Sanford Fargo honored for fragility fracture and bone health

Sanford Fargo honored for fragility fracture and bone health

Sept. 27, 2024

Contact:
Nathan Aamodt
Sanford Health Media Relations
(701) 200-6080/[email protected]

FARGO, N.D. - Sanford Health Fargo has been awarded Star Performer recognition in The American Orthopaedic Association's Own the Bone® quality improvement program. Sanford Fargo has earned this distinction every year since 2013.

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.

"We take great pride in being recognized as a Star Performer in the Own the Bone program," said Anthony Brown, M.D., Sanford Health orthopedic trauma surgeon. "Bone health is so important to people of all ages, and we owe it to the communities we serve to provide them tips for a bone-healthy lifestyle. Our patients safety is our number one priority."

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.

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 1.4 million patients and nearly 200,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles. The integrated health system has 45 hospitals, 211 clinic locations, more than 160 Good Samaritan Society senior living centers, 2,900 Sanford physicians and advanced practice providers, 540 active clinical trials, and nine world clinic locations 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.