Stop urinary infections in its tracts
Talking about what happens in the bathroom is always an awkward conversation. We must remember that our bodies have warning signs to indicate something is wrong. For example, if you notice you go to the bathroom frequently or feel like you constantly have to go, you may have a urinary tract infection, more commonly known as a UTI. A UTI is an infection that occurs within the urinary tract, and it is best to treat a UTI right away to avoid potential complications in the future.
According to Harvard Health, UTIs are more common in women than men due to anatomical differences. Women may get UTIs more than men, but the symptoms of a UTI are the same, and this includes:
Unusual frequent urination
An intense urge to urinate
Pain, discomfort or a burning sensation during urination
Pain, pressure or tenderness around the bladder
Urine that looks cloudy, smells foul or is unusually strong
Fever, with or without chills
Nausea and vomiting
Pain in the side or mid-to-upper back
Waking from sleep to pass urine
Unusual bedwetting
The treatment for UTIs usually includes a week or more of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Instead of going to the doctor every time you feel a UTI coming on, there are multiple ways to get ahead of the infection. Yale Medicine states that some ways you can prevent a UTI include:
Staying hydrated
Going to the bathroom at appropriate intervals; do not wait to go to the bathroom
Take cranberry tablets
Practice good hygiene
See a bladder specialist if you are getting frequent UTIs
If you would like to read more information about your bladder health, check out "When was the last time you checked on your bladder?" linked below.
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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.
If you notice you go to the bathroom frequently or feel like you constantly have to go, you may have a urinary tract infection.
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Genesis Amish Healthcare Advocates
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Genesis Amish Healthcare Advocates understand the importance of Amish values of family, community and living simply. We provide guidance and resources to Amish communities.
The dangers of being sedentary
Even if you hit your workout goals
We’ve all heard, “Get 30 minutes of exercise a day to stay healthy.” But what if you do that and still spend most of your day sitting? Well, buckle up because there is a twist. Even if you hit your daily exercise goal, being sedentary for hours at a time can still be a serious health risk.
1. Sitting = silent health problems
Let’s face it, sitting is sneaky. You can go for your daily jog or hit the gym, but if you’re sitting at your desk, binge-watching Netflix or lounging on the couch for hours, your body’s not exactly celebrating. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, prolonged sitting has been linked to higher risks of heart disease, diabetes and even some cancers. Yikes.
2. Muscle weakness and poor posture
When you’re not moving, your muscles aren’t working as much, which can lead to weakness and poor posture. That slouched position in your office chair isn’t doing your back or neck any favors. Over time, this can result in aches, pains and even long-term injuries.
3. Metabolism slows down
Our bodies were built to move. When we’re sedentary, our metabolism slows, and fat-burning processes decrease. So, even if you’re crushing your daily workout, sitting too much can sabotage your metabolism and lead to weight gain.
4. Mental health matters
More than your body suffers. Sitting for long periods can affect your mood, too. Research shows that being inactive can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. So, stand up, stretch and take a break.
Conclusion: move more, sit less
According to the Mayo Clinic, staying active throughout the day doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple yet effective tips that can save you from the dangers of being sedentary:
Take a break every 30 minutes: Stand up, stretch or walk for a minute.
Stand while talking: Whether it’s on the phone or watching TV, stand up.
Consider a standing desk: If you work at a desk, consider a standing desk or improvise with a high table.
Walk and talk: For meetings, walk with your colleagues instead of sitting in a conference room.
Treadmill desk: Set up a desk above a treadmill to keep moving while you work.
Incorporating these simple changes can make a big difference for your heart, mind and overall well-being. Move more, sit less, and your body will thank you.
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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.
Incorporating these simple changes can make a big difference for your heart, mind and overall well-being. Move more, sit less, and your body will thank you.
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Take time to reflect
Do you feel like something in your life is off, but you’re not sure what? Maybe you feel like your brain is racing all the time. If you think of thoughts and feelings like these as warning signs, learning to practice reflection is a holistic approach to bettering your overall health.
What is reflection?
Reflection looks like different things to different people. Some people call it mindfulness. Maybe it’s thoughts of gratitude. Reflection can be a mantra you repeat. It can be a time to focus on your breathing. If you’d like, it can be an affirmation of your faith or prayer. What’s important is you take time for yourself. Take a step back from your ongoing tasks. Turn your attention to yourself. Listening deeply to your mind, body and soul comes with many health benefits.
What are the benefits?
