#BoneMatters online information eventsÌý
Welcome to #BoneMatters, our monthly online Q+A sessions – hear from leading experts in osteoporosis and bone health about the subjects that matter to you.
From living with fractures and understanding treatment, to nutrition and exercise – we'll be talking to experts about the topics that matter most.
You can now register to get a monthly email update with information about the latest sessions and more.
We really value your feedback and are keen to hear how you found the session, to let us know, please take a moment to complete our short survey:
Latest #BoneMatters
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Self injectable osteoporosis medications. Tips for starting, storing and travelling
Osteoporosis specialist nurses Kirsty and Vivienne share tips to help with starting, storing and travelling with the self-injectable, osteoporosis medications called teriparatide, abaloparatide and romosozumab. The ̨ž³uuÖ±²¥helpline gets regular questions about keeping these drugs cool with suitable fridges and cool bags. This new #Bone Matters offers help with these practical issues. For more information about osteoporosis medications see our website and the ̨ž³uuÖ±²¥fact sheets on teriparatide and romosozumab. A previous #BoneMatters discusses other .
Understanding the rare side effects of osteoporosis medications - Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and dental care
We hear from a specialist doctor and a dentist about osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).Ìý It’s a very rare side effect of some osteoporosis medications but it raises many questions and concerns. We tackle some of the misconceptions like not being able to have a tooth out if you take these drugs or never starting a medication unless you go to the dentist first.Ìý We provide the facts so you are better informed, can take your medication with confidence and can also get the dental care you need.
For more information :ÌýÌýÌý
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Timestamps
01.02 What is osteonecrosis of the jaw
What are the chances of getting ONJ whilst you are on a osteoporosis medication ?
07.07 Risks of ONJ
10.10 Dental health
12.58 Is it always necessary to see a dentist before you start one of these treatments?
14.36 Can you have a tooth out on osteoporosis medication?
15.42 Why do some dentists seem reluctant to remove or do an extraction when someone's on osteoporosis drug treatments?
16.35 What is an invasive dental treatment? What is the difference between removing a tooth, dental implants and root canals?
17.35 Can you have an implant whilst on osteoporosis medication?
21.04 Should I stop my bisphosphonate before I have my tooth out?
22.32 Tooth loss
24.43 Can you break your jaw with osteoporosis?
Your questions answered by our specialist nurses

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About OsteoporosisÌý
Understanding your diagnosis
In this session, specialist nurses Julia and Sarah explain what it means if you have been told you have osteoporosis and what the future holds. They look at the changes happening inside bones andÌýhow a diagnosis of osteoporosis can have differentÌýmeanings. ÌýThey dispel myths and misunderstandings and help you understand what your diagnosis really means for you.
Osteoporosis and fractures in younger people
In this session, we explore osteoporosis and fractures in younger adults with Professor Jennie Walsh an Honorary Consultant Physician. Prof. Jennie has a particular interest in young people with low bone density and with a range of other rare bone diseases, she explains the diagnosis of osteoporosis in young people, the importance of a referral to a specialist before drug treatments are prescribed and managing the underlying condition.
Osteoporosis and Men
In this next Bone Matters session, Dr. Stephen Tuck explains how men are affected by osteoporosis and fractures. We also hear a personal story from Nic Vine to help raise awareness of the impact on men. For more information: Check you risk, ÌýSupport in your area
Pregnancy Associated Osteoporosis - Facebook Live
In a nod to Rare Disease Day, our Clinical Advisor, Sarah Leyland, was joined by Professor Stuart Ralston, Chair of Rheumatology at Edinburgh University, and a patient with this rare condition. Read more aboutÌýpregnancy-associated osteoporosis.
Making the most of phone and videos appointments
Phone and video appointments have remained commonplace since lockdown, although some of us might find them challenging, it is often more convenient, saves your time and money. In this session, Julie and Kirsty help you prepare for these phone and video appointments.
The emotional impact of osteoporosis
This session aims to help people living with osteoporosis, with or without fractures to feel able to manage the emotional impact of their condition. There are many emotions you tell us about, including fear, anxiety, many other feelings. We aim to offer some practical and immediate tips and tools if you're feeling in distress right now. Sarah and Niki are joined by therapist Ezra Hewing from Suffolk Mind and Lore Wolfson gives us an insight into her personal story.
