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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:

 

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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.

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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All shook up for healthy drinks

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Using shakes, smoothies or cold-pressed drinks to achieve your daily fruit and veggie intake is nothing new. If you’re doing it wrong, you could actually create health problems.  

 

Nearly all of us need more fruit and vegetables per day. According to a study released in 2022 by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), only 10% of Americans consume enough fruits and vegetables daily.  

 

Why are fruits and vegetables important? According to every doctor, we have ever met, fruits and vegetables are essential for being healthy. A report in the March 2021 Circulation journal reported people who ate five servings of fruits and vegetables per day compared to those who ate two daily servings had: 

  • 12% less risk of death from heart disease or stroke 

  • 10% less risk of dying from cancer 

  • 35% less risk of dying from respiratory disease 

 

So, what makes a fruit drink healthy versus harmful? What goes in it.  

Smoothies tend to be slightly healthier than cold-pressed drinks because they use the entire fruit, which means you get more fiber and don’t raise your blood sugar level as much. 

 

The most important things to consider are: 

  • Ingredients. Adding sugar, syrups and honey adds calories, and some popular store-bought drinks can have a lot of calories leading to weight gain and a whole bunch of health problems.  

  • It takes longer to fill up from a drink than eating, so it is easier to consume more calories, even when they don’t include sugar, which can lead to weight gain. 

  • It’s best to replace a meal or snack with a healthy drink instead of adding to your daily intake. Otherwise, you can increase your calorie intake, which can lead to weight gain. 

 

When you combine all the facts, consuming three servings of vegetables and two fruit servings a day is a good thing. Drinking them is better than nothing, but not as healthy as eating them the way nature intended. Most importantly, look for added ingredients that are not healthy.  

 

Before drastically changing your diet, you should also talk to your doctor.  

 

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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.

All shook up for healthy drinks

If you’re using shakes, smoothies or cold-pressed drinks to achieve daily fruit and veggie intake, you could actually create health problems if you do it wrong.

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Genesis HealthCare System’s Pulmonary Medicine and Thoracic Surgery form Innovative Collaboration to Enhance Lung Cancer Care

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Genesis recently launched an innovative collaboration between its Pulmonary Medicine and Thoracic Surgery departments to improve surgical treatment of lung cancer. The joint program utilizes advanced robotic bronchoscopy technology to mark lung cancers, which enables precision robotic-assisted surgical removal of small tumors.

“By integrating robotic bronchoscopy into our approach, we offer a more precise and minimally invasive procedure, improving diagnosis and treatment,” said James Adamo, M.D., F.C.C.P., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified, Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine at Genesis HealthCare System.

This approach marks a significant advancement in the treatment of lung cancer, offering patients more accurate and less invasive options for surgery. The multidisciplinary team can better locate and target lung tumors, improving outcomes and minimizing recovery times.

“The ability to mark tumors before surgery, using robotic technology, allows us to surgically remove them with unmatched precision,” said Edmund Kassis, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Thoracic Surgeon and Medical Director of Thoracic Surgery at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute. “This enhances our ability to remove cancerous tissue while preserving healthy lung tissue, which is critical for the patient’s recovery and quality of life.”

This partnership marks a significant step forward in the fight against lung cancer, combining the expertise of Genesis departments to provide cutting-edge care. The joint program is now available to patients.

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Digging deeper

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Unearthing the secret health benefits of gardening  

Who knew that playing in the dirt could be the ultimate health hack? Gardening isn't just for green thumbs – it's a secret weapon for boosting physical and mental well-being. Let's dig deeper into the benefits of getting your hands dirty in the garden.   

 

Physical exercise   

Forget the gym membership. Gardening is your ticket to a full-body workout. From squatting to plant flowers to lifting bags of soil, gardening keeps you moving and grooving while sculpting those muscles and burning calories. According to the Mayo Clinic, gardening can also improve your balance, strength and flexibility.  

 

Stress relief   

Need to weed out some stress? Gardening has got you covered. According to the Michigan State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, gardening has emerged as a scientifically proven stress reliever in recent years. There's something about the fresh air, sunshine and earthy aromas that melt away tension and leave you feeling zen.   

 

Sunshine vitamin   

Who needs supplements when you have sunshine? Gardening exposes you to the sun's rays, boosting your vitamin D levels and lifting your mood. Don't forget the sunscreen. You don't want to be as red as a tomato.   

