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Break mental health stigmas. Build understanding.

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Mental health touches all of us, our friends, family, neighbors and ourselves. At times, mental health stigmas can make it harder to speak up or ask for help.

The ways we show up for one another matter. A quick check-in, a listening ear or a moment of understanding can go a long way.

Common stigmas sound like:

  • People with mental health conditions are weak
  • Talking about it makes things worse
  • Talking about it makes things worse
  • Mental health should be kept private
  • A diagnosis defines a person
  • Getting help means something is wrong

Genesis Behavioral Health shares what understanding can sound like:

  • Seeking help takes strength
  • Talking can open doors to support
  • A person is more than a diagnosis
  • Kindness makes a difference

A few ways to help others:

  • Keep conversations respectful
  • Support friends, families and each other
  • Speak up when something doesn’t feel right
  • Remind people they’re not alone

Looking out for one another means showing compassion and understanding in the moments that matter most. Small, everyday actions help create a welcoming environment where others feel cared for and supported.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Genesis Behavioral Health.

Call: 740-454-5927 Learn more about Genesis Behavioral Health services

 

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.

Genesis Behavioral Health sign with employees posing behind it in honor of Mental health awareness month

The ways we show up for one another matter. A quick check-in, a listening ear or a moment of understanding can go a long way.

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Friends are good for your mental health

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Friendship does more than make life fun. It also plays an important role in mental health. Spending time with friends can help you feel happier, calmer and more connected. Even a short chat or a shared laugh can make a tough day feel easier.

One significant benefit of friendship is stress relief. Talking with someone you trust helps you work through worries and feel less alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, strong social connections can lower stress and support emotional health. When you know someone is there for you, problems often feel more manageable.

Friendships also help fight loneliness. Feeling connected to others can improve mood and self-confidence. Research shows that people with strong social support are less likely to experience depression and anxiety. Having friends reminds you that you matter and that you belong.

Another bonus of friendship is encouragement. Friends often motivate each other to get moving, try new things or stick to healthy habits. A walk with a friend or a shared hobby can improve both mental and physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that social connection is an essential part of emotional wellness.

Healthy friendships are built on kindness, trust and respect. While no friendship is perfect, supportive relationships help you feel understood and valued. Over time, these connections can boost happiness and help protect your mental health.

So, the next time you grab coffee with a friend or send a quick text, remember that you are doing something good for your mind. Friendship is enjoyable and good for your health, too.

 

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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.

Friends are good for your mental health
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Rediscovering the sounds of life

How a cochlear implant helped Lue Ann hear again.

Lue Ann Smith first noticed hearing loss in 1970 while working in a factory.

“I used a loud machine every day,” said Lue Ann. “We didn’t have the hearing protection that is available today.”

Over time, it became harder for Lue Ann to understand speech and everyday sounds. Hearing aids helped some, but not enough.

“It’s hard to be part of conversations with your family and not really be there,” said Lue Ann. “I learned to read lips to try to keep up.”

Searching for a better option

Lue Ann wanted a lasting solution. After learning about cochlear implants, she made an appointment with Max D. Pusz, M.D., Board-certified Ear, Nose and Throat Physician at Genesis ENT Group.

At her 2023 hearing evaluation, Lue Ann’s hearing score was 8% in the left ear. A score below 60% means traditional hearing aids are no longer enough to help patients understand speech. Dr. Pusz said Lue Ann was a strong candidate for a cochlear implant.

“Cochlear implants can help patients feel connected to everyday life again,” said Dr. Pusz. “That means hearing a loved one’s voice more clearly, enjoying conversations with friends and reconnecting with sounds they have missed for years.”

Dr. Max Pusz

Max D. Pusz, M.D.

Board-certified Ear, Nose and Throat Physician

Genesis ENT Group

An implant has two parts. A small device, known as the processor, is worn behind the ear. It picks up sound and sends it to a receiver placed under the skin. The receiver sends signals to the hearing nerve, which sends messages to the brain that are recognized as sound.

Taking the next step

Lue Ann quickly scheduled cochlear implant surgery for her left ear in November 2023.

“I wasn’t going to miss more conversations with my growing family,” said Lue Ann.

