By Joshua Ebel, MD Blanchard Valley Urology Associates
The kidneys are vital organs serving many important roles in your body including, filtering your blood and controlling your blood pressure. Unfortunately, they are also prone to developing abnormal cysts and tumors, some of which are cancerous.
Kidney cancer is in the top 10 most common cancers in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 70,000 Americans will be diagnosed with kidney cancer this year alone.
Our thumbs are one unique feature that separates us, as humans, from many other living creatures. Our thumbs are opposable, allowing us to grasp items and perform fine motor skills which would otherwise be impossible with a less mobile digit.
The thumb is a complex structure providing multi-plane mobility and fine dexterity. The base of the thumb joint is described as a “saddle joint” due to its unique appearance and attachment structure.
Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) will hold a “State of Our Organization: COVID-19 Response and Plan Part II” through Facebook live to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, the response plan for BVHS and answer questions from the community.
President and CEO Scott Malaney and Dr. William Kose, vice president of special projects, will speak to the community for a second time on the pandemic and updates on the health system’s response from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16.
Blanchard Valley Health System is welcoming residents from all surrounding counties, including Allen, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Putnam, Seneca, Wood and Wyandot at the Bluffton and Findlay Triage and Testing Centers.
If a patient believes to be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 that person should call the 24-hour, seven days a week, triage line at:
419.423.7890 (Findlay) or
419.369.2399 (Bluffton)
to initiate pre-screening efforts.
Due to community concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure that every precaution is being taken to prioritize the safety of our patients, Bluffton Hospital will no longer allow visitors. (Effective March 25, 2020)
This policy applies to all Blanchard Valley Health System facilities including hospitals and outpatient clinics.
An exception of one caregiver per patient for the duration of the hospital stay will be granted for patients in our pediatric and labor and delivery care units.
