Genesis Logo

Could protein be the key to better health?

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Protein is more than a buzzword in the fitness world. It's a fundamental building block for your body. It helps build and repair tissues, supports immune function and keeps you feeling full longer, which can help with weight management. Simply put, protein is key to staying energized, maintaining muscle mass and keeping your body running smoothly. 

 

How much protein do you need? It varies depending on age, activity level and health goals. According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended dietary amount for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person weighing 165 pounds, or 75 kilograms, should consume 60 grams of protein per day. However, if you’re active or trying to build muscle, you may need more. 

 

Top sources of protein 

For meat lovers: 

  • Chicken breast: Lean and versatile, it’s an easy way to get a solid dose of protein. 

  • Fish: Salmon and tuna are packed with protein and heart-healthy omega-3s. 

  • Eggs: One egg has about six grams of protein, making it a great choice for any meal. 

 

Plant-based options: 

  • Legumes: Beans, lentils and chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber, making them filling and nutritious. 

  • Tofu and tempeh: These soy-based proteins are perfect for adding to stir-fries or salads. 

  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds provide protein and healthy fats for a satisfying snack. 

 

According to Harvard Health, before increasing your daily protein intake, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. While beef, poultry and pork (along with milk, cheese and eggs) are excellent sources of high-quality protein, many plant-based foods can offer as much, including whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts and vegetables. 

 

No matter your diet, getting enough protein is crucial to maintaining your health. Whether you're enjoying a piece of grilled chicken or a hearty bean salad, make sure protein is part of your daily routine. It’s the key to staying strong and feeling your best. 

 

 

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.

Could protein be the key to better health?  

Protein is more than a buzzword in the fitness world. It's a fundamental building block for your body.

Exclude From Search
No

Fuel your workout

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Exercise is hard work, so if you are going to do it, you might as well get as much out of it as you can. This includes the proper amount of rest, effort level and duration. It also includes what and when you eat. Take our quiz to learn more about eating to fuel your workout. 

 

 

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.

Fuel your workout

Take our quiz to learn more about eating to fuel your workout. 

Exclude From Search
No

Genesis HealthCare System Elevates to a Level III-N Trauma Center Verification

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

The Genesis HealthCare System Trauma Center recently elevated its trauma center to a Level III-N designation. The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS-COT) made the designation after recognizing the Genesis Trauma Center’s ability and dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients. 

“Providing high quality and timely trauma care to our community is our top priority,” said Stuart Chow, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., F.A.C.S, Medical Director of Trauma and Acute Care Surgical Services at Genesis HealthCare System. “Genesis is committed to providing immediate care for injured patients.”

Genesis HealthCare System has been verified as a Level III Trauma Center since 2011 and has undergone the verification process every three years since that time. Starting in 2023, the new level “N” designation by the ACS-COT reflects 24-hour neurosurgery coverage to assess and manage neurologically injured patients such as head and spinal injuries. 

During the verification process, trauma care is evaluated utilizing numerous trauma quality metrics, including timely assessment, resuscitation, stabilization, emergency surgery, intensive care and post-hospital care of patients who have sustained a traumatic injury. This process also involves evaluation of the trauma program reviewing operational processes to ensure quality care is consistently being provided in all phases, including care in the pre-hospital setting through the rehabilitation phase.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the care of the surgical patient. The College has over 72,000 members and is the largest association of surgeons in the world. Longstanding achievements have placed the ACS at the forefront of American surgery and have made it an important advocate for all surgical patients.

The Genesis HealthCare System Trauma Center recently elevated its trauma center to a Level III-N designation.

Exclude From Search
No
Auto publish content

Why getting a colonoscopy is so important

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Let’s talk about something that’s often avoided at the dinner table, which is colonoscopies. While the topic might not be glamorous, it’s one of the most important conversations you can have about your health. A colonoscopy isn’t just a medical procedure. It’s a life-saving tool that could mean the difference between catching colorectal cancer early or letting it go unnoticed. 

The silent nature of colorectal cancer 

Colorectal cancer often starts with small, painless growths called polyps in the colon or rectum. According to the Mayo Clinic, these polyps can remain symptomless for years, quietly developing into cancer. That’s the problem. By the time symptoms like blood in your stool or abdominal pain appear, the cancer may already be advanced. Colonoscopies allow doctors to detect and remove these polyps before they can turn dangerous. 

Early detection saves lives 

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected early. A colonoscopy can identify precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers, giving patients significantly better treatment outcomes. For those 45 and over, routine screenings are vital in staying ahead of this disease. 

The procedure is easier than you think 

Yes, the prep can be a bit inconvenient (hello, clear liquids and laxatives), but the procedure is quick and painless. Thanks to sedation, most patients don’t even remember it happening. Compare that minor discomfort to the peace of mind of knowing your health is in check, and it’s a small price to pay. 

Take charge of your health 

Your health is priceless, and a colonoscopy is a simple yet powerful way to protect it. Whether it’s your first screening or a follow-up, prioritizing this procedure could save your life. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule your colonoscopy and take control of your well-being today. 

