is turning awareness into action, one step at a time. This year, that energy is on full display as our team prepares for two of the world’s most recognized races, while also expanding opportunities for people everywhere to take part, no starting line required.
At age 53, I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis. I was completely blindsided and devastated with this diagnosis as it was not on my radar of health issues to be concerned about. My diagnosis came from chasing a pulled muscle. After six weeks of physical therapy and no improvement, I had some imaging done which showed mild degenerative disc changes with small protrusions. This result led to a bone density scan.
Back in 2015, after my first DEXA, my primary care provider announced, “You have osteopenia. Your bones are thinning.” I was only 52. I dismissively waved my hand, more concerned about the multiple health conditions I was juggling and a weakening pelvic floor and left hip that had rendered me mobility challenged and exhausted. I also have Crohn’s, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, P.O.T.S., and Ehlers-Danlos Hypermobility. I was using a mobility scooter to go the distance whenever we shopped or did activities with the family.
