Lighten the load
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
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
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Dr. Ritchie and Dr. Frank answer your questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.
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Planting seeds to retain better health
April showers bring May flowers, warmer temperatures and the beginning of the gardening season. Some of us may have a green thumb, and others may have a hard time keeping a succulent alive. Either way, gardening and tending to fresh produce plants may be the right activity for you.
Nutritional benefits
We know it’s important to incorporate fruits and vegetables into our daily meals. Fresh produce that we can grow has many benefits. According to Franciscan Health, gardening can promote heart-healthy eating.
Since the food is not being transported or processed, you still retain all the nutritional benefits we don’t usually get from store-bought produce.
Physical benefits
Gardening can be as intricate as you want it to be. No matter how big or small your garden is, the University of Texas in Austin says that gardening encourages a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, flexibility, muscle strength, joint mobility and overall physical well-being.
Mental health benefits
While eating healthy and exercising is important, we also need to make sure we are taking care of our mental health. Being “unplugged” from your phone while enjoying a hobby, like gardening, is a great way to practice self-care.
Gardening is a hobby that allows you to be outside and benefit from the result. According to UNC Health Talk, gardening can build self-esteem, reduce stress and make you happier.
Gardening is a great way to stay active in the spring while gaining the nutritional benefits of fresh produce. Embrace your inner green thumb and try it out for yourself this spring.
Find more wellness resources at genesishcs.org/wellness.
Gardening and tending to fresh produce plants may be the right activity for you.
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Early detection is key to surviving prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the prostate. It is the most common nonskin cancer among men in the United States.
The earlier that prostate cancer is detected, the better your odds are of surviving it.
Prostate cancer 5-year survival rate:
Screenings
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
Digital rectal exam
Supplemental PSA blood tests like prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3), prostate health index (PHI), 4Kscore
Risk factors
The recommended age for screening depends on risk factors, including:
Men ages 50 to 70 are more likely to develop prostate cancer
Family history of prostate cancer
African American men are at a higher risk to develop prostate cancer
Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and when you should consider getting screened.
Visit Genesishcs.org/Screenings for more information on cancer screenings.
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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
The earlier that prostate cancer is detected, the better your odds are of surviving it.
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Do it for your heart
We hear many recommendations about keeping our hearts healthy. With a plan, small changes are easier than you think. Try these manageable tips to help you become your heart’s hero.
Check blood pressure
The American Heart Association (AHA) reports almost half of American adults have high blood pressure. A healthy reading for people over the age of 20 is less than 120/80. High blood pressure doesn’t always have warning symptoms, so check yours often.
Prioritize rest
Poor sleeping habits can contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The AHA recommends 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Set a bedtime alarm to remind you when it’s time to wind down.
Stay relaxed
Breathing helps more than your lungs. Deep breathing can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. The AHA suggests a daily routine of “4-7-8 breathing.” Breathe in for four counts, hold for seven counts and breathe out slowly through your mouth for eight counts.
Learn your genetics
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends learning and sharing your family’s health history. This includes everyone from your parents and grandparents to nieces and nephews. Share details with your doctors so you can take action to reduce your chance of developing heart disease or other conditions.
Know the warning signs
While these suggestions are not substitutes for a well-balanced diet, ideal weight and plenty of exercise, you have the power to make a few heart-healthy changes now. In addition, take time to learn the warning signs of a heart attack to save your life or the life of someone you love. Call 911 immediately, even if you don’t think it’s a heart attack.
Heart attack symptoms:
Chest pain or discomfort
Arm or shoulder pain or discomfort
Pain in the jaw, neck or back
Shortness of breath
Feeling a cold sweat
Vomiting, feeling lightheaded or nauseous
Ready to get healthy?
Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Try these manageable tips to help you become your heart’s hero.
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Seven tips for a heart-healthy life
Heart disease is the biggest obstacle to a long life. Follow LiveWell and our social media for frequent tips that can prevent or delay heart disease.
Heart arrhythmias
Have you ever felt your heart racing? Or maybe you noticed your heart beating extremely slow or irregularly through a tracking device.
A heart arrhythmia is when an unusual beating pattern occurs. Not all heart arrhythmias are bad. Your heart will often beat faster when you are nervous, excited or have too much caffeine.
However, if you have an untreated heart arrhythmia caused by a heart malfunction, it can lead to severe problems, including stroke.
Tips to reduce risk factors
Some risk factors you can’t do anything about. People over 60 years of age, who have heart defects or have a family history of heart disease, are more likely to have a heart arrhythmia.
However, follow the tips below to reduce your other risk factors:
• Lower your blood pressure.
• Maintain a healthy cholesterol level.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet.
• Exercise for 150 minutes a week at a moderate aerobic level.
• Talk to your doctor about medications that might cause heart arrhythmias and discuss alternatives.
• Don’t use alcohol, tobacco or recreational drugs.
• Manage stress appropriately.
Symptoms
Having a symptom doesn’t mean you have a heart arrhythmia. If you have more than one, contact your doctor. Symptoms:
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting or near fainting
• Fatigue
• Fluttering in the chest
• Racing or slow heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
Smart devices
In addition to watching for symptoms, multiple smart devices, including watches, can alert you to an irregular heartbeat. An article on the American Heart Association website references a study in which smartwatches and fitness trackers detected irregular heart rhythms and undiagnosed atrial fibrillation with 98% accuracy.
Keep your heart beating regularly
Most people can take action to avoid or prolong developing a heart arrhythmia. If you notice symptoms or your smart device notifies you that you have a concern, call for medical help immediately.
For detailed tips on reducing risk factors, visit genesishcs.org/yourhealth.
Genesis is one of America's Top 50 Heart Hospitals
For the 2nd year in a row, as rated by Fortune Magazine and PINC AI.
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.
Heart disease is the biggest obstacle to a long life. Follow LiveWell and our social media for frequent tips that can prevent or delay heart disease.
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The facts say it all
Early detection of colon cancer with a colonoscopy matters.
Only colonoscopies can prevent colon cancer by removing pre-cancerous polyps.
What does survival rate mean?
Survival rate means the percentage of people who are alive five years after they were diagnosed or started treatment for a disease, such as cancer. It’s essential to detect colon cancer earlier rather than later.
Risk factors you can impact:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having Type 2 diabetes
- Eating a lot of red meat and processed meat
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
Risk factors you cannot impact:
- Older age
- Racial and ethnic background
- Being a male
- Having gallbladder removed
- A personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
- A personal history of certain diseases
Visit genesishcs.org/screenings for more information on cancer screenings.
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.
Early detection of colon cancer with a colonoscopy matters.
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