For more information and support:
- 116 123Ìý
Risk FactorsÌý
Risk factors for osteoporosis
In thisÌýÌýrecorded discussion with Professor Neil Gittoes, we explore the differentÌýrisk factors for osteoporosisÌýand broken bones, and why you need to know. We really value your feedback and are keen to hear how you found the session, Ìýto let us know, please take a moment to complete our shortÌý
For more information, visit ourÌýÌýsection andÌý. For people who haven’t had any bone health assessment or drug treatments do use ourÌýto identify your own risk factors and ways to improve your bone health.
Bone Matters Extra: Your questions answered on Risk factors for osteoporosis
In thisÌýÌýextra session, specialist osteoporosis nurses Sarah Leyland and Julia Thompson answer questions submitted by our listeners further to Professor Gittoes session earlier in the week. We really value your feedback and are keen to hear how you found the session, to let us know, please take a moment to complete our shortÌý
For more information, visit ourÌýCausesÌýsection andÌýBone healthÌýfor all. For people who haven’t had any bone health assessment or drug treatments do use ourÌýRisk CheckerÌýto identify your own risk factors and ways to improve your bone health.
Understanding family history and osteoporosis
Prof Stuart Ralston discusses the role of family history and genetics in increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Prostate cancer treatments and osteoporosis
A discussion between ̨ž³uuÖ±²¥specialist nurse Deborah and Dr Sunil Nedungayil, a GP with a specialist interest in osteoporosis, about treatments for prostate cancer that can weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures. Some medications and surgical options to treat prostate cancer in men are a risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures because they reduce the level of the testosterone hormone in the body. Men are encouraged to:
1. Discuss their risks with their doctor,Ìý2. Understand when a bone health assessment is useful,Ìý3. Get to know the drug treatment and positive lifestyle options available to improve their bone health.
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We want to learn more about how men prefer to receive support for osteoporosis, especially through peer support and health information. If you’re a man who is living with osteoporosis, we’d be very grateful if you have 5 minutes to complete this .
Prostate Cancer UK:
Scans and testsÌý
What you need to know about scans and tests for your bones
In this simple bitesize session, consultant radiographer Jill Griffin explains what a bone density scan (DXA) is and what the results mean for you.
DXA and other scans for Osteoporosis - Facebook Live
Our April event with Jill Griffin - ̨ž³uuÖ±²¥Clinical Lead, Vertebral Fractures, focused on what bone density scanning (DXA) is, what your scan results might mean, and other scans that might be used.Ìý Learn more about how your doctor builds a picture of your bone health in our information onÌýscansÌýandÌýfracture risk assessments.
Drug treatmentsÌý
Understanding the rare side effects of osteoporosis medications - Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and dental care
We hear from a specialist doctor and a dentist about osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ).Ìý It’s a very rare side effect of some osteoporosis medications but it raises many questions and concerns. We tackle some of the misconceptions like not being able to have a tooth out if you take these drugs or never starting a medication unless you go to the dentist first.Ìý We provide the facts so you are better informed, can take your medication with confidence and can also get the dental care you need.
For more information :ÌýÌýÌý
Ìý
Ìý
Timestamps
01.02 What is osteonecrosis of the jaw
What are the chances of getting ONJ whilst you are on a osteoporosis medication ?
07.07 Risks of ONJ
10.10 Dental health
12.58 Is it always necessary to see a dentist before you start one of these treatments?
14.36 Can you have a tooth out on osteoporosis medication?
15.42 Why do some dentists seem reluctant to remove or do an extraction when someone's on osteoporosis drug treatments?
16.35 What is an invasive dental treatment? What is the difference between removing a tooth, dental implants and root canals?
17.35 Can you have an implant whilst on osteoporosis medication?
21.04 Should I stop my bisphosphonate before I have my tooth out?
22.32 Tooth loss
24.43 Can you break your jaw with osteoporosis?
Medication Support - Bone Matters Webinar
Hear all about the main drug treatments for osteoporosis in thisÌýÌýwebinar, in which Dr Nicola Peel, Dr Zoe Paskins and Prof. David Armstrong give detailed information to help you make informed decisions about your medicine. To find out more about possible treatment options, visit our information onÌýosteoporosis drug treatments.
