Bone Talk

Dr. Cate Lockhart

As biosimilars become increasingly available for osteoporosis treatment, patients may have questions about how these medications compare to original biologic drugs, whether they're safe and effective, and what they mean for their treatment options.

On this episode of Bone Talk, Ami Patel, Vice President of Science & Education at the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, welcomes Cate Lockhart, PharmD, PhD, Chief Science Officer at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy and Executive Director of the Biologics and Biosimilars Collective Intelligence Consortium. Together, they discuss the science behind biosimilars, the FDA approval process, and how these medications may help make osteoporosis treatment more accessible and affordable.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Biosimilars: Biosimilars are biologic medications that are highly similar to an FDA-approved reference biologic medication, with no clinically meaningful differences in safety, effectiveness, purity or potency. Unlike generic medications, which are chemically identical to their brand-name counterparts, biosimilars are made using complex biological processes.

Safety and Effectiveness: Biosimilars undergo rigorous FDA evaluation before approval. With more than a decade of use in the United States and approximately 20 years of experience in Europe, research and real-world evidence continue to support the comparable safety and effectiveness of biosimilars and their reference biologic medications.

The Importance of Real-World Research: Clinical trials provide essential information about medication safety and effectiveness, but real-world studies help researchers understand how treatments perform in everyday healthcare settings. This research offers valuable insights into patient experiences and outcomes beyond controlled clinical trials.

Switching Between Biologics and Biosimilars: Patients may be switched from a reference biologic medication to an approved biosimilar because of insurance coverage, treatment preferences or other factors. Research shows that switching between a reference biologic and its biosimilar generally does not compromise safety or effectiveness. Patients should discuss any medication changes with their healthcare providers to understand their treatment plans.

What Interchangeable Really Means: An interchangeable biosimilar isn't necessarily safer, more effective or higher quality than another FDA-approved biosimilar. In the United States, the designation allows pharmacists to substitute an interchangeable biosimilar for its reference product without first contacting the prescriber, subject to applicable state laws.

Expanding Access and Reducing Costs: Biosimilars introduce competition into the market, helping lower the cost of expensive biologic treatments. Dr. Lockhart discusses how biosimilar use has generated substantial savings across the U.S. healthcare system. While lower costs do not always translate directly into lower out-of-pocket expenses for individual patients, increased competition may help improve access to biologic medications.

Empowering Patients Through Education: As biosimilars become more common in osteoporosis care, patients are encouraged to ask questions and stay informed. Healthcare providers and pharmacists can explain how biosimilars work, why a particular medication is recommended, and what patients should expect during treatment.

What Does This Mean for People With Osteoporosis?

As biosimilars become more widely available for osteoporosis treatment, patients may have additional options for managing their bone health. These medications offer the potential to improve access to treatment and reduce costs while maintaining the safety and effectiveness of their reference biologic medications.

Although biosimilars are relatively new to osteoporosis care, extensive research and years of experience treating other conditions provide a strong foundation of evidence supporting their use.

For patients who are starting treatment or considering a switch to a biosimilar, understanding their options is important. Talking with a healthcare provider or pharmacist about how a biosimilar works, why it may be recommended, and what to expect can help patients make informed decisions and stay on track with their osteoporosis care. 

• About Cate Lockhart, PharmD, PhD

• Biologics & Biosimilars Collective Intelligence Consortium

• AMCP Research Institute

• Understanding Osteoporosis Medications: Biologics & Biosimilars

• Your Guide to Biosimilars: Advancing Osteoporosis Care

• FDA – Biosimilars Basics for Patients

• Biosimilars Facts — Biologics and Biosimilars Collective Intelligence Consortium (BBCIC)

• FDA-Approved Biosimilar Products — FDA Biosimilar Product Information

• Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) Website

Osteoporosis is often associated with women, but men are also at risk for bone loss and fractures as they age. On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF Vice President of Science & Education Ami Patel talks with Annette Gantz, a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease, about why men need to pay attention to their bone health and what they can do to protect it.

Osteoporosis Can Affect Men Too

Because osteoporosis is more common in women, men and even their healthcare providers may overlook the risk. Annette explains that osteoporosis is a silent disease, meaning a fracture may be the first sign that something is wrong.

Men may feel healthy and physically strong but still have weakened bones. A fracture from a fall at standing height or even from lifting something heavy can be an indication of osteoporosis.

Bone Health Starts Early

Strong bones aren't something to think about only later in life. Bone development begins in childhood and continues through the first few decades of life.

