Health

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By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

Katrina and the Waves released their hit Walking on Sunshine in 1985. It was meant to be an optimistic song, which took on a new meaning in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. 

If you are walking in the sunshine, are you protecting your skin? Two people die of skin cancer every hour in the United States. Five or more sunburns in your life doubles your risk of melanoma (skin cancer). Having your first sunburn as a child increases the risk of skin cancer by 80%. Sun exposure also accelerates skin aging and wrinkling. 

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By Melinda Williams, M.Ed, LPCC, NCC
Clinical Counselor, Psychiatric Center of Northwest Ohio

Welcome to June, the beginning of summertime and Pride month. Pride celebrates the LGBTQIA2S+ community and the folks within that community. LGBTQIA2S+ is an acronym meaning lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual or agender, and two-spirit; the plus allows space for a wide spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. Pride celebrates the LGBTQIA2S+ community in a positive, affirming way, promoting dignity, equality and visibility. 

The roots of the gay rights movement started in the 1900s, but Pride, as a movement, was ignited by and is in memory of the Stonewall Riots of 1969. The Stonewall Inn, a bar in the Greenwich area of New York City, was known to serve gay people, which at the time was illegal, drawing the police’s attention. In June 1969, the patrons, community and activists fought back.

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By Karen L. Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team 

A recent commercial uses the saying “it’s faster bro” to promote an over the counter product for seasonal allergy symptoms. There has been negative feedback about the commercial on social media because of the phrase. Did you know the term “bro” dates back to the 1830s-1840s as an abbreviation for brother? Only in the last decade did bro become a slang term for a male friend.  

When it comes to allergy symptom relief, is the advertised Astepro® Allergy nasal spray really faster bro?

The short answer is yes! It has a faster onset of action in relieving allergy symptoms. However, there is more to the story. 

There are five common categories to treat and/or prevent allergies including prescription and over the counter drugs. These categories include antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers and leukotriene inhibitors.  

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By Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team 

In 1984, Wendy’s food chain released a commercial with Clara Peller asking “where’s the beef?” The commercial aired in the United States and Canada to highlight Wendy’s use of more beef and less bun compared to their competitors. “Where’s the Beef?” caught on and became a catchphrase for questioning the substance of an idea, product or event.

Clara Peller lived in Chicago after being born in Russia.  She was discovered at the age of 80 when doing a commercial in her hometown. This launched her career in commercials including the Massachusetts lottery and Wendy’s.  

In managing our health, recommendations have been to limit the amount of red meat (beef) in our weekly diets. Observational study designs have reported a two times higher risk of death in those who eat red meat over other choices.  

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By Loreen Morris, APRN-CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Blanchard Valley Pain Management

Pain is a universal human experience, serving as a vital signaling mechanism alerting the body to potential injury or harm. However, not all pain is alike, and understanding the distinction between acute and chronic pain is paramount for effective management and treatment. 

Acute Pain
Acute pain is characteristically short-lived, arising suddenly in response to tissue damage or injury. Acute pain serves as a protective mechanism, signaling the body to take action to prevent further harm. Common causes of acute pain include trauma, surgical procedures, burns, cuts, and fractures. The pain is often localized to the area of injury and is characterized by its intensity and sharpness. Acute pain tends to resolve as the underlying cause heals, with a duration typically lasting less than three to six months. 

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By Karen L. Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team 

Kaye Ballard sang the 1954 song In Other Words, which was the original version for Frank Sinatra’s 1964 Fly Me to the Moon. Bart Howard–who wrote the song–estimated by the time Sinatra released his, at least 100 versions had been recorded. 

Speaking of the moon!  The chemical element selenium was named for the Greek Goddess of the moon known as Selene.  Selenium is a critical micronutrient for health, but it has some side effects when taken in large quantities.  

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