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Flu season is here

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Colder weather is often associated with some of our favorite activities, such as football season, pumpkin patches and the holidays. Chillier weather can also bring fevers, chills, coughs, body aches and sore throats, all symptoms of influenza. 

 

One of the simplest ways to prevent the flu is to get a yearly flu shot. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the annual vaccination has several advantages, including minimizing the risk of flu, time spent in the hospital and flu-related deaths. 

 

Each year, there are different flu strains. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot in October to prepare for the peak season starting in December. 

 

According to the CDC, anyone six months of age or older should receive the seasonal flu shot, although there are some rare exceptions. There are different types of flu shots for different age groups. 

 

Adults 65 years old or older should receive a specific flu shot, which will give them more protection from the flu. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the best flu vaccine for you. 

 

Be mindful of others 

If you don’t get the flu shot for yourself, get it for someone else. Our well-being is a priority, but we also want to ensure our friends and family are healthy. For example, children, pregnant women, grandparents and those with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, are at a higher risk for flu complications. 

 

Many pharmacies and local health departments offer flu shot clinics. At Genesis Pharmacies, our Taylor, Maysville, New Concord, Roseville and Somerset locations offer the flu shot. Most insurance companies cover the flu shot and your healthcare provider can help you prepare for this year’s flu season. 

 

Visit genesispharmacies.org for more information. 

 

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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.

Flu Season 2024

Each year, there are different flu strains. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot in October to prepare for the peak season starting in December.

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You could save your life with a colonoscopy

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

In 2018, the American Cancer Society lowered the recommended age from 50 to 45 for colon cancer
screening. The change was made because more middle-age and young adults are getting colon cancer.
There are multiple colon cancer screening options. However, colonoscopies continue to be the best.

 

Colonoscopy facts

 

For more information on colon screenings, visit genesishcs.org/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.

Colonoscopy Screening

The American Cancer Society has lowered the recommended age to 45 for colon cancer screening.

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Breast cancer screening can save your life

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

According to the American Cancer Society:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers.

Every 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

5-year survival rates for breast cancer are: 

  • 99% if detected early before it spreads.
  • 86% if it spreads to lymph nodes or nearby structures.
  • 30% if it spreads to distant parts of the body, like lungs, liver or bones.

 

Screenings

National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend:

All women age 40 and older at average risk of breast cancer should have an annual screening mammogram.

All women should have a clinical breast examination by a physician every year, along with a monthly self-examination.

Women with higher-than-average risk of breast cancer should have a clinical breast examination by a physician every 6 to 12 months and should consider a high-risk screening of an annual breast MRI along with an annual mammogram. 

 

Talk with your doctor

Discuss your risk for breast cancer and a plan for a screening mammogram with your Primary Care Physician or your OB/GYN.

 

For more information on breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer screenings, visit genesishcs.org/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.

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers.

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Prediabetes is like a warning light

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Some people tend to ignore check engine lights or put off changing a furnace filter when the sensor goes off. One warning you can’t afford to ignore is a prediabetic diagnosis. 

 

What is prediabetes? 

Prediabetes is usually the result of an A1C test that indicates your blood sugar is higher than normal, between 5.7% and 6.4%. A result of 6.5% or higher is generally accepted as a diabetes diagnosis.

 

Blood sugar is measured through an A1C test that reveals your average blood sugar level over the previous three months, so you can’t cram for this test at the last minute by ignoring desserts for a week. Consider prediabetes as your last chance to make changes to keep from becoming diagnosed with diabetes. 

 

What to do if you have prediabetes? 

Hearing that you have prediabetes is similar to a rare do-over opportunity in life. Typically, if you are willing to change your lifestyle habits, you can often lower your A1C and prevent or at least delay diabetes. The best way to lower your A1C is to:

  • Eat healthy foods.
  • Be physically active each day.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Control blood pressure and cholesterol. 

