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Braunlich, Earl F.

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on
Doctor ID
5831
Earl Fritz Braunlich, MD
First Name
Earl
Middle Name
Fritz
Last Name
Braunlich
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MD
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1205811130
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Asgher, Zahid

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on
Doctor ID
5830
Zahid Asgher, MD
First Name
Zahid
Last Name
Asgher
Professional Titles
MD
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NPI
1376536474
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Aden, Estahil O.

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on
Doctor ID
5832
Estahil Omar Aden, APRN-CNP
First Name
Estahil
Middle Name
Omar
Last Name
Aden
Professional Titles
APRN-CNP
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NPI
1821829581
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Is eating late at night bad for you?

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

It’s late, you’re watching your favorite show, and the kitchen starts calling your name. That leftover pizza or bowl of ice cream looks tempting, but before you dive in, it’s worth asking if eating late at night is a bad idea? 

Yes, it is.

When you eat late, especially right before bed, your digestive system doesn’t have enough time to digest the food properly. According to the Sleep Foundation, lying down after a meal can lead to issues like acid reflux or heartburn because stomach acid can more easily travel back up the esophagus. This can cause discomfort and disrupt your sleep, leaving you tossing and turning when you should be peacefully snoozing. 

Eating late can also interfere with the quality of your rest. As you prepare for sleep, your body naturally cools down, signaling it's time to relax. However, according to the National Library of Medicine, digestion raises your core temperature, creating an internal struggle. While your body’s trying to unwind, it’s still busy digesting that late-night snack, which can make you feel restless or wake you during the night. 

There’s also a connection between late-night eating and weight gain. Studies have shown that your metabolism slows down in the evening, meaning the calories you consume late at night are more likely to be stored as fat. This, combined with the tendency to reach for calorie-dense, less nutritious foods at night, can lead to gradual weight gain over time. 

So, what’s the fix? Experts suggest stopping your eating two to three hours before bed. This gives your body enough time to digest, helping you avoid heartburn, improve sleep quality and let your metabolism work more efficiently. 

In short, while a late-night snack now and then is no big deal, regularly munching before bed can throw off your digestion, mess with your sleep and cause unwanted weight gain. For a happier belly and a more restful night, aim to eat earlier, and your future self 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.

Is eating late at night bad for you?

For a happier belly and a more restful night, aim to eat earlier, and your future self will thank you.  

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Cozy up with a new hobby this winter

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

There’s nothing like being snowed in, unless you’re someone who prefers to be outside. Fight that cabin fever with a new reason to stay inside. Check out our list below of some popular indoor hobbies and why they’re great for your health.   

Grab your library card   

Reading is well known for its many health benefits, including stress relief, increased empathy and cognitive function. It also has been shown to help people live longer.   

Audiobooks, ebooks and physical books are all great ways to experience new stories. Already an avid reader? Check out a different genre or a new author.    
  

Plan a game night   

Whether you’re with friends, family or by yourself, board games and card games are a great way to have fun and stay entertained. Games are also a great way to stimulate your brain while staying indoors. According to a 2013 study, playing board games can lower your risk of dementia.   
  

Channel your artistic side   

There are so many ways to get creative at home. You can take up painting, drawing, crafting, scrapbooking or calligraphy. The possibilities are endless. Making art has been proven to decrease cortisol levels, thus reducing stress. If you want professional direction, you can find free tutorials online or take an art class in your community.    
  

Embrace yoga and meditation   

Looking for a way to move your body? Try yoga and meditation. Yoga might seem complex, but there are many beginner-friendly movements. According to the American Osteopathic Association, yoga has many physical and mental health benefits including stress relief, increased muscle strength and tone and improved respiration and energy.   

 

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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.

Cozy up with a new hobby this winter

Check out our list below of some popular indoor hobbies and why they’re great for your health.  

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Genesis Hospice Care Receives Five-Star Quality Rating

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Genesis HealthCare System’s Hospice Care program has been recognized with a Five-Star Quality Rating from the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the highest possible rating. CMS determines the rating based on three publicly reported sets of data: the Hospice Item Set (HIS), Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers & Systems (CAHPS®) Hospice Survey data and administrative data (Medicare claims).