For men, bone health may remain relatively stable for years, but risk can increase as they age and testosterone levels decline. Certain medical conditions, medications and lifestyle factors can increase risk much earlier.

Important risk factors include:

• Family history of osteoporosis or fractures

• Previous fractures

• Long-term steroid use

• Low body weight

• Smoking

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Certain seizure medications and other medications associated with bone loss

• Gastrointestinal or absorption problems such as celiac disease

• Low testosterone

• Prostate cancer treatments that reduce testosterone

Men with these risk factors should talk with their healthcare provider about whether earlier bone density testing is appropriate.

Bone Density Is Only Part of the Picture

A DXA bone density scan can help evaluate bone health and fracture risk, but Annette stresses that it's only one tool.

Healthcare providers also consider previous fractures, family history, medications, hormone levels, body size and other medical conditions. A person can even have a bone density result that appears normal and still have osteoporosis if they've experienced a fragility fracture. The goal is to evaluate the whole patient rather than relying on a single number.

Everyday Habits Can Help Protect Your Bones

Nutrition and exercise are two important parts of maintaining strong bones.

Men should focus on a balanced diet with adequate protein, vitamins and minerals, including calcium. Annette explains that a normal blood calcium level doesn't necessarily mean someone is consuming enough calcium. When the body doesn't receive enough through the diet, it can take calcium from the bones to maintain the amount needed in the bloodstream.

Resistance exercise is also important because it helps maintain muscle and bone strength. Balance and vision matter too, since preventing falls is an important part of preventing fractures.

Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can further help reduce osteoporosis risk.

When Medication Becomes Necessary

Lifestyle changes are important, but they may not be enough when someone has a high risk of fracture.

Osteoporosis medications generally work by either helping preserve existing bone or helping build new bone. The appropriate treatment depends on a person's bone density, fracture history and overall fracture risk.

Annette emphasizes that osteoporosis is a chronic condition, but it's treatable. The goal of treatment isn't simply to keep someone on medication. It's to reduce fracture risk, preserve strength and eventually move toward an appropriate maintenance plan when possible.

Ongoing Monitoring Matters

Treatment doesn't end after a prescription is written. Follow-up bone density scans and laboratory testing can help healthcare providers determine how well treatment is working and make adjustments when necessary.

Monitoring calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone and other markers of bone health can help ensure treatment remains balanced and appropriate over time.

Protecting Independence as You Age

One of the most important reasons for protecting bone health is maintaining independence.

Fractures, particularly hip and spinal fractures, can have lasting consequences. Annette encourages men to think about how they want to be living 10 years from now. Taking action before a fracture occurs can help protect mobility, quality of life and the ability to remain independent.

For men who've never thought much about osteoporosis, the first step is understanding their personal risk factors and discussing them with a healthcare provider. For men who've already been diagnosed, the message is equally important: osteoporosis can be managed, and there are steps you can take to protect your bones and reduce your risk of future fractures.

• About Annette Gantz, NP and the Texas Bone Health & Wellness Center

• Bone Health Resources for Men

• The Man’s Guide to Osteoporosis

• Stronger Bones for Men: Preventing Osteoporosis and Fractures

• Strong Bones for Life: How Men Can Take Action to Prevent Fractures

• Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) Website

For people living with osteoporosis, hearing that a medication will be replaced with a biosimilar can raise understandable questions. Is it the same as the medication you are already taking? Will it work as well? Is it safe and why is the switch happening?

In this episode of Bone Talk, osteoporosis patient and BHOF Trustee Sally Fullman asks the questions patients may have about biosimilars. Dr. Naga Yalla, an endocrinologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, explains the science in clear, practical terms.

Together, they discuss:

• The difference between traditional medications, biologics, biosimilars, and generic drugs

• How the FDA evaluates biosimilars for safety and effectiveness

• Where patients with osteoporosis may encounter biosimilars, including biosimilars for denosumab

• Why an insurer, pharmacy, or healthcare system may recommend a switch

• What patients can expect when moving from a reference biologic to a biosimilar

• Practical differences involving brand names, packaging, pharmacies, authorizations, and assistance programs

• How biosimilars may improve access and reduce costs within the healthcare system

• Why a lower medication cost does not always mean a lower out-of-pocket cost for every patient

• Questions patients should ask their healthcare providers before starting or switching to a biosimilar

• Why maintaining the established six-month dosing schedule for denosumab is especially important

Sally also shares her personal experience switching from Prolia to a biosimilar and how clear communication from her healthcare team helped make the transition a positive one. This conversation offers reassuring, patient-centered information to help people with osteoporosis better understand biosimilars and participate confidently in decisions about their care.

• Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF)

• Medicines for Prevention and Treatment

• Understanding Osteoporosis Medications: Biologics & Biosimilars

• Your Guide to Biosimilars: Advancing Osteoporosis Care

Osteoporosis is often viewed as a women’s health issue, but millions of men are living with the disease or are at risk of developing it. That misconception can have serious consequences, with men often being screened less frequently, diagnosed later, and missing opportunities to protect their bones before a fracture occurs.

On this episode of Bone Talk, Ami Patel talks with Jacqueline Kernaghan, a physician assistant specializing in osteoporosis, about why bone health deserves more attention among men and what patients and healthcare providers can do to recognize the risks earlier.

More than 2 million American men already have osteoporosis, with another 12 million at risk. Perhaps even more striking, one in four men over age 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis during their lifetime.

Why osteoporosis in men often goes unnoticed

Osteoporosis is known as a silent disease because bone loss can progress without symptoms until a fracture happens. For men, Jacqueline explains, there’s an additional cultural barrier. Osteoporosis is still widely associated with women, and men may not realize that a fracture after a seemingly ordinary fall could indicate an underlying bone health problem.

A fracture resulting from a fall from standing height or less should raise concerns about osteoporosis, particularly in adults over 50. Yet these fractures are sometimes attributed simply to a bad fall or bad luck.

That can lead to a major gap in care. The fracture may be treated, but the osteoporosis that contributed to it may never be evaluated.

Understanding the risk factors for men

While aging itself contributes to bone loss, several other factors can increase a man’s osteoporosis risk. These include:

●      Low testosterone levels

●      Significant weight loss

●      Physical inactivity

●      Diabetes

●      Corticosteroid use

●      Tobacco use

●      Excessive alcohol consumption

●      Low calcium intake

●      Vitamin D deficiency

●      Certain medications and medical treatments, including androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

For men diagnosed with osteoporosis at a younger age, Jacqueline says clinicians should also look for secondary causes of bone loss through appropriate laboratory testing.

When should men get a bone density test?

Jacqueline recommends that men have a bone density, or DEXA, scan at age 70. Men between ages 50 and 69 should be tested earlier when they have osteoporosis risk factors.

A low-trauma fracture after age 50 is an especially important reason to be evaluated.

Bone density testing can be combined with a fracture risk assessment tool to give clinicians a more complete picture. A DEXA scan measures bone quantity, while fracture risk assessment incorporates additional factors that may help determine whether someone whose results fall into a gray area would benefit from treatment.

A broken bone should start a bigger conversation

One of the biggest missed opportunities occurs after a fracture. Patients may assume their orthopedic specialist is addressing osteoporosis, while the orthopedic specialist may expect the patient’s primary care provider or another specialist to manage it.

As patients recover and begin to feel better, follow-up appointments may also seem less urgent. The underlying bone disease can then remain untreated.

Fracture liaison services can help close this gap by identifying people who experience fractures, connecting them with appropriate osteoporosis evaluation and treatment, and working to prevent the next fracture.

Osteoporosis treatment works for men

Another misconception is that osteoporosis medications haven’t been adequately studied in men. Jacqueline emphasizes that this isn’t true. Treatment options have been studied in men and include anti-resorptive therapies that slow bone loss as well as anabolic therapies that help build new bone.

Options include pills, injections, and infusions, with treatment decisions based on an individual’s fracture risk, medical history, and other factors.

While patients may worry about rare medication side effects, Jacqueline stresses the importance of comparing those risks with the much greater risk of experiencing an osteoporosis-related fracture.

Building stronger bones through everyday habits

Medication is only one part of protecting bone health. Jacqueline recommends that men make weight-bearing exercise, strength training, resistance exercise, and balance activities part of their routines.

Nutrition matters too. Men need adequate calcium throughout life, preferably from food sources such as low-fat dairy products, certain dark leafy greens, fish with bones, and calcium-fortified foods. Vitamin D is also essential because it helps the body absorb calcium and support bone mineralization.

She encourages men to talk with their healthcare providers about their individual calcium and vitamin D needs rather than assuming bone health recommendations apply only to women.