 

Risk factors 

For optimal health, you should try to live a healthy life and avoid reaching prediabetes status, especially if you fit into a high-risk category. According to the Genesis Diabetes & Nutrition Education Department, diabetes risk factors include:

  • Being overweight.
  • Having increased amounts of stress.
  • Certain ethnicities.
  • Being over the age of 45.
  • Sedentary lifestyle.
  • Family history.
  • Having diabetes during pregnancy. 

 

Stay informed

Most insurance plans will cover an A1C test as part of an annual wellness visit. If you have any of the risk factors, talk to your doctor for a plan to prevent prediabetes or reverse your trend if you have been diagnosed with prediabetes. 

 

 

Want to prevent diabetes? Indulge on our tips and not desserts.

For more information on staying healthy, especially avoiding a prediabetes or diabetes diagnosis, try our online content. We have several articles that provide health tips backed by research. 

 

If you prefer to listen because you are exercising, which is great, try these podcast episodes: 

 

Diabetes Management

Whether you've just been diagnosed with diabetes, recently changed treatment or are having difficulty controlling your condition, turn to Genesis HealthCare System. Learn more HERE.

 

 

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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.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes is usually the result of an A1C test that indicates your blood sugar is higher than normal. Learn about the risk factors and ways to prevent diabetes.

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What is the difference between good and bad cholesterol?

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

If you aren’t aware, there is cholesterol in your blood. The two types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol to and from cells are called low-density lipoproteins (“bad” cholesterol) and high-density lipoproteins (“good” cholesterol). According to the American Heart Association, “bad” cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease. There are ways to take precautionary measures to ensure your cholesterol levels are healthy.  

Take our quiz to find out what the Heart Research Institute recommends for lowering your “bad” cholesterol levels. 

 

 

For more information about cholesterol, read the stories below: 

Cholesterol: The good, the bad and the great news

Cholesterol is a silent disease and common enough that Stephen Knox, M.D., board-certified family medicine, Genesis Primary Care, addresses the problem with patients every day.

Read more

How to naturally lower your cholesterol

Take our quiz to learn more about cholesterol and tips to lower it naturally.

Read more

You can eat your way to better cholesterol

“The good news is, high cholesterol can be lowered, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke,” said Selomie Kebede, M.D., fellowship-trained cardiologist, Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute.

Read more

 

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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.

What is the difference between good and bad cholesterol?

Take our quiz to find out what the Heart Research Institute recommends for lowering your “bad” cholesterol levels. 

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“I thought I had the flu.”

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

You are probably familiar with numbness in your left arm and amcrushing feeling in your chest as heart attack warning signs. But what if you don’t feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest? Sometimes, the symptoms are subtle and people ignore them, thinking they have indigestion or are getting the flu. This is especially true for women. 

 

Know the warning signs and call 911 immediately if you experience them. 

 

Heart attack symptoms in women: 

  • Chest pain, but not always 

  • Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen 

  • Jaw, neck or upper back pain 

  • Nausea or vomiting 

  • Shortness of breath 

  • Fainting 

  • Indigestion 

  • Extreme fatigue 

 

Heart attack symptoms in men: 

  • Squeezing chest pressure or pain 

  • Jaw, neck or back pain 

  • Nausea or vomiting 

  • Shortness of breath 

 

If you have heart attack symptoms: 

Call 911 immediately. 

The best treatment for a heart attack is to prevent one by taking care of your heart. Your Primary Care Physician can refer you to one of several Genesis heart care locations where you can learn more about diet, exercise and controlling your risk factors. Our Heart & Vascular Institute is at the Genesis main campus in Zanesville with additional offices are in Coshocton, Cambridge and Somerset. 

 

To learn more, visit genesishcs.org/heart. 

 

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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.

Sometimes, the symptoms of a heart attack are subtle and people ignore them, thinking they have indigestion or are getting the flu. This is especially true for women. 

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Bone-a-fide

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder that occurs when a body loses too much bone or doesn’t make enough bone. Bone tissue deteriorates, leading to an increased risk of fracture. The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation states that 54 million Americans have osteoporosis, most of them elderly. 

