Chany Marcus

At the age of 63 I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. It runs in my family, first with my mom and more recently with my older sister. I was seen by a rheumatologist and was told that I should begin taking medication. I was all set to start when it was recommended that I consult an endocrinologist for a second opinion. Dr. Jessica Starr at HSS is an amazing doctor - she is kind and extremely knowledgeable. She listens closely and freely shares the latest studies and research relating to your condition. Dr. Starr told me I can take a year to embrace a weightbearing exercise program and watch the calcium in my diet after which she would reassess my condition. She recommended the physical therapy program at HSS where I was connected with Kelyssa Hall, who is an exercise physiologist with many years of experience, through my physical therapist Jack Fitzgerald. Kelyssa and I meet each week at HSS and work on exercises targeted to my specific needs. Kelyssa is exceptionally skilled at applying her profound knowledge to my individual case. She consistently teaches me exercises that are varied in slight ways to make them challenging but not onerous. Her pleasant demeanor makes each exercise session fly by so quickly that I am always surprised when they end. I am thrilled to report that after my year of exercising and increasing the calcium in my diet, my DEXA scan showed improvement in my bones to the point that Dr. Starr has told me medication is not called for and I should just continue what I am doing. I am very grateful for the exceptional care I am receiving at HSS.