Health

  • /

The Allen County Department of Health has shared the following message from the Centers for Disease Control:

LISTERIA OUTBREAK: 
28 people are sick, with 2 deaths, in 12 states. Do not eat meats you get sliced at any deli counter, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. Investigators are collecting as much information as possible to figure out which deli meats are contaminated. https://bit.ly/4cPl2dO/

  • /

By Brittany Berens, DO, Obstetrics & Gynecology
OB Hospitalist, Blanchard Valley Hospital

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) account for 32% of maternal deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One in seven hospital deliveries may be affected by this complication of pregnancy. What are these disorders? How are they managed during and after pregnancy? Can a person do anything before becoming pregnant to decrease their risk factors?

First, let’s examine what is considered high blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. High blood pressure is greater than 140/90. 

There are different types of HDP. Chronic hypertension is a diagnosis of hypertension that is present before the person becomes pregnant. It can also be diagnosed if elevated blood pressures are found before 20 weeks of gestational age. Gestational hypertension is the diagnosis of hypertension that is made after 20 weeks of gestational age. 

CONTINUES

  • /

By Alaina Kortokrax, Pharmacy Resident and Karen Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

I Heard It Through the Grapevine was first released by Motown Records on September 28, 1967.  It was recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips. The second release was in August of 1968 by The Miracles, even though they were the first to record it in 1966.  The third release was by Marvin Gaye on October 30, 1968.  The Marvin Gaye version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and has been used in television commercials and movies. 

Why is hearing so important to our health?  

Hearing loss has been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, dementia and poor physical health. The National Institute on Aging reports a faster decline of memory and concentration in those individuals who have hearing losses without corrective devices compared to those with normal hearing. A Johns Hopkins study followed 639 adults over a 12-year period and found those with mild hearing loss were 2 times more likely to develop dementia compared to those with severe hearing loss, who were 5 times more likely. 

CONTINUES

  • /

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

Summer is here, and now is the time to enjoy the weather and get into the water. But many do not know that while you are in the lazy river or perfecting your cannonball, you are coming into contact with bacteria, viruses and parasites. Most of these will not cause you to become sick, but some can cause what is known as Recreational Water Illness (RWI). 

  • /

By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

Boogie Wonderland was released in April 1979 by Earth, Wind & Fire for Columbia Records.  The song won a Grammy for the Best R&B Instrumental Performance. Maurice White founded the group in 1969 and the name derives from his astrological sign of Sagittarius. The group was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as receiving Kennedy Center Honors in 2019. As with much of the Earth, Wind & Fire music, Boogie Wonderland really makes you want to jump up and dance.  

Research has already shown us the importance of physical activity and brain health, but does dancing in any form help our brain and mental health?

CONTINUES

  • /

Technology and social media’s effect on mental health and young minds

By James Legge III, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Center of Northwest Ohio

After almost two decades in the healthcare field, I have noticed several themes that cause concern not only for teenagers, but also for young adults. 

The topics are driven by direct connections between technology/social media platforms and mental health, as well as the developing brain in general.

It has been claimed that social media outlets -- and the integration of artificial intelligence into them -- comprise what is called a “free platform.” 

This is ironic because recent studies suggest that these “free platforms” are actually very costly. Of course, these costs are not necessarily measured in dollars and cents. Rather, the costs can be seen from a mental health standpoint.  

Endless scrolling, accompanied by persistent cueing and random, perceived rewards, are the same methods that gambling casinos use to draw customers to their slot machines, theoretically. 

CONTINUES

Pages