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Understanding water safety

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Are you ready to make a splash this summer? Make sure you stay safe as well. The best way to ensure you and your loved ones are safe is through water competency.   

 

According to the American Red Cross, “Water competency is a way of improving water safety for yourself and those around you through avoiding common dangers, developing fundamental water safety skills and knowing how to prevent and respond to drowning emergencies.”    

 

In addition to water competency, here are some tips to keep you safe all summer long no matter what kind of water you’re enjoying.  

  

Swimming safely in pools  

Whether it’s a pool at your home or a public pool, being vigilant is important for the safety of children and adults alike. Here are some tips from the American Red Cross.

 

  • Secure your pool during non-swim times: Oftentimes drowning deaths occur when children aren’t expected to be near the water. Keep your pool secured to prevent any accidents.   

  • Keep inexperienced swimmers safe: Make sure they wear approved life jackets and stay within arm’s length of them.  

  

Enjoying hot tubs safely  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends following HOT steps for hot tub safety.

 

  • Heed (H): Heed rules about hot tub safety. Don’t go in if you’re sick, don’t swallow any water and don’t allow small children to get in. 

  • Observe (O): Observe the hot tub and its surroundings. The temperature should not exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit, there shouldn’t be a strong odor and the filtration devices should be working appropriately.

  • Talk (T): Talk to the hot tub’s owner and other users to make sure it’s been inspected and is in working order.  
     

Swimming safely in lakes, streams and rivers  

Swimming in natural water is different from swimming in a pool or a hot tub for many reasons. There are weather concerns, animals, vegetation, currents and waves. Check out these tips from The American Red Cross. 

 

  • Take care when entering the water: Always enter feet first, especially in shallow water or water you’re unfamiliar with. 

  • Don’t swim alone: Swim with a friend and stay sober. Make sure someone is always watching over the group to ensure your safety.  

  

Swimming safely in the ocean  

There’s nothing like a day at the beach. Keep these tips from the National Ocean Service in mind so your day stays sunny and fun.

 

  • Be careful of the ocean waves: Ocean water can be unpredictable. Rip currents (strong currents of water that can pull you out to the ocean) and shore breaks (when ocean waves crash against the shoreline) often occur. Always make sure to swim at beaches with a lifeguard on duty.  

  • Be aware of what’s in the water: Marine life like jellyfish and sharks, trash and debris and harmful algal blooms can be dangerous for swimmers and beachgoers.  

 

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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.

Understanding water safety 

In addition to water competency, here are some tips to keep you safe all summer long no matter what kind of water you’re enjoying. 

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Free mammograms for those in need in October

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Several community businesses and healthcare organizations are partnering to offer free mammograms to those who can’t afford one due to lack of insurance, being under-insured or not having the ability to pay. Coconis Furniture, Marquee Broadcasting (WHIZ-TV), Genesis HealthCare System, Muskingum County Community Foundation, Southeastern Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project, and Riverside Radiology/Lucid Health are committed to ensuring area residents receive this life-saving breast cancer screening regardless of their ability to pay.

 

During the month of October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, vouchers for free mammograms are available at Coconis Furniture locations and the Genesis Cancer Care Center for community members to pick up. Mammograms will be conducted at the Genesis HealthPlex in Zanesville or the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center by the end of 2024, free of charge.

 

For more information, contact Pebbles Kieber, Director, Genesis Cancer, Palliative Medicine and Hospice Services, at (740) 454-4274.

Organizations partnering to provide breast cancer screenings.

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Social media and youth mental health

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Should you be concerned? 

 

In May 2023, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States, released an advisory called Social Media and Youth Mental Health.  

 

A Surgeon General’s Advisory is a public statement that calls the American people’s attention to a public health issue and provides recommendations for how that issue should be addressed. Advisories are reserved for significant public health challenges that need the American people’s immediate awareness.  

 

Dr. Murthy explained that the national youth mental health crisis convinced him of the need for such an action. 

 

Here are the key takeaways: 

  • Up to 95% of young people aged 13-17 report using a social media platform. Two-thirds report using social media every day, and one-third report using social media “almost constantly.” 

  • There is growing evidence that social media use is associated with harm to young people’s mental health, with harmful content, sleep disruption and reduced physical activity being highlighted as key issues. 

  • Children and adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety.  

