Health

By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

In 1964, the Drifters released the popular song Under the Boardwalk written by Kenny Young and Arthur Resnick. The song has been covered by numerous artists and actors including Bette Midler, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Willis, Sam & Dave, and the Beach Boys. Rolling Stones magazine ranked this song in the top 500 best of all time. Over 40 individual performers have drifted in and out of the Drifters over the years. There is a long history for the group. 

If you are considering a vacation to the beach and boardwalk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health warning on September 1, 2023 for the Eastern Seaboard and the Gulf Coast. The advisory relates to an increase in infection caused by the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus in the United States.

Vibrio vulnificus thrives in warm seawater and poses two significant health risks to people. The bacterium requires saltwater or brackish water to survive. Brackish water is less salty than seawater, but has more salt than freshwater. 

By George Abate, DO
Obstetrics & Gynecology, Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology

A woman’s annual exam with her OBGYN remains vitally important.

As Pap smear guidelines have changed, women assume they don’t need to see their OB/GYN every year. But, your preventive visit is about much more than periodically screening for cervical cancer with a Pap smear.

Below are just a few of the benefits of seeing your OBGYN each year:

Counseling you about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and minimizing health risks. Experts agree there is substantial individual and system-wide cost-savings in prevention. Nutrition and fitness remain the foundation of weight management, prevention of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

Screening for sexually transmitted disease (STD) which can lead to sterility or life-long pelvic pain.

Discussing your bone health; building and maintaining bone through one’s life can substantially reduce risk. Osteoporosis remains a leading cause of disability in seniors.