October 20th is World Osteoporosis Day. Join BHOF and organizations across the globe in raising awareness and resources to promote better bone health!
October Events in Honor of World Osteoporosis Day
A diagnosis doesn’t mean the end to an independent, active, and fulfilling life. Break free from your osteoporosis and build strong bones for life with different fitness events promoting safe movement leading up to World Osteoporosis Day on Sunday, October 20, and beyond.
Free Week of Strength Training & Yoga for Osteoporosis (Digital Program)
Date/Time: One week from the date of sign-up.
Strength training is a safe and evidence-based way to improve bone density, while yoga reduces fracture risk by improving balance and posture. This week-long virtual program offers a beginner-friendly introduction to foundational strength training movements and concepts, designed to keep you safe as you progress to loaded exercise for bone density. You can participate from the comfort of your own home, with minimal or no equipment. Access is free, with no time constraints! Click here to learn more and sign up. Questions? Contact Jenni Tarma at jenni@kaariprehab.com.
Why Healthy Bones Matter for People Living with HIV™ (Webinar)
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 1, 12pm-1pm ET
Speaker: Peer Educator – Suzan Mekler
This program gives people living with HIV a comprehensive understanding of bone health and osteoporosis, fracture risk factors, prevention strategies including nutrition and physical activity, as well as an understanding of osteoporosis treatment options. The causes of low bone mineral density are multi-factorial and likely represent a complex interaction between HIV, traditional osteoporosis risk factors like family history, and antiretroviral-related factors. Click here to register.
Strength Training for Osteoporosis for Beginners (Virtual)
Date/Time: Friday, October 11, 1pm-2pm ET
Instructor: Carol Michaels
This class will teach you how to strengthen bones and muscles, improve posture and balance, and decrease stress. You will learn the exercises that should be performed, the exercises that should be modified and the exercises that should be avoided. It is crucial to learn how to exercise properly because the wrong exercises or improper form can lead to injury. Obtain clearance from your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise routine. You will need hand weights, a mat, and a resistance band and will receive a Zoom invite the evening prior to the class. Please email Carol Michael for the registration link at caroljmichaels@gmail.com.
Why Healthy Bones Matter for People with Breast Cancer™ (Webinar)
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 16, 1pm-2pm ET
Speaker: Peer Educator – Jennifer Jackson
Whether you have just been diagnosed, you are currently undergoing treatment, or you are cancer-free, you need to take action to prevent bone loss and fractures. This event brings insights and understanding into how cancer and cancer treatments affect bone health. Click here to register.
Bone Friendly Yoga (Webinar)
Date/Time: Saturday, October 19, 11am ET
Presenter: Michele Schmidt, Yoga Instructor
Are you unsure of what movements you should or should not be doing with osteoporosis or osteopenia? Learn how yoga can support your bone health, build body awareness, improve balance & coordination, build self-confidence and maintain independence. Option to practice with a chair/wall for support. Props needed: blocks, strap, blanket/pillow. Register here for this FREE Zoom webinar: https://micheleschmidtyoga.heymarvelous.com/event/details/834062 If you are unable to attend the live event, a replay is available to all who are registered (valid for 7 days).
Lets’ Celebrate WORLD OSTEOPOROSIS DAY With a LIVE BONE BUILDING WORKOUT (Webinar)
Date/Time: Saturday, October 19, 11am ET
Presenter: Amy Van Liew, Osteoporosis and Menopause Fitness Specialist
A diagnosis of osteoporosis can be very scary, but you do not have to go cover yourself in bubble wrap. But you do need to create a strong body that is resilient to weaker bones AND hang onto as much bone density as you can. How? Lift some weights (to your level), get some impact against gravity (to your level) and feel accomplished and healthy at the same time. What to expect: Basic strength moves using dumbbells or anything you can grab. A round of bone building moves to help stimulate bone growth. Modifications for every level AND I’ll be sharing tips on how to improve your bone health as we exercise. There will be a live Q&A at the end of the program! Click here to register here for this FREE session. If you can’t attend live, sign up anyway and Amy will send you the recording or a workout you can do later.
Osteoporosis: Reduce Stress, Release Tension, Improve Posture and Bone Health (Webinar)
Date/Time: Saturday, October 19, 12pm ET
Presenter: Karin Weinstein, ERYT-500, CMMT, YACEP, CPT
Many factors can influence bone density: genetics, lack of loading, certain pharmaceuticals, and nutrition. But did you know that elevated levels of stress can also degrade bone density? Research indicates a strong link between psychological stress and an increased prevalence of osteoporosis. Breathing practices, stretching, and myofascial release can help to reduce stress by promoting the relaxation response. Releasing tension in the neck, chest, and shoulders not only feels good, but it can also improve posture and create a more favorable internal environment for bone health. Join Coach Karin Weinstein, ERYT-500, CMMT, YACEP, CPT, to understand how stress and osteoporosis are connected, and learn accessible stretches to promote relaxation, better mobility, and optimal posture. You’ll leave with actionable takeaways you can implement right away to support your bone health! This session is free and will include time for Q&A! Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/osteoporosis-reduce-stress-release-tension-improve-posture-bone-health-tickets-1002130658777?aff=BHOF
Functional Fitness for Bone Health and Injury Prevention (Webinar)
Date/Time: Sunday, October 20, 11am ET
Presenter: Linda Rose Iennaco, Lridancefitness@aol.com
Learn and practice movement patterns which will strengthen your bones and muscles, keep you safe from injury, and build confidence and comfort as you engage in your daily activities. Click here to register here for this FREE Zoom webinar.
Secrets to BoneSmart Posture, Strength, and Balance (Virtual)
Date/Time: Thursday, October 31, at 4 pm ET
Instructor: Teresa Maldonado Marchok, licensed physical therapist, nationally certified Pilates teacher, and creator of the BoneSmart Pilates® Method and award-winning DVD Series.
Props: A chair and light hand weights (or cans/water bottles.)
Join this complimentary virtual Posture, Strength, and Balance class, taught by a licensed physical therapist, for a bone-safe fun workout. Movement will occur standing and/or in a chair. All abilities are welcome. The presenter will review essential guidelines to keep you safe and provide exercises to strengthen you and improve your posture and balance.
Registration Link: https://bonesmartpilates.as.me/PostureStrengthBalance
Social Media Toolkit
Our social media toolkit provides graphics and message for you to share with your networks. Coming soon!
BHOF Resources and Publications
Boning Up on Osteoporosis
from BHOF
This updated edition of Boning Up on Osteoporosis contains information about prevention, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. It also includes important information about living with osteoporosis, safe movement and exercise for daily living.
Safe Movement Guide
from BHOF
Download our Safe Movement Brochure on preventing fragility fractures. It contains helpful information on anti-fracture medicine, safe movement, and fall prevention.
Resources & Tools from WorldOsteoporosisDay.org
WorldOsteoporosisDay.org has an abundant collection of resources to help educate and spread awareness, all of which are free to download and share. These include posters, brochures, social media graphics, infographics, reports, factsheets and more.