  • Children and adolescents on social media are commonly exposed to extreme, inappropriate and harmful content. Roughly, 64% of adolescents report being exposed to hate-based content often or sometimes. Nearly 6-in-10 adolescent girls say they’ve been contacted by a stranger in ways that make them feel uncomfortable.  

  • The advisory acknowledges that there are benefits to social media. For example, youth with disabilities and younger members of the LGBTQ+ community say they find identity-affirming content and acceptance online.  

  • However, the overall message is that the risks outweigh the benefits for most children and teens. According to Dr. Murthy, “We cannot conclude that social media is sufficiently safe for children and adolescents. We cannot afford to wait for decades of study results to take action.”  

     

Click here for a quick-read executive summary of the advisory. The 25-page complete advisory presents the research and statistics the researchers discovered and clear action items youth and adolescents, families, technology companies and policymakers can use to address this significant mental health challenge.  

 

If you read the advisory and decide it’s a good idea to cut back on your child’s use of social media, here’s some encouraging news. In a report released by Common Sense Media, only 34% percent of teens who use social media say they enjoy it “a lot.” In fact, when asked about the impact of social media on their body image, 46% of adolescents aged 13-17 said social media makes them feel worse. 

 

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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.

Social media and youth mental health

Up to 95% of young people aged 13-17 report using a social media platform. Two-thirds report using social media every day, and one-third report using social media “almost constantly.” 

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How to beat shin splints

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

If you do any type of exercise with lots of running, you have probably had shin splints at some point. In that case, you know it is no fun. So, take our short quiz to prevent getting them again or what to do in case it happens. 

Take the quiz

 

If you think you have shin splints, you should contact your doctor. Although they typically get better with rest and the tips provided in this article, occasionally, it could be something else.  

 

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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.

How to beat shin splints

Take our short quiz to prevent getting shin splints again or what to do in case it happens. 

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Chapstick, it’s the BALM

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

We often are too busy or have other things going on to realize how much of a difference one thing can make. We often get into the habit of using the same products and having the same routines daily. One thing you should include in your routine if you already have not done so, is using chapstick every day. Chapstick has so many benefits and is simple and easy to use. Some of the outside forces chapstick protects you from are:  

Sunburn:  

Everyone knows what sunburn is and has had it. What we might forget is how to prevent sunburn. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that everyone wears sunscreen everyday with at least an SPF of 30 or higher, water resistance and broad-spectrum protection. The AAD wants to make everyone aware that skin cancer also can form on the lips. To protect your lips, apply lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.  

Windburn: 

HealthPages say that windburn occurs when our skin is exposed to dry, cold air. One of the primary signs that you have windburn is when your skin develops redness with a burning sensation after being exposed to cold air. Other symptoms of windburn include:  

  • Soreness 

  • Irritation 

  • Peeling 

  • Dryness 

There are many ways to prevent wind burn, but the two simplest ways are wearing sunscreen and wearing chapstick. What a coincidence.  

Dry and cracked lips:

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) has written seven tips about how to prevent and heal dry and cracked lips. The tips are: 

  • Use non-irritating lip balm, lipstick or other products that you apply to your lips 

  • Apply a non-irritating lip balm (or lip moisturizer) several times a day and before bed 

  • Slather a non-irritating lip balm with SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors 

  • Drink plenty of water 

  • Stop licking, biting and picking at your lips 

  • Avoid holding items made of metal at your lips (Paperclips, jewelry, etc.) 

  • Plug in a humidifier at home 

The AAD also recommends staying away from harmful ingredients in lip balm such as camphor, eucalyptus, flavoring (cinnamon, citrus, mint and peppermint flavors can be especially irritating to dry, chapped lips), fragrance, lanolin, menthol, octinoxate or oxybenzone, phenol (or phenyl), propyl gallate and salicylic acid.  

If you would like to learn more, check out these resources:  

Protecting Your Skin From the Sun (healthwise.net) 

https://www.healthwise.net/genesishc/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=sid44562 

 

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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.

Chapstick, it’s the BALM

Chapstick has so many benefits and is simple and easy to use. Some of the outside forces chapstick protects you from are:

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Matcha tea health benefits compared to coffee

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Most of us drink coffee in the morning and we all have our favorite places and orders. Matcha tea is a healthy alternative to coffee and is made from Japanese green tea leaves. Thanks to social media, matcha is becoming more and more common and, therefore, is widely available in most of your favorite coffee shops.  