 

Nature connection   

Ever feel like you're wilting indoors? Gardening reconnects you with Mother Nature, reminding you that you're a part of something bigger. Plus, there's nothing like the satisfaction of watching your plants thrive under your care.   

 

Mental stimulation   

Gardening is a workout for the body and the mind. Planning your garden layout, problem-solving pest invasions and learning about different plants keep your brain buzzing.   

 

Garden-to-table  

Fresh veggies and fruit taste better when you grow them. Gardening allows you to harvest your nutritious produce, turning your backyard into a healthy buffet of homegrown goods.   

 

So, put down the remote and go outside. Gardening is more than a hobby, it's a prescription for a happier, healthier you. Get ready to sow the seeds of well-being and watch your garden and health flourish. 

 

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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.

Digging deeper

Let's dig deeper into the benefits of getting your hands dirty in the garden.   

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Breathe in relief with nasal irrigation

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

If colds, allergies or sinus issues get in the way of enjoying breaths of fresh air, your doctor may encourage you to try nasal irrigation. While leaning over a sink to clean your nose may sound daunting, irrigation can lead to some refreshing results. Let’s break down the purpose of nasal irrigation systems (also called sinus rinses), their common benefits and how to use them. 

 

The mixture 

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, nasal irrigation devices come in squeeze bottles, neti pots, bulb syringes or battery-operated forms. Adding water with a premade saline packet creates a saline (saltwater) solution to treat colds, allergies and congested sinuses. The use of saline results in minimal or no irritation to the inner nose. 

 

When mixing the rinse, use distilled, filtered or boiled water that has cooled to room temperature. Avoid using tap water unless it has been boiled, as this can lead to infection.  

 

Rinse benefits 

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) says that sinus rinses can help allergic rhinitis or chronic sinus concerns without the use of medicine. Although we want to retain what UCLA Health calls “good mucus” in our sinuses and nasal passages, irrigation can help with the following concerns: 

  • Rinse out debris and common allergens, such as dust and pollen. 

  • Remove light mucus. 

  • Thin out thick mucus. 

  • Keep nasal passages saturated. 

 

Proper use 

When beginning sinus rinses, irrigate once a day with clean hands, preferably over a sink or in the shower. Water enters one nostril and drains from the other side. Then gently blow your nose. After flushing both sides, clean and dry your irrigation device. 

 

Rinses can be used up to three times daily, but UCLA Health cautions against overdoing it. Our bodies still need “good mucus” to keep away germs and bacteria. Rinses are not meant to be used if you’re not experiencing cold, allergy or sinus symptoms. 

 

Irrigation systems are available with a prescription, but over-the-counter options are available. The AAAAI also offers a three-ingredient homemade sinus rinse recipe.  

 

The next time you’re experiencing cold, allergy or sinus problems, consider using a sinus rinse to breathe in non-congested relief. If symptoms don’t improve or you experience fever, nosebleeds or headaches while irrigating, be sure to talk to your doctor. 

 

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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.

Breathe in relief with nasal irrigation

Let’s break down the purpose of nasal irrigation systems (also called sinus rinses), their common benefits and how to use them.

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The sprain survival guide

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

A sprain can catch anyone off guard, whether you were stepping off a curb or testing out your best dance moves. Here’s how to handle it effectively and get back to feeling like yourself. 

1. Master the R.I.C.E. technique 

According to the Mayo Clinic, the best immediate care for a sprain is the R.I.C.E. technique.  

  • Rest: Resist the urge to push through. Give your joint the break it needs. 

  • Ice: Grab an ice pack or even that bag of frozen peas. Apply it for 15-20 minutes a few times a day, to help reduce swelling. 

  • Compression: Wrap it with an elastic bandage, but not too tight. You want to improve blood flow, not cut it off. 

  • Elevation: Keep the sprained area elevated, ideally above heart level. This helps reduce swelling and encourages faster healing. 

2. Pain control made simple 

According to the National Institute of Health, pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with discomfort and reduce inflammation. Stick to the recommended dosage and keep hydrated. 

3. The art of movement (when it’s time) 

Once the swelling has eased, introduce gentle stretching and light exercises to prevent stiffness and regain flexibility. Move with care. Rushing this step could mean a setback. 

