Bone to Be Strong: Rethinking Women's Health and Longevity with Dr. Vonda Wright

Our bones do far more than hold us up. They can influence metabolism, brain health and how independently we live as we age.

In this episode of Next Level Health, orthopedic surgeon and Unbreakable author Dr. Vonda Wright joins Dr. Melinda Ring to rethink the role of bone and muscle in women's health and longevity and explain why midlife is such a critical window for protecting both.

Dr. Wright breaks down what happens to bone, muscle, joints and connective tissue during perimenopause and menopause, including the cluster of symptoms she has termed the "musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause." She also shares practical strategies for staying strong and capable for decades to come, from lifting heavier weights and incorporating impact and balance training to prioritizing protein and getting proactive about bone health.

Plus, Dr. Wright discusses why aging doesn't have to mean inevitable decline, the major gaps that remain in research on women over 40, and the ambitious 79-mile mountain challenge she is using to help fund new women's health research.

https://youtu.be/B-A_XQd6z-4

In this episode:

00:00 Your Bones Tell Your Life Story

00:54 Why Aging Doesn't Have to Mean Decline

06:15 Strength, Independence and the Freedom to Age Well

07:11 Why Bone and Muscle Are Longevity Organs

10:45 When Should Women Get a Bone Density Test?

12:04 What Perimenopause Does to Muscle and Bone

16:02 The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause

20:26 The Building Blocks of Stronger Bones

23:00 Strength, Impact, Balance and Nutrition

27:16 Do You Need a Calcium Supplement?

28:21 How Much Protein Do Women Need?

31:40 Closing the Gap in Women's Health Research

36:56 Dr. Wright's Advice for Aging With Power

• Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging With Power by Dr. Vonda Wright is available now.

• Find out more about Dr. Wright's work.

• Check out "Moving the Mountain: 79 Miles. $79 Million. The future of women's health research one step at a time."

• Subscribe to Next Level Health for science-backed, practical conversations about integrative health, longevity and well-being.