Matcha is very similar to coffee because you can make so many drinks with it. For example, vanilla matcha lattes are popular, along with matcha fruit smoothies. Adding extra healthy ingredients to matcha helps mask the bitter taste and makes it full of extra vitamins and nutrients. How will you benefit from drinking matcha? Are the benefits better in matcha than in coffee? Let us help you pick your new favorite drink.  

 

The benefits of matcha 

The National Library of Medicine conducted a study on matcha tea and the benefits of drinking it. The benefits include:  

  • Decreased stress and anxiety 

  • Improved memory and long and short-term cognitive functions  

  • Enhanced spatial learning (More aware of your surroundings) 

  • Reduces inflammation in your stomach 

  • Reduces viability, and mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells  

  •  

Shared benefits of both  

The BlueCross BlueShield has researched and found that both beverages share a lot of important health benefits, such as:  

  • Weight loss 

  • Cancer-fighting antioxidants  

  • Compounds that reduce heart disease risk factors  

  • Improved liver health  

  • Enhance mood and brain function 

 

Who knew that caffeinated drinks could be so healthy? Both drinks have great short- and long-term benefits. If you are feeling adventurous, try matcha the next time you go to your favorite coffee shop.  

 

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.

Matcha tea health benefits compared to coffee

How will you benefit from drinking matcha? Are the benefits better in matcha than in coffee? Let us help you pick your new favorite drink.  

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Beauty on a budget

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Who says beauty needs to break the bank? Here are some fun and easy beauty tips that can positively impact your health.   

  1. Multipurpose products: Opt for skincare products with multiple benefits, like moisturizers and SPF. Not only do they save your time, but they also protect your skin from sun damage, reducing the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.   

  2. Nourish your body: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can work wonders for your skin and hair. According to the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the minerals and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables help your body fight harmful substances, reduce swelling and keep the skin barrier strong.  

  3. Beauty sleep isn't a myth—it's real: Quality sleep allows your skin to repair and rejuvenate, reducing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.   

  4. Sweat it out, glow it up: Exercise isn't just for muscles. It's a skin-deep secret, too. Regular exercise boosts blood flow and nourishes skin, giving it a healthy glow.   

  5. Smile, your best beauty trick: A smile is your best accessory—it is simple, free and radiates positivity. Smiling enhances beauty and has numerous health benefits, like reducing stress and boosting mood. According to the National Library of Medicine, a genuine smile makes people feel good, leads to positive social outcomes and enhances learning.   

Beauty doesn't have to break the bank. These tips show that beauty is not just skin deep. It is about embracing a healthy lifestyle and feeling confident in your skin. So, the next time you think about splurging on expensive products, remember that the best beauty secret is taking care of yourself inside and out. After all, true beauty shines from within. 

 

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.

beauty on a budget

Who says beauty needs to break the bank? Here are some fun and easy beauty tips that can positively impact your health.  

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Working from home and feeling stressed? Creating a work schedule can help.

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Working from home can be challenging for many reasons. There might be noise, people, children, pets and other things that make it hard to focus. It can affect your productivity and lead to a stressful environment that affects your mental health. 

 

Fortunately, there are things you can do to separate those two areas of your life and have a good work/life balance, even when you work where you live. Creating a work schedule that fits your lifestyle is a good place to start.  

 

Here are some ideas that may help:

Schedule a beginning and end to each day. 

Resist the temptation to roll out of bed and go right to work. The time you used to spend commuting could be used as a transition to start your day. Get some fresh air, exercise, do some stretching or meditate. And wrap up your day the same way. Doing this will help you turn your focus away from work. 

 

Do your best to keep your new hours consistent or predictable each day. 

After you set your schedule, try to stick with it. That will help others learn when you are available for work or at home. 

 

Let people know your office hours. 

Try adding your new work hours to your email signature. And tell others in your life when you're working. Be clear about your work schedule by making a sign with your home office hours. Post your hours so others can see them. This lets people know when you need time to focus on work. You might also tell people in your home when you have break periods and you are available for them. 

 

Build breaks into your schedule. 

A short break will help you refresh. Try scheduling 10-minute breaks throughout the day. Use the time to stretch, go for a walk or check in with family or friends. Or when you need to take a break, try going someplace where you can close a door for a few minutes of quiet time. For example, go into a bathroom or a bedroom. 

 

Plan ahead but be ready to pivot. 

When things disrupt your scheduled work time, it doesn't have to derail your day. Make a list of things that must be done right away. Move tasks that can wait to another day. 

 

Reach out for help. 

