Health

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By Mary Enderbury, RN, BSN, WH-MSN
Intensive Care Unit, Blanchard Valley Hospital

A urinary tract infection, commonly abbreviated as UTI, is an often uncomfortable condition that may present with difficult or painful urination (dysuria). Many people experience burning or stinging with urination when they have a urinary tract infection, although it is possible for an infection to be asymptomatic or masked by other conditions, such as common symptoms of pregnancy (i.e., frequent urination).

Urinary tract infections occur in both men and women, but they are more common in women. This is because, in female anatomy, bacteria have a shorter distance to travel up into the urethra to the bladder. Additionally, the closer proximity of bacteria from the rectum leads to higher contamination rates of the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections may also encompass bladder infections, known as cystitis, or kidney infections, known as pyelonephritis. 

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By Stephanie Wiseman, Student Pharmacist and Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team 

The idiom “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is believed to have started in the 1860s in Wales. The original version was noted as “eat an apple on going to bed and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.” The current version dates back to 1887.

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By Lindsey Buddelmeyer, Leadership Education & Training Specialist

Falls are a common cause of injury, particularly for seniors. As we discussed in a previous column, the two primary reasons for falls are a decrease in strength and balance; and environmental factors. We previously focused on preventing falls outside your home. In this column, we will focus on preventing falls inside your home.

As we age, our balance, strength, and visual acuity naturally decline. According to the National Institute on Aging, common visual changes for older adults include struggling to see up close, difficulty with distinguishing colors, and needing additional time to adjust to changing levels of light. Certain conditions also contribute to a higher likelihood of falling. Let’s examine the inside of your home, determine if there are any unsafe spaces, and find strategies or modifications to make your home safer.

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By Scott Daley, Student Pharmacist and Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team 

On March 1, 1972, Mac Davis recorded Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me and the song hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Easy Listening Hot 100. The song was part of an episode on The Muppet Show hosted by Davis. Many may not realize how successful Mac Davis was as a songwriter before he became a performer in his own right.  He is famous for writing songs for Elvis such as Memories, In the Ghetto and A Little Less Conversation. 

You can get hooked on caffeine and the latest research is not good for our youth.

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By James H. Legge III, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Center of Northwest Ohio

Over the past 15 years, there has been a significant focus on the integration of digital technology, along with an oversupply of information. What was once confined to computer screens is now readily accessible at our fingertips through smartphones. Information flows faster and across a broader spectrum than ever before in history. Examining generations by birth years, Millennials were introduced to technology and became fairly tech-savvy by the early 2000s. They were followed by Generation Z and now Generation Alpha, both of whom have been immersed in an overwhelming abundance of technology.

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

The idiom known as a big fish in a small pond explains a person who is important or powerful within a small group, but not necessarily known in a larger population.  This is a good example of our local officials or citizens versus the Hollywood famous.  

Recent science has identified a benefit with omega-fatty acids such as those found in fish.  The study was completed in a smaller pond of individuals.  The evidence was in a small pond of individuals over the age of 70 years.  

Some fish and marine life contain omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  Omega-3 fatty acids are considered to be the good fats with benefits for your eyes, brain and heart health.  Previous studies have shown a beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing the progression of cognitive decline. The omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in plants. 

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