After surgery, the brain needs time to learn to recognize sound through the implant. Lue Ann’s implant was activated in December 2023. She worked with Dr. Pusz and Ali Colopy, Genesis Audiologist who also works with ENT providers at Genesis ENT Group, to fine-tune the implant and practice listening exercises.

“Similar to a joint replacement, the body needs time to heal,” said Dr. Pusz. “About four to six weeks later, we turn on the implant and help patients adjust to the device. Progress continues over the next several months.”

Feeling connected again

Lue Ann began hearing sounds she had not heard in years. At her 12-month checkup, her hearing score improved from 8% to 48% with her left cochlear implant. When used with a hearing aid in her right ear, her score improved from 11% to 81%. Seven months later, testing showed continued progress, reaching 51% with the cochlear implant and 92% when paired with a hearing aid.

“I felt blessed to hear little sounds again,” said Lue Ann. “I remember noticing the birds and the trees. I could hear leaves rustling and how different they sounded with each season. It was amazing.”

Lue Ann can use a wireless microphone with her TV or place it near friends during conversations. An app adjusts her processor for different situations, like restaurants, movie theaters and phone calls.

Lue Ann continues to enjoy the many sounds of daily life. She treasures time with her family, including the laughter of her great-grandchildren. She has also reconnected with her favorite hobby, golfing. At her favorite local course, she can hear the wind and the crack of the ball.

Lue Ann Smith

Lue Ann Smith is back to enjoying the sounds of the game she loves. A cochlear implant paired with a hearing aid helped her reconnect with the sounds and friendships that make the game special.

“Progress comes with practice,” said Lue Ann. “If I didn't use my cochlear implant and hearing aid every day, meet with my care team and do therapy, nothing would have improved. You’re never too old to hear. My cochlear implant changed my life.”

 

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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.

Lu Ann Smith - cochlear implant patient on the golf course

"You’re never too old to hear. My cochlear implant changed my life."

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How reading saves your life and your sanity

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Let’s face it. Reading is about more than revisiting an enchanted school for young magicians for the 11th time or pretending you understood what was going on with that great white whale. It’s about survival. While everyone else is squinting at their phones and ignoring crosswalk signals, readers everywhere are getting a serious leg up in life.

First, consider your brain. If your noggin feels like it’s been left in a microwave too long, reading can help. According to research cited on the National Library of Medicine website, reading stimulates the brain’s functions, helping prevent long-term cognitive decline. In other words, it helps you stay sharp enough to remember where you parked your car, or at least which parking lot you left it in.

Reading is more than mental gymnastics. It can reduce stress, which typically leads to improved sleep and better health. An article on the University of Minnesota’s website assures us that reading is right up there with yoga and long walks for calming frazzled nerves.

Finally, reading is the only hobby that lets you simultaneously travel the world, fight dragons and attend a Victorian ball while wearing sweatpants. That’s a multitasking miracle for anyone whose idea of adventure involves not leaving the couch. A study from the National Library of Medicine supports the idea that reading expands your vocabulary, potentially letting you use words like “absquatulate” correctly (look it up, it’s worth it).

So, pick up a book and start living your best, stress-free, vocabulary-rich life. Besides, if you ever get stranded on a desert island, guess who’ll have the skill set to build a shelter or start a fire? That’s right, the person who read the manual.

 

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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.

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Pick up a book and start living your best, stress-free, vocabulary-rich life.

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Why hydration is your brain’s best friend

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Your brain is an impressive organ. It controls your thoughts, movements, memories and the occasional embarrassing moment when you walk into a room and forget why you are there. What you may not realize is that your brain is also about 73% water, which means you are basically carrying around a high-tech water balloon in your skull.

When you are dehydrated, even slightly, your brain feels it. Studies, including this one on the National Library of Medicine website, show that mild dehydration can impair mood, memory and focus. In other words, skip the water, and you might find yourself in a staring contest with your computer screen, losing to the screen.

Think of water as your brain’s personal Wi-Fi signal. Without it, the connection is slow, glitchy and sometimes drops. Research from the University of Connecticut found that dehydration can increase fatigue, make tasks feel harder, and even lead to crankiness, which is great if you want your coworkers to avoid you.

