| | | | When Dr. Vonda Wright told us in a recent interview that “bones are master communicators,” our minds were blown. Bones? Communicating? We always thought of them as the quiet, sturdy types—just there to hold us up. Turns out, we were so wrong.
In fact, healthy bones produce a hormone called osteocalcin, and this little powerhouse influences way more than we ever imagined. It helps regulate metabolism, reproduction and even brain function. Oh, and here’s the kicker—it talks to your gut. Yes, your bones and your gut microbiome are in sync.
For men, osteocalcin helps with testosterone production. But for women, especially as we hit midlife, it’s a reminder that bone health isn’t just about avoiding fractures—it’s about keeping our entire body running smoothly.
Out of the 10 million Americans affected by osteoporosis, a staggering 80%—or about 8 million—are women. Even more concerning? Half of women over 50 will experience a bone fracture as a result of the disease. As we age and approach menopause, our bones naturally take a hit. For decades, the conversation around bone health has centered on bone density, with doctors focusing on ways to slow bone loss. However, over the last few years, experts have encouraged women to shift their attention toward improving bone quality. While density measures how much bone mass you have, quality determines how strong and resilient those bones actually are. It’s this shift in understanding that could reshape the way women approach their bone health, especially in midlife, when risks of fractures increase dramatically. For years, we’ve been told to focus on bone density—drink milk, take calcium and hope for the best. But Wright’s insight flips that script: our bones are so much more than brittle structures at risk of breaking. Bone health isn’t just about avoiding fractures—it’s about thriving. Strong bones mean sharper cognition, better energy and even a happier gut. This perspective empowers us to take a proactive role in our health, embracing not just calcium and vitamin D but movement, gut-friendly nutrition and strength training. Let’s move past the fear of osteoporosis and toward a holistic, empowering approach to bone health. Because when we take care of our bones, they help take care of everything else. |
| Meet the Emmy Award-Winning Television Host Who’s Redefining Midlife Nischelle Turner, a nine-time Emmy Award-winning television host, is best known for her work on Entertainment Tonight. At this exciting stage of her life, Turner is fully embracing her true self—living authentically and enjoying every moment. Whether she’s interviewing A-list celebrities or breaking a sweat in the dance studio, Turner radiates confidence and joy.
She's not only excelling in her career; she’s thriving in life, confidently stepping into her power and embracing midlife with passion and purpose. Ahead of her 50th birthday, Turner shared her journey with fibroids, along with tips for balancing work, health and self-care. |
With such a demanding schedule as the co-host of Entertainment Tonight, how do you prioritize both your mental and physical well-being? It's very important because this job can be a lot. You have long hours. Number one, you have to love what you do—which I do—but it can be exhausting. I'm not a good meditator, but I'm good at being still. So, first thing in the morning, when I get up, I'm still. I’m still for 10 minutes, and I just breathe before I get out of my car.
I am a woman of faith, so I lean into my faith a lot of times. I pray before I get out of my car to center myself. Thankfully, I work with incredible people, and incredible women run our show who understand getting pulled in 15 different directions and understand if I say, “guys, I need a minute.” They get it. I really do prioritize taking my space, and I prioritize my boundaries. Now, at a certain age, I'm like, “I'm not messing with y'all. I said ‘no,’ and no is a complete sentence.” I don't have a problem with taking my space, saying my boundaries and saying “no, I can't do this today.” I've learned when I create these boundaries, I actually can do more, and I'm actually open to doing more because I'm clear about what I can do. Yeah, boundaries are my favorite. You mentioned you used to have fibroids. What is something you wished people understood about fibroids that isn’t openly discussed? I wish people understood you have options, and cutting yourself open in surgery is not the only option right away. I wish that people knew to get a second opinion. I've had three myomectomies in 10 years. But those surgeries damage your uterus, so then it lessens your opportunity for childbirth. I wish that the first time around, I would have gotten a second opinion and thought a little bit more about my options before deciding to do that, but I didn't.
So, if a woman like me, who has the means and has access to it, doesn't know, then I worry about what so many other women in the country go through when they have this. Fibroids exist in about 80% of women. We don't really know why they're activated in some women over others. For women of color, fibroids are often activated in their bodies more. So, I really wish there was funding to better understand all of this. Media can often be a very stressful environment to work in. How do you handle the day-to-day pressure? It can be really tough. I mean, thankfully, I have a partner, Kevin Frazier, who is like family. We bounce off each other when we're having those stressful days. I go into his office and I'm like, “I need to scream.” And he's like, “get it out.” And I also have incredible EPs [executive producers] who are also friends, and we can really talk about what's happening. I've been in a lot of spaces where I haven't felt seen, heard or appreciated. Thankfully, I work in a place where I do have a voice and my point of view is cherished. To be in a space like that, it helps.
How do you find flow in everyday life? I'm borderline OCD. I was late getting here today. I was so stressed because I believe in order. I'm an order girl. I have a schedule, and I have an order. I find my flow in consistency. I'm an introvert/extrovert. I'm an extrovert when I need to be, but I'm an introvert for sure. So I get depleted at the end of the day. I'm depleted, and I need my time. So, I find my flow in my alone time, in my “me” time. That's how I recharge. |
Spotlight on GLP-1 Drugs GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic and Wegovy, have been everywhere in recent years, with ongoing research continually uncovering new uses for these medications. The latest breakthrough? New research published in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology, revealed that GLP-1 drugs, including the active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, offer cardiovascular benefits beyond just weight loss.
Since 2018, the SELECT clinical trial has been tracking the heart health of individuals taking once-weekly injections of Wegovy. Over 17,000 participants with heart disease aged 45 and older—considered overweight or obese but with no history of diabetes—are enrolled. Early results suggest that a 2.4 mg dose of Wegovy is safe and well-tolerated, with those taking it reducing their risk of heart attack and stroke by 20% compared to those following standard preventative guidelines.
And GLP-1 drugs are making waves outside the medical world as well. Hollywood is buzzing about them, with everyone from A-list stars on the red carpet to reality TV stars discussing their own GLP-1 experiences. It’s clear that these weight-loss drugs are having a major moment. |
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CELEBRATING this study, which reveals a significant drop in cervical cancer rates, largely thanks to the HPV vaccine.
APPLAUDING the U.S. government for reimagining clinical trials by funding studies at retail pharmacies for the first time. Walgreens will enroll 3,600 participants for a COVID-19 vaccine trial across 20 stores, while healthcare research company Allucent conducts a complementary fully remote study with 4,000 participants. Both aim to improve diversity and representation in clinical trials for new drugs.
ENROLLING in The Magic of Menopause on MasterClass, led by Halle Berry and top women’s health experts. This course provides expert advice and actionable tools to help women navigate and thrive through menopause. Now available with unlimited access through an annual membership. |
| Sponsored by SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. |
Brooke was only three years old when she first learned about desmoid tumors - her mother had six or seven.
Even with her family history, Brooke's own desmoid tumors were misdiagnosed at first.
Her inspiring story highlights the importance of awareness, accurate diagnosis and an approved treatment option for those living with this rare condition. |
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