Having a heart attack is scary and can be deadly. If you do not act quickly, you can die. But there are things you can do to reduce your chances of having a heart attack. 

However, sometimes bad genetics or not following the guidelines can cause a heart attack. Knowing what to do, can mean the difference between life and death. No exaggeration.  

Pay attention. This is a test you want to ace.  

(Quiz) Having a heart attack is scary and can be deadly. If you do not act quickly, you can die. But there are things you can do to reduce your chances of having a heart attack.

Weighted blankets have become a popular purchase in recent years as many find the blankets help promote sleep, calm anxiety and help with relaxation. The blankets weigh between 4 to 30 pounds and are made with heavy fabrics. The extra weight in these blankets adds pressure that mimics a therapeutic technique called deep pressure stimulation.  

Deep pressure stimulation uses pressure and weight to relax the nervous system as it has been shown to boost the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that maintains a person's mood and feelings of happiness. An increase in serotonin has been shown to relieve anxiety and stress. There's also evidence that deep touch pressure reduces cortisol (stress) levels. The relaxation benefit from lessening anxiety can help ease pain, improve one's mood and reduce stress, like the benefits of massage therapy. When wrapping the weighted blankets around the body, the same pressure is experienced. For many people who have anxiety, insomnia or autism, weighted blankets may provide more immediate relief than traditional therapies or medication. Research has shown that weighted blankets may help reduce symptoms and manage these conditions by producing a calming effect, and many users also improve their sleep quality.  

Weighted blankets can be used to help kids and pets with anxiety, but there are some things you should consider. For kids, use a smaller, lighter-weight lap pad. Lap pads are more compact than a weighted blanket and can be placed over a child's lap while sitting at a desk or on the floor. The size makes them more accessible for a child to use safely. Children under 3 years old should not use weighted blankets or lap pads due to the risk of suffocation.  

“Weighted blankets aren't for everyone,” said Thomas Rojewski, M.D., director of the Genesis Sleep Disorders Center. “Before using a weighted blanket, you should discuss it with your doctor. There are some health conditions that could be negatively impacted by these blankets.” 

Your doctor may not recommend a weighted blanket if you are experiencing any of the following: 

• chronic health conditions 

• menopause 

• circulation issues 

• respiration issues 

• temperature regulation issues 

If you and your doctor agree a weighted blanket may help you, select a blanket that's close to 10% of your body weight and one made from natural fibers, such as cotton. Blankets made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester can be much hotter. 

Weighted blankets have become a popular purchase in recent years as many find the blankets help promote sleep, calm anxiety and help with relaxation. The blankets weigh between 4 to 30 pounds and are made with heavy fabrics.

What is diverticulitis?    

Half of Americans over 50 years old have pea-sized bubbles that push through weak spots along their large intestine’s wall. In fact, people can have hundreds of them. The bubbles form little pouches, and though the pouches themselves aren’t a problem (it’s called diverticulosis), if the pouches become inflamed or infected with bits of stool, trouble can fester (that’s called diverticulitis). These bulges can form anywhere along the 5-foot-long large intestine, yet they most commonly take shape within the colon’s lower left quadrant. 

The condition’s impact can range from uncomfortable to intolerable.  

“Diverticulitis has a wide spectrum in terms of severity. Most episodes are managed by a primary care physician who can prescribe antibiotics in an outpatient setting. On the other end of the spectrum, diverticulitis can lead to severe problems, including a ruptured colon that requires emergency surgery. There’s also everything in between,” said Adam Rothermel, M.D., Board-certified General Surgeon and Director of the Genesis Center of Surgical Excellence.   

Common symptoms associated with diverticulitis include: 

• Abdominal pain on the lower left side – which can come on suddenly or start mildly and increase over days 

• Fever 

• Chills 

• Nausea/vomiting 

• Constipation  

• Bloating 

Why do so many Americans get diverticulosis?    