Don’t wait for a fracture to think about bone health

The biggest takeaway from this conversation is simple: osteoporosis can affect men, and a broken bone doesn’t have to be the first warning sign.

Men should understand their risk factors, discuss bone health with their healthcare providers, and ask about a DEXA scan when appropriate. Clinicians can also help close the osteoporosis care gap by recognizing fractures after age 50 as potential warning signs rather than isolated injuries.

Greater awareness can help shift osteoporosis care from reacting to fractures to preventing them in the first place.

• Men and Osteoporosis

• The Man’s Guide to Osteoporosis

• Strong Bones for Life: How Men Can Take Action to Prevent Fractures

• Stronger Bones for Men: Preventing Osteoporosis and Fractures

• Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) Website

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.

Key Points

• Osteoporosis affects men more often than many people realize. About one in four men over age 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture, yet men are frequently underdiagnosed because routine screening isn't as common.

• Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because many people don't know they have it until they break a bone. Identifying low bone density before a fracture provides the opportunity to reduce future risk.

• Michael's diagnosis came through an unexpected bone scan, giving him the chance to begin treatment before suffering a fracture. Looking back, he wishes he had acted sooner after his first abnormal scan instead of delaying treatment for several years.

• Family history, underlying medical conditions, certain medications, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and poor nutrition can all contribute to osteoporosis. Identifying and addressing these risk factors is an important part of treatment.

• Osteoporosis treatment isn't one size fits all. Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their individual fracture risk, medical history, and overall health.

• Preventing the first fracture is the ultimate goal. Once someone experiences an osteoporosis-related fracture, their risk of additional fractures rises significantly, making early diagnosis and treatment even more important.

• Patient education plays a vital role in successful osteoporosis care. Michael emphasizes that learning about the disease helped him become a stronger advocate for himself and ask more informed questions during medical appointments.

• Bone health requires lifelong attention. Regular follow-up, bone density testing, healthy nutrition, weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D, and ongoing communication with healthcare providers all contribute to protecting bones over time.

Michael's story demonstrates how early detection can change the course of osteoporosis. While he regrets delaying action after his first abnormal scan, he hopes his experience encourages others to take a diagnosis seriously, educate themselves, and work with their healthcare team before fractures occur.

As Josh reminds listeners, it's never too early or too late to prioritize bone health. By recognizing risk factors, seeking appropriate screening, and taking proactive steps, patients can reduce fracture risk and preserve their independence for years to come.

• About Joshua Wing, NP

• About Michael Lavacot

• Michael Lavacot’s YouTube Page: Osteoporosis Patient Education

• Men and Osteoporosis

• The Man’s Guide to Osteoporosis

• Strong Bones for Life: How Men Can Take Action to Prevent Fractures

• Stronger Bones for Men: Preventing Osteoporosis and Fractures

• Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) Website

Dr. Mary Bouxsein, Professor, Harvard Medical School

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.

Key Takeaways

• SABRE Could Accelerate New Osteoporosis Treatments: One of the most significant developments in osteoporosis research is SABRE (Study to Advance Bone Mineral Density as a Regulatory Endpoint). Historically, clinical trials for osteoporosis therapies had to wait for fractures to occur before proving a treatment's effectiveness. SABRE demonstrated that changes in bone mineral density measured by DEXA scans can reliably predict fracture risk reduction, creating a pathway for faster, more efficient clinical trials and potentially bringing new therapies to patients sooner.

• Collaboration Across Industry Made a Landmark Achievement Possible: The SABRE project required more than a decade of work and unprecedented cooperation among researchers, pharmaceutical companies, government organizations, and nonprofit partners. By analyzing data from more than 160,000 participants across 52 osteoporosis clinical trials, researchers were able to build the evidence needed to support regulatory change. The project highlights what can happen when organizations work together for the benefit of patients and the future of the field.

• Artificial Intelligence Is Expanding Opportunities for Early Detection: Dr. Bouxsein discusses how AI is beginning to transform bone health by identifying osteoporosis risk using medical images that were originally taken for other reasons. Technologies that analyze routine X-rays and CT scans may help detect patients at risk for low bone density long before a fracture occurs. These innovations could improve access to screening, especially in communities where DEXA scanners are limited or unavailable.

• Diversity and Transparency Must Remain Priorities in AI Development: While AI offers tremendous promise, both Claire and Dr. Bouxsein emphasize the importance of ensuring that algorithms are trained using diverse populations. Without representative data, AI models risk perpetuating existing healthcare disparities. Researchers, clinicians, regulators, and patient advocates all have a role to play in making sure future technologies serve everyone effectively and equitably.

