Health

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By Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist

On November 22, 1995, Disney-Pixar released the animated film Toy Story. The music for the film was created by singer, songwriter, arranger, pianist, conductor and composer Randy Newman. Since the 1980s, Newman has written songs for 18 Disney films including the Toy Story series and Monsters, Inc. In 2007, Newman was named a Disney Legend.  

In the score for the original Toy Story movie, Newman composed music titled Presents for the film. Although he is better known for many other hits, he has a distinctive style when you hear his musical scores. His artistry was recognized in 2013 with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

During the Christmas season, we can be stumped when trying to select presents for our family or friends. Chocolate is a popular gift chosen by about 50% of gift givers at the holidays.  Chocolate is considered a universal gift and at the holidays, we often splurge on buying premium brands to give as gifts. This explains the location of certain chocolate brands near the cash registers as part of impulse buying.  

Does the type of chocolate purchased make a difference and how does it impact our health?

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By Tina Powell, APRN-CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Well at Work Occupational Health

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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

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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. 

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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.

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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. ▶︎

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