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Planting Seeds to retain better health

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

April showers bring May flowers, warmer temperatures and the beginning of the gardening season. Some of us may have a green thumb, and others may have a hard time keeping a succulent alive. Either way, gardening and tending to fresh produce plants may be the right activity for you.

Nutritional benefits 

We know it’s important to incorporate fruits and vegetables into our daily meals. Fresh produce that we can grow has many benefits. According to Franciscan Health, gardening can promote heart-healthy eating.

Since the food is not being transported or processed, you still retain all the nutritional benefits we don’t usually get from store-bought produce.

Physical benefits 

Gardening can be as intricate as you want it to be. No matter how big or small your garden is, the University of Texas in Austin says that gardening encourages a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, flexibility, muscle strength, joint mobility and overall physical well-being.

Mental health benefits 

While eating healthy and exercising is important, we also need to make sure we are taking care of our mental health. Being “unplugged” from your phone while enjoying a hobby, like gardening, is a great way to practice self-care.

Gardening is a hobby that allows you to be outside and benefit from the result. According to UNC Health Talk, gardening can build self-esteem, reduce stress and make you happier.

Gardening is a great way to stay active in the spring while gaining the nutritional benefits of fresh produce. Embrace your inner green thumb and try it out for yourself this spring.

Find more wellness resources at genesishcs.org/wellness.

Planting Seeds to retain better health

Gardening and tending to fresh produce plants may be the right activity for you.

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One team makes a bigger difference

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Building homes. Serving lunches. Fostering relationships. Our generous community gives time and money to help others when they need a hand.

Genesis and our 4,400+ team members also want to help local nonprofit organizations make a bigger difference.

On any given day, our team members volunteer to help those in need.

 

Need a volunteer?

Nonprofit organizations that meet the requirements can contact Genesis, and we will share opportunities with our team.

 

Qualifying guidelines include:

  • Events that support Muskingum, Coshocton, Perry, Guernsey, Noble or Morgan counties.

  • Church events that benefit the entire community.

  • Submit your organization’s request at genesishcs.org/request-volunteers at least 30 days before your event. Requests are reviewed weekly.

 

Donation and sponsorship opportunities

In addition to volunteering our time and talents, we also support nonprofit organizations through sponsorships and donations.

Organizations that meet the following guidelines can apply for a donation or sponsorship.

  • Supports health and wellness in our community.

  • Supports Muskingum, Coshocton, Perry, Guernsey, Noble or Morgan counties.

  • Church events that benefit the entire community.

  • Submit your organization’s request at genesishcs.org/sponsorships at least 30 days before the deadline. Requests are reviewed weekly.

For more information, contact Genesis Community Relations at 740-454-5913, option 2.

 

Genesis Volunteers One Team

Genesis and our 4,400+ team members also want to help local nonprofit organizations make a bigger difference.

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Early detection is key to surviving prostate cancer

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the prostate. It is the most common nonskin cancer among men in the United States.

The earlier that prostate cancer is detected, the better your odds are of surviving it.

 

Prostate cancer 5-year survival rate:

Prostate Screening Stats

 

Screenings

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test

  • Digital rectal exam

  • Supplemental PSA blood tests like prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3), prostate health index (PHI), 4Kscore

 

Risk factors

The recommended age for screening depends on risk factors, including:

  • Men ages 50 to 70 are more likely to develop prostate cancer

  • Family history of prostate cancer

  • African American men are at a higher risk to develop prostate cancer

 

Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and when you should consider getting screened.

Visit Genesishcs.org/Screenings for more information on cancer screenings.

 

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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Prostate Screening

The earlier that prostate cancer is detected, the better your odds are of surviving it.

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Do it for your heart

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

We hear many recommendations about keeping our hearts healthy. With a plan, small changes are easier than you think. Try these manageable tips to help you become your heart’s hero.

 

Check blood pressure

The American Heart Association (AHA) reports almost half of American adults have high blood pressure. A healthy reading for people over the age of 20 is less than 120/80. High blood pressure doesn’t always have warning symptoms, so check yours often.

 

Prioritize rest

Poor sleeping habits can contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The AHA recommends 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Set a bedtime alarm to remind you when it’s time to wind down.

 

Stay relaxed

Breathing helps more than your lungs. Deep breathing can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. The AHA suggests a daily routine of “4-7-8 breathing.” Breathe in for four counts, hold for seven counts and breathe out slowly through your mouth for eight counts.

