Happy Bones, Happy Life

Could the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in your environment be affecting your bone health? In this episode, I'm joined by Valerie Burke, also known as the "Shungite Queen," to explore the potential impact of EMFs on bone health and how shungite, a rare carbon-based rock from Russia, may help mitigate those effects. We discuss the science, history, and properties of shungite, including its molecular structure with fullerenes and its unique interaction with electromagnetic fields. Valerie explains the ways EMFs may adversely affect bone health, including voltage-gated calcium channels, bone marrow interference, thyroid disruption, and decreased melatonin production. She also walks us through different grades of shungite, how to recognize authentic pieces, and practical tips for using it in daily life, whether as jewelry, desktop pieces, or even infused in water. I also share my own curiosity and personal experiences with keeping shungite near my workspace to create a more grounding and protective environment. This conversation will help you make informed choices about EMF exposure while exploring innovative ways to support bone health, wellness, and stress reduction. "Shungite water is another way you can use shungite for your health, for just the fullerenes, the carbon 60, and the detox properties. Elite Shungite sort of energizes the water in a way that nothing else can." ~ Valerie Burke, MSN In this episode: - [02:55] - What is shungite? Origins and molecular properties - [05:34] - How EMFs affect bones: voltage-gated calcium channels - [08:29] - Bone marrow, thyroid, and melatonin disruption - [12:06] - Various grades of shungite and how to identify genuine shungite - [15:31] - Placement strategies: desk, jewelry, and energy fields - [21:21] - Valerie's backstory and how she discovered shungite - [23:41] - Stories from shungite users - [30:04] - Valerie's osteoporosis story - [38:26] - Shungite water infusion and its detox benefits Resources - Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures - tinyurl.com/osteoporosisexercises - Valerie's Shungite product collection (Use coupon code Happybones for 10% discount - one use per customer. This discount runs from 6/16/26 to 7/5/26) - https://shungitequeen.com/discount/Happybones?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fevergreen - Link to article with research on EMFs and bone health - https://shungitequeen.com/blogs/shungify/4-ways-emfs-damage-bones-how-to-protect-your-health More about Margie - Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast. *In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

Many women are not aware that the pelvic floor plays a key role in stabilization, posture, and overall bone health, whether you lift weights, practice balance exercises, or simply want to move confidently. In this episode, I'm joined by Isa Herrera, a licensed physical therapist and pelvic floor expert, to discuss why your pelvic floor is essential for strong bones. We explore common mistakes women make, such as ignoring the connection between the core, fascia, and the pelvic floor. Isa walks us through exercises like the transverse hold, baby Kegels, and reverse Kegels, demonstrating how to safely strengthen the pelvic floor and integrate it into your strength training program. By combining proper pelvic floor activation with targeted strength and stabilization exercises, you can reduce incontinence, improve posture, prevent injury, and enhance bone health. This conversation provides simple strategies you can start using today to strengthen your pelvic floor and support your bones for the long term. "When women take ownership of their pelvic and bone health, their whole lives change. And all of a sudden, they're happier, they're more confident, and they're doing the things they love." ~ Isa Herrera, MSPT, CSCS In this episode: - [03:17] - Why the pelvic floor is critical for bone health - [05:08] - Exercises to avoid: traditional crunches, heavy lifting, ballistic moves - [08:16] - Testing and correcting diastasis recti - [11:36] - The transverse hold: foundation exercise for the pelvic floor - [15:05] - Common pelvic floor issues and their impact on exercise and bones - [21:41] - Kegel exercises: technique and visualization - [26:49] - Full-body Kegel and pelvic brace: combining breath, fascia, and core - [33:31] - Adjusting exercises for symptoms: leaking, prolapse, pain Resources - On-demand pelvic floor masterclass - https://www.lk10ppt.com/2T4B5B1/2PKWQ8/?uid=304 - Vaginal Dryness eBook - https://www.lk10ppt.com/2T4B5B1/2PKWQ8/?uid=305 - Margie's More Natural Approaches to Exercise and Bone Health Summit (free to watch for 8 days) - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/osteoporosis-bone-health-summit. - Get quality supplements at Margie's Fullscript dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/supplementsforless More about Margie - Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast. *In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

