Health

  • /

By Katie Prater Kirby, ONU PharmD Candidate 2025 and Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of  ONU Healthwise Pharmacy 

In March of 1972, Todd Rundgren released one of his more popular songs titled I Saw the Light. As a solo artist, he was best known as a progressive rocker. Rundgren was also known as a prolific songwriter and producer. I Saw the Light has been covered for over 4 decades by various artists. Many may not realize he wrote the musical score for the 911 movie titled A Face to a Name. He was a pioneer in using the internet to distribute music in the 1990s.

How does light positively impact our health? 
Light therapy can be an important treatment for those who may develop seasonal affective disorder (SAD) especially in the winter months.  With shorter days and less light during the daytime, it is possible to develop depression during these months known as seasonal affective disorder. Signs and symptoms of SAD can include feeling sad, sluggish, listless, sleeping more than usual with difficulty waking up, craving sweets and carbohydrates, and difficulties concentrating. Thirty minutes of light therapy has been shown to help improve SAD and major depressive disorder as well.  READ MORE

  • /

By Gina Bailey, BSN, RN
Infection Preventionist, Quality/Infection Control, Blanchard Valley Health System

Did you know our bodies are always working to fight off viruses and bacteria that can cause us to become sick? Our lungs, stomach, muscles, bones, and nerves are constantly working to fight infection. 

  • /

By Katie Prater, ONU PharmD Candidate 2025 and Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of ONU Healthwise Pharmacy 

In 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus released his song Achy Breaky Heart. Originally, this song was written by Don Von Tress in 1990 and initially released as Don’t Tell my Heart by the Marcy Brothers in 1991.

  • /

By Ashley O’Flaherty, CMA
Supervisor, Blanchard Valley Medical Practices

The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40% to 60%. It has also been proven to help reduce the risk of hospitalization from flu, making it one of the most effective tools we have in preventing severe illness during flu season.

Receiving the flu vaccine protects not only you but all the people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to illness, such as infants, young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised community. By getting vaccinated, you’re contributing to a healthier, safer environment for everyone.

It is a common misconception that the flu vaccine can cause the flu. You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. It is an inactivated vaccine. You may, however, develop flu-like symptoms due to the immune response your body produces to the components of the vaccine. This is a good sign that you are developing a strong immunity to the actual virus. ▶︎

  • /

By Karen Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

The English rock band Deep Purple recorded Smoke on the Water in December of 1971.  The recording was based on true events from the fire at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland where the band was recording an album. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017.

  • /

By Heather Auxier, APRN-CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Blanchard Valley Pain Management

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neurological condition that causes severe pain in a limb. The pain is disproportionate to the injury or trauma that caused it. This affects roughly 200,000 people in the United States. 

Pages