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How long are leftovers good?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Leftovers often create mixed emotions. If you are responsible for cooking, they are a blessing as it is a night off from the kitchen. If someone else is cooking, the response is typically, “Again?” 

Feelings aside, how long are leftovers good for, and what is the safest way to store them? Take our quiz to find out. 

 

 

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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.

How long are leftovers good?

Feelings aside, how long are leftovers good for, and what is the safest way to store them? Take our quiz to find out. 

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Parkinson’s patients benefit from personalized therapy

Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition that affects nerve cells controlling movement, sleep, memory and motivation. Over 1 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Patients experience a reduction of dopamine, the brain’s way of feeling happy. Side effects include tremors, stiffness, speech changes, loss of smell, balance concerns and slow movements.

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, it is a slow-progressing condition. The best treatment is dopamine replacement medication. However, patients who seek physical therapy can often delay the advancement of the disease. Patients are encouraged to stay active, as exercise alleviates muscle stiffness and helps motion and stability.

Ladder drill

Steve Fusner practices ladder drills to help with motor skills at Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation. Regular exercise helps delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Steve Fusner was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021. He began physical therapy at Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation in 2022. His therapist recommended Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), a global Parkinson’s program offered at Genesis.

“It has helped me tremendously,” said Steve, who has been challenged with a tremor in his right hand.

Individualized needs

There are two types of LSVT, BIG and LOUD. Because physical movements become smaller as the condition progresses, BIG treatment helps patients like Steve improve their motor skills to change the brain’s response.

LOUD treatment helps patients improve speech loudness, as loss of vocal power is a side effect of Parkinson’s.

LSVT is catered to each person. Patients work with physical therapists to complete four consecutive weeks of treatment for one hour a day, four days a week. For BIG treatment, patients identify movements to improve, such as buttoning clothing, walking, shaving, getting out of bed and stepping in and out of bathtubs. Patients practice exercises between classes. As movements are mastered, the difficulty increases, such as adding balance constraints or turning off lights to challenge other senses.

“I learned exercises geared toward everyday activities,” said Steve. “I can do a lot for myself.”

Rhonda Forrestal, Physical Therapist at Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation, is a certified LSVT BIG therapist. She said many patients don’t realize when their sensory-motor movements are declining.

“LSVT BIG helps patients renew their range of motion and balance,” said Rhonda. “The intensity and repetition of exercises creates neuroplastic changes in the brain.”

Boxing

Skip Yinger works on boxing drills. The repetition of movements creates changes in the brain to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Heavy rope

Skip practices the heavy rope. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2022.

Skip Yinger was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2022. He appreciated completing therapy close to home.

“LSVT BIG made me more mobile,” said Skip, who has benefitted from the stretch techniques he’s learned. “I’m more limber. It’s helped with my arms and shoulders.”

Post-treatment regimens

After completing LSVT, patients should continue practicing the exercises. Steve and Skip have added weekly Rock Steady Boxing and swimming sessions offered by Genesis. Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact course to improve movement.

Steve appreciates the support system the Parkinson’s offerings created.

“The therapists push me to do my best,” said Steve. “The classes challenge your brain to do things differently. It never gets boring.”

Boxing

A Genesis Physical Therapy Assistant helps Steve with boxing drills. Steve began physical therapy in 2022.

Steve also goes to the gym three days a week. Combining therapy with a workout regimen has led to positive changes. He spends a lot of time outdoors, including maintaining his lawn.

“I can better operate my mower, and I weed eat for an hour at a time,” said Steve. “It’s called BIG because it’s been a ‘BIG’ help. I benefit every day.”

Coordination

Skip and Steve are working on their coordination, dual-tasking and reaction time. They attend weekly Parkinson’s exercise classes at Genesis.

Since completing LSVT, Skip has continued the exercises four to five times a week. He is back to enjoying mowing grass and playing golf. Skip said Rhonda and the Genesis physical therapy team stress the need for patients to stay active during and after the program.

“LSVT has helped me ‘BIG’ time. I’m steadier on my feet,” said Skip. “But treatment isn’t a cure. You must continue the work to make yourself better.”

In addition to therapy and specialized classes, Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation offers a support group for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, their families and caregivers. Meetings are free and open to the community on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation in Zanesville. For more information about Parkinson’s or LSVT offerings, call 740-455-5151.

For more information, visit genesishcs.org/parkinsons
Steve Fusner Boxing 2

“LSVT has helped me ‘BIG’ time. I’m steadier on my feet,” said Skip. “But treatment isn’t a cure. You must continue the work to make yourself better.”

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Are your dishes dirtier after washing?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

You’re a neat and tidy person. Or at least you like eating and drinking from clean plates and glasses. Therefore, every night after dinner, you wash your dishes. Sometimes by hand, sometimes with the dishwasher.  