For more information on colonoscopies and other screenings, visit genesishcs.org/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.

Why getting a colonoscopy is so important

While the topic of colonoscopies might not be glamorous, it’s one of the most important conversations you can have about your health.

Exclude From Search
No

Genesis HealthCare System Receives Healthy Business Council of Ohio Award

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Genesis HealthCare System received a Gold Award from the Healthy Business Council of Ohio (HBCO) in 2024. HBCO has recognized Genesis for the last 10 years for its healthy work environment. HBCO annually reviews Ohio employers demonstrating their commitment to employees’ well-being by providing comprehensive health promotion and wellness programs. This program is called Healthy Worksite Recognition. In 2024, HBCO recognized 84 Ohio employers for healthy worksite practices.

“We are honored to receive the Gold Award from the Healthy Business Council of Ohio,” said Heather Shuster, Population Health & Wellness Manager at Genesis HealthCare System. “At Genesis, we want to continue implementing new opportunities and creating a healthier environment for our employees. In 2024, we offered employees the opportunity to participate in our annual wellness initiatives, free virtual sessions on Talkspace for mental and emotional health, nutrition counseling, wellness/health services and occupational well-being and safety.” 

Genesis HealthCare System has routinely implemented employees’ suggestions for a healthier workplace environment and provided programs that benefit employees’ physical and mental health. Genesis HealthCare System is developing new opportunities to keep employees healthy. 

For more information about the Healthy Worksite Recognition Awards, visit healthactioncouncil.org. 

Genesis HealthCare System Receives Healthy Business Council of Ohio Award

Genesis HealthCare System received a Gold Award from the Healthy Business Council of Ohio (HBCO) in 2024.

Exclude From Search
No

Eat your way to a healthy, happy heart

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Your heart is the ultimate workhorse, pumping blood and keeping you alive. But did you know you can nourish your heart with the right foods? Eating the right foods can boost heart health, reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease. All while making your taste buds happy. 

1. Berries: tiny but mighty 

Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are packed with antioxidants and fiber. They help reduce inflammation and protect your heart. Add them to smoothies or enjoy them as a snack. 

2. Oats: the heart-healthy classic 

Oats are loaded with soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol. Start your day with a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with fruit and nuts for an extra heart-boosting kick. 

3. Fatty fish: Omega-3 rich 

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, salmon, mackerel and sardines are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. Grill or bake these fish for a delicious, heart-healthy meal. 

4. Nuts: crunchy heart helpers 

Almonds, walnuts and pistachios are packed with healthy fats that support heart health. A handful of nuts makes a great snack that helps lower bad cholesterol. 

5. Leafy greens: supercharged veggies 

Kale, spinach and Swiss chard are loaded with nutrients that help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Add them to salads, soups or smoothies for a heart-healthy boost. 

Eating these heart-friendly foods is a delicious and easy way to keep your heart strong. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, it is essential to maintain proportion sizes with these healthy foods. So go ahead and responsibly, eat your way to a happy, healthy heart. 

 

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.

Eat your way to a healthy, happy heart

Eating the right foods can boost heart health, reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease. All while making your taste buds happy. 

Exclude From Search
No
Auto publish content

Do you have a family history of heart disease?

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

If you have a family health history of heart disease, you are more likely to develop heart disease. Different types of heart disease and related conditions, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can run in families. Therefore, discussing your family's history with your healthcare provider is important.

According to Sai Krishna C. Korada, M.D., Fellowship-trained in Cardiology and Board-Certified in Internal Medicine at Genesis HealthCare System, you should share information with your provider to create a good picture of your family's heart health information like:

  • What you know about your parents, sisters, brothers, children, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts and uncles’ health.
  • Family history on your mother's and father's sides of the family.
  • Which relatives have had heart disease, related conditions or procedures and the age at which they were diagnosed or treated.
  • List the age and cause of death for relatives who have died.
  • Regularly update your family health history and alert your doctor to any new diagnosis, condition or procedure.
  • If your father, mother, brother or sister had a heart attack before age 50, your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke might be increased.

“Knowing your family’s history is essential for heart disease screening, as conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure and even congenital heart defects often run in families,” said Dr. Korada. “This knowledge helps your cardiologist determine your risk of cardiovascular disease, allowing for more personalized and effective prevention strategies.”

Sai Krishna Korada, MD

Sai Krishna C. Korada, M.D.

Fellowship-trained in Cardiology and Board-Certified in Internal Medicine

Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute

There are simple ways to reduce your heart disease or stroke risk. According to Dr. Korada, you can:

  • Control high blood pressure
  • Reduce blood sugar levels
  • Control blood cholesterol
  • Not smoke
  • Keep active
  • Eat healthy
  • Lose weight
  • Keep a healthy mind

By talking to your healthcare provider about your family history and keeping your health in mind, you are taking the first step in preventing or managing your risk for cardiovascular disease.

 

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.

Do you have a family history of heart disease?

By talking to your healthcare provider about your family history and keeping your health in mind, you are taking the first step in preventing or managing your risk for cardiovascular disease.

