Provided by Allen County Health Department, March 28, 2025
A case of measles has been identified in an unvaccinated Allen County resident under the age of 18. Contacts of the individual have been notified by public health professionals with Allen County Public Health and other health departments in the area to assess their measles vaccination status, and to provide information regarding signs and symptoms of measles and appropriate quarantine measures.
Measles is very contagious. Children infected with measles can spread it to others, even before they have symptoms. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air after an infected person leaves the room. Nine out of 10 unvaccinated children who are exposed to measles will become infected. Symptoms may not occur for up to 21 days after exposure to an individual who has measles. MORE ▶︎
By Sarah Turske, Student Pharmacist and Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team
Sabrina Carpenter is a new superstar in the music industry. She released a top 10 hit in over 20 countries in 2024 called Espresso. She performed on Saturday Night Live when she was the musical guest on May 18, 2024.
Espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage where hot water is forced over the finely ground coffee via pressure. One ounce of espresso has about 63mg of caffeine.
Caffeine is quickly becoming the go-to boost for many, especially among younger people looking for an extra burst of energy throughout the day. A daily dose of up to 400 mg can help you feel more mentally sharp and physically energized. It is important to understand that 400mg of caffeine at one time can be dangerous to your health. MORE ▶︎
By Alexis Nicoson, Student Pharmacist and Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team
An adrenaline rush is a colloquial expression about the feeling of exhilaration and heightened energy that is brought on by an exciting or stressful situation resulting in the release of the hormone epinephrine. Adrenaline is another term for epinephrine and is often referred to as our fight or flight response.
When epinephrine is released in the body, it is preparing us for immediate action by increasing our heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and blood sugar. It helps divert blood to our muscles and brain. Medically, we use epinephrine to stimulate the heart during CPR or reverse an allergic (anaphylaxis) reaction in the body. MORE ▶︎
By Mary Enderbury, RN, BSN, WH-MSN
Intensive Care Unit, Blanchard Valley Hospital
A urinary tract infection, commonly abbreviated as UTI, is an often uncomfortable condition that may present with difficult or painful urination (dysuria). Many people experience burning or stinging with urination when they have a urinary tract infection, although it is possible for an infection to be asymptomatic or masked by other conditions, such as common symptoms of pregnancy (i.e., frequent urination).
By Stephanie Wiseman, Student Pharmacist and Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team
The idiom “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is believed to have started in the 1860s in Wales. The original version was noted as “eat an apple on going to bed and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.” The current version dates back to 1887.
Numerous studies have confirmed the benefit of eating an apple a day. Heart benefits were seen in studies published in 2013 and 2015. A 2016 study showed a reduced risk of lung, breast and colon cancer when eating an apple a day for 5 years. A 2021 study showed a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes with daily apple consumption. Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants.
Can eating apples as well as other fruits and vegetables benefit your heart? READ MORE
By Lindsey Buddelmeyer, Leadership Education & Training Specialist
Falls are a common cause of injury, particularly for seniors. As we discussed in a previous column, the two primary reasons for falls are a decrease in strength and balance; and environmental factors. We previously focused on preventing falls outside your home. In this column, we will focus on preventing falls inside your home.
As we age, our balance, strength, and visual acuity naturally decline. According to the National Institute on Aging, common visual changes for older adults include struggling to see up close, difficulty with distinguishing colors, and needing additional time to adjust to changing levels of light. Certain conditions also contribute to a higher likelihood of falling. Let’s examine the inside of your home, determine if there are any unsafe spaces, and find strategies or modifications to make your home safer. READ MORE
