Tips to prevent children's sports injuries

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When you’re the parent of an active child, you know that injuries are a part of the game. While you can’t protect your young athlete from every injury, you can try to minimize the risk with a few basic steps.

“It’s important to begin by making sure your child can participate in sports. We recommend children have a sports physical before they start – even if they’re younger than junior high age,” said Thai Trinh, M.D., fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopedic sports medicine surgeon, Genesis Orthopedic Sports Medicine. “If your child has an illness or problem with lungs, heart, vision, hearing, strength or movement, we can tell you how you can manage the problem so your child may still be able to be active.”

Reduce common injuries

Most sport-related injuries are from impact, overuse or poor body mechanics. To reduce your child’s risk of injury, you can:
• Always use the right safety gear. Learn about the proper fit of that gear. Replace it as your child grows.
• Make sure your child learns proper form and technique from a class, trained coach or athletic trainer.
• Teach your child to take pain and tiredness seriously and not ignore or “play through” it.

Avoid high-risk activities

Some activities are so high-risk that child health experts warn strongly against them. These include boxing, driving or riding on motorized bikes and vehicles and using trampolines. Even with constant adult supervision and protective netting, many children are injured on them.

Wear safety gear

Safety gear helps protect your child. Before your child starts a new activity, get the right safety gear and teach your child how to use it. Depending on the sport or activity, your child may need these items:
• Helmets help protect against injury to the skull. Brain damage is still possible even when a helmet is worn. Use a helmet for any activity that can cause a fall or an impact to the neck or head, such as bike riding, football, baseball, ATV riding or skateboarding.
• Shoes help protect feet from injury. Sandals or flip-flops are not safe for bike riding. Some sports require special shoes for support and safety.
• Mouthguards help prevent mouth and dental injuries. Use a mouth guard for sports such as basketball, football, wrestling, martial arts, gymnastics, baseball and soccer.

Prevent dehydration and heat-related illness

When your child is active and not drinking enough fluids, dehydration is a risk. The muscles get tired quickly, and your child may have leg cramps while walking or running. Playing hard and sweating without drinking fluids can cause dehydration and overheating. To prevent dehydration, teach your child to:
• Do activities during the coolest times of the day.
• Drink water throughout the day, every day.
• Drink extra water before, during and after exercise.
• Take breaks and drink at least every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise.
• Stop and rest if dizzy, lightheaded or very tired.
• Wear clothes that help cool the body.
• Water is the best choice for children and teens. A sports drink may be helpful if your child has exercised intensively or for a long time.

While you can’t protect your young athlete from every injury, you can try to minimize the risk with a few basic steps.

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Lighten the load

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A roomy backpack may seem like a good idea, but the more space there is to fill, the more likely your child will fill it. When it comes time to buy a backpack and load it with school supplies, you might want to keep a few of these tips in mind:

 

Comfortable to wear and carry:


Wide, padded shoulder straps provide the most comfort. Make sure your child uses both straps when carrying the backpack—using one strap shifts the weight to one side and causes muscle pain and posture problems.


Sized correctly for kids:


The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a child not carry more than 15% to 20% of his or her weight. Instead of guessing, use your scale to weigh the loaded pack. Also, a backpack should not be wider than your child’s torso or hang more than 4 inches below the waist.


Offers good organization:


Compartments in the backpack are an excellent way to distribute weight evenly. Pack the heaviest items closest to the back. “One way to avoid muscle strain and back pain is to use a backpack correctly,” said Nathaniel Amor, D.O., board-certified neurosurgeon, Genesis Neurosurgery Group. “If your child leans forward with the backpack on, it’s too heavy.” An alternative to strapping on a backpack is pulling a bag on wheels. If you’re uncomfortable with the heavy load in your student’s backpack, check with your local school to see if wheeled bags are allowed.

When it comes time to buy a backpack and load it with school supplies, you might want to keep a few of these tips in mind.

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COVID-19 vaccine answers for women and mothers

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In the latest issue of LiveWell Kristy Ritchie, M.D. from the Genesis OB/GYN Group and Genesis Primary Care provider Kevin Frank, M.D. answer your questions about the COVID-19 vaccines:

Q: Should you get the vaccine if you are thinking about getting pregnant?

A: Definitely. Pregnant women who get COVID-19 are at a higher risk for hospitalization, breathing problems and more. Getting COVID-19 while pregnant also increases the risk for babies to be born early and other health problems.

Q: If you are pregnant, should you get the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Ongoing data demonstrates the vaccine is safe for pregnant women and unborn children. However, pregnant women should discuss the vaccine with their obstetrician.

Q: Should breastfeeding mothers get the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Generally, yes. The vaccine will help protect the mother and her infant if she is breastfeeding. This is also a conversation mothers should have with their healthcare provider.

Q: Does the COVID-19 vaccine impact your ability to conceive in the future?

A: The vaccine does not affect the ability to get pregnant or to have a healthy child. As with all pregnancies, it’s best to be as healthy as possible, including getting all appropriate vaccines.

