Physical Therapist – Integrative Health Coach
For nearly twenty years I have devoted myself to helping women with osteoporosis. It’s a difficult diagnosis, a disease with medical treatments that bring their own risks and complications. Often my clients had turned to exercise to help their condition, but were without guidance. To my dismay, many individuals were performing exercises that actually increased their risk of spinal fractures. This was the inspiration for my book, Osteoporosis: An Exercise Guide.
This simple guide has been shaped and perfected by my work with clients, individually and in groups. It was the first tangible step in my effort to give people with osteoporosis the tools to help themselves. Clients did very well, quickly learning how to exercise safely and effectively.
I was pleased with their progress, but the truth is that managing osteoporosis requires much more. While counseling people who were having bone density screenings, I noticed that the participants who ate the most fruits and vegetables were also the ones with the highest bone density screening values. This intrigued me.
During the same time, my college-age son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Oh my G-d! Out of the blue, my healthy, active son suddenly found himself with a major health condition that would alter every day of his life. When faced with this challenge, we took a proactive approach and I saw firsthand the powerful role that food plays in managing his condition. A light bulb went on in my head; I realized that diet was a vitally important element to successfully managing osteoporosis (along with many of the other health issues that women face). I had to learn more. I went back to school, studied nutrition, and became an integrative health coach.
I was determined to ‘walk the walk,’ I made several modifications to my diet and lifestyle. To my surprise and delight, I quickly lost 14 pounds and was even able to stop taking the thyroid medication I’d needed for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. My energy level increased significantly, and to this day I continue to feel absolutely fabulous. My approach – which includes whole foods, exercise, and lifestyle — has shown remarkable results for my clients as well.
I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with many wonderful people already, with whom I enjoy sharing my knowledge as I coach them along the way to reaching their own goals. I would love to help you discover your path to the best, healthiest version of yourself.
My credentials:
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, University of Pennsylvania
- Masters of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Northwestern University
- Certified Integrative Health Coach – Institute for Integrative Nutrition
- Author, Osteoporosis: An Exercise Guide
- Creator, Move Today (a senior exercise program offered throughout New Jersey)
- Founder, Happy Bones, Happy Life™ (online osteoporosis education program)
- Member New Jersey Interagency Council on Osteoporosis
- Ambassador to National Osteoporosis Foundation
Let’s talk!
Warmly,