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.

To talk more about setting your goals, staying motivated, and specific power moves for your bone health, we’re joined by Elaine Henderson, a registered nurse and the facilitator of Bone Buddies, a BHOF-sponsored virtual support group. This free group is open-to-all and meets weekly for presentations, Q&A sessions, demonstrations, and live group discussions. The sessions are a fun, relaxing way to learn new information about bone health and managing osteoporosis.

When asked what she would advise for those who want to define their power moves, Elaine said she uses the SMART goals process. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Additional helpful tips are to:

• Write down your goals

• Check back and reflect on a regular basis

• Post your goals in a place where you’ll regularly see them

With the Bone Buddies group she’s been hosting for years now, Elaine is an expert on what people want to know about their bone health, and what to do when you get your diagnosis.

What can you do now? Here are just a few power moves she suggests:

• Make sure that your assessment and diagnosis are accurate. Understand your T-score, Trabecular bone score (TBS), blood work, 24-hour urine test, and FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool)

• Ask the question “What is really driving bone loss or osteoporosis?” to get to the root of the problem

• Look at secondary causes of low bone density

• Decide on your treatments

• Learn how to safely move your body and prevent falls and fractures

• Incorporate strength training, physical therapy, regular exercise, and healthy eating

• Make lifestyle changes to reduce stress

Your overall health is dependent on you. You’re the one who can do the work that will help improve your health. This can be overwhelming, but it’s also very empowering, so learn as much as you can about your physical health and what you can do. Set your goals and stay consistent. And remember that you can achieve your health goals!

To learn more about diagnosis, screening, diagnostic tools, and living with osteoporosis, listen to the full episode and join the next Bone Buddies session.

• Bone Buddies Education & Support Group: Virtual & Open to All

• What are your power moves for 2023?

• Evaluation of Bone Health/Bone Density Testing

• Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation Website