COVID-19 vaccine answers for women and mothers

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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.

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Dr. Ritchie and Dr. Frank answer your questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

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4 Ways To Know If You Are in Good Health

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Do you know your numbers?

There are four key measurements of health you should know and track. They are early warning signs for heart disease and diabetes. Since these two diseases have few noticeable symptoms, you may not even realize you are ill — or at risk for becoming ill — until it’s too late. Keeping these numbers within a healthy range can help pre­vent a medical emergency, such as a heart attack.

1: Blood Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in every cell in your body, including blood cells. Too much cholesterol may accumulate on your blood vessel walls, where it can harden and turn into plaque. This may narrow your blood vessels, reducing blood flow and putting you at risk for heart disease.

There are different types of cholesterol. You’ve probably heard of “good” cholesterol (HDL, or high-density lipoproteins), “bad” cholesterol (LDL, or low-density lipoproteins) and triglycerides (a form of fat that can raise your cholesterol levels). All three, plus your total cholesterol, are important.

Heart experts recommend the following healthy blood cholesterol levels. You want to measure cholesterol after fasting for nine to 12 hours.

Total cholesterol < 200 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter)

HDL cholesterol > 60 mg/dL

LDL cholesterol < 100 mg/dL

Triglycerides < 100 mg/dL

2: Blood Pressure

Blood pressure measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure) and in be­tween beats (diastolic pressure). Your blood pressure is your systolic pressure over your diastolic pressure. If you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, your heart must work harder than normal, which can lead to heart disease, stroke and other serious condi­tions. A normal blood pressure is generally considered less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. Talk to your doctor about the right target blood pressure goal for you.

3: Blood Sugar

People with diabetes have to much sugar (glucose) in their blood. Diabetes is a serious disease, affecting nearly 30 million people in the U.S.

Your doctor can perform several tests to measure your blood glucose. The fasting plasma glucose test (FPGT) and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) require you to fast beforehand. The A1C measures average blood glucose over the previous three months and does not re­quire fasting. Normal blood glucose levels are typically:

FPGT < 100 mg/dL

OGTT < 140 mg/dL

A1C < 5.7 percent

4: Weight

Obesity, especially in the form of extra fat around your midsection, is a significant risk factor for heart disease and diabetes, so your weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference together make up the fourth key health measurement. BMI is a rough measure of the amount of fat in your body based on your weight and height. Use this chart, use an online calculator or ask your doctor to determine your BMI. A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Your waist circumference should be less than 35 inches (women) or 40 inches (men). Measure your waist just above your hipbones and immediately after exhaling.

Do One Thing: Know your numbers. Get a baseline measurement of these four health markers and talk to your doctor about your disease risk factors.

 

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.

Count on your health know your numbers

There are four key measurements of health you should know and track.

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Can eating local honey help with allergies?

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If you’ve ever suffered from seasonal allergies, you know the frustration. Sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose can make springtime a challenge. Many people suggest eating local honey as a natural remedy, believing it will build up tolerance to local pollen and ease symptoms. But does it work? Let’s explore. 

The theory behind local honey for allergies 

The concept is similar to allergy shots. You may develop a tolerance by exposing your body to small amounts of allergens over time. Local honey contains tiny amounts of pollen from nearby plants, so regularly eating it could potentially help your immune system. 

What does the science say? 

According to the McGill Office for Science and Society, the pollen in honey likely isn’t the same pollen that causes seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies typically come from specific sources. Tree and shrub pollen are present in early spring, grass pollen like turf and hay from May to October and ragweed in the fall. However, bees usually gather nectar from flowers that don’t contribute to these allergies. 

Additionally, using honey as an allergy immunotherapy would require eating it every day, as immunotherapy relies on consistent, long-term exposure to build tolerance. However, honey doesn’t have a fixed, consistent dose of specific pollen, so eating it daily for allergy relief may not be effective or practical. 

Why some people swear by it 

Despite lacking strong scientific backing, many report feeling better after eating local honey. This could be due to the placebo effect when your mind convinces you that you feel better. However, honey also has natural anti-inflammatory properties that might soothe symptoms like throat irritation. If you’re allergic to flower pollen, you might even see a slight improvement. 

Should you try it? 

Local honey may not be a proven allergy remedy, but it’s generally safe and offers other health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, in addition to its use as a natural sweetener, honey is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent. 