How long should I be on my osteoporosis drug treatment?
In this session, Consultant Endocrinologist Dr. Zaki Hassan-Smith discusses how long osteoporosis drugs can be used for, and what happens after you stop taking them.
Understanding side effects of drug treatments
We hear from Dr. Alison Black to understand the possible side effects of osteoporosis medications, we get the facts and the hear about the hints and tips she gives her patients.
Time Stamps
- (): Osteoporosis Drug Treatments
- (): Bloating and tummy aches
- (): Intravenous Drips
- (): Aching muscles
- (): Infections
- (): Rare side effects: Osteonecrosis of the jaw
- (): Rare side effects: Atypical fractures.
- (): Romosozumab
- (): Hair loss
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Dr Nicola Peel and Prof. David Armstrong explore how HRT can be used as an osteoporosis drug treatment to strengthen bones.
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HRT and Menopause with Kathy Abernathy.
In this extra session we discuss the practical issues of taking HRT with Kathy Abernethy, a highly experienced Menopause Specialist Nurse. We recommend you listen to our session on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with Dr Nicky Peel & Prof. David Armstrong session from January first, which gives a boarder discussion of HRT. For more information HRT and Bone health fact sheet
How to take Alendronate (alendronic acid)
In this session, Volunteer Hilary shares her alendronateÌý(alendronic acid) routine and some of the things she wished she’d known when starting alendronate. ÌýShe discusses how to make the most of her drug treatment, how to reduce side effects, and what to do if she forgets to take her tablet. We hope you enjoy this session, please like and comment below.Ìý
How do I take my teriparatide?
In this session, our volunteer Lorraine shares her Teriparatide routine (also known as parathyroid hormone treatment) and some of the things she wished she’d known before starting this osteoporosis drug treatment. This session includes her story, how easy it is to self-administer teriparatide and our nurse Julia explains how the drug works.Ìý
Lifestyle for bone health and osteoporosisÌý
Nutrition and bone health: What does the research tell us?
We read so much in the media about what’s good for our bones, it can be confusing. Professor Sue Lanham-New is an expert in nutrition and in this session explains what the latest research tells us about nutrition and bone health.
Visit ourÌýNutrition for bonesÌýpage on our web and the .
We have the following factsheets on nutrition:
- :Does what we eat and drink really make a difference to our bone health and our risk of breaking bones?
- :What is this acidic diet and whether it is a problem for our bones?
- :What is gut microbiome and does it make a difference to our bones?
- :Vitamin D
- :Salt
- :Magnesium
- :Vitamin A
- :Coffee
- :Tea
- :Fasting
- :B Vitamins
- :Protein
- :Plant-based diets
Nutrition Q&A
In this online Q+A, hear from experts about how eating and drinking the right things can support your bone health at every stage of your life.
Find out more about aÌýbone-healthy diet.
Exercise and Osteoporosis
In our latest session, Sarah Leyland Specialist Nurse and Clinical Adviser at the ̨ž³uuÖ±²¥talks with exercise experts Katherine Brooke Wavell and Richard Blagrove about the new ̨ž³uuÖ±²¥exercise for bones films that they produced together.Ìý This conversation gives you details about what that the films are about, how and why they developed the three stage plan and what specific exercises help bone strength.Ìý They also answer questions posed by ̨ž³uuÖ±²¥members. ÌýÌý.ÌýÌý Ìý
Keep moving to stay active
In this session, Bex Townley leads a 25 minute gentle ‘movement’ exercise.ÌýWe lose muscle and bone strength as part of the aging process but sitting less and moving more helps to reduce this decline. There is always something you can do by moving more, in this film Bex helps build confidence and understanding so you can make a start with exercise.
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Avoiding falls and breaking bones
In this session, we’ll look at ways of reducing the risk of falls to maintaining bone health, independence, and quality of life. Nurse Manager Julia is joined by Professor Tahir Masud, consultant physician at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Professor Dawn Skelton, Glasgow Caledonian University and Julie Whitney a consultant practitioner in gerontology in King’s College Hospital.
