Health

  • /

By Thomas Vail, DPM
Podiatry, Medical Staff Member of Blanchard Valley Health System

Heel pain is the most common foot condition that brings patients to my office. Heel pain is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, multiple muscles, the bursa, nerves and the periosteum under the heel.

  • /

Allen County Public Health encourages pregnant females to consider getting an RSV vaccination to protect their newborn's health after delivery. Receiving the vaccination at 32-36 weeks provides a boost of antibodies to the mother that is then passed to their unborn child. This provides passive immunity to the newborn during the vital first months of their lives when they are most vulnerable to severe RSV infections. 

  • /

By Misty Watkins, LPN
Primary Care Manager, Blanchard Valley Medical Practices

As the trees are in their final stages of losing their leaves, the temperatures begin to drop, and the winds begin to pick up, many homeowners start feeling the pressure of getting their fall yard cleaning done before winter sets in. 

  • /

By Heather Auxier, APRN-CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Blanchard Valley Pain Management

Spinal stenosis is a debilitating condition characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramen that can lead to compression of the spinal cord and nerves. There are various treatment options to help this condition.  

Conservative therapies include physical therapy, activity modification, and exercise. These treatment options help to improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and enhance posture to alleviate pain symptoms.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Tylenol or ibuprofen can offer temporary relief by reducing pain and inflammation. Long-term medications should be carefully monitored due to potential side effects.

  • /

By Karen L. Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the Healthwise Team at Ohio Northern University

The idiom on target is best described as being on schedule or making good progress to achieve your goals or the results you wanted. During World War II, it was reported the British Royal Air Force pilots ate bilberry jam before engaging the enemy in dogfights at night. It has been folklore that bilberry improved their night vision and contributed to the success of their air to air combat with the Germans. 

Does science support the use of bilberry for improving vision?

  • /

By Hannah Evans, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of Northwest Ohio

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States. There are more than 16 million Americans living with a disease caused by smoking. Cigarettes contain several ingredients and, when burned, create smoke that contains thousands of chemicals, some of which are known cancer-causing agents. Those who smoke are at risk of developing disease and dying from smoking-related illnesses. 

Potential Risks of Tobacco Use
Smoking can cause harm to nearly every organ of the body. Regardless of one’s age, gender, race, or ethnicity, tobacco use can increase the risk of premature death. Cardiovascular (heart) disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the three major causes of smoking-related death. There are 12 different cancers linked to tobacco use, including but not limited to lung cancer, colon and rectum cancer, and mouth and throat cancer.

Pages