The sweet takeaway 

Local honey may not cure seasonal allergies, but it’s a tasty experiment. So why not give it a try? It might add a bit of sweetness to your day. 

 


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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.

Can eating local honey help with allergies? 

Many people suggest eating local honey as a natural remedy, believing it will build up tolerance to local pollen and ease symptoms. But does it work? Let’s explore.

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Put your best barefoot forward

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Running shoes can be expensive, but most people consider them a necessary in our constant battle to stay fit. Is this a myth? Could running barefoot be better for you?  

Whether it was to deliver a message from far away or get away from a bear, our ancestors have been distance running for thousands of years, and the running shoe didn’t show up until the 1970s.  

To learn more, take our quiz. Shoes optional.  

 

Before you decide to ditch your shoes and head out, you should keep a couple of things in mind. If you are running completely barefoot, puncture wounds, cuts and scrapes are much more likely to happen. If you are running barefoot on a treadmill, a lot of the belts can get hot.  

As with any new workout, you should always talk to your doctor before starting to exercise.  

 


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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.

Put your best barefoot forward

Could running barefoot be better for you? To learn more, take our quiz. Shoes optional. 

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Genesis Cancer Care Center Recertified for High-quality Care by QOPI®

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Standards Met for Three-Year Certification

The Genesis Cancer Care Center has received recertification by the QOPI® Certification Program, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association for Clinical Oncology and an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The QOPI® Certification Program builds on the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®), providing a three-year certification for outpatient hematology/oncology practices that meet nationally recognized standards for quality cancer care.

“We are proud to earn this recertification for another three years as it demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our patients receive high-quality cancer care,” said Pebbles Kieber, Director of Genesis Cancer, Palliative Medicine and Hospice Services. “Our team works hard each day to meet the highest standards of care set forth by the QOPI® Certification Program to provide the best care possible for those we serve.”

The Genesis Cancer Care Center first achieved certification in 2012. In applying for recertification, the center participated in a voluntary comprehensive site assessment against clearly specified standards that are consistent with national guidelines and was successful in meeting the standards and objectives of the QOPI® Certification Program.

Standards and objectives assessed included creating a safe environment related to staffing, competencies and general policy; treatment planning, patient consent and education; ordering, preparing, dispensing and administering chemotherapy; monitoring after chemotherapy is administered, including adherence, toxicity and complications; among others.

For more information on QOPI Certification and all of ASCO’s innovative quality improvement programs, please visit: https://www.asco.org/practice-patients/quality-improvement/quality-programs

For more information on the Genesis Cancer Care Center, visit genesishcs.org/cancer.

QOPI certification

The Genesis Cancer Care Center has received recertification by the QOPI® Certification Program, LLC.

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Randall, Holly A.

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Holly Ann Randall, APRN-CNP
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Fry, Tiffany D.

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Berrylicious benefits

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Berries are nature's little powerhouses, packed with vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. From their vibrant colors to their delicious flavors, berries offer many health benefits that make them a must-add to your diet. Let's delve into why these tiny fruits benefit your well-being.   

 

Nutrient-rich superstars   

Berries, whether strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or blackberries, are loaded with essential nutrients:   

- Vitamins: Berries are rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin.   

- Antioxidants: Berries contain antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavonoids, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. According to Harvard Health, researchers found that women who ate more than three servings of blueberries or strawberries per week had a 34% lower risk of heart attack than those who ate fewer.    

- Fiber: They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to control blood sugar levels.   

 

Health benefits of berries   

- Heart health: Berries' antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are risk factors for heart disease. Regular consumption of berries has been linked to improving heart health and lowering blood pressure.   

- Improved cognitive function: The Mayo Clinic states that blueberries help improve brain function and delay age-related cognitive decline. The antioxidants in berries may protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.   

- Cancer prevention: Berries contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that have been shown to protect against certain types of cancer. These may help inhibit tumor growth and reduce inflammation associated with cancer development.   

- Weight management: Berries are low in calories but high in fiber, making them a satisfying snack that can help you feel full longer. The fiber content also aids in digestion and supports a healthy metabolism.   

- Skin health: Berries contain Vitamin C, which plays a key role in collagen production. This vitamin promotes skin elasticity and reduces signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dryness. Berries also contain antioxidants, which help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollutants.   