Finding a specific falls exercise programme: You can find your local falls service by typing 'falls service Bolton" (and changing to your nearest Town) into Google or asking your GP. Some areas also have specific exercise groups in the community which aim to help people stay strong and steady.ÌýTai Chi has a strong evidence base for preventing falls but if you are worried about maintaining your balance in a group environment then you should look for groups that are run by trained instructors that can prescribe and tailor your exercise programme to meet any ability levels and medical conditions. These are known as Otago Exercise Programme Leaders, or Postural Stability Instructors who run the FaME (Falls Management Exercise) Programme. Sometimes these classes are known as Stay Strong, Strong and Steady, Steady Steps.Ìý
Living with fracturesÌý
Living well with fractures
Hear from leading experts, Professor Emma Clark, Professor Terence O’Neill and Professor Karen Barker, to learn how to manage the impact of painful broken bones on your life.
We have lots of information that may help if you’reÌýliving with painÌýorÌýother symptomsÌýcaused by broken bones.
Fractures and pain relief
In this session Osteoporosis Specialist Nurse's Niki and Viv discuss how to get the most from your pain-relieving medications to manage pain better after a broken bone, and common fears or worries that some people have around taking pain medicines.Ìý
Equipment: Making life easier after fracture
Nurse Specialist Kirsty is joined by Jacqueline Rheumatology Occupational Therapist to help explain what equipment may be useful and why, and our lead volunteer advocate Philippa shares her hints and tips from her lived experience with fractures. For more information please see our and factsheet, Everyday life webpage and .Ìý
Avoiding falls and breaking bones
In this session, we’ll look at ways of reducing the risk of falls to maintaining bone health, independence, and quality of life. Nurse Manager Julia is joined by Professor Tahir Masud, consultant physician at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Professor Dawn Skelton, Glasgow Caledonian University and Julie Whitney a consultant practitioner in gerontology in King’s College Hospital.
Finding a specific falls exercise programme: You can find your local falls service by typing 'falls service Bolton" (and changing to your nearest Town) into Google or asking your GP. Some areas also have specific exercise groups in the community which aim to help people stay strong and steady.ÌýTai Chi has a strong evidence base for preventing falls but if you are worried about maintaining your balance in a group environment then you should look for groups that are run by trained instructors that can prescribe and tailor your exercise programme to meet any ability levels and medical conditions. These are known as Otago Exercise Programme Leaders, or Postural Stability Instructors who run the FaME (Falls Management Exercise) Programme. Sometimes these classes are known as Stay Strong, Strong and Steady, Steady Steps.Ìý
Exercise after spinal fractures: Your questions answered
In this #BoneMatters extra session, Rheumatologist physiotherapist Sarah Legg answers your questions on exercising after spinal fractures, Ìýincluding advice on
, , , , , , bending forwardÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
ÌýCheck out our new suit of exercise videos
ÌýReceive an email when these sessions come out here
#backpain #osteoporosis #exercise #physiotherapist #rheumatology #bonestrength #fractures
Hip fracture: recovering from a broken hip
In this recorded discussion, Professor Celia Gregson and physiotherapist Dr Katie Sheehan talk to us about how to recover well after a broken hip.
To find out more:
Supporting a loved one with a hip fracture
For more information
Financial Support
In thisÌýÌýsession we’ve teamed up with the benefits experts at T2Us, David Samson discusses the financial help available for people living with osteoporosis. We know many of you will be worried about the rising cost of living, especially over the winter months and this session explores how welfare benefits can support.
Relationships & Intimacy - Audio Discussion
Up next from the Bone Matters series is an audio discussion on relationships and intimacy. Tune in to hear Sarah Leyland, Specialist Nurse and Clinical Advisor at the ̨ž³uuÖ±²¥ (ROS) in conversation with Denise Knowles, Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist. They explore how living with osteoporosis and broken bones can affect personal relationships, how to access help, and some of the positive ways issues can be resolved.Please note, intimate discussions involved.
ÌýWe’ve based the topic of this discussion on the feedback and questions we’ve received from you. To help shape the rest of the Bone Matters series, please complete our short survey and have your say:Ìý
It’s natural to be concerned about how osteoporosis is going to affect your daily life. But having osteoporosis doesn't always mean avoiding activities and interests that are important to you and your loved ones. Read our information onÌýliving with osteoporosis.

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