According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), half of all women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. The NCMS board of directors – through their 2019 strategic initiatives – encourages all physicians to help prevent these painful and debilitating fractures by educating patients about osteoporosis, bone fractures and their prevention.

NCMS board member Jeff Donner, MD, a board-certified spinal surgeon and owner of Colorado Spine Institute, leads the way. He is actively working to collaborate with other providers in our region to improve quality and reduce costs of spinal procedures by participating in the American Orthopaedic Association’s (AOA) Own The Bone quality improvement program, and improve awareness of osteoporotic fractures through his work as an NOF ambassador.

Donner urges other northern Colorado hospital systems and practices to join him in Own the Bone to ensure their osteoporotic fracture patients receive the treatment and care they deserve.

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.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to two to three 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.

For more information about Own the Bone, visit www.ownthebone.org. For more about Donner and the Colorado Spine Institute, visit www.colospine.com.