If you find yourself struggling to be productive when working from home or feeling stressed, talk with your supervisor. Many companies provide resources to help you learn how to be successful, whether you work remotely or on site. Many also offer mental health resources you may find beneficial in learning healthy ways to deal with stress.  

 

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.

Working from home and feeling stressed? Creating a work schedule can help.

Working from home can be challenging for many reasons. There might be noise, people, children, pets and other things that make it hard to focus. It can affect your productivity and lead to a stressful environment that affects your mental health. 

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Sun-savvy secrets for a healthy summer vacation

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Summer vacations are a time to unwind and soak up the sun, but it is important to stay healthy while you’re having fun. Here are some tips to help you enjoy a safe and healthy summer getaway.   

  1. Hydration is key: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you. Also, snack on water-rich fruits like watermelon, strawberries and oranges to boost hydration and satisfy your sweet tooth.   

  2. Protect your skin: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sunscreen is intended to be combined with other safety approaches, such as wearing sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and lightweight clothing, and avoid scheduling activities when the UV is high.  

  3. Stay active, stay cool: Exercise during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening. During the day, seek an indoor option, like yoga or swimming.  

  4. Healthy eating habits: Enjoy local cuisine, but aim for balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Indulge in treats in moderation to avoid feeling sluggish in the heat.   

  5. Rest and relaxation: Get enough rest to recharge your body and mind. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. According to the American Psychological Association, researchers have studied more than 200 studies about mindfulness, and they have found that mindfulness therapy is especially effective for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can reduce stress from traveling and promote relaxation on vacation.   

Your health is your wealth, so make smart choices to ensure a vacation that is both relaxing and memorable. Whether you’re lounging at the beach or exploring new sites, remember these tips for a summer escape that is as healthy as it is happy. 

 

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.

Sun-savvy secrets for a healthy summer vacation

Summer vacations are a time to unwind and soak up the sun, but it is important to stay healthy while you’re having fun. Here are some tips to help you enjoy a safe and healthy summer getaway.   

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Protect your hearing while maintaining the lawn

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

What does your summer sound like? The splish-splash from the swimming pool. Children’s laughter at the park. Singing birds as you enjoy a morning coffee.  

However, not all summer sounds benefit your health, especially when it comes to lawn care.  

Yes, you heard that right. 

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, hearing loss is the third most prevalent physical condition in older adults. Forty-eight million Americans have hearing loss, while another 28 million could benefit from hearing aids.  

Proactive protection is the best way to prevent hearing damage. Sound is measured in decibels (dB). The higher the decibel reading, the louder the sound. According to the American Academy of Audiology, steady exposure to sounds louder than 85 dB can be harmful. When loud noises strike small hair cells inside the ear, they become damaged, says the National Council on Aging. Once those hair cells are destroyed, they can't be restored. 

 

Decibel level comparisons: 

  • A quiet library is 40 dB. 

  • Typical conversation chatter measures 60 dB. 

  • An alarm clock rings at 80 dB.  

  • A car horn blows at 110 dB. 

  • Jet takeoffs propel at 120 dB. 

  • Gunshots fire at 140 dB. 

Lawn mowers average 90 dB of loudness, the same level as power tools. Gas-powered string trimmers and leaf blowers can produce similar amounts. Even if we use a tool for a few minutes, hearing damage can still occur. Prolonged exposure to unsafe sounds can lead to permanent harm.  

 

Invest in your hearing 

While plenty of money can be spent on the fanciest new zero-turn mower and lawn treatments, don’t forget to fund your hearing protection.  

Several brands of protective headphones are available, ranging from traditional earmuffs to Bluetooth-connected sets that connect to your phone. It’s essential to research the best headphones for you, based on purpose and Noise Reduction Ratings, often labeled as NRR to indicate the level of protection provided. Many sets range from $20 to $120. 

Wearing earplugs in addition to headphones can also increase protection when using larger commercial mowing equipment. 

Consult your doctor about being tested if you think you could benefit from a hearing exam. Signs of hearing loss can include difficulty hearing crickets chirping, doorbells or someone talking in group conversations. Testing is available to people of all ages.  

So, if you want to keep up with the Joneses with your picture-perfect yard, be sure your hearing is protected so you can still catch all the neighborhood gossip. 

 

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.

Protect Your Hearing While Maintaining The Lawn

If you want to keep up with the Joneses with your picture-perfect yard, be sure your hearing is protected so you can still catch all the neighborhood gossip. 

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