UNBREAKABLE - The OC Podcast

For many people, being active and sticking to a regular exercise schedule is not part of their daily routine. However, once diagnosed with osteoporosis – exercise needs to become a habit, but many people are unsure of how to begin. On this episode, Dr. Lora Giangregorio, Professor and Schlegel Research Chair in Mobility and Aging in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo, will discuss the importance of exercise for bone health, how a person can design a program safely and if a person has fractured due to osteoporosis and wants to start an exercise program, what should they consider before they begin.

In addition to vitamins and minerals, protein is an important nutrient for your bone health and in the management of osteoporosis. On this episode, Registered Dietitian Lucia Weiler explores the significance of protein for bone and muscle health, how animal and plant proteins differ, the vital role of amino acids and how to easily integrate protein into a balanced eating pattern.

In Partnership with Danone Canada and Oikos

Eating well isn’t just for bone health but also for your overall health including your mental health. There is a lot to consider when making food choices and on this episode Registered Dietitian Sue Mah, with over 25 years of experience and Fellow of Dietitians of Canada will discuss how you can eat well and feel fantastic, how to avoid food pitfalls and conflicting information and how what and when you eat is connected to how you feel and more.

In partnership with Danone Canada and Oikos

Our bodies need vitamins and minerals but we may not always be able to get the required amounts through our food choices. Supplements may be required to ensure your needs are met. But can taking too much of a supplement or taking supplements for too long be harmful? On this episode Dr. Teri Charrois, pharmacist and Associate Dean of Practice Innovation and Professor of Teaching at UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences discusses what you need to know about supplements including the difference between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins and if taking too much of a supplement can be harmful.

When it comes to bone health, we all know calcium is at the top of the list. But like many things in life, it can be complicated. How much is enough? Can you get too much? And what does it do beyond strengthen our bones? On this episode, Dr. David Hanley a Professor Emeritus and a member of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism in the Department of Medicine and in the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health at the University of Calgary whose research has focused on calcium regulation and skeletal metabolism discusses the importance of calcium, hyper and hypocalcaemia and more.

Have you started a prescription and then stopped taking it before its completion? Have you missed a dose or treatment as per the instructions provided by your healthcare provider? You’re definitely not alone. While it may not seem like a big deal to miss even one dose or one scheduled treatment, it could have very serious consequences. On this episode Carla Purcell, RN with the Nova Scotia Health Authority discusses why it’s so important to take medication as prescribed and follow a treatment schedule, why some people experience side effects and how to manage them and more.

A fear of falling can develop after a stressful life event or a fall that has resulted in a fracture. Falling from standing height – even when falling on concrete or ice – shouldn’t result in a broken bone – but if it does – that can be an indicator of osteoporosis. On this episode, Dr. Jenna Gibb assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at McGill University discusses what can cause a fall, what is the standard definition of a fall, if you do fall, what you should do and more.

As we age, our needs change and so do our appetites and the type of foods we prefer. This can make it more difficult to get the bone-building nutrients we need. For older adults and seniors, it’s important to continue good nutritional habits while also recognizing changing needs. Pr. Genevieve Mailhot, Registered Dietitian, Full Professor in the Department of Nutrition at the University of Montreal and a researcher at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center discusses eating habits as we age, what affects our appetites and how to make sure individuals, especially older adults and seniors get the bone building nutrients needed.

Many people think of osteoporosis as a condition you develop later in life. That’s not always the case and being aware of the factors associated with the disease can help you reduce your risk. In this episode, Dr. Rowena Ridout an endocrinologist at Toronto Western Hospital, staff physician in the UHN Osteoporosis Program and Chair of Osteoporosis Canada’s Scientific Advisory Council discusses why women and men under 50 can develop osteoporosis, what are the signs and symptoms and how other conditions, medications and treatments can affect your bone health.

If you have just had a fracture, you may think you have to stop being active. But did you know that moving and exercising safely is important for recovery and managing your future bone health? Dr. Caitlin McArthur is a physiotherapist and an Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University. She does research on improving the effectiveness of and access to rehabilitation for people living with chronic health conditions. On this episode, Dr. McArthur discusses how you should proceed with an exercise plan after a fracture, the type of exercises that are beneficial for bone health and in managing osteoporosis, who you should consult about staying active and more.