If you have a bad day, get your nails done. Have a special occasion? Get your nails done in preparation. One appointment you cannot reschedule – nails. The day can be a total waste of make-up, but all is well if the nails look good.  

However, gel manicures come with a price, and your nails pay for it. According to the American Association of Dermatology, gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking. Repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.  

To keep your nails healthy before, during and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend the following tips: 

Be proactive with your manicurist.

Ask if tools are sterilized and look around to ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting tools after every client.  

Wear sunscreen.

Before getting a gel manicure, apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your hands to protect them from the ultraviolet radiation used to seal gel nail polish to the nail. 

Only soak your fingertips in acetone.

When removing the nail polish, only soak your fingertips in acetone instead of your whole hands or fingers to protect the surrounding skin.  

Rehydrate your nails.

Between polishes, apply moisturizing products, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times daily. This will minimize brittleness and help prevent your nails from chipping.  

Take a polish holiday.

Try not to wear nail polish for one to two weeks or longer to allow your nails time to repair. Consider getting a gel manicure for special occasions only.  

Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual changes to your nail or have a persistent nail problem. 

To keep your nails healthy before, during and after gel manicures, dermatologists recommend following these tips.

We’ve always had food – at least some food. So how did it become super? And what are the qualifiers to becoming a superfood, anyway?  

The term superfood loosely originated around World War I as part of a food marketing strategy for bananas. Fast forward 100 years and the term has translated into hype. Let there be hype if the food is healthy.  

The qualifier to make the superfood list is a food offers high levels of nutrients linked to the prevention of a disease or has health benefits beyond its nutritional value. Here are some superfoods on the list, according to the American Heart Association: 

Beans & Legumes 

• Plant-based source of protein 

• Provide fiber, magnesium and phytonutrients 

Berries 

• High level of flavonoids 

• Can lower risk of heart attack in women 

Dark Leafy Greens 

• Packed with nutrients, fiber and antioxidants 

• Low in calories and carbohydrates 

Nuts & Seeds 

• Provide protein, fiber and unsaturated fats 

• Best options are unsalted 

Oats 

• Whole-grain source of dietary fiber 

• Can lower risk of heart disease stroke and diabetes 

Pumpkin 

• Provides fiber, potassium and vitamin A 

• Canned is a convenient, nutrient-loaded choice 

Salmon 

• Protein 

• Provides Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Skinless Poultry 

• Usually leaner than beef 

• Grilled, roasted or baked 

Yogurt 

• Provides calcium, protein and vitamin D 

• Best options are low-fat or fat-free 

“Think about creating a super plate,” said Maurine Maneely, Manager, Clinical Nutrition at Genesis Hospital. “One that contains healthy, colorful, flavorful foods. Plant-based foods, like fruits and vegetables and whole grains to promote better health.”  

We’ve always had food – at least some food. So how did it become super? And what are the qualifiers to becoming a superfood, anyway?

For most people, hiccups are rare and don’t last very long, sort of like having a great hair day. To learn what causes hiccups, likely cures, whether you should be concerned and a little trivia, take our quiz. 

(Quiz) To learn what causes hiccups, likely cures, whether you should be concerned and a little trivia, take our quiz.

Be a skin cancer sleuth by checking your skin regularly for signs of cancer. Skin cancer, including melanoma, is curable if spotted early.

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion or not interchangeable. They are two different conditions and have two different levels of severity. Do you know the differences?   

1. Which condition is more serious?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

2. Which condition makes the skin red, hot and dry, even in the armpits?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

3. Which condition includes symptoms of moderate to severe difficulty breathing?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

4. Which condition causes confusion, restlessness or anxiety?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

5. Which condition requires emergency treatment?  

                   Heatstroke     or      Heat exhaustion 

The correct answer to all of these is heatstroke. A heatstroke can develop without exertion when a person is exposed to a hot environment and the body is unable to cool itself effectively. This is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency medical treatment. If you suspect it, call 911 and get the victim out of the heat and cool them down by any means possible. If the patient is conscious and not vomiting, give them fluids to drink.  

