My name is... and I have Osteoporosis

This episode I had the pleasure of chatting with my Sister-in-Law and registered Nurse Judith Harris. Judith contacted me saying she was enjoying my podcasts and that she would love to share her story if it might help other people. I jumped at the chance to catch up with her and I am grateful to her for her frank retelling of her story. It all began with a hysterectomy at 50, followed by breast cancer treatment during the Covid 19 pandemic, and her most recent health blow which is a diagnosis of osteoporosis. We chat about the importance of exercise for bones and whether we are getting enough of the right advice on diagnosis.

Exercise is not just good for bones and we reveal some research hot off the press to support exercise for Menopausal night sweats. Who Knew? ME!! Despite the hand she has been dealt Judith is ever the optimist and we enjoy an upbeat conversation with some unexpected twists and turns, some stories and some giggles!

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to break (fracture).

The most common injuries in people with osteoporosis are:

• broken wrist
• broken hip and
• broken spinal bones (vertebrae)

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/

Prevention is better than cure!

Unfortunately the first time many people discover they have osteoporosis is AFTER they suffer a fracture. There are medications you can take and Judith is receiving the recommended drug treatment. I am interested in all the lifestyle measures that can be used alongside the drug therapies to improve the condition of her bones and guard against fractures in the future.

Build Bone with Exercise!

I couldn't help myself and I may have got up on my soapbox (apologies Judith!) to have a bit of a rant! In my defence I am passionate to share the news that we can take action to strengthen muscles and bones with appropriate nutrition and exercise. Checkout my blog all about Pilates for Bone Health to learn more!

Exercise and hot flushes

On the very day we were recording this chat Judith spotted an article in the Daily Mail and she let's us know that researchers from Smith College in Massachusetts reported ''sedentary lifestyles may be putting women at greater risk of hot flushes during the night. They handed Menopausal women struggling with night sweats some tough-love advice: stop sitting around! Need I say more...

If you are interested in finding about more about Movement as Medicine book your free 20 minutes consultation with me and join your first class for free!

Author Phillipa Butler Chartered Physiotherapist, Movement Maestro and Podcaster.

Precizion.co.uk