Health

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.

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. ▶︎

By Karen Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

The English rock band Deep Purple recorded Smoke on the Water in December of 1971.  The recording was based on true events from the fire at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland where the band was recording an album. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017.

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

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neurological condition that causes severe pain in a limb. The pain is disproportionate to the injury or trauma that caused it. This affects roughly 200,000 people in the United States. 

By Joy Johnson, CNMT
Nuclear Medicine - Lead Technologist, Blanchard Valley Health System

Nuclear medicine testing is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive materials, called radiopharmaceuticals, to provide information about the physiological function of tissues and organs, such as blood flow, metabolism, and biochemical processes. This can be particularly useful in diagnosing certain diseases, monitoring treatment responses, and assessing disease progression. Other imaging modalities like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI primarily provide structural images of the body.

Radiopharmaceuticals are drugs containing radioactive isotopes. These isotopes emit gamma rays that are detected by specialized cameras. In contrast, other imaging modalities use external sources of energy (X-rays, magnetic fields, etc.) to create images. The amount of radiation used in nuclear medicine tests is considered safe for patients. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women are typically advised to avoid these tests unless absolutely necessary. ▶︎

By Karen Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

On April 2, 1956, Johnny Cash recorded his first number 1 country hit I Walk the Line at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee.  The song crossed genres and ranked number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. In an interview, Johnny indicated he wrote the song about resisting temptation and being accountable in relationships. 

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