Q: Should children 12 years and older get the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Everyone who is eligible should get the vaccine. Wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing has slowed the spread of COVID-19 but cannot stop it. The fastest way to return to normal is for everyone who is able and eligible to get the vaccine.

Q: How safe is the COVID-19 vaccine for children 12 and up?

A: The Food and Drug Administration has approved the Pfizer vaccine for individuals 16 and up. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized the Pfizer vaccine for children 12 and up for emergency use. The vaccine was also previously approved and used for children 12 years of age and up in Canada.

Make OneCall to find a Genesis Primary Care provider

You don’t have to make a dozen phone calls to find a Genesis Primary Care provider who is accepting new patients.

Genesis OneCall scheduling specialists will find the right Primary Care provider in the right location for you.

Dr. Ritchie and Dr. Frank answer your questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

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4 Ways To Know If You Are in Good Health

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Do you know your numbers?

There are four key measurements of health you should know and track. They are early warning signs for heart disease and diabetes. Since these two diseases have few noticeable symptoms, you may not even realize you are ill — or at risk for becoming ill — until it’s too late. Keeping these numbers within a healthy range can help pre­vent a medical emergency, such as a heart attack.

1: Blood Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in every cell in your body, including blood cells. Too much cholesterol may accumulate on your blood vessel walls, where it can harden and turn into plaque. This may narrow your blood vessels, reducing blood flow and putting you at risk for heart disease.

There are different types of cholesterol. You’ve probably heard of “good” cholesterol (HDL, or high-density lipoproteins), “bad” cholesterol (LDL, or low-density lipoproteins) and triglycerides (a form of fat that can raise your cholesterol levels). All three, plus your total cholesterol, are important.

Heart experts recommend the following healthy blood cholesterol levels. You want to measure cholesterol after fasting for nine to 12 hours.

Total cholesterol < 200 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter)

HDL cholesterol > 60 mg/dL

LDL cholesterol < 100 mg/dL

Triglycerides < 100 mg/dL

2: Blood Pressure

Blood pressure measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure) and in be­tween beats (diastolic pressure). Your blood pressure is your systolic pressure over your diastolic pressure. If you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, your heart must work harder than normal, which can lead to heart disease, stroke and other serious condi­tions. A normal blood pressure is generally considered less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. Talk to your doctor about the right target blood pressure goal for you.

3: Blood Sugar

People with diabetes have to much sugar (glucose) in their blood. Diabetes is a serious disease, affecting nearly 30 million people in the U.S.

Your doctor can perform several tests to measure your blood glucose. The fasting plasma glucose test (FPGT) and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) require you to fast beforehand. The A1C measures average blood glucose over the previous three months and does not re­quire fasting. Normal blood glucose levels are typically:

FPGT < 100 mg/dL

OGTT < 140 mg/dL

A1C < 5.7 percent

4: Weight

Obesity, especially in the form of extra fat around your midsection, is a significant risk factor for heart disease and diabetes, so your weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference together make up the fourth key health measurement. BMI is a rough measure of the amount of fat in your body based on your weight and height. Use this chart, use an online calculator or ask your doctor to determine your BMI. A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Your waist circumference should be less than 35 inches (women) or 40 inches (men). Measure your waist just above your hipbones and immediately after exhaling.

Do One Thing: Know your numbers. Get a baseline measurement of these four health markers and talk to your doctor about your disease risk factors.

 

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.

Count on your health know your numbers

There are four key measurements of health you should know and track.

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Can eating local honey help with allergies?

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

If you’ve ever suffered from seasonal allergies, you know the frustration. Sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose can make springtime a challenge. Many people suggest eating local honey as a natural remedy, believing it will build up tolerance to local pollen and ease symptoms. But does it work? Let’s explore. 

The theory behind local honey for allergies 

The concept is similar to allergy shots. You may develop a tolerance by exposing your body to small amounts of allergens over time. Local honey contains tiny amounts of pollen from nearby plants, so regularly eating it could potentially help your immune system. 

What does the science say? 

According to the McGill Office for Science and Society, the pollen in honey likely isn’t the same pollen that causes seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies typically come from specific sources. Tree and shrub pollen are present in early spring, grass pollen like turf and hay from May to October and ragweed in the fall. However, bees usually gather nectar from flowers that don’t contribute to these allergies. 

Additionally, using honey as an allergy immunotherapy would require eating it every day, as immunotherapy relies on consistent, long-term exposure to build tolerance. However, honey doesn’t have a fixed, consistent dose of specific pollen, so eating it daily for allergy relief may not be effective or practical. 

Why some people swear by it 

Despite lacking strong scientific backing, many report feeling better after eating local honey. This could be due to the placebo effect when your mind convinces you that you feel better. However, honey also has natural anti-inflammatory properties that might soothe symptoms like throat irritation. If you’re allergic to flower pollen, you might even see a slight improvement. 

Should you try it? 

Local honey may not be a proven allergy remedy, but it’s generally safe and offers other health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, in addition to its use as a natural sweetener, honey is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent. 