“As a nonprofit hospice provider, our team is committed to providing the highest quality of compassionate, end-of-life care to our patients and their families,” said Pebbles Kieber, Director of Genesis Cancer, Palliative Medicine and Hospice Services. “The Five-Star Quality Rating from the CMS is a testament to our efforts, and we are honored that our patients’ families recognize the quality of our care.”


Genesis Hospice Care provides services to patients in their homes; in Morrison House, the area’s only inpatient hospice facility; and in nursing facilities during the end stages of a life-limiting illness. Families and caregivers are supported throughout patients’ care, and bereavement services are also available. To learn more about Genesis Hospice Care, visit genesishcs.org/hospice.

 

 

Supporting Health Care in Our Communities

The Genesis HealthCare Foundation is here to promote charitable support for Genesis HealthCare System.

Ways you can help
Hospice 5 Star CMS 2024

Recognized by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

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A life-altering procedure

For some people, heartburn is a mild discomfort to occasionally deal with during taco night or a stressful day at work.

 

For Christine Wolford, heartburn was ruining her life. Christine’s symptoms were much more severe than mild annoyance when she ate spicy food. It was daily pain that was brought on regardless of what she ate.

 

For years, she tried eating different types of food, different portion sizes and at different times of the day.

 

Experiment after experiment failed and usually resulted in severe pain and occasionally waking up in the middle of the night coughing and vomiting blood. She only found relief by eating one small meal daily and sleeping in a chair.

 

Eventually, she was diagnosed with a paraesophageal hernia that was so big it was compressing both of her lungs. When she heard the news, she knew she needed to see Joshua K. Moore, D.O., Fellowship- trained and Board-certified General Surgeon at the Genesis Center of Surgical Excellence. 

 

“Dr. Moore was so personable. When describing the procedure, he made the complicated seem simple. I felt safe with him as my doctor.”

 

Trusted, ongoing care 

The previous year, Christine’s husband had seen Dr. Moore for hernia surgery, which turned out to be a double blessing. While preparing for his hernia surgery, the doctors at Genesis identified a heart condition her husband had.

 

During preparations for heart surgery, her husband had a heart attack and was successfully treated with a pacemaker at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute. After recovering from heart surgery, her husband returned to Dr. Moore for hernia surgery.

 

Christine and her husband were impressed by Genesis and the care they received.

 

“Everything about my hernia procedure was wonderful,” said Christine. “Dr. Moore was so personable. When describing the procedure, he made the complicated seem simple. I felt safe with him as my doctor.”

 

Dr. Moore said the minimally invasive hernia procedure uses small incisions and pinpoint precision. This method reduces the recovery time for patients, without the need for open surgery.

 

“Christine had a severe case of heartburn that had gone untreated for too long,” said Dr. Moore. “It had caused part of her esophagus to erode. To treat her, we performed a robotic-assisted laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair with toupee fundoplication. We reduced her stomach back into her abdomen, restoring normal anatomy and then wrapped part of her stomach around the lower part of her esophagus. This reinforces the anti-reflux valve.” 

 

Return to favorite foods

After Christine’s procedure, she spent a few weeks working her way back to solid foods. About a month later, after she was released to eat what she wanted, she decided to celebrate with pizza. She had loved pizza all her life and had not been able to enjoy it in seven years.

 

After her celebratory dinner, she said the meal was delicious, but the rest of the night was even better as she didn’t have any heartburn. 


Learn more at genesishcs.org/heartburn. 

 

 

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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.

Christina Wolford

Heartburn was a daily nuisance for Christine Wolford. Diagnosed with a paraesophageal hernia, Christine returned to eating her favorite foods after a minimally invasive procedure without the need for open surgery. 

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Vein therapy brings golfer back to his feet

Varicose vein treatment was not something David Desender expected to discuss with his doctor while seeking care for heart arrhythmia concerns.

During an appointment at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute with Grant V. Chow, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Cardiac Electrophysiologist, David shared that his ankles would sometimes swell.

Dr. Chow asked if David was experiencing pain and if he could refer him to the Genesis Vein Center.

“I’ve always gone to Genesis,” said David. “It’s the go-to place.”