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that learning to pause and reflect can reduce anxiety, depression and stress. Taking five to 10 minutes to reflect has physical benefits as well. According to the Journal of the American Heart Association, calming meditation may play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease. With these facts alone, you may be ready to jump into this practice.
How can you reflect?
Sit quietly with your eyes closed. Start to inhale and exhale deeply. Relax your muscles. Settle your body and mind. Begin your reflection for the day. This can be as simple as one word: peace, love or kindness. You can recite a prayer. Ask yourself a question. No matter your focus, try to center your thoughts around only that. If your mind starts to wander, take another deep inhale. Bring your thoughts back to your reflection. Give yourself grace. This requires practice. You will get better in time.
When you first begin practicing, you may feel uncomfortable with silence. If you normally put others’ needs ahead of your own, it can feel strange. Set aside any bad feelings. Remember, to serve others, you must also tend to your needs. Your body and mind will thank you.
As always, talk with your primary care provider if you are experiencing any health issues.
Want more breathing tips? Read our Daily Breathing article at genesishcs.org/breathing.
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 feel like something in your life is off, but you’re not sure what? Maybe you feel like your brain is racing all the time. If you think of thoughts and feelings like these as warning signs, learning to practice reflection is a holistic approach to bettering your overall health.
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Wintertime Blues: Are They Real?
It’s chilly outside, and the days are getting shorter. Do you dread winter because you get the blues? If you had the blues or felt depressed the past two winters but feel better in the spring and summer, you may have seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, a type of depression that occurs during the same season each year.
Can SAD be prevented?
Because the onset of winter is predictable, people with a history of SAD might benefit from starting treatments before the fall season to help prevent or reduce depression. Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself. If the sun is shining, try to get outside. Being active, especially early in the day, may help you have more energy and feel less depressed. Symptoms come and go at roughly the same times every year, which is an easy way to track when it’s time to add to your physical activity.
What causes SAD
Scientists don’t fully understand what causes SAD, but research indicates it might be from reduced activity of the brain chemical serotonin, which helps regulate mood. Research also suggests that sunlight controls the levels of molecules that help maintain normal serotonin levels. In people with SAD, this regulation does not function properly, resulting in lower serotonin levels in the winter.
Other findings suggest that people with SAD produce too much melatonin, a hormone that is essential for maintaining the normal sleep-wake cycle. In people with SAD, the changes in serotonin and melatonin levels disrupt normal daily rhythms. As a result, they can no longer adjust to the seasonal changes in day length, leading to sleep, mood and behavior changes.
Vitamin D is believed to promote serotonin activity. Few foods in nature provide vitamin D, but it’s in egg yolks and canned fish. The body produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight on the skin. With less daylight in the winter, people with SAD may have lower vitamin D levels.
Who gets SAD
Millions of adults may suffer from SAD, although many might not know they have the condition. SAD occurs more often in women, and it is more common in those living farther north, where there are shorter daylight hours in the winter. It’s most common in people between the ages of 15 and 55, and the risk of getting SAD for the first time goes down as you age. In most cases, SAD begins in young adulthood and sometimes runs in families.
Treatments are available that can help many people with SAD. Talk to your healthcare provider about which treatment is best for you.
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 dread winter because you get the blues? If you had the blues or felt depressed the past two winters but feel better in the spring and summer, you may have seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
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New to cooking?
Do you ever get tired of eating the same food or fast food, to the point where nothing sounds good to eat? To the point where nothing sounds good to eat. Fast food, restaurants or the same food doesn’t have to be the only option. You can learn to cook new, healthy recipes at home. Cooking from home can also save you money. It’s okay if you have not cooked for yourself or others before. We have tips that can help you get started.
Tips to start cooking
When changing your diet to become healthier, make sure to start slowly and plan what you want to try. According to the American Heart Association, tips to help you start cooking from home include:
Finding inspiration
Making small changes to start
Learning how to reduce sodium in your meals
Using non-tropical vegetable oils to replace butter
Keeping healthy snacks stocked
Learning new healthy cooking methods or techniques
Having fun in the kitchen
Make sure to write down the ingredients and recipes you try so you can make them over again.
Guidelines to eating healthy
The main priority when cooking is to make sure your food is healthy. Since this may be the first time you are cooking for yourself or others, not only should your food be healthy, but you should keep in mind how to make it taste good as well. According to MyPlate.gov, to create a healthy meal, you should:
Keep fruit handy
Choose a variety of vegetables
Include whole grains
Enjoy a variety of protein foods
Include dairy in your meals
Cooking a healthy meal for yourself has many benefits. It helps you maintain a healthy, nutritious diet. You’ll also save money by not eating fast food all the time. You might even like your food better and try additional new healthy recipes.
