Blanchard Valley Health System

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It’s not a distraction, it’s an academic booster

By James H. Legge III, APRN-CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Center of Northwest Ohio

Amanda Legge, RN
Registered Nurse, Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology

Across the United States, elementary and middle school students typically receive an average of 25 minutes of recess per day, which is barely enough time for a meaningful break from the demands of the classroom. For more than three decades, educational policy has been heavily influenced by a focus on standardized test performance. This has led to reductions in recess time under the assumption that increased instructional minutes would translate into higher scores. Unfortunately, this approach has often produced unintended consequences for student well-being and learning outcomes. 

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By Erika Manis. MD
Sleep Medicine

Do you experience an urge to move your legs that is worse or only present at night, that starts when inactive or still and is better with movement? If so, you may have restless leg syndrome (RLS). 

It is a clinical diagnosis, meaning there is no test besides endorsing these symptoms. The sensation can be hard to describe (“an itch you can’t scratch,” “ants in your pants,” “heebie-jeebies in your legs”) but is not typically considered painful. It can occur intermittently or be chronic and run in families. Individuals with RLS may have trouble going to sleep due to the need to pace or stretch their legs at night or difficulty with prolonged commutes by car or plane. It may be commonly comorbid in patients with chronic kidney disease, neuropathy, or during pregnancy.

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By Kayla Chapman, APRN-CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Physicians Plus Urgent Care

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in the United States, especially among young children, and it can happen quickly and silently. Children between the ages of 1 and 5 are at the highest risk of drowning, often due to inadequate supervision around swimming pools, bathtubs, lakes, or even small containers of water. Adult drownings can also occur, and are commonly seen in rivers, lakes, and oceans, with alcohol playing a major contributing role. 

Fatal drownings occur in six stages. First, the swimmer will struggle to keep their airway clear of the water, leading to panic and exhaustion. Once the swimmer goes underwater, they’ll attempt to hold their breath, but eventually they will gasp for air.

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By James Davidson, MD & Katie Fultz, PA-C
Blanchard Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Rotator cuff injuries are a common adult shoulder condition that causes pain, weakness, and shoulder dysfunction. They are the leading cause of adult shoulder disability. Deciding what treatment pathway is right for you requires a discussion and MRI review with an orthopedic surgeon. 

Rotator cuff tears are evaluated by the depth of the tear, the width of the tear, the tear configuration/pattern, if there is retraction away from the attachment site, and if there is impingement on top of that area from bone spurring. When the tear is less than 50% of the tendon's depth, also known as a partial-thickness tear, nonsurgical treatment may be considered. Tears at a shallow depth can accommodate activity while healing. Conservative treatment would include oral and topical medications, ice, activity modification/rest, and physical therapy with a home exercise program. Partial rotator cuff tears with impingement or who have failed conservative treatment could consider surgical intervention for debridement of the torn portion of the tendon, removal of bursitis, and decompression of the bone spurs.

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By Jennifer Hill, RN
Armes Family Cancer Care Center

A cancer diagnosis is life-changing, often bringing not only physical and emotional stress but also an overwhelming number of decisions and financial concerns. For many patients and their families, navigating the complexities of treatment, appointments, insurance, and financial planning can feel like an additional burden during an already challenging time. Patient and financial navigators are vital in supporting patients throughout the cancer journey, ensuring they receive the care they need while minimizing confusion, delays, and unnecessary hardship.

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Leslie Scott, DO
Family Medicine, Caughman Health Center

Are you currently a smoker, or have you ever been? If the answer is yes, then there are important health screenings that you may qualify to have completed. Smoking increases the risk of many health complications, including cancer. Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer and is linked to 80-90% of lung cancer deaths. The good news is that screenings are available to detect these health issues early, when they are most treatable.  

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