Hydration also supports circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to your brain. Without enough fluid, your blood flow slows down like rush hour traffic, and your mental performance suffers. The CDC notes that water is essential for regulating temperature, cushioning joints, and removing waste, but it also plays a starring role in keeping your brain operating at full capacity.

So, how much should you drink? While there is no universal rule, Harvard Health suggests about four to six cups per day, but this number varies based on several other factors, including other beverages, activity, medications and more.

In short, if you want sharper thinking, a better mood and fewer “what was I saying again?” moments, drink up. Your brain will thank you. And it will probably remember why you walked into that room in the first place.

 

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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.

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Mild dehydration can impair mood, memory and focus.

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Chlorine and your hair: Tips to prevent dryness and damage

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

If you swim a lot, you know the struggle. You hop out of the pool after a nice, relaxing swim, only to discover your hair feels like it’s been through a desert wind tunnel. When you try to brush it out, somehow it makes it worse. That’s all thanks to the chlorine. Chlorine is great for killing germs, but it's an overachiever that attacks your hair.

Fear not. Here are some tips to keep your hair healthy after swimming.

Wet your hair before swimming

Hair is like a sponge. According to Shore Beauty School, if you soak it with clean water first, it absorbs less chlorinated pool water. It’s a simple science.

Use a swim cap (Yes, even if it looks silly)

A swim cap may not make you look like a cover model, but it keeps your hair covered and happy. According to Shore Beauty School, it’s one of the best defenses against chlorine damage.

Lather on the leave-in conditioner

Before swimming, coat your hair in leave-in conditioner or coconut oil. This creates a barrier between your hair and pool chemicals. Think of it as armor for your scalp.

Rinse and repeat, immediately

After swimming, rinse your hair right away. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your hair with shampoo designed for swimmers.

In short, don’t let chlorine hijack your hair. With a few simple steps, you can swim in the pool without sacrificing your shine.

 

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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.

Mom trying to brush out tangles in daughters hair

Here are some tips to keep your hair healthy after swimming.

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Lend a hand, boost your health

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Let’s explore a way to boost your well-being without kale smoothies or running a marathon. Yes, you read that correctly. The secret? Helping those around you.

Helping others benefits the community and also brings joy to those who give. Mayo Clinic highlights three health benefits from volunteering:

  • Supports physical and mental well-being

  • Builds purpose and new skills

  • Strengthens connections with others

University of Maryland Medical System notes that helping others may reduce blood pressure through increased physical activity and lower stress levels.

Volunteering is also a good mood booster. Lending a hand can lower the risk of anxiety and depression since acts of service trigger the release of feel-good hormones that naturally lift your mood.

Many volunteers often feel a sense of purpose when they give their time to meaningful activities. According to Mayo Clinic, this can help improve self-esteem, particularly in older adults.

Service is an easy way to make new friends or deepen friendships you already have by spending time together. And here’s another bonus. Laughter. When you spend time with others, humor often sneaks in. Whether it’s a shared smile or a fun joke, Mayo Clinic shares that laughter can reduce stress, relax your muscles and support immune function.

Leafy greens and exercise will always remain healthy choices, but so are packaging meals at the soup kitchen, helping your local animal shelter, volunteering at the senior center or mowing your neighbor’s yard. Helping others is a simple way to support your well-being while making a difference in the lives of those around you.

 

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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.

woman smiling with people behind her, all wearing "volunteer" blue t-shirts

Let’s explore a way to boost your well-being without kale smoothies or running a marathon. 

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Healthy snacking tips for everyday life

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Let’s be honest. There’s an art to snacking. It’s poetry in motion that sometimes includes a midnight dash to the fridge, or a trip to the office breakroom, in search of something healthy and yummy enough to make you want to high-five your taste buds. Fear not, you can do better than that bag of potato chips. In fact, there’s a world of healthy snacks out there waiting to be discovered, and some of them actually taste good.

First up is air-popped popcorn. In addition to the magical ability to triple in volume and make you feel like you’re in a movie theater (without the sticky floors), popcorn is low in calories and high in fiber. The folks at The Nutrition Source say it’s a whole grain and good for your heart, possibly because your heart is happy you didn’t eat cheese puffs again.

