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Lion's Mane

By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

This week I was asked an interesting drug information question about the mushroom known as Lion’s Mane and its related health benefits.  The first thing that came to my mind was the movie Secondhand Lions.  Not sure why!

The movie was released in 2003 in the comedy-drama genre and starred Robert Duvall. Michael Caine, Haley Joel Osment, and Kyra Sedgwick. Haley Joel Osment had the role of the 14-year-old Walter who is left for the summer with his great uncles. It is rumored that the uncles have a secret fortune and are targets for traveling salesmen and relatives looking for money. The uncles are often seen sitting on their porch with shotguns.  

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Weekend Doctor: Back pain

By Thomas Kindl, MD
Blanchard Valley Pain Management

You’ve heard of a “pain in the neck,” but did you know that back pain is more common, affecting eight out of every 10 adults during their lifetime?  With a statistic like that, learning to prevent back injuries is important to your health and well-being.

There are six key steps to avoiding back injuries at work or at play.

Frequent position changes 
Prolonged positioning places increased stress on your back. So, get up and move, frequently change positions and take breaks from repetitive activities.

Pushing/Pulling  
Stand up straight and push whenever possible. Pushing is easier on your back.

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Lyin’ Eyes

By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

In 1975, the Eagles recorded the hit Lyin’Eyes about dishonesty within a relationship. The song was written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey and recorded with Frey singing the solo lead. The band had its start when Don and Glenn were recruited for Linda Ronstadt’s band by her and manager John Boylan. The 2019 documentary Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice provided an excellent perspective on the relationship establishing the Eagles. The Eagles became one the best selling bands of all time and were inducted into the Roll and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.  

Why a lead in with Lyin’ Eyes? 

The concern is the deception or misleading advertising that seems to be common with different media outlets. The pharmaceutical industry spent $5 billion on television ads in 2021 according to Fierce Pharma. These ads are referred to as direct-to-consumer (DTC) ads. The only two countries allowing DTC ads are the United States and New Zealand. Other countries have banned DTC ads similar to the 1970 ban of direct-to-consumer cigarette ads on radio and television.  

Prescription medications are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has a program aimed at healthcare professionals called the Bad Ad Program.  The FDA Office of Prescription Drug Promotions (OPDP) is responsible for the Bad Ad Program under the auspices of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Anyone can report to the Bad Ad Program, but it is aimed at healthcare providers. Reports can be sent via email at [email protected] or phone at 855-RX-BADAD.  

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Every Breath You Take

By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

In 1983, the Police released their number one hit Every Breath You Take. The bestselling single was from their last studio album Synchronicity. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 and in 2015, the band was awarded for the most played song in radio history.

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Weekend Doctor: Common hockey injuries

By Ryan Ingley, AT, ATC*
Sports Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Since hockey is a high-speed, collision sport, there can be opportunities for injury. For players, parents, and coaches alike, it is important to be aware of the most common injuries that can happen on the ice.

Separated shoulder
While playing hockey it is common to make physical contact with other players through a check, either giving or receiving. There is also the chance that you may trip and fall on the ice. These things put the shoulder at risk of being injured. One common injury is a separated shoulder, which is basically a sprained shoulder. Treatment for this will depend on the severity of the sprain, but typically involves immobilization and rest. When recovering from this injury, there are some strengthening exercises that can be beneficial. Making sure shoulder pads properly fit your player can help reduce the risk.

Concussion
Concussions are also a common injury due to the fast-paced nature of the game and the potential for contact from another player. If a player has an impact to the head and, as a result, begins to have symptoms of a concussion, they should not continue to play. There are many possible symptoms of a concussion, including headache, dizziness, confusion and nausea. Making sure the player has a helmet that fits well in addition to wearing a mouthpiece can help reduce some of the impact, but will not completely eliminate the risk of concussions. Players who have symptoms should consult a physician before returning to play and use a gradual return to contact.

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I Can See Clearly Now

By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

In 1972, Johnny Nash released his number one hit in the United States, Canada and South Africa titled I Can See Clearly Now. Johnny was a rhythm and blues singer who was influenced by the reggae sound. He collaborated with Bob Marley, one of the pioneers of reggae, to sing and produce records. Johnny was a very prolific song writer throughout his career. Interestingly, he sang the theme song for the animated cartoon series The Mighty Hercules that ran from 1963 to 1965,

So why the message to see clearly now?

Researchers have made some significant advances in eye health specifically with macular degeneration in the last few years. Several of these discoveries have completed clinical trials and have been forwarded to the FDA for approval in the United States.

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