Ahmed Habib, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Cardiologist and Vein Specialist at the Genesis Vein Center, soon evaluated David’s symptoms with a quick ultrasound. Dr. Habib is the director of the accredited outpatient facility, offering comprehensive treatment options for patients with vein concerns.

 

A non-surgical procedure

David was diagnosed with chronic venous disease. Dr. Habib recommended ablation vein treatments for both legs. The non-surgical procedure uses heat to treat the abnormal veins, resulting in closure and improvement in circulation and symptoms.

David is an avid golfer. Dr. Habib said that walking on the golf course as regular exercise and maintaining an ideal body weight helped slow the progression of the disease.

Chronic vein disease affects about 30 million Americans. Weakened valves cause blood to flow backward, leading to spider and varicose veins, swelling, burning, aching, restless legs and skin discoloration. If left untreated, varicose vein symptoms can lead to more serious complications, such as ulcers and blood clots, which can become life-threatening.

“Unfortunately, only about half a million Americans seek varicose vein care,” said Dr. Habib. “When treated in the early stages, we can offer significant improvement in a patient’s quality of life.”

David’s treatment plan included four short endovenous procedures. His confidence in Genesis made the decision easy.

“I believe in Genesis,” said David. “I trusted Dr. Habib’s expertise.”

 

Acing the recovery

"I’ve always gone to Genesis. It’s the go-to place."

With the advancement of technology, minimally invasive techniques have eliminated the need for open surgery, known as vein stripping. Dr. Habib said the recovery time for varicose vein treatment has improved over the years, making David’s procedures a popular option.

“Patients who underwent vein stripping used to spend two to three days in the hospital. It would take three to four weeks to return to work,” said Dr. Habib. “Now, I tell patients they can go shopping after they finish the 10-15-minute procedure done in our office. No cuts, stitches or sutures are involved.”

Dr. Habib said no anesthesia or IVs are needed for the ablation vein procedure. Improvements often result as soon as one week, and relief is sustainable for several years.

David quickly returned to the golf course after the four treatments. “I’m happy with everything,” he said. “My legs are in great shape. It made a big difference.”

Learn more at genesishcs.org/veincenter.

 

 

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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.

David Desender Chronic Vein Disease

Dr. Chow asked if David was experiencing pain and if he could refer him to the Genesis Vein Center.

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Cancer patient encourages routine exams

Johnna Pieper was always the person who had it together. From working at a nonprofit supporting people with disabilities to rescuing four dogs, she has been dedicated to giving back.

 

She kept everybody on schedule, but amidst her busy life, she realized she had forgotten someone crucial: herself.

 

“As someone who prioritizes staying organized, I never expected to let anything fall through the cracks,” said Johnna. However, it happened, and Johnna didn’t get an annual mammogram for three years.

 

Prompted by MyChart reminders, Johnna scheduled a mammogram in December 2017. “I was convinced it had only been a year since my last mammogram. Between work and caring for my family, I was startled to realize three years had slipped by,” said Johnna.

 

Personalized care

Following her mammogram, Johnna was urged to consult with Shannon M. Hanley, M.D., Fellowship-trained Breast Surgeon and Board-certified Surgeon at the Genesis Breast Care Center.

 

During Johnna’s January 2018 appointment, Dr. Hanley expressed concerns about Johnna’s imaging and performed a biopsy the same day.

 

Later that week, Johnna learned she had stage 1 breast cancer. “That moment changed everything for me,” said Johnna. “I always tried to put others first, but now I was faced with this battle that I knew I had to fight.”

 

Dr. Hanley said she makes a great effort to immediately see patients like Johnna who have highly concerning mammograms, as it’s essential to ease the patient’s fears as soon as possible. “At Genesis, we strive to take care of our patients’ physical health while minimizing stress,” said Dr. Hanley.

 

Johnna’s journey included additional tests and surgery in February 2018, when 17 lymph nodes were removed, including one that was cancerous.

 

Putting your health first

Johnna underwent eight weeks of daily radiation at the Genesis Cancer Care Center, forming deep bonds with Genesis team members. “They made me feel like I was in the best hands possible,” Johnna recalls.