 

Learn your genetics

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends learning and sharing your family’s health history. This includes everyone from your parents and grandparents to nieces and nephews. Share details with your doctors so you can take action to reduce your chance of developing heart disease or other conditions.

 

Know the warning signs

While these suggestions are not substitutes for a well-balanced diet, ideal weight and plenty of exercise, you have the power to make a few heart-healthy changes now. In addition, take time to learn the warning signs of a heart attack to save your life or the life of someone you love. Call 911 immediately, even if you don’t think it’s a heart attack.

 

Heart attack symptoms:

  • Chest pain or discomfort

  • Arm or shoulder pain or discomfort

  • Pain in the jaw, neck or back

  • Shortness of breath

  • Feeling a cold sweat

  • Vomiting, feeling lightheaded or nauseous

 

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Do it for your heart

Try these manageable tips to help you become your heart’s hero.

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Help your community: Hospice care for everyone

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

After 35 years and thousands of families served, the Morrison House, the region’s only dedicated inpatient hospice facility, needs to be replaced.

Anyone who has ever had a loved one at the Morrison House knows our program’s lasting impact on families during the most difficult times.

Numerous community members and businesses have already stepped forward to pledge their support. Your donation, small or large, will make a difference in the lives of our patients and families.

Together, your contributions will help build a new facility and ensure our nonprofit, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Five-Star Rated Hospice facility will continue to provide the critical care you’ve come to know and trust.

Your donation will create private patient rooms and bathrooms with beautiful garden views. Every patient’s room will accommodate families with desks and comfortable sleeping areas to help loved ones feel at ease.

We are immensely grateful to the J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation for its naming donation. We also thank the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity for donating the land.

If you would like more information or to contribute, please visit genesishcs.org/foundation or call 740-454-5052. Thank you for helping us support our community’s future.

 

Donate to the Genesis Hospice Care Capital Campaign
Help your community: Hospice care for everyone

After 35 years and thousands of families served, the Morrison House, the region’s only dedicated inpatient hospice facility, needs to be replaced.

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A heart that beats for family and dogs

Dale Marlatt has spent over 53 years with his beloved wife, Joyce. They have raised two children and always had at least one dog, usually more, and a cat or two.

Being surrounded by family and pets (whom Dale considers family) is what makes him happy. They make his heartbeat with joy.

“As it became harder to breathe while doing everyday activities, I knew I had to do something,” Dale said. “Too many loved ones were counting on me.”

Dale requested advice from his doctor and was referred to Kinan Kassar, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Interventional and Structural Cardiologist, and Trevor Ellison, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Medical Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute.

This was when Dale learned his aortic valve between the lower left heart chamber and the body’s main artery, called the aorta, had narrowed, leading to a condition called aortic stenosis. The disease reduces blood flow from the heart to the body.

Dale’s choice

After meeting with Dr. Kassar and Dr. Ellison, Dale knew he was in the right place. “They explained everything in detail,” said Dale. “They made me feel relaxed and confident in choosing Genesis for help, which was important as my life was on the line.”

Soon after, Dale was scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It is a minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery.

“We started performing TAVR at Genesis in 2019,” said Dr. Kassar. “As a minimally invasive procedure, it offers several benefits, including a much faster healing process.”

Replacing heart valves through a tube 

Dr. Kassar and Dr. Ellison performed the TAVR procedure by inserting a small tube called a catheter through the skin in his right groin and into the blood vessel.

They then maneuvered the artificial valve through Dale’s body until it reached the damaged valve. At that point, the valve expanded and replaced the damaged valve and returned blood flow to normal.

“TAVR was the easiest surgery I ever had,” said Dale.

“I felt 10 years younger as soon as I came out of surgery.”

Dale spent one night in the hospital before returning home to his wife, dogs and cats.

“The procedure changed everything in my life,” said Dale. “I am stronger and able to breathe much better.”

Kinan Kassar, M.D. LW Spring 25

Kinan Kassar, M.D.   
Fellowship-trained and Board-certified   
Interventional and Structural Cardiologist   
Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute

Trevor Ellison, M.D., PH.D., MBA LW Spring 25

Trevor Ellison, M.D., Ph.D., MBA  
Fellowship-trained and Board-certified  
Cardiothoracic Surgeon  
Medical Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery

 

Learning about aortic stenosis Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the left ventricle of the heart to the rest of the body. The condition tends to worsen over time. Some individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

Warning signs:

• Heart murmurs

• Chest pain or tightness with activity

• Feeling faint or dizzy or fainting with activity

• Shortness of breath, especially when active

• Fatigue, especially during activity

• Heart palpitation

Causes and risk factors:

• Age: The risk increases, especially over 60, though symptoms may not appear until your 70s or 80s.