• Awareness and Advocacy Are Driving a New Era in Bone Health: The conversation closes on a hopeful note, highlighting growing public awareness around women's health and menopause, and the opportunity to connect those conversations to bone health. Dr. Bouxsein believes this increased attention can help drive earlier prevention, better education, greater patient engagement, and ultimately improved outcomes for people living with osteoporosis and low bone mass.

As Claire and Dr. Bouxsein make clear, the future of osteoporosis care is being shaped by innovation, collaboration, and patient advocacy. From the groundbreaking work of SABRE to the emerging possibilities of artificial intelligence, the field is moving toward faster treatment development, better screening tools, and more personalized care. With continued research and greater awareness, the next decade holds tremendous promise for improving bone health and reducing fracture risk for millions of people worldwide.

• About Mary Bouxsein, Ph.D.

• SABRE: Advancing a New Regulatory Pathway for Conduct of Osteoporosis Clinical Trials

• FDA Qualifies Total Hip Bone Mineral Density (BMD) as Surrogate Endpoint for Osteoporosis Drug Development

• ASBMR SABRE: FDA Qualifies First Surrogate Endpoint for Use in Osteoporosis Clinical Trials

• FNIH Announces FDA Qualification of First Surrogate Endpoint for Osteoporosis Clinical Trials

• Bone Density Testing and Osteoporosis Screening Resources

• Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) Website

Lisa Hamilton, PT, DPT, NBC-HWC

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.

One of the most important themes is a mindset shift. Midlife is not a period of decline, it’s an opportunity. While bone loss does accelerate during perimenopause and menopause due to declining estrogen, this stage of life is also when the actions you take can have the greatest long-term impact. Rather than waiting for a diagnosis or a fracture, this is the time to build habits that support strength and resilience.

Lisa emphasizes that strength training plays a central role in maintaining bone density, but it’s not a one size fits all approach. Bone responds to load, so progressive resistance training is key, but it has to be tailored to the individual. What matters most is consistency and creating a routine that fits into real life. Muscle health is equally important, as muscle and bone work together to support movement, balance, and overall function.

The conversation also highlights the importance of posture and balance, which are often overlooked. Poor alignment can increase fall risk and place unnecessary stress on the spine. Building a strong foundation with proper posture, safe movement patterns, and balance training is just as important as lifting weights when it comes to preventing fractures.

For many women, fear becomes a barrier after a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia. Lisa acknowledges that this fear is real, but it shouldn’t lead to avoidance of movement. Instead, the goal is to rebuild confidence gradually, learning how to move safely while still staying active. Activities don’t have to be eliminated, they can often be modified. Whether it’s yoga, golf, or exploring something new like Tai Chi, movement should remain a consistent and enjoyable part of life.

Beyond exercise, Lisa takes a whole person approach to bone health. Nutrition, including adequate protein, calcium, and vitamin D, plays a key role. Sleep and recovery are essential for the body to function properly, while chronic stress can negatively impact overall health. Even social connection matters, as staying engaged with others can improve both physical and emotional wellbeing.

One of the biggest takeaways is that small, consistent actions can matter more than extreme efforts. Simple habits like moving every day, practicing good posture, or doing functional movements like sit to stands can build strength over time. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.

Key Takeaways

• Midlife is a critical window to build and protect bone health, not a time to wait for problems to appear

• Strength training and muscle health are essential, but programs should be personalized and sustainable

• Posture, balance, and safe movement patterns are just as important as building strength for preventing fractures

• Fear after diagnosis is common, but movement can be adapted and confidence rebuilt over time

• Nutrition, sleep, stress management, and social connection all play a meaningful role in bone health

• Consistency with simple daily habits is more effective than short bursts of intense effort

Midlife offers a powerful opportunity to reset and refocus. By starting where you are and building sustainable habits, it’s possible to create a strong foundation for healthy aging and a better quality of life in the years ahead.

• About Lisa Hamilton, PT, DPT, NBC-HWC

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Website

• APTA Geriatrics

• Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) Website

Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS, BCB-PMD

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO 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.