Research shows that people most at risk for diverticulosis and diverticular disease, like diverticulitis  

• Are males 

• Are over 50 years old 

• Are obese and don’t exercise enough 

• Eat low-fiber diets (meaning, not enough leafy green vegetables, beans and legumes, grains or nuts)  

• Eat a diet high in fat and red meat 

• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin, ibuprofen, steroids or opioids)   

• Smoke 

Dr. Rothermel said: “In America, because of our low fiber diet, our colon has to work harder to poop. Just like when you roll over the curb in your car and create a bubble on your tire because of the pressure, you can develop bubbles on your colon because of extra pressure. The best thing we can do is eat a lot of fiber (25 grams a day) and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.”  

How is diverticulitis treated?  

People who experience symptoms of diverticulitis should see their primary care physician, as many mild cases can be treated with prescribed antibiotics. People who experience multiple episodes of mild attacks, or those who experience one or two episodes of more severe attacks, may consider talking with their physician about surgery. 

If surgery is elected, a colonoscopy is performed first to confirm diverticulitis and rule out other possible diagnoses.   

“The expectation with minimally invasive surgery for diverticulitis is that things will only get better, and the previous bowel problems should improve,” Dr. Rothermel said. “I love seeing people get back to enjoying their lives. It’s why I do what I do.”

Can problematic diverticulitis be treated with minimally invasive surgery? 

Surgically treating diverticulitis includes removing the involved portion of the colon, usually a 6-to-10-inch segment. Surgeons can use either minimally invasive or traditional techniques for the procedure, depending on the physician’s skillsets and what is best for the patient.  

“When patients are a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery, that is my preferred method,” said Dr. Rothermel, who uses the DaVinci Robotic Platform when performing minimally invasive surgeries at Genesis Hospital. “Patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery for diverticulitis receive a long list of benefits, including significantly less risk of developing a hernia from surgery. Approximately 20 percent of people who have the traditional surgery will develop a hernia – that’s 1 in 5 people. Thankfully, it’s very rare with the minimally invasive technique.”  

Other benefits of minimally invasive surgery for treating diverticulitis include:  

• Shortened length of hospital stay (generally two nights, as opposed to four or five nights)  

• Less pain and therefore less need for narcotic pain medication  

• Smaller incision sites 

• Less chance of infection at incision sites 

• Faster recovery (with a return to full activity in 1 month, compared to 6 to 8 weeks)  

“The expectation with minimally invasive surgery for diverticulitis is that things will only get better, and the previous bowel problems should improve,” Dr. Rothermel said. “I love seeing people get back to enjoying their lives. It’s why I do what I do.” 

What is diverticulitis, and how is it treated?

If your smile doesn’t reflect the real you, maybe it’s time for a solution you can sink your teeth into—literally. Here are step-by-step tips to help. 

Love garlic? Give this quick and easy gnocchi recipe a try on a cold winter's evening. Eating garlic can improve blood pressure, lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Love garlic? Give this quick and easy gnocchi recipe a try on a cold winter's evening. Eating garlic can improve blood pressure, lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

What is your ideal workout? Perhaps in as little as 20 minutes, working 86% of your muscles, completing a cardio workout, relieving stress and burning calories while having little impact on your joints. Sound too good to be true? Actually, rowers have known for decades that the often-overlooked rowing machine at the gym is one of the biggest secrets in fitness. 

Rowing works your upper back, pectorals, arms, abdominal muscles, obliques, calves and glutes. Yes, that is a lot for one exercise. Your legs do about two-thirds of the work while your upper body accomplishes the rest. Rowing could be the biggest time saver since the microwave. Only the results will be much better than burnt popcorn.  

Want more? Rowing will give it to you. In addition to working your muscles, it will also give you a cardio workout improving heart and lung health that often surpasses running for the same amount of time. And even better, it is much easier on your joints than a treadmill or pounding a blacktop path.  

“Rowing is what I would consider a super-exercise. You can achieve almost a total body workout in very little time. Besides being good for your muscles, it is going to work your heart which can also help prevent heart disease.”

As you probably know, most exercise is good for your mental health, but many rowers vouch for the calming effect of performing the rhythmic rowing motion. Rowers often state that rowing on a lake or river providers a calming sensation. However, if you don’t live near water, there are a variety of rowing machines in different price ranges. Plus, rowers can often collapse and fit under a bed if you are cramped for space.  

