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If I Didn’t Have You: Off-label use of medications

Posted by Staff on January 18, 2024 - 7:36am

By Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team 

In 2001, If I Didn’t Have You won the Academy Award for Best Original Song from the Disney movie Monsters, Inc. The song was written by Randy Newman and performed by Billy Crystal and John Goodman.   

Randy Newman became a Disney Legend in 2007 for his songwriting on 9 different Disney-Pixar movies. He has won 7 Grammy Awards and 3 Emmys.  

What if we didn’t have new drugs?

The FDA approves an average of 3-4 novel medications every month.  In 2023, the agency approved 55 novel drugs exceeding 37 in 2022.  This number reflects novel drugs approved and not the total number.  

What makes something novel?  According to the FDA, it is a medication with an active ingredient never before available in the US.  It is a drug working differently than anything else.  In the past 2 years, 92 unique drugs entered the market to help manage a diverse set of conditions.  Approximately 35% of these approvals are for the treatment and management of cancer.  

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Weekend Doctor: As much prenatal care as possible

Posted by Staff on January 14, 2024 - 6:00am

By Jennifer Loera, RN
Clinical Navigator - Maternal Opiate Medical Support (MOMS) Program, Blanchard Valley Health System

Engaging in as much prenatal care as possible is the single most important thing a pregnant woman can do, even if care is not sought until late. Pregnant women with substance use disorder (SUD) frequently face tremendous stigma and judgment when seeking medical care. Experience with judgment and stigma can often make it difficult to seek prenatal care, mental health care, and community support services. 

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Fishin’ in the Dark: Omega Fatty Acids

Posted by Staff on January 11, 2024 - 6:00am

By Sarah Lysinger, Student Pharmacist and Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team 

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band released their song Fishin’ in the Dark on June 7, 1987 and it hit number one on the country charts both in the United States and Canada.  The American country rock band started in 1966 in Long Beach, California. Several artists covered the song written by Wendy Waldman and Jim Photogio. Kenny Chesney released a cover of the song with the title You and Me Go Fishing in the Dark. After Garth Brooks recorded his cover version in 2005, the number of downloads of the original song certified it as platinum.  

For those who know the lyrics, you realized the song is not really about fishing or even counting the stars at night.  It is too bad they were not fishing because the science about the benefits of fish in your diet is advancing.  

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Weekend Doctor: Radiation therapy advances

Posted by Staff on January 6, 2024 - 8:51am

By Ankit Modh, MD
Radiation Oncology, The Armes Family Cancer Care Center

As a radiation oncologist with years of experience, I am thrilled to share the incredible strides we've made in the field of radiation therapy, particularly in minimizing the impact of what was once a dreaded side effect – radiation burns. The landscape of cancer treatment has evolved significantly, and one of the most notable improvements lies in our ability to deliver effective treatment with a focus on patients’ comfort and well-being. 

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Trouble: COVID-19 

Posted by Staff on January 4, 2024 - 10:30am

By Karen L. Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team 

In 1981, Lindsey Buckingham released his first solo album with the single Trouble. Buckingham was the lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist for Fleetwood Mac. When he joined the group, he convinced them to bring Stevie Nicks into the group to sing vocals. Buckingham was known for his fingerpicking guitar style. Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. 

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Weekend Doctor: Sports injuries

Posted by Staff on December 31, 2023 - 6:00am

By Ali Chohan, MD
Family Medicine, Putnam County Primary Care

Sports injuries can be a challenging setback for athletes, affecting not only their physical well-being but also their mental resilience. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a “weekend warrior,” understanding common sports injuries and knowing how to take care of them is crucial for a speedy recovery and long-term health.

One of the most prevalent sports injuries is the sprain. Sprains occur when ligaments, the tough bands connecting bones within a joint, are stretched or torn. Ankle sprains are particularly common, often resulting from sudden twists or awkward landings. Immediate treatment involves the R.I.C.E. method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest the injured area, apply ice to reduce swelling, use compression to support the injured area, and elevate it to minimize fluid accumulation.

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