Key Insights

• The pelvic floor is part of the core system and directly impacts balance and fall risk

• Pelvic floor symptoms can be early warning signs of bone density loss

• Incontinence and discomfort often prevent people from exercising, which further impacts bone health

• Exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve both pelvic floor function and bone density

• Pelvic floor dysfunction is common but treatable at any age

• Proper training matters. Doing exercises incorrectly can worsen symptoms rather than improve them

• Education and self-advocacy are critical to getting the right care

A major takeaway is that pelvic floor health should be viewed as part of a lifelong continuum, not something addressed only after symptoms worsen. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, but it is never too late to see improvement.

Ultimately, this conversation reinforces that the body works as a system. Bone health, muscle strength, and pelvic floor function are interconnected, and addressing them together leads to stronger outcomes and better quality of life.

• About Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS, BCB-PMD

• The Musculoskeletal Mystery: How to Solve Your Pelvic Floor Symptoms

• Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) Website

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill sits down with Helen and Michelle, a mother and daughter navigating osteoporosis together. What began as a fall at a summer concert became a turning point that reshaped how their entire family thinks about bone health.

Michelle’s fracture happened after what seemed like a minor fall on grass. She was embarrassed, stayed for the concert, and did not initially believe her arm could actually be broken. When X-rays confirmed the fracture, it forced her to reconsider something she had long associated with much older women. With a family history that included her mother, aunts, and grandmother, she began to recognize that osteoporosis was not just possible. It was personal.

Helen had already been diagnosed after a fracture and a bone density scan revealed osteoporosis. With a strong family history and the sobering statistic that 30 percent of people who break a hip die within a year, she committed to a comprehensive treatment plan including medication, supplements, and exercise. She also became a vocal advocate among family and friends.

Key Takeaways

• Osteoporosis risk can run in families, yet it’s often overlooked in family health conversations

• Fractures can happen from minor falls and should never be dismissed

• Bone health is not automatically discussed during routine wellness visits

• Patients must advocate for themselves and ask questions about testing and treatment

• Bringing a family member to appointments can improve understanding and support

• Lifestyle adjustments do not mean giving up an active life

Michelle emphasized the importance of self advocacy. When first offered medication, she asked for time to research and return with questions. That pause led to a more informed and collaborative treatment decision. Helen reinforced the importance of diet and following a clear plan developed with a specialist.

Together, they are now intentionally educating younger generations in their family. From conversations with daughters and granddaughters to creating a private family social media group to share health information, they are changing how their family approaches bone health.

• BuildingYourBones.com

• Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) Website

Dr. Jaimo Ahn

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.

Dr. Ahn explains that hip fractures are rarely “just a broken bone.” Aging naturally weakens bone over time, and subtle changes in balance or walking are often early warning signs that someone is at high risk. A single fall can instantly change a person’s life, and even with successful surgery, nearly half of patients never fully regain their prior level of function. Alarmingly, the risk of death within a year after a hip fracture can be higher than after many heart attacks or cancer diagnoses.

The conversation focuses heavily on what happens in the chaotic hours and days after a fracture. Patients and families are often overwhelmed, meeting dozens of providers and trying to process unfamiliar medical decisions. Dr. Ahn emphasizes the importance of asking questions, engaging nurses, physicians, and discharge planners, and understanding each step of care.

A major theme is early mobility. While it may feel counterintuitive, getting patients up and moving soon after surgery reduces complications like pneumonia, pressure injuries, and cognitive decline—and significantly improves long-term recovery. Dr. Ahn underscores that modern surgical implants are designed to support weight-bearing, and movement is essential for healing.

• Hip fractures are often life-altering events with long-term functional and mortality risks.

• Early movement after surgery is critical to reducing complications and improving recovery.

• The period immediately after a fracture can be overwhelming, making questions and care coordination essential.

• A hip fracture from a simple fall is a warning sign of underlying bone disease.

• The first year after a fracture is a crucial window to prevent future fractures and protect long-term quality of life.

The episode also highlights a critical missed opportunity: bone health and secondary fracture prevention. A hip fracture from a standing-height fall is, by definition, an osteoporotic fracture—regardless of bone density test results. The first year after a fracture is the highest-risk period for another serious break, making this a pivotal time to address osteoporosis, fall risk, nutrition, strength, balance, vision, and medication review.

Dr. Ahn closes with a powerful reminder he gives his own patients: he cares deeply about them—but he doesn’t want them to become “repeat customers.” Recovery is not just about healing a fracture; it’s about protecting independence, quality of life, and the ability to keep doing what matters most.

• About Dr. Jaimo Ahn

• Preventing Falls and Broken Bones

• What To Do If You Break a Bone

• Treatment for Osteoporosis

• Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) Website