• Impaired valve growth: The aortic valve opening may not grow at the same rate as the heart.

• Congenital heart defects: Some people are born with an abnormal aortic valve, which can lead to stenosis over time.

• Rheumatic fever: Having had rheumatic fever during childhood can lead to damage to the aortic valve, increasing the risk of stenosis later in life.

If you have questions, talk to your doctor.

 

Top 50 heart hospital

Genesis is one of America's Top 50 Heart Hospitals

For the 2nd year in a row, as rated by Fortune Magazine and PINC AI.

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A heart that beats for family and dogs

“As it became harder to breathe while doing everyday activities, I knew I had to do something,” Dale said. “Too many loved ones were counting on me.”

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Spring showers bring flowers

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

The time is here to enjoy an outdoor activity like gardening. It is rewarding to see our plants grow from seeds to flowers or fresh vegetables. Most importantly, you can enjoy fresh food or the beautiful colors that your plants produce.   

 

While picking a flower or a plant to grow may be difficult, the benefits you can get from them are worth it. Planting flowers or a new plant can positively impact your well-being. According to Impact Wealth, flowers can help your well-being by:   

  • Reducing stress and anxiety  

  • Aiding mental function  

  • Enhancing emotional well-being  

  • Boosting relaxation and sleep   

  • Creating mindfulness  

  • Increasing productivity   

  • Strengthening social connect  

  • Boosting creativity   

  • Having a deeper meaning/symbolism that can trigger emotions or memories  

  • Improving sleep quality   

 

Since the warm summer months are almost here, there are some preparations we can make for our gardens. According to the National Trust, spring preparations include:   

  • Pick weeds and lay down mulch. This will remove the weeds already in your garden and prevent the growth of future weeds.  

  • Prune hydrangeas. Look for a set of healthy buds and cut the other flowers' heads back to just above them.   

  • Look out for wildlife. When working or trimming your garden, be careful not to disturb wildlife, such as nesting birds.   

  • Leave the lawn for pollinators. If you leave your lawn uncut for a few weeks at a time, clovers, daisies and other lawn species can flower and provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.  

 

Embrace your green thumb this spring. It is a fun outside activity to do. If you cannot plant any flowers or plants, you can also use floral essential oils to get the same benefits. Are you ready to start your flower garden?   

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Spring showers bring flowers

While picking a flower or a plant to grow may be difficult, the benefits you can get from them are worth it. Planting flowers or a new plant can positively impact your well-being.

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Thank you for choosing Genesis for 10 years

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

It’s Genesis Hospital’s 10th anniversary of opening.

As we started plans in 2011 for our new era of healthcare in Southeastern Ohio, we asked for your opinion. We only had one chance to build our new hospital, and we wanted to get it right.

Past and present patients came together to engage in the planning. Extensive focus groups provided valuable ideas. Drafts of plans and architectural drawings were shared to improve the design. Public walkthroughs of mock patient rooms gave us firsthand feedback to refine the patient experience.

You asked for private rooms and bathrooms, an enlarged emergency department, private transport hallways, free valet parking and beautiful courtyards.

You wanted to walk from one end of the facility to the other without stepping foot outside. The inclusion of more glass and brightly colored hallways would create a more positive atmosphere.

Building a Cancer Care Center separated from the main hospital was important. Designed exclusively around patients’ needs, it was consolidated into one space so patients could receive “WrapAround Cancer Care.”

Because of your valuable input and all your support, we were able to create a patient-centered facility to provide you with the highest quality of care.

As we enter our next decade, our vision continues to be a hospital that exceeds your expectations. Thank you for trusting us with you and your family’s care.

Pictured: The Stewart family trusted Genesis to care for their premature son, Graham. Read about their Special Care Nursery experience.

 

Since 2015, you chose Genesis for:

82,000+ Surgeries

Ashley Tamasovich

Ashley Tamasovich

“I researched the best breast cancer care at a time that I needed top-notch doctors and up-to-date surgery to save my life,” said Ashley Tamasovich. “I found Genesis, and because of them I get to stay active and do the things I love. I get to keep being a wife and a mom and can live each day to the fullest.”