 

Since treatment, Johnna completed five years of careful observation and has returned to regular screenings. She remains under the care of Dr. Hanley and Shyamal R. Bastola, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Hematologist/Oncologist at the Genesis Cancer Care Center with ongoing medication and checkups.

 

Throughout recovery, Johnna realized the importance of prioritizing her health. She urges women to schedule regular mammograms. “Your journey matters, and it can save lives. Don’t let a simple checkup be the difference.”

 

Dr. Hanley encourages women to complete routine screenings. “Early detection is the key. We want to help you and it all starts with routine exams.”

 

The results revealed that Johnna had two types of breast cancer in one breast. “Hearing that was overwhelming,” Johnna said. “It wasn’t bad, just complicated, and it made me realize how unpredictable life can be.”

Genesis Breast Care Center

The Genesis Breast Care Center, located in the Genesis HealthPlex, offers convenient appointments with our dedicated breast surgeon and compassionate staff.

Learn more

 

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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.

Johnna Pieper

She kept everybody on schedule, but amidst her busy life, she realized she had forgotten someone crucial: herself.

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Cycling to recovery: Heart care close to home 

Pastor Andy Winters began his Easter Sunday 2024 sermon with a thank-you for support following a sudden heart attack.

 

“Life changes fast,” Andy told his Zanesville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church congregation, where he has been lead pastor since 2006.

 

Andy started March 18, 2024, like many Mondays. He prepared for a church meeting and worked on his next sermon. He then headed to the gym for a routine workout.

 

Andy felt discomfort while using a machine and attributed it to asthma. Pressure built in his chest after he moved to a second machine. He wasn’t sure what to do next. 

 

No heart attack drills in life

“I decided to press on and keep going,” said Andy. He wondered if the trouble was with his heart. “I soon realized something wasn’t right, and I couldn’t walk things off.”

 

He managed to walk downstairs to the locker room. After showering, he was still soaked in sweat. Andy said he was stumbling, unable to pick up his phone.

 

He walked to the parking lot, hoping to drive to the hospital. “I probably should have stopped exercising sooner than I did,” said Andy. “I didn’t know all the things you should do. We don’t have heart attack drills like fire drills.”

 

Andy realized he had left his phone behind and drove to the entrance, asking someone to retrieve it.

 

Andy called his wife, Cyndi. “Now, don’t panic,” Andy said. “But I think I’m having a heart attack ... could you come and get me?” 

 

Urgent response 

Cyndi quickly advised Andy to call 911. Members of Genesis Community Ambulance began treating Andy on the scene before rushing him to the hospital.

 

Andy asked God for strength. He told an emergency medical technician (EMT) to tell Cyndi he loved her. The EMT replied, “Oh no, you’re going to tell her yourself.”

 

Arriving at the Genesis Emergency Department, he was quickly rushed to the cardiac catheterization lab for an emergent procedure. Andy’s anterior heart wall artery, notoriously known as the widowmaker artery, was 100% blocked. The vessel was emergently opened, and two stents were placed.

 

Kinan Kassar, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Interventional Cardiologist at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute, was Andy’s heart doctor.

 

“When Andy arrived at the Emergency Department, his heart condition was critical,” said Dr. Kassar. “Our EMTs did an exceptional job stabilizing him until we could perform the life-saving procedure.” 

 

“My care was excellent.”

 

Returning to the bike

Andy was discharged in two days. He compliments Dr. Kassar and Genesis Community Ambulance for their excellent care. Andy encourages others to trust their medical symptoms and seek help as soon as possible.

 

As Andy continues recovering from the heart stent procedure, he has returned to his active lifestyle, including long walks and workouts. He is also back to biking. This past summer, he completed a 120-mile ride in Michigan with friends. 

Heart attack symptoms

The American Heart Association provides these warning signs of a heart attack. Men and women experience varying symptoms. Even if you don’t think it’s a heart attack, immediately call 911 for help. 

  • Chest pain or discomfort.
  • Arm or shoulder discomfort or pain.
  • Feeling a cold sweat.
  • Pain in the jaw, neck or back.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Vomiting, feeling lightheaded or nauseous. 

Learn more at 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.

Andy Winters

Pastor Andy Winters has returned to his active lifestyle following a sudden heart attack. He encourages others to trust their medical symptoms and seek help as soon as possible.  

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