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent” disease since the first symptom is often a broken bone. However, if you experience any of the following, share your concerns with your primary provider. They may refer you to a orthopedic physician. 

Symptoms 

  • Sloping shoulders
  • Curvature of the back
  • Height loss
  • Back pain 

 

Testing 

Osteoporosis is confirmed with a bone density test. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women aged 65 and older and postmenopausal women with an increased risk of osteoporosis have a bone density test. A conversation with your doctor will help you decide when to have the testing done. 

Thankfully, the test is painless. It’s like having an X-ray. The test will measure your bone density and compare it to the bones of an average, healthy adult. Your result is called a T-score. The T-score will let your doctor know whether you have healthy bones, osteoporosis or osteopenia, which is low bone density, but not as severe as osteoporosis. 

 

Treatment 

Based on your T-score, your doctor may propose a treatment plan. 

  • Possibly prescribe medications to build bone mass and prevent bone loss.
  • Increase your calcium.
  • Make sure you are getting enough vitamin D.
  • Encourage physical activity. 

The same things your doctor recommends for treatment are also ways to prevent osteoporosis. 

 

Prevention 

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Eat foods that support bone health, like calcium, vitamin D and protein.
  • Choose more low-impact activities like walking, swimming and biking over high-impact activities.
  • Cut back on smoking and drinking. Chronic use of both is proven to weaken bones. 

Talk to your primary care physician about the best ways to avoid this disease. 

Learn more about the Genesis Orthopedic Center at Genesishcs.org/orthopedic. 

 

 

 

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.

Bone A Fide

Information on the symptoms, treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. 

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Tips to help women stay healthy

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Hey you, it’s me – your body. While I’m feeling pretty good right now, we can’t take things for granted. You and I need to get on the same page to make sure things don’t start going downhill. Can you help by following these tips? It’ll make my job so much easier – and more enjoyable for both of us.

 

Get regular checkups and screenings

Seeing your family doctor or OB/GYN on a regular basis is vitally important. Your doctor is your partner in keeping you on a healthy path or in managing chronic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Your doctor will also make sure you get the routine screenings essential for early detection of disease, like mammograms, Pap smears and blood work.

Get at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity

Exercise helps you feel your best – plus, it helps keep your weight in check. It can improve the quality of your sleep and helps prevent bone loss and osteoporosis, too.

Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep

A good night’s sleep helps you feel sharper, elevates your mood and can help prevent other health issues.

Eat healthy

Eating healthy and including more fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, promote strong bones and teeth, and reduce the risks of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and strokes. Plus, it improves your mood and memory.

Reach and maintain a healthy weight

When you’re at a healthy weight, you lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes, and also help reduce the risk of many different cancers.

Get help to quit smoking

If you quit smoking, nearly everything improves. You’ll have healthier blood, heart and lungs. Your bones, muscles and immune system will be stronger, too. Plus, you will have clearer skin and fresher breath.

Limit alcohol to one drink or less

Limiting alcohol to one drink or less per day helps reduce the risk of some cancers, liver disease, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Use drugs only as prescribed

Prescription or illegal drug use and misuse can damage your body and mind. If you think you may have a problem, get help sooner rather than later.

Drive safely

In the U.S., road crashes are the greatest killer of women and men under age 55. Wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces your risk. Also, texting and driving is six times more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. Pull over or wait until you get home.

 

 

 

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.

Keep yourself healthy by following these tips to stay on top of women's health.

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Healthy homemade popsicles

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Ingredients:  

• 5 ounces of strawberries (about 6 medium strawberries)  

• 6 ounces of blueberries (about 1 ¼ cups)  

• 7 tablespoons of granulated sugar  

• 5 tablespoons of lime juice  

• 1 ounce of ice cubes (about 3 ice cubes)  

• 10 tablespoons of water  

 

Instructions:  

1. Red (strawberry) layer:  

  • Cut 5 ounces of strawberries and place them in a small saucepan with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of water.
  • Boil on medium-high heat, then simmer for 5 minutes. Blend until smooth, then add 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1 ounce of ice cubes. Stir until the ice is melted and the mixture cools.
  • Divide the puree among 6 popsicle molds, tapping them to remove air bubbles. Freeze for at least 1 hour and while that’s freezing, move on to the next layers.  