15,500+ Orthopedic surgeries

Nancy Walsh

Nancy Walsh

“Arthritis kept me from an active life,” said Nancy Walsh. “I walked a lot for my job. I was dedicated to having both knees replaced close together to live pain-free. I chose Genesis for both surgeries. I was committed to my recovery. After the second surgery, I was back to work in five weeks. I still feel better than ever and am ready to enjoy my retirement.”

1,200+ Coronary artery bypass graft surgeries

Dean Daniels

Dean Daniels

“I would have never thought I was going to have a heart attack,” said Dean Daniels. “I’m alive because of Genesis and my coronary artery bypass graft. I’m back to where I was and am able to hike and play golf.”

5,000+ Robotic-assisted surgeries

Christine Wolford

Christine Wolford

“Heartburn kept me from eating my favorite foods for seven years,” said Christine Wolford. “After being diagnosed with a paraesophageal hernia, I called the Genesis Center of Surgical Excellence. Since my robotic-assisted surgery, I’ve been able to enjoy eating again. Everything has changed.”

4,700+ Neurosurgeries

Marshall Kroll

Marshall Kroll

“Back pain got in the way of everyday tasks,” said Marshall Kroll. “It even hurt to sit in a chair. I felt comfortable asking my Genesis care team about treatment options. After my spinal cord stimulator procedure, I’m back to doing everything. I can sit and read a book. I’ve returned to walking several miles a week. I’m really happy I chose Genesis because the team is great. I feel incredible.”

Genesis 10th Anniversary

It’s Genesis Hospital’s 10th anniversary of opening.

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Getting ahead of your seasonal allergies

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Spring is here. The flowers are starting to bloom, warmer temperatures and the dreaded seasonal allergies. Bless you. 

We often notice that we get sick or have allergies around spring or summer. This is due to us moving out of the colder months and into the warmer months. Some common symptoms for seasonal allergies, according to the BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, include: 

  • Congestion (fluid in your nose) 

  • Coughing 

  • Tiredness 

  • Itchy eyes, nose and throat 

  • Post-nasal drip (drainage in your throat) 

  • Runny nose and eyes 

  • Sneezing 

We should be out enjoying the sun and warm temperatures. Not staying inside like we have done all winter. While allergens in the air can be threatening to our nose, there are ways to help block them out in your home. AdventistHealth states that you can reduce allergens in your home by: 

  • Changing your air filters monthly 

  • Close doors and windows on windy days to reduce pollen 

  • Vacuum and wipe down hard surfaces with a damp cloth to reduce dust 

  • Use low-pile carpets or rugs 

  • Encase pillows and mattresses in allergen-resistant covers to banish dust mites  

Make sure to get ahead of this allergy season. You do not want to be sneezing the warm months away. If all else fails, take an allergy medication to help with the symptoms. Also, grab some tissues on your way out the door. 

 

To learn more about keeping your home clean, you can read:

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Getting ahead of your seasonal allergies

Spring is here. The flowers are starting to bloom, warmer temperatures and the dreaded seasonal allergies. Bless you. 

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Genesis HealthCare System helps to launch the Ohio High Value Network

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Genesis HealthCare System is one of 25 rural hospitals and healthcare systems launching the Ohio High Value Network (OHVN) to collaborate on clinical and business initiatives to strengthen healthcare in rural communities across the state.

 

The network’s foundation is a clinically integrated network caring for a population of more than 2.5 million patients and featuring 25 hospitals and other care sites in more than 115 cities and towns across Ohio. OHVN also is setting up operational collaborations designed to control costs and share best practices among its members.

 

“The Ohio High Value Network will enable rural hospitals like Genesis HealthCare System to work together with other like-minded, independent healthcare organizations in Ohio,” said Matthew Perry, President & CEO of Genesis HealthCare System. “The more we work together, the better we can serve our communities – further enhancing quality of care and lowering costs. Joining OHVN will help Genesis to keep fulfilling our Mission as an independent, faith-based health system caring for the residents of our region.”

 

The active daily management of the network will be coordinated by Cibolo Health, an organization that helps independent rural hospitals create clinically integrated networks with their peers to strengthen rural healthcare.

 

Ohio High Value Network is the third rural hospital network organized and operated by Cibolo Health. The first, the Rough Rider High-Value Network in North Dakota, launched in 2023, and the second, Headwaters High-Value Network in Minnesota, started in 2024.

 

OHVN also will set up collaborations designed to control costs and share operational best practices among members. As a member health system, Genesis HealthCare System can choose which of these collaborations to participate in that will most benefit the people in our community.

 

Will collaborate on initiatives to strengthen rural healthcare systems.

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