Exclude From Search
No
Auto publish content

Better balance, better you

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Struggling to stay steady? Whether it’s catching your balance on a rocky trail or mastering yoga poses without toppling, balance is a skill worth mastering. According to Harvard Health, good balance requires the coordination of several body parts, including the central nervous system, inner ear, eyes, muscles, bones and joints. There is more to than staying upright. It’s about building strength, coordination and confidence. Let’s dive into simple, effective ways to improve your balance and have a blast while doing it. 

1. Embrace the power of play 

Remember hopscotch? It’s for adults, too. Jumping, skipping and even hula hooping can strengthen your muscles and improve coordination. Who said fitness can’t be nostalgic? 

2. Bring balance into your chores 

Turn everyday tasks into balance workouts. Fold laundry while standing on one leg or squat to unload the dishwasher. You’ll tone muscles and improve balance without adding extra time to your day. 

3. Try functional fitness 

Functional movements like lunges, step-ups and single-leg deadlifts mimic real-life activities improving balance while boosting strength. Make it fun by timing yourself or adding light weights. 

4. Turn technology into your trainer 

Apps and YouTube channels offer quick, engaging balance routines. You can even gamify your workouts with virtual reality fitness games that challenge your stability in exciting, immersive ways. 

5. Set a micro-challenge 

Commit to small daily challenges like balancing on one foot while waiting for your coffee or brushing your teeth. These quick bursts of effort build your skills over time. 

6. Bring in nature’s challenge 

Head outdoors and walk along uneven terrain like sandy beaches or forest trails. Nature’s unpredictability is the perfect training ground for better balance. 

Balance isn’t just a physical skill. It’s a life enhancer. According to Harvard Health, improved balance can help you with conditions like arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. With these hacks, you’ll feel more stable, agile and ready to take on the world (or at least a tricky flight of stairs). Go ahead and give it a try. Your newfound steadiness awaits. 

 

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.

Better balance, better you

Struggling to stay steady? Whether it’s catching your balance on a rocky trail or mastering yoga poses without toppling, balance is a skill worth mastering.

Exclude From Search
No
Auto publish content

Pacemaker Implants: What you need to know

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Pacemakers are implantable devices that treat slow heart rates. They can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals by preventing symptoms from slow heart rate conditions, such as sick sinus syndrome, or atrioventricular (AV) block.

What is a pacemaker?  

A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin near your collarbone to help regulate your heartbeat. A standard pacemaker consists of a pulse generator and wires (leads) secured in the heart. The pulse generator contains a battery and a tiny computer that sends electrical signals (heartbeat commands) to your heart when your heart rate is too slow.

Why might you need a pacemaker?  

Your doctor may recommend a pacemaker if you have a heart condition that causes your heart to beat too slowly.

According to current guidelines, a pacemaker is offered if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness or passing out due to a heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute while awake, which is not due to a reversible cause. While asleep, heart rates less than 50 beats per minute can be normal.

A pacemaker can help ensure that your heart beats normally, improving your quality of life and reducing your risk of serious complications. In people whose heart rates are too slow, it can help improve energy levels and exercise tolerance.

How should you prepare?  

1. Medical evaluation:

  • Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical exam.

  • Diagnostic tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), echocardiogram or Holter monitor, may be conducted to assess your heart rhythm. 

  • Discuss any medications you are taking. You may need to adjust them before the procedure. 

2. Fasting: 

  • Your doctor will provide specific instructions on fasting. Typically, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the procedure. 

3. Arrangements for after the procedure: 

  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you will not be able to drive. 

  • Plan for someone to stay with you for at least 24 hours after the procedure to help with daily activities as needed. 

What happens during the procedure?  

The pacemaker procedure is done in the hospital and requires local anesthesia. Sedation medication is also used to maintain patient comfort. Implantation involves making a small incision near your collarbone and inserting the leads into a vein that leads to your heart. The leads are then guided to the correct position in your heart, and the pulse generator is placed under the skin near the incision. The incision is closed with absorbable sutures. A standard pacemaker implant procedure will take about one hour to complete.

What is recovery like?  

Most people who receive pacemakers choose to go home about four hours after the procedure is completed. Your doctor will provide instructions on caring for the incision and what activities to avoid while you recover. Most people can resume normal activities (including lifting, pushing, and pulling) after four weeks. 

Are there risks?  

While pacemaker implantation is generally safe, there are risks and potential complications. These include possible infection, bleeding, bruising, allergic reactions, pain and swelling. However, following your doctor’s instructions will usually enable you to avoid these potential side effects. 

What is life like with a pacemaker? 

A pacemaker can be life-changing for individuals with symptoms due to a slow heart rate.  Most patients will experience improvement in physical activity and a reduction in symptom burden.

Make an appointment 

By understanding what a pacemaker is, how it works, how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect during and after it, you can make an informed decision about whether a pacemaker is right for you. If you have any questions, discuss them with your heart doctor.

 

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.

Do you have a family history of heart disease?

By understanding what a pacemaker is, how it works, how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect during and after it, you can make an informed decision about whether a pacemaker is right for you.

Exclude From Search
No
Auto publish content
Subscribe to