Heat exhaustion is caused by excessive sweating, which results in depletions of salt and fluid. This leads to low blood pressure, muscle cramps and nausea. It is prevented by staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to high temperatures. It can usually be treated quickly and effectively with shade, fluids and rest.  

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion or not interchangeable. They are two different conditions and have two different levels of severity. Do you know the differences?   

Colors result from light vibrating at different frequencies, and their impact is powerful. Here’s a crash course in color psychology and how you can apply it to your life.

Colors result from light vibrating at different frequencies, and their impact is powerful. Here’s a crash course in color psychology and how you can apply it to your life.

Genesis Cancer Services’ Radiation Oncology department has been awarded a 3-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Radiation oncology is the careful use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer. This is second consecutive time Genesis has earned the 3-year accreditation.

“We are pleased our Radiation Oncology department earned the accreditation again,” said Pebbles Thornton, Director of Cancer, Palliative Medicine and Hospice Services at Genesis HealthCare System. “This demonstrates that our expert and compassionate physicians, nurses, technologists and other team members adhere to the highest standards of care for our patients.”

The ACR seal of accreditation represents the highest level of quality and patient safety. Genesis earned the accreditation by meeting specific practice guidelines and technical standards developed by the ACR. Patient care and treatment, patient safety, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed during the review.

American College of Radiology Award demonstrates excellence.

Art students from Ohio University (OU) recently painted murals at Genesis HealthCare System to brighten the view for pediatric patients and their families. The Pediatric Unit on the main floor of Genesis Hospital had a plain, wooden fence surrounding the windows to protect patients’ privacy. The fence now features colorful, calming scenes to provide a better patient experience and promote healing and wellness.

A committee of Genesis employees worked with the art students and their professor to design the murals, and the students brought the designs to life. The materials for the project were funded by the Genesis HealthCare Foundation.

Pictured above:

Standing in front of the murals on the fence painted by Ohio University art students are (front row) Jana Bell, Childbirth Education/Lactation Coordinator, Angela Brado, Operational Manager of Nursery, Pediatrics, Lactation and Childbirth Education, (back row) Angie Stillion,  Administrative Assistant, and Megan Goins, Pediatric R.N.

Ohio University students create colorful murals to brighten the view for pediatric patients and their families.

Whether your face is oval, heart-shaped or round, the perfect pair of shades can be hard to find. But sunglasses are more than just another fashion accessory – they also provide significant health benefits.  

Sunglasses and eye health 

Your whole face can quickly show signs of excessive UV (ultraviolet) radiation exposure from the sun, and your eyes and the skin surrounding them are especially susceptible. Sunglasses can help combat your eyes' exposure to harmful rays by reducing the UV radiation and your risk of cataracts (cloudiness of the eye's lens that affects vision) and skin cancers of the eye. 

Reducing UV radiation can also reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration, which happens when the macula – the part of the eye we use for sharp vision – becomes damaged, making objects appear blurry, dark or otherwise distorted. Without sunglasses, even those wearing contact lenses with UV protection are still at risk, as the skin around the eyes is still exposed. 

Choosing the right pair 

The most important thing to look for in a good pair of sunglasses is 100% UV protection. Although it seems intuitive that darker lenses or frames would offer more protection, that's not necessarily the case, because the UV blocker is clear. Sunglasses that wrap around your eyes to the sides of your face can offer even more protection from UV exposure to your eyes. 

The lowdown on UV rays 

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation falls into three categories: UVA, UVB and UVC. While UVC radiation is fully absorbed by the ozone layer and not as harmful, UVA and UVB radiation make it to the Earth's surface and are more dangerous.  

Several factors determine the level of this radiation your eyes are exposed to, including the time of day and weather conditions. Experts say levels are highest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clear, sunny skies allow the most exposure to UV radiation, but even in cloudy weather, UV rays are present.  

The most important benefit of wearing sunglasses is they protect your eyes from UV light, so choose a pair that offers you the best protection. 

Whether your face is oval, heart-shaped or round, the perfect pair of shades can be hard to find. But sunglasses are more than just another fashion accessory – they also provide significant health benefits.