The problem is that if you wash by hand only, your kitchen sink sponge could spread more germs than it is cleaning away.  

A study published on the Scientific Reports website in 2017 found that your kitchen sink sponge could have more bacteria than your toilet. Yuck.  

Although some questioned the study’s extreme claims, it is clear that if you don’t clean your kitchen sink sponge frequently, it contains bacteria you don’t want around.  

So, how do you wipe out the bacteria?  

According to NPR, Eatright.org, Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center and Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, a few simple steps can prevent your kitchen sink sponge from becoming the most disgusting thing in your home.  

Option 1 is to microwave your sponge for one minute on high. The key is to make sure your sponge is wet when you put it in the microwave to help prevent it from catching on file. Also, if the sponge has metallic scrub pads, it cannot go into the microwave as it will cause big problems. It is like putting aluminum foil or silverware in the microwave. You can’t do it. If you microwave your sponge, MSU recommends letting it cool before taking it out, as it will be hot.  

Option 2 is to place your sponge in your dishwasher and run it on a long cycle with heated dry. Per a study on the USDA Agricultural Research Service website, this method eliminated 99.9998% of germs during a test. 

Regardless of the method, it is clear that we all need to clean sponges frequently. Suggestions in studies ranged from cleaning them daily to weekly. Most research also recommended replacing sponges every couple of weeks.  

Another tip is never to use a sponge to clean up juice from raw meat. If you have meat on your counter, wipe it with a paper towel and disinfect it immediately.  

 

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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.

Are your dishes dirtier after washing?

A study published on the Scientific Reports website in 2017 found that your kitchen sink sponge could have more bacteria than your toilet. Yuck.  

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Mind over munchies

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Hello there, fellow snackers. Ever wonder why you're suddenly desperate for a slice of chocolate cake or a bag of salty chips? Food cravings can feel like they hit out of nowhere, but there's some fascinating science behind why you crave what you crave. Let's dive into the delicious details.   

 

Brain chemistry   

At the heart of food cravings is your brain's reward system. When you eat something tasty, your brain releases dopamine, the "feel-good" hormone. According to Harvard Health, dopamine is made up of tyrosine – so eating foods rich in tyrosine can release more dopamine into your brain. This is what makes you associate certain foods with pleasure, driving you to seek them out again. Think of it as your brain's way of saying, "Hey, remember how awesome that chocolate made you feel? Let's do it again."   

 

Hormones at play   

Hormones also play a significant role. Ghrelin, the "hunger hormone," tells your brain it's time to eat, while leptin signals when you're full. When these hormones are out of balance – due to stress, lack of sleep, or irregular eating patterns – you might find yourself craving high-calorie, sugary or fatty foods.   

 

Emotional eating   

Let's not forget the emotional component. Stress, sadness and boredom can all trigger food cravings. According to Harvard Health, if stress persists, the adrenal glands release cortisol, which increases appetite and motivation to eat. Comfort foods, like ice cream and pizza, are often linked to happy memories or a sense of security, making them particularly tempting when you need an emotional lift.   

 

Nutrient deficiencies   

Sometimes, cravings can be your body's way of signaling a nutrient deficiency. For instance, craving chocolate might indicate a magnesium deficiency, while hankering for red meat could mean you need more iron. Listening to your body can provide cues about what it needs.   

 

Environment and habits   

Lastly, your environment and habits influence cravings. If you're used to having a snack during your favorite TV show, your brain will start to associate that activity with eating, prompting cravings at that time.   

 

Understanding the science behind food cravings can help you manage them better. So next time you find yourself longing for that cookie, remember, it's not a lack of willpower. It's your brain and body working in mysterious ways.  

 

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.

Mind over munchies

There's some fascinating science behind why you crave what you crave. Let's dive into the delicious details.   

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How the temperature of your shower affects your health

Submitted by emily.griffin on

We all love a hot shower after a long day. It can be so relaxing to feel the warm water on your back. It could also be the opposite. We can feel refreshed with a cold shower on a hot day. What about on your normal day? What should the water temperature be to get the best benefits?  

If you shower with warm water, you can relax your muscle stiffness or tension. The University of California, Irvine says that hot showers can also clear out oils and dirt within the pores of your face and help open your nasal passages to relieve nasal congestion. Another benefit is that hot showers can reduce stress and anxiety because the hot water stimulates the release of oxytocin.  

As unbelievable as it sounds, cold showers can provide many benefits. ULCA Health states that cold showers benefits may include:  

  • Strengthen your immunity to common colds 

  • Combat symptoms of depression 

  • Improve blood circulation 

  • Increase metabolism 

  • Reduce inflammation and prevent muscle soreness  

  • Relieve localized pain  

You can even take a combination of the two temperatures. This method is called cold therapy. You start by taking it slow and only doing 30 seconds of cold water, 60 degrees or below, and as time goes on you build up your resistance to the cold water. Which means you can stay under the cold water for a longer time.  