Are you more of a mad scientist? Try a DIY trail mix. It’s the snack that lets you feel crafty without needing a glue gun. Grab some unsalted nuts (Almonds, anyone?), dried fruit and maybe a few dark chocolate chips if you’re feeling wild. According to an article on the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center website, nuts are little nutrient powerhouses, packed with good fats, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals, so your brain will thank you.

How about a veggie? Wait, come back. Try hummus and veggie dippers. There are so many varieties, you are bound to find one you like. To learn more about the benefits, visit the National Library of Medicine website for this article.

So, next time your stomach growls louder than your neighbor’s desk fan, don’t settle for another mystery snack from the vending machine. Whether you choose popcorn, trail mix or veggies dipped in delicious hummus, your body will thank you for making snack time a whole lot healthier.

 

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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.

trail mix spilled over on counter with mason jar and spoon

In fact, there’s a world of healthy snacks out there waiting to be discovered, and some of them actually taste good.

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Learn the signs of stroke. Know when to act.

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

A stroke can happen to anyone, anywhere. In fact, every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, according to the American Heart Association.

The good news is that knowing the signs and taking fast action can save lives and reduce long-term damage.

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel bleeds. Without quick treatment, brain cells can be damaged within minutes. That’s why recognizing the signs right away is so important.

Learn to BE FAST

The American Heart Association uses the acronym BE FAST to help people remember the warning signs of stroke.

If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately:

Balance – Sudden loss of balance or trouble walking

Eyes – Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Face – One side of the face droops or feels numb

Arm – One arm is weak or numb

Speech – Slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding what the person says

Time – It's time to call 911 right away

Confusion or a sudden, severe headache with no known cause can also be symptoms of a stroke and should never be ignored.

Every minute counts during a stroke. Faster care gives patients a better chance to recover with little or no lasting effects. First responders can begin treatment right away and alert the hospital before arrival.

Learn to recognize symptoms, make time to talk with your doctor about any concerns and help loved ones stay informed. Stroke is serious, and acting quickly can make all the difference.

 

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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.

The American Heart Association uses the acronym BE FAST to help people remember the warning signs of stroke.

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Improving long-term health in our community

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Chronic disease remains a major health challenge in Southeastern Ohio. In our recent community health survey, 55% of people said that chronic disease is a top concern.

Genesis supports prevention, early detection, education and ongoing local care for chronic health conditions, including heart disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and cancer.

2025 community impact

$92,454

Invested in chronic disease programs

5,191

People served

Providing cancer care close to home

In 2025, the Genesis Cancer Care Center celebrated 10 years of high-quality cancer care close to home, providing nationally accredited services and a WrapAround Care model that supports patients throughout their treatment journey.

Stroke care for fast, high-quality treatment

Genesis earned many American Heart Association stroke awards in 2025, including Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite, Target: BP Gold+, Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll and the Rural Stroke Gold Award.

Preparing communities for heart emergencies

From lifesaving moments to ongoing care, these programs provide training and support:

AED loaner program

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can be borrowed by community groups hosting events. Training is available. Call 740-455-7571.

Heart Alliance

Provides AEDs and training to schools, libraries, police departments and other community locations across six counties.

New Hopeful Hearts Support Group

Support is available for people living with heart disease or recovering from a heart event. For details, call 740-455-7571.

Emily J. Brawner, D.O. 
Pulmonary/Critical Care Physician, Genesis Lung Center 

Expanding lung care and early detection

Testing, evaluation and treatment help you manage your lung health:

Pulmonary services in Coshocton

Lung specialty care expanded to Coshocton to provide local care to everyone who calls the area home. For appointments, call 740-722-9524.

Early lung cancer detection

Improved screening helps find lung disease sooner, which typically leads to better outcomes. Visit genesishcs.org/low-dose.

Genesis Black Lung Program

Screening and treatment are available for current and former coal miners. For details, call 800-322-4762.

Emily J. Brawner, D.O., and patient, shaking hands

Genesis supports prevention, early detection, education and ongoing local care for chronic health conditions.

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