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2019 Campaign Continues to Raise Funds For DEXA Scan
As we age, we often lose bone more quickly than we can replace it. Bone loss can lead to a disorder called osteoporosis, defined as reduced bone mass and poor bone quality. The disorder makes bones weak and prone to fracture. Each year in the United States, osteoporosis leads to approximately 2 million fractures.
Fractures of the spine and hip can lead to chronic pain, deformity, depression, disability, and even death. Half of the people who break a hip never regain the ability to walk without assistance, and a quarter need long term care.
Osteoporosis does not cause any symptoms. Most likely, you will not even know you have the condition until you break a bone unexpectedly.
Bone density tests measure how strong your bones are. Health care providers use these tests to both screen for and diagnose osteoporosis. The tests are important, because they can alert you to problems with your bones before you have a fracture.
Last year, we began raising funds for on-site bone density screening equipment at Sanford Canton-Inwood Medical Center. Thanks to generous donations and matching funds, we are over halfway to reaching our goal and being able to purchase the equipment for our local hospital.
With your help, we are confident we can bring this important testing tool to our community very soon. All donations, large and small, will bring us one step closer. Can we count on you?
2018 Fundraising Campaign Supports Local Health Care
As we age, our bones begin to lose calcium, and become weaker and more brittle. A DEXA scan, or bone density test, is a way to measure the strength of our bones.
Many people get a bone density test every few years. The main reason to have the test is to find and treat serious bone loss, called osteoporosis, and prevent fractures and disability.
Currently, bone density screening is available at Sanford Canton-Inwood Medical Center through a mobile provider, but only one afternoon a month. A permanent DEXA scan machine at Sanford Canton-Inwood would be more convenient and accessible. In fact, patients would often be able to have the test completed just minutes after prescribed.
Another benefit is the likelihood of the patient actually completing the test. “When a patient has to wait, sometimes up to a month, or travel to Sioux Falls, it isn’t uncommon for them to postpone or cancel,” said Michelle Johnson, DO. “It will be extremely beneficial and convenient for the patient to have the test while they are already at the clinic or shortly after.”
To help make bone density screening available locally, a fundraising campaign is currently underway by Canton-Inwood Area Health Foundation. The Foundation’s Board of Directors has designated up to $25,000 in matching funds.
Since its inception in 2009, Canton-Inwood Area Health Foundation has supported several community health care enhancements including the purchase of an ambulance, stress-testing equipment, supporting the Hiawatha Healing Garden, and giving a $2.9 million donation for the renovation of Sanford Canton-Inwood Medical Center. In addition, the Foundation has awarded over $158,000 in grants to community organizations and $30,000 in scholarships.
Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