2. White (lime) layer:  

  • Place 3 tablespoons of lime juice and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a liquid measuring cup and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add enough cold water to make 3/4 cup lime mixture.  

3. Blue (blueberry) layer:  

  • Combine 6 ounces of blueberries, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a saucepan.
  • Boil on medium heat, then simmer for 5 minutes. Blend until smooth, adding 1 tablespoon of lime juice. ° Chill until needed.  

4. Combining the layers:  

  • When the red layer is completely solid, divide the white mixture evenly among the molds. Freeze until mostly frozen, about 45 minutes. Insert the popsicle sticks and freeze until completely solid, about 30 minutes.
  • Divide the blue mixture evenly among the molds. Freeze until completely solid, at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, run lukewarm water over the outside of the molds so they release easily.  

5. Enjoy.  

 

Nutritional information:  

• Calories: 85  

• Total fat: 0.2 g  

• Sodium: 2.1 mg  

• Cholesterol: N/A  

• Carbohydrates: 21.9 g 

 

Healthy Popsicles

You will love this creative summertime treat.

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How quickly you lose your fitness level when you stop exercising

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Taking a break from exercise might feel like a temporary vacation, but for your body, it can have more long-term consequences than you’d expect. If you’ve ever wondered how quickly you can lose your fitness level when you stop working out, here’s a quick guide to what happens when your routine takes a pause: 

1. The first few days: not much changes 

Luckily, you won’t lose your gains after a few days off. In the first 3-5 days of inactivity, you won’t see much change in your fitness level. Your muscles are still holding on to that strength, and your cardiovascular system is still in decent shape. So, don’t panic if life gets in the way for a week. You’ve still got it. 

2. After 1-2 weeks: some loss in cardiovascular fitness 

After about a week or two without exercise, your body starts to notice the lack of activity. Your cardiovascular fitness, which includes your heart and lungs, may start to dip. You might notice that running or walking upstairs feels a little tougher. However, this doesn’t mean all hope is lost. It’s still possible to bounce back with a few workouts. 

3. After 3-4 Weeks: Muscular strength declines 

Once you hit the 3-4 week mark, muscle strength starts to fade, especially if you’ve stopped strength training. Your muscles will lose endurance, and you may notice decreased strength. According to Allina Health, it’s also around this time that your metabolism begins to slow down, so if you’ve stopped exercising but kept your diet the same, you may notice some changes on the scale. 

4. After 4-6 weeks: noticeable loss in fitness 

By the 4-6 week mark, the effects of stopping exercise are much more apparent. Your endurance will drop significantly, and your body’s ability to recover from physical activity will diminish. Strength, flexibility and overall stamina will be noticeably reduced. It’s around this time that you might feel like you’re starting from scratch if you try to get back into it. 

5. After 2 months: the big decline 

After two months of inactivity, you’ll experience a more dramatic loss of fitness. Your muscles and cardiovascular system have had plenty of time to lose their former efficiency. You’ll feel the difference when you try to jump back into workouts. Don’t worry, fitness can be regained but takes consistent effort. 

6. How to stay active: move regularly 

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, if you want to avoid the negative effects of a break, try to keep some movement in your day, even if it’s not the full workout routine. Walk, stretch or do light exercises to keep your muscles engaged. A few minutes a day can help maintain a baseline level of fitness. 

By staying mindful of these timelines and keeping activity in your routine, you’ll be able to avoid the steep drop-off in fitness. Whether it’s a few days or weeks off, it’s always easier to get back on track than you think. Most importantly, talk to your doctor first and then start slow.  

 

 

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 quickly you lose your fitness level when you stop exercising

Taking a break from exercise might feel like a temporary vacation, but for your body, it can have more long-term consequences than you’d expect.

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