“Rowing is what I would consider a super-exercise. You can achieve almost a total body workout in very little time. Besides being good for your muscles, it is going to work your heart which can also help prevent heart disease,” said Monica Grygo, M.D., Genesis Primary Care.  

Twenty minutes for almost an entire body workout that benefits your cardio and mental well-being? It sounds like it is time to start a new workout. Before you start rowing or any other exercise program, please consult your family doctor.  

Rowers have known for decades that the often-overlooked rowing machine at the gym is one of the biggest secrets in fitness.

It's easy to run to restaurants, fast-food joints, or cafeterias, however the portion sizes and extras (like French fries) are incredibly fattening. Eating this kind of food routinely can be unhealthy and expensive. Packing your own food gives you control over ingredients, portions and your budget.

Packing your own food for lunch gives you control over ingredients, portions and your budget.

Genesis HealthCare System celebrated the opening of the new Genesis Orthopedic Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with the Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce Jan. 12, 2022. The new facility at 2905 Bell St., Zanesville, includes Genesis Orthopedic Services in one convenient location.

“The new Genesis Orthopedic Center enables us to expand and enhance our orthopedic services for the residents of Southeastern Ohio,” said Matt Perry, CEO, Genesis HealthCare System. “This gives our patients easy access to high-quality orthopedic care in a modern facility designed around their needs.”

The new facility has all Genesis orthopedic providers, including fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopedic surgeons specializing in joint replacement and hand surgery, sports medicine surgeons and physicians, advanced practice providers, athletic trainers, and physical and occupational therapists. It features state-of-the-art patient treatment spaces, therapies area, and imaging studies. The center is near the Genesis Surgery Center and Genesis Hospital.

The Genesis Orthopedic Walk-in Clinic is also located in the Genesis Orthopedic Center. Those with minor injuries such as sprains, strains, pulled muscles and injured fingers can be seen without an appointment. The Genesis Orthopedic Walk-in Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pictured: Participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Genesis Orthopedic Center were (left to right): Thai Trinh, M.D.; Matthew Langford, M.D.; Brenton Bohlig, M.D.; Matthew Craig, M.D.; Dana Matz, President, Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce; Matt Perry, CEO, Genesis HealthCare System; Clayton Gibson, M.D.; Corey Jackson, D.O.; Ian Alexander, M.D.; and Carley German, Director, Genesis Orthopedic Services.

Genesis HealthCare System celebrated the opening of the new Genesis Orthopedic Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

A lot of people cringe when they hear the word change, but it often leads to better things.  

With effort and time, ordinary things can become beautiful and great. Leaves change colors. Caterpillars turn into butterflies. And you can change the parts of your personality that you wish were different. 

It is commonly accepted to be better at basketball, the piano or hopscotch; you need to practice. So, it makes sense that you need to practice if you want to change your personality. 

“It is a common misconception that we cannot change our personality traits. Some people have a natural tendency to be more outgoing or nicer, but with effort, anyone can change. It’s also important to embrace who we are and not be too critical because our personality is unique.”

A 2019 study by Nathan Hudson at Southern Methodist University explored this idea. Students were able to pick a personality trait they wanted to improve. They were then given tasks to practice their desired skill set. Although the research is limited, it has a logical approach.  

If you are ready to change, try following these simple steps from the Hudson study: 

1. Pick a personality trait you want to change. For example, maybe you want to be more kind. 

2. Think about instances when you tend to be rude and what causes it. For example, when your food order is wrong. 

3. Plan and practice ways to deal with the triggers that tend to upset you. Try asking politely to exchange the food for the correct order. Keep in mind you make mistakes too and how it feels when somebody is unkind to you because of a mistake.  

4. At the end of the day, think about how you reacted when faced with a situation that normally caused you to be unkind. 

5. Set a goal. Develop a system to track when you act like you want versus how you used to. When you reach your goal, celebrate.  

“It is a common misconception that we cannot change our personality traits. Some people have a natural tendency to be more outgoing or nicer, but with effort, anyone can change. It’s also important to embrace who we are and not be too critical because our personality is unique,” said Denise Williams, Licensed Independent Social Worker in Behavioral Health Therapeutic Services, Genesis HealthCare System.  

A lot of people cringe when they hear the word change, but it often leads to better things.