The sweet takeaway 

Local honey may not cure seasonal allergies, but it’s a tasty experiment. So why not give it a try? It might add a bit of sweetness to your day. 

 


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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.

Can eating local honey help with allergies? 

Many people suggest eating local honey as a natural remedy, believing it will build up tolerance to local pollen and ease symptoms. But does it work? Let’s explore.

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Put your best barefoot forward

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Running shoes can be expensive, but most people consider them a necessary in our constant battle to stay fit. Is this a myth? Could running barefoot be better for you?  

Whether it was to deliver a message from far away or get away from a bear, our ancestors have been distance running for thousands of years, and the running shoe didn’t show up until the 1970s.  

To learn more, take our quiz. Shoes optional.  

 

Before you decide to ditch your shoes and head out, you should keep a couple of things in mind. If you are running completely barefoot, puncture wounds, cuts and scrapes are much more likely to happen. If you are running barefoot on a treadmill, a lot of the belts can get hot.  

As with any new workout, you should always talk to your doctor before starting to exercise.  

 


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.

Put your best barefoot forward

Could running barefoot be better for you? To learn more, take our quiz. Shoes optional. 

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Genesis Cancer Care Center Recertified for High-quality Care by QOPI®

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Standards Met for Three-Year Certification

The Genesis Cancer Care Center has received recertification by the QOPI® Certification Program, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association for Clinical Oncology and an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The QOPI® Certification Program builds on the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®), providing a three-year certification for outpatient hematology/oncology practices that meet nationally recognized standards for quality cancer care.

“We are proud to earn this recertification for another three years as it demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our patients receive high-quality cancer care,” said Pebbles Kieber, Director of Genesis Cancer, Palliative Medicine and Hospice Services. “Our team works hard each day to meet the highest standards of care set forth by the QOPI® Certification Program to provide the best care possible for those we serve.”

The Genesis Cancer Care Center first achieved certification in 2012. In applying for recertification, the center participated in a voluntary comprehensive site assessment against clearly specified standards that are consistent with national guidelines and was successful in meeting the standards and objectives of the QOPI® Certification Program.

Standards and objectives assessed included creating a safe environment related to staffing, competencies and general policy; treatment planning, patient consent and education; ordering, preparing, dispensing and administering chemotherapy; monitoring after chemotherapy is administered, including adherence, toxicity and complications; among others.

For more information on QOPI Certification and all of ASCO’s innovative quality improvement programs, please visit: https://www.asco.org/practice-patients/quality-improvement/quality-programs

For more information on the Genesis Cancer Care Center, visit genesishcs.org/cancer.

QOPI certification

The Genesis Cancer Care Center has received recertification by the QOPI® Certification Program, LLC.

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Randall, Holly A.

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Fry, Tiffany D.

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Berrylicious benefits

emily.griffin
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Berries are nature's little powerhouses, packed with vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. From their vibrant colors to their delicious flavors, berries offer many health benefits that make them a must-add to your diet. Let's delve into why these tiny fruits benefit your well-being.   

 

Nutrient-rich superstars   

Berries, whether strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or blackberries, are loaded with essential nutrients:   

- Vitamins: Berries are rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin.   

- Antioxidants: Berries contain antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavonoids, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. According to Harvard Health, researchers found that women who ate more than three servings of blueberries or strawberries per week had a 34% lower risk of heart attack than those who ate fewer.    

- Fiber: They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to control blood sugar levels.   

 

Health benefits of berries   

- Heart health: Berries' antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are risk factors for heart disease. Regular consumption of berries has been linked to improving heart health and lowering blood pressure.   

- Improved cognitive function: The Mayo Clinic states that blueberries help improve brain function and delay age-related cognitive decline. The antioxidants in berries may protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.   

- Cancer prevention: Berries contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that have been shown to protect against certain types of cancer. These may help inhibit tumor growth and reduce inflammation associated with cancer development.   

- Weight management: Berries are low in calories but high in fiber, making them a satisfying snack that can help you feel full longer. The fiber content also aids in digestion and supports a healthy metabolism.   

- Skin health: Berries contain Vitamin C, which plays a key role in collagen production. This vitamin promotes skin elasticity and reduces signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dryness. Berries also contain antioxidants, which help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollutants.   

- Blood sugar regulation: Berries' fiber and antioxidants can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing digestion and improving insulin sensitivity. This makes them a beneficial addition to the diet for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing it. 

Berries aren't just food. They're your health allies in pint-sized packages. Whether you're munching on strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or all the above, these tiny superheroes deliver a punch of antioxidants, vitamins and fiber that support your overall well-being. So, embrace the berrylicious benefits and let them add a splash of health to your daily diet. Because when it comes to berries, being healthy never tastes so good.  

 


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.

Berrylicious benefits

From their vibrant colors to their delicious flavors, berries offer many health benefits that make them a must-add to your diet. Let's delve into why these tiny fruits benefit your well-being.

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