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.
It’s okay if you have not cooked for yourself or others before. We have tips that can help you get started.
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What to know before using your sunscreen from previous summers
The weather is warm, and the sun is out. Are you staying protected from the sun’s rays? Make sure you bring sunscreen wherever you go in the summer. You should also always make sure that the sunscreen is still good. Here are some details to check before you use your sunscreen this year.
Expiration date
Expiration dates are not just for food. They can also affect how well cosmetics work, like sunscreen. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), you should buy more sunscreen if you see the following signs:
Obvious change in color
Different or foul odor
Signs of separation (i.e., you see different layers like an oil and a solid)
Dry and flaky consistency
Lotion vs. spray
Both spray-on and lotion sunscreens work well if used correctly and with the right amount. However, it can be difficult to get a good application with spray sunscreen, especially when it’s windy. According to the AAD, it is up to you what kind of sunscreen you use, but the benefits of each type include:
Creams are best for dry skin and applying on the face.
Gels are good for oily complexions and hairy areas, such as the scalp or male chest.
Sticks are good to use around the eyes.
Sprays are sometimes preferred by parents since they are easy to apply to a child’s skin. However, the challenge in using sprays is that it is difficult to know if you have used enough sunscreen to protect all sun-exposed areas of the body. To evenly cover the skin and use spray sunscreen safely, follow these tips:
Spray until your (or your child’s) skin glistens, then rub the sunscreen into the skin to get even coverage.
Do not apply spray sunscreen while you are smoking, near heat or close to an open flame.
Avoid inhaling spray sunscreen by never spraying it around or near the face or mouth and not spraying it into the wind.
Sunscreen is important, and it is one of the ways we can prevent skin cancer in our life. Always apply sunscreen whether you are going to be out in the sun for an extended or short period of time. Don’t worry, you can still be tanned while being protected.
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.
Make sure you bring sunscreen wherever you go in the summer. Here are some details to check before you use your sunscreen this year.
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Brooke’s journey to better health
Brooke Dotson has had urinary problems for as long as she can remember. She had visited multiple doctors, and they frequently misdiagnosed her with a recurring urinary tract infection (UTI). Brooke listened to her body and knew this was not just a recurring UTI. She was desperate to find the problem and a long-term solution. After researching local urogynecologists, she chose Mitesh H. Parekh, M.D., Board-certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at Genesis Urogynecology, to help her solve the problem.
“I visited multiple doctors’ offices throughout the years, and it is hard to find someone like Dr. Parekh,” said Brooke. “He cares about and treats his patients like they are his family.”
“It was such a relief that Dr. Parekh listened to my concerns and how long I had been dealing with my urinary problem and solved it instantly,” said Brooke.
Dr. Parekh diagnosed Brooke with interstitial cystitis, more commonly known as painful bladder syndrome. “Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder health issue that induces the feeling of pain and pressure in the bladder area,” said Dr. Parekh. “It is a common condition that affects up to four million males and eight million females at birth. It is not contagious, and the symptoms develop over time.”
Brooke finds a solution
Brooke instantly trusted Dr. Parekh with her treatment. Dr. Parekh gave her short-term treatments, bladder instillations and hydrodistention, that relieved her pain instantly. “When I instantly felt relief from the short-term solutions, I knew I had chosen the right doctor,” said Brooke. “I had never felt that much relief from one bladder installation and hydrodistention, and I trusted him more to help me with a long-term solution.” Brooke and Dr. Parekh discussed long-term options, and he suggested placing an InterStim to help with the pain.
“InterStim therapy is a minimally invasive procedure and works similar to a pacemaker but for the bladder,” said Dr. Parekh. “It works on the nerve from inside the body that stimulates the bladder. This relieves the pain and results in a better and healthier lifestyle.”
Stepping into confidence
“Once I had the InterStim placed, my perspective on life changed,” said Brooke. “Dr. Parekh transformed my life. He allowed me to do what I wanted and gave me my confidence back.”
Occasionally, Brooke visits Dr. Parekh for a check-in to ensure everything is working okay. Since she can do things she couldn't before the InterStim, she now enjoys whitewater rafting and kayaking. She also enjoys collecting and building Legos if she needs a break from the adrenaline rush.
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.
“I visited multiple doctors’ offices throughout the years, and it is hard to find someone like Dr. Parekh,” said Brooke. “He cares about and treats his patients like they are his family.”
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Allwell Medical Records Access
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Records requests for Allwell Behavioral Health Services.