4. Know when to get help 

If your sprain doesn’t improve after a few days, or if the pain and swelling seem excessive, it’s time to consult a doctor. Better safe than sorry. 

With the correct care, you’ll be on the path to recovery in no time. Follow these steps, and you’ll be moving confidently before you know it. 

 

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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 sprain survival guide

Here’s how to handle it effectively and get back to feeling like yourself. 

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Leave the phone grime behind

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

According to the Mayo Clinic, we unlock our cell phones an average of 160 times daily.  

 

While this isn’t a push to make you feel guilty for scrolling on your phone, it is a reminder to be sure you’re properly cleaning it. Think about when you pick up your phone, where you put it down and who else handles it. Dirt and germs quickly build up on your favorite device.   

 

Dos and don’ts 

The FCC recommends these phone cleaning tips. Your phone manufacturer may have more specific cleaning suggestions. 

 

  • Unplug your phone. 

  • Clean with a damp, lint-free cloth using soap and water. 

  • Avoid using spray cleaners. 

  • Be sure any moisture is kept away from openings. 

 

Remember your case. The American Cleaning Institute advises removing the cover weekly and cleaning the case with a disinfecting wipe.  

 

Take this quiz to learn more about keeping your phone germ-free.

 

 

 

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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.

Leave the phone grime behind

According to the Mayo Clinic, we unlock our cell phones an average of 160 times daily. Take this quiz to learn more about keeping your phone germ-free. 

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How to avoid becoming hunched over as you age

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

As we age, it's not uncommon to notice our posture changing, and the dreaded "hunched back" can creep up over time. But don’t worry, it’s not inevitable. With a few simple habits, you can keep your back strong and upright. Here’s how to avoid becoming hunched over as you age.  

1. Strengthen your core 

Your core muscles (abs, back and pelvis) are the unsung heroes of good posture. When they’re weak, slouching becomes easy. Incorporating core-strengthening exercises like planks, bridges and crunches can help you stand tall and keep your spine supported. A strong core helps you stay upright, even when you’ve been sitting at your desk for hours. 

2. Stretch regularly 

Tight muscles, especially in the chest and hips, can pull your body forward, contributing to a rounded back. Stretching these areas regularly can help you maintain flexibility and keep your spine aligned. Yoga and Pilates are particularly great at combining stretching with strengthening, making them excellent choices for a well-rounded posture routine. 

3. Focus on your upper back 

If you’ve ever found yourself rounding your shoulders forward, you’re not alone. According to the Southeastern Spine Institute, strengthening the muscles between your shoulder blades can help counteract that tendency. Try exercises like rows and reverse flys to keep your upper back strong and your shoulders in their proper place. This will go a long way in preventing that hunched look. 

4. Be mindful of posture 

It’s easy to forget about posture throughout the day, but small reminders can make a big difference. Check-in with yourself every now and then. Are you sitting up straight? Are your shoulders back? A few seconds of mindfulness can help you avoid slouching while working at your desk or scrolling through your phone. 

5. Stay active 

According to the Medical University of South Carolina, exercise is the most important factor in maintaining a younger posture because it improves the bone and muscle function that are essential in maintaining musculoskeletal health. With that being said, your muscles need regular movement to stay flexible and strong. A quick stretch or a walk every 30 minutes can keep stiffness at bay and prevent you from falling into that slouched position. Staying active doesn’t mean running a marathon. It means moving throughout the day. 

6. Consider ergonomics 

Spending hours sitting can take a toll on your posture, but small adjustments to your workspace can help. Keep your computer screen at eye level and your chair properly adjusted to support your lower back. These small changes can make a big difference in how your back feels. 

 

By focusing on core strength, regular stretching, upper back exercises and mindful posture, you can avoid the hunched-over look as you age. It’s all about staying active, keeping your muscles engaged and taking a moment to check in with your body. You’ll feel better, look taller and avoid the dreaded slouch. 

 

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.

How to avoid becoming hunched over as you age

With a few simple habits, you can keep your back strong and upright. Here’s how to avoid becoming hunched over as you age.  

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Sood, Akshay

Kyle.Norton
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Akshay Sood, MD
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Genesis Medical Group
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751 Forest Avenue
Ste 301
Zanesville, OH 43701
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70220
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