By Andrius Giedraitis, MD
Blanchard Valley Pain Management
Spinal stenosis is a debilitating condition that affects many individuals, particularly as we age. Spinal stenosis involves the narrowing of spaces within the spine, causing compression onto the spinal cord and/or nerves coming from the spinal cord that go to muscles throughout your body. This narrowing can occur in most parts of the spine but is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine), where it can significantly impact a person's function and quality of life.
The spine consists of vertebrae (made of bone) stacked upon one another. These vertebrae have a hollow space that holds and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots called the spinal canal. In spinal stenosis, the open spaces between the vertebrae within the spine narrow, placing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
By Karen L. Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team
Celine Dion released the single My Heart Will Go On as part of the Titanic movie sound track in November of 1997. The song hit the top of the charts in 25 countries and was the best-selling single in 1998. The song dominated the 1999 Grammy Awards and won an Academy Award.
Celine is known for her powerful voice with strong technical skills. She recently has suspended all shows due to her developing a rare disease known as stiff-person syndrome. It was announced in January of 2024 that Amazon MGM Studios will be releasing a documentary about this topic titled I Am: Celine Dion.
By Gina Bailey, BSN, RN
Infection Preventionist, Quality/Infection Control, Blanchard Valley Health System
A multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) is a living organism, bacteria, or fungi that has evolved and mutated to protect itself from medications that were once used to treat the infection they cause. MDROs can affect any person but are especially concerning for individuals in hospitals, long-term care facilities, group living facilities, those who are immunosuppressed or those who have chronic conditions.
Healthcare providers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are concerned about the spread of drug-resistant organisms. They estimate more than 2.8 million resistant infections occur in the U.S. According to a collaborative study with the CDC, the estimated cost to treat infections caused by only six MDROs is more than $4.6 billion annually.
By Karen L. Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team
The Beach Boys released their hit Good Vibrations on October 10, 1966. The lyrics were written by Mike Love and the music was composed by Brian Wilson. The development of this song was groundbreaking. Segments of the song were recorded over 9 months in 4 different studios. The term pocket symphony was given to this style of recording.
How would good vibrations improve one’s health?
In January 2024, the FDA cleared a new vibration belt for women who have lost some of their bone density. The belt is strategically placed on the hips and spine and provides a mechanical stimulation to the bones.
Bone mineral density (BMD) is a measure of minerals in our bones and gives an indication of bone thickness or density. The measurement is evaluating mineral composition of the bone, but calcium and phosphorus are the 2 common minerals found in the bone.
By Susan Grace, MD
Pediatric Hospitalist, Pediatric Hospitalists of Northwest Ohio
There has been a recent increase in cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in our region. SIDS is the leading cause of death for children under the age of one. These losses are heartbreaking for the families and for communities. While not every infant death has a preventable cause, the majority of them are associated with risk factors, including unsafe sleep. As parents, there are things that can be done to decrease the risk of SIDS.
An infant should always sleep alone, on their back, in a crib. It can be so tempting to snuggle our infants in bed while we sleep or to fall asleep on the couch with the infant on our chest. This is a recipe for disaster. As a pediatrician for over ten years, I have seen these scenarios turn into infant deaths many times. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing but never bed-sharing. The crib should be free of any pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals, or loose bedding. These items may make the crib appear more appealing, but they are unnecessary for the baby and can be a means of suffocation.
By Karen L. Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team
Be Our Guest was a song from the 1991 Disney film Beauty and the Beast. The song was performed by Mrs. Potts (Angela Lansbury) and Lemière (Jerry Orbach). During the song’s animation, we see spoons dancing and diving into a punch bowl. In the movie, the Beast struggles to eat with a spoon and Belle puts down her spoon and drinks out of the bowl.
Why talk about spoons? Many medications for infants and children come in liquid dosage forms requiring measuring. Spoons are used to give medications to children.