Who knew that there are benefits from the temperature of your water. Don’t worry if you can’t shower in the cold water, it takes time to build up resistance.

 

 

For more information about how to stay healthy because of the shower, check out these resources below:

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Keep your feet and toes in tip-top shape

Your feet carry you everywhere. Make sure you give them the love they deserve. Here are some easy tips from the American Academy of Dermatology to care for your feet and prevent some of the most common issues.  

 

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5 hair care tips to add to your routine

Struggling with dry, damaged hair? The root of your problem may grow from your haircare habits. Whether you have coily, wavy, curly or straight hair, there are things you can add to your weekly routine to keep your hair healthy and shining.

 

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Say bye-bye to body odor

Body odor is a part of life. Although you might feel embarrassed in the moment, typically it’s a sign of your body functioning normally. That being said, if you’re not a fan of your natural musk, there’s nothing wrong with taking a few steps to prevent it.

Learn more

 

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 the temperature of your shower affects your health

What about on your normal day? What should the water temperature be to get the best benefits?  

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Keep the sneeze away year-round

Submitted by emily.griffin on

If you suffer from allergies, you may think you only need to worry about flowers, pollen and pets. Did you know that dust mites are one of the most common allergy triggers? Dust mites are microscopic insect-like pests that are everywhere.

 

To reduce dust and dust mites follow these tips for the:

Air

  • Don’t use window or attic fans, which bring pollen, mold spores and other allergens inside.
  • Use air conditioning instead of opening windows.
  • Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. This can help remove allergens and tobacco smoke from the air in your home.


Furniture and carpets

  • Use dust-proof pillow and mattress covers made from a tight-weave fabric that keeps out dust and dust mites.
  • Remove stuffed toys, wall hangings, books, knickknacks and artificial flowers.
  • Avoid wool blankets and down quilts.
  • Avoid carpet, rugs and upholstered furniture that collect dust.
  • Occasionaly steam clean carpets. 

 

Floors

  • Damp-mop hard floors once a day.
  • Dust and vacuum once or twice a week.
  • Use a dry cloth to wipe hard surfaces such as countertops and tables weekly.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter or a double-thick bag.
  • Wear a mask to avoid dust mites stirred up during cleaning.
  • Keep humidity less than 50% in your home. Dust mites don’t do well in dry conditions.

 

 

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.

If you suffer from allergies, you may think you only need to worry about flowers, pollen and pets.

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Why you should clean your air... literally

Submitted by emily.griffin on

“Out of sight, out of mind” is a phrase some of us use. This is not a phrase that we want to use for our health. You cannot see your lungs, but that does not mean you want to ignore them. Same with your house. The air ducts are lungs for your house, and we do not want to ignore them because they can affect our health.  

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if not properly installed, maintained and operated, air ducts may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. If moisture is present, the potential for mold is increased and spores from such growth may be released into the home's living space. This could cause an allergic reaction from the homeowners. If you notice any changes in the air in your home or dust, pollen, mold or other debris present, make sure you get your air ducts cleaned.   

The University of Rochester Medical Center states that the signs and symptoms below are warning signs of air trouble. The signs and symptoms include: 

  • Abnormal and noticeable odors 

  • Stale or stuffy air 

  • Clear lack of air movement 

  • Dirty or broken central heating or air conditioning 

  • Damaged flue pipes or chimneys 

  • Too much humidity. A relative humidity of 30% to 50% is generally advised for homes. Remove standing water, water-damaged materials and wet surfaces. These can be a breeding ground for molds, mildews, bacteria and insects. 

  • Molds and mildew 

  • Health reaction after remodeling, moving, weatherizing, buying new furniture or using household or hobby products 

  • Feeling healthier outside the house 

After you clean your air ducts, you will feel like you can take a breath of fresh air, literally. If you want more information on how to keep your lungs breathing fresh air, check out our LiveWell wellness article below.  

Keep the sneeze away year-round | Genesis Healthcare System

 

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.

Why you should clean your air...literally

The air ducts are lungs for your house, and we do not want to ignore them because they can affect our health.

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Mathias, Matthew J.

Submitted by Kyle.Norton on
Doctor ID
5824
Matthew Jeffery Mathias, APRN-CRNA
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Matthew
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Holmes Mason, Summer T.

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Summer T Holmes Mason, MD
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Genesis Medical Group
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945 Bethesda Drive
Ste 330
Zanesville, OH 43701
United States

82722
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Foltz, Christopher T.

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Christopher Thomas Foltz, APRN-CRNA
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Christopher
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1952048431
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