- Blood sugar regulation: Berries' fiber and antioxidants can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing digestion and improving insulin sensitivity. This makes them a beneficial addition to the diet for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing it. 

Berries aren't just food. They're your health allies in pint-sized packages. Whether you're munching on strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or all the above, these tiny superheroes deliver a punch of antioxidants, vitamins and fiber that support your overall well-being. So, embrace the berrylicious benefits and let them add a splash of health to your daily diet. Because when it comes to berries, being healthy never tastes so good.  

 


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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.

Berrylicious benefits

From their vibrant colors to their delicious flavors, berries offer many health benefits that make them a must-add to your diet. Let's delve into why these tiny fruits benefit your well-being.

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Tips to stop the sickness and enjoy travel

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Going on a trip, especially a vacation, is exciting. Something we usually look forward to for months. So, let’s start the journey by avoiding motion sickness, whether you are on a road trip, plane or boat. Take our quiz to get moving while feeling good. 

 

If you are considering medication to treat motion sickness, you should first consult your doctor, as some motion sickness medications can be dangerous for certain health conditions.  

 


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.

Tips to stop the sickness and enjoy travel

Let's start your next journey by avoiding motion sickness, whether you are on a road trip, plane or boat. Take our quiz to get moving while feeling good.

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Joseph’s heart detour

On Jan. 15, 2024, Joseph Leckrone was driving his 18-wheeler to North Carolina for a delivery. Joseph is a truck driver, so this is his daily routine. The drive was like any other until Joseph suddenly passed out while operating his truck. Luckily, no one was hurt in the accident. “I remember that day, it was snowing, and I was driving I-74 and next thing I knew, I passed out,” said Joseph. “I came to with my truck sitting upright and off the road. My company sent a rescue driver, and I returned home with no other episodes. My family was insistent that I see my Primary Care Physician that week.” Two days later, Joseph passed out again while having dinner with his family. At that point, his family strongly encouraged him to go to the Genesis Perry County Medical Center Emergency Department. 

Roadblock in his heart 

Joseph arrived at the Genesis Perry County Medical Center Emergency Department, where the nurses immediately acted. “Better did begin here at Genesis Perry County Emergency Department,” said Lisa Leckrone, Joesph’s wife. “All of the nurses and hospital employees were kind and patient. The great care continued when we transferred to Genesis Hospital in Zanesville.” To help solve Joseph’s heart problem, the doctors at Genesis Hospital did more tests and advised Joseph to stay there over the weekend for further observation. 

“By the end of the weekend, I was ready to go home and get ready for work the next day,” said Joseph. “I didn’t want to stay, but I am thankful I did. I would’ve gone home with five heart blockages.” 

On Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, Abdulhay Albirini, M.D., a Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Interventional Cardiologist and Medical Director of Cardiac Cath Lab at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute, discovered that Joseph had five blockages, each 80% obstructed. 

“Heart blockages pose significant risks,” said Dr. Albirini. “If not treated properly, they can lead to heart attacks or other complications. While there are various treatment options, open-heart surgery was the best solution in this case.” 

Abdulhay Albirini, M.D.
Abdulhay Albirini, M.D.

The decision for open heart surgery was not easy, but Joseph wanted to prevent any possibility of this happening again. Trevor Ellison, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Medical Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute performed Joseph’s surgery. 

Back on the road 

“The operation bypassed the major blockages in Joseph’s heart,” said Dr. Ellison. “We expect for him to make a full recovery and return to his normal activities.” 

Trevor A. Ellison, MD
Trevor A. Ellison, M.D.

“Since the surgery, I feel fantastic,” said Joseph. “I feel like I am in my 20s again. After getting my heart treated, I started eating better and exercising. It has helped. At a recent diabetes check-up, I was told to stop taking my sugar pills.” 

Joseph Leckrone

Before resuming his job on the road, Joseph completed rehabilitation at the Genesis Cardiac Rehab Gym. He started out walking and gradually built up his strength. His rehab routine included 12 sessions, three days a week. Now, Joseph stays active due to his job’s demands. As of June 2024, Joseph is back on the road operating his commercial truck.

Joseph’s heart detour

“Since the surgery, I feel fantastic,” said Joseph. “I feel like I am in my 20s again. After getting my heart treated, I started eating better and exercising. It has helped."

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