Many people think there's a single "perfect" diet for bone health, but the truth is, what works for one person may not work for another. In this episode, I'm joined by Ashley Koff, a registered dietitian, USA Today bestselling author of Your Best Shot, and founder of The Better Nutrition Program, to explore why one-size-fits-all nutrition doesn't work for bone health. We dive into the gut-bone axis, discussing how your digestion, nutrient absorption, and hydration impact whether your body can actually use the nutrients you consume to strengthen your bones. Ashley emphasizes that even if two people eat the same diet, one may gain bone strength while the other continues losing it. We also discuss the importance of tracking blood sugar and how modern medications like GLP-1 agonists affect bone health. Ashley shares strategies to personalize your nutrition, including how to evaluate your total nutrient intake from foods, supplements, and medications, and adjust them to support your bones effectively. This conversation will help you take control of your nutrition, optimize digestion, and implement personalized strategies that support bone strength, metabolism, and overall health. "If your digestion is not optimal, you cannot have optimal bone health." ~ Ashley Koff, RD In this episode: - [02:08] - Why personalized nutrition is necessary for bone health - [03:45] - Total nutrition: combining food, supplements, and medication - [06:37] - The importance of comprehensive digestive assessment - [12:33] - Proper hydration and its role in nutrient transport for bone health - [25:17] - Practical strategies for digestion, eating habits, and nutrient absorption - [30:16] - Blood sugar regulation and its impact on bones - [42:46] - Menopause, hormones, and their interaction with gut and bone health - [46:56] - More information about GLP-1 agonists - [50:23] - Accessing Ashley's Better Nutrition Program, free consults, and community Resources Live Class with Ashley: Personalized Nutrition and Exercises for Better Digestion & Bone Health on Thursday, July 9th at 12:00 PM EDT. Join Ashley and Margie's community for practical, science-backed strategies to support digestion and bone health. The first 200 people to register get a complimentary copy of Ashley's book, Your Best Shot! Register here: https://margie-bissinger.mykajabi.com/personalized-nutrition-and-exercises-for-better-digestion-bone-health Get Your Personalized Nutrition Plan: Work with Ashley to build a nutrition plan tailored to you. Use code Margie20 for your 20% discount. https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/ Prefer to chat first? Book a free 15-minute call: https://meetings.hubspot.com/team-bnp/15-minute-chat?uuid=85714460-8a38-4268-b2aa-7c9fc1833c65 Osteoporosis Exercises - https://tinyurl.com/Exercisesforbonehealth More about Margie - Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast. *In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

Are you exercising for osteoporosis but unsure if your program is truly effective? Many people miss key components that make all the difference in preventing fractures and building strong bones. In this episode, I dive into the essentials of a complete osteoporosis exercise program. As a physical therapist with over 40 years of experience, I've seen so many women doing "good exercises" but still missing critical pieces that protect their bones and reduce fracture risk. I break down the five core components every osteoporosis program should include and share practical tips for making these exercises effective. I also talk about balance exercises and why improving balance is crucial for preventing falls, and I highlight posture techniques to protect the spine and enhance spinal stability. Finally, I share resources, handouts, and videos you can access for free, so you can implement these exercises safely at home. Whether you're walking, dancing, or doing resistance training, these tips will help you make your program complete and effective for bone strength and independence. "Research has shown that the bones respond to the forces placed upon them. So when a muscle is contracting against resistance, it's pulling on the bone and shaking the bone as if to say, hey, we need more bone here." ~ Margie Bissinger In this episode: - [01:19] - Five essentials for a bone-building program - [03:28] - Resistance training: proper weight, form, and frequency - [09:32] - Impact and weight-bearing exercises: why supervision helps - [11:49] - Balance training: static, dynamic, dual-tasking for fall prevention - [15:54] - Posture work: spinal alignment, seated posture, visual cues - [24:30] - Flexion vs. extension exercises - [27:10] - Movements to avoid - [34:55] - Aerobic exercise: benefits and limits for bone density - [35:25] - Core & pelvic floor: breathing and stabilization techniques - [39:08] - Happy Bones Club for workshops, Q&A, and more resources Resources - Osteoporosis Exercises - https://tinyurl.com/exercisesforme - Happy Bones Club membership - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/bones-club More about Margie - Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast. *In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

Some of the biggest threats to your bone health may be hiding in foods you eat every single day, even foods marketed as "healthy." Today, I'm revisiting one of the most popular conversations ever on my YouTube channel with nutrition expert Mira Dessy, The Ingredient Guru. This information is simply too important not to share again. We talk about the hidden ingredients commonly found in packaged and processed foods that may negatively affect both your bone health and your overall well-being. The good news? This episode is not about fear or perfection. It's about awareness and making simple, realistic swaps over time. Mira explains why ingredients like carrageenan, EDTA, phosphoric acid, and excess caffeine may interfere with nutrient absorption, increase inflammation, and potentially contribute to bone loss. We also discuss why the "low-fat" mindset may actually work against your bones by interfering with the absorption of important fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins D and K. We also share practical ways to reduce these ingredients without overwhelm. You can learn how small, sustainable changes can make a meaningful difference for your bones and your overall health. "I encourage people to be brand disloyal…You really want to make sure that you're being proactive for yourself. Make sure that you're looking, not for the brand, not for what's on the front of the package, but for what's in the ingredients." ~ Mira Dessy In this episode: - [03:29] - Carrageenan, emulsifiers, and gut inflammation explained - [12:22] - How gums may affect digestion and nutrient absorption - [14:55] - Why EDTA may interfere with calcium absorption - [18:44] - The surprising connection between caffeine and bone health - [22:06] - Non-caffeinated coffee alternatives - [30:16] - Why low-fat foods may weaken bone health - [33:19] - Phosphoric acid, soda, and mineral depletion - [39:29] - Simple ways to reduce harmful ingredients without overwhelm - [40:59] - Easy bone broth nutrition hacks for stronger bones - [43:37] - New research linking ultra-processed foods to poor bone health Resources - Get discounted supplements at Margie's Fullscript dispensary (SALE 5/18-5/21) - https://tinyurl.com/happybonessupplements - More Natural Approaches to Osteoporosis & Bone Health Summit - free 8 days - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/osteoporosis-bone-health-summit - Mira's Substack - https://miradessy.substack.com - January Zine (free for everyone) - https://miradessy.substack.com/p/january-2026-kitchen-table-chat-zine - The Pantry Principle: How to Read the Label and Understand What's Really In Your Food - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0988935708/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 - Avoid the Bone Health Bandits ebook - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4TTHWCF More about Margie - Website - https://margiebissinger.com/ - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/ - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast. *In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.