Sanford Fargo recognized for bone health care
Sept. 8, 2023
Contact:
Nathan Aamodt
Sanford Health Media Relations
(701) 200-6080/nathan.aamodt@sanfordhealth.org
FARGO, N.D. – Sanford Health Fargo has been awarded Star Performer recognition in The American Orthopaedic Association’s Own the Bone® quality improvement program.
Own the Bone Star performers must achieve a 75% compliance rate with at least 5 of the 10 Own the Bone prevention measures including:
• Educating patients on the importance of calcium and vitamin D,
• Physical activity
• Fall prevention
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Smoking cessation
• Recommending and initiating bone mineral density testing
• Discussing pharmacotherapy and treatment (when applicable)
• Providing written communication to the patient and their physician regarding specific risk factors and treatment recommendations.
Sanford Health joins over 300 health care institutions nationwide that have participated in Own the Bone and taken initiative to ensure their osteoporotic fracture patients receive the treatment and care they deserve. By participating in Own the Bone and being recognized as an Own the Bone Star Performer, Sanford Health Fargo has demonstrated a commitment to helping patients understand their risk for future fractures and the steps they can take to prevent them.
“We are proud to be honored as a Star Performer in the Own The Bone program,” said Dr. Anthony Brown, Sanford Health orthopedic trauma surgeon. “As health care professionals, it is our responsibility to provide our patients with the tools and knowledge on how to improve bone health, ensuring a healthier quality-of-life. Our patients and their safety are always our number one priority.”
What can people do to protect their bones?
• Get adequate calcium and vitamin D, either through diet or supplements, if necessary.
• Engage in regular weight bearing and muscle strengthening exercise.
• Prevent falls around the home and be careful of stairs, railings, clutter, etc.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake to 2-3 drinks per day.
Have you or a loved one had a broken bone over age 50? Talk to your health care provider and get a bone density screening to determine if osteoporosis might be the cause and learn additional steps you might need to take to prevent future fractures.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization serves more than one million patients and 220,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles. The integrated health system has 47 medical centers, 2,800 Sanford physicians and advanced practice providers, 170 clinical investigators and research scientists, more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations and world clinics in 8 countries around the globe. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
About the AOA
Founded in 1887, The American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) is the oldest orthopaedic association in the world. At its core is its mission: “Engaging the orthopaedic community to develop leaders, strategies, and resources to guide the future of musculoskeletal care.” For more information, visit www.aoassn.org or call (847) 318-7336.
