Confident. Connected. Open to change.  

If you relate to this description, you are probably a millennial, one of the nearly 80 million Americans born between 1982 and 2003. The millennials have surpassed the baby boomers as the largest generation in history. 

Millennials are fortunate in many ways. Modern medicine has reduced the incidence of infectious diseases that caused widespread death and disability in previous generations. However, as a group, the lifestyle trends of millennials are causing adults to develop serious, chronic diseases at younger and younger ages.  

To live a healthy life, millennial-style, you should know the top health challenges of your generation. 

Obesity. In the early 1970s, only 8 percent of adults 18 to 29 were obese. Now, approximately 30 percent are. The longer you are obese, the more likely you will eventually develop heart disease and diabetes. 

Digital wear and tear. “Text neck” and “gorilla arm” may sound like characters in a superhero movie, but they refer to some of the digital-related health issues of this generation. Four out of 10 millennials spend at least nine hours a day on “screen time.” They are increasingly suffering neck, back, arm and wrist pain; nearsightedness; hearing problems; sleep disruptions; and even brain shrinkage associated with too much screen time. 

Autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases cause your immune system (which is supposed to protect you) to mistakenly attack your body’s cells, damaging joints and organs. There are about 80 types of autoimmune diseases. Women, especially those of childbearing age, suffer disproportionately from autoimmune diseases, and they are a leading cause of death among young and middle-aged women.  

Mental health. Mental health disorders are among the top disabilities worldwide, and about three-quarters of all lifetime cases of diagnosable mental disorders begin by age 24. Major depression, panic disorder and anxiety disorders can “lead to suicide attempts, substance abuse, self-harm, eating disorders and behavioral difficulties,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suicide is the second highest cause of death in people 15 to 34. 

Take charge today for long-term health 

The risk factors that cause severe, chronic illnesses generally begin in childhood and early adulthood, so the time to prevent future health problems is now. Here are a few strategies for staying healthy.  

• Develop a relationship with a primary healthcare provider. Millennials tend to rely heavily on online health resources and social networks for health information and often skip going to the doctor. Developing a relationship with a trusted healthcare provider who knows your medical history can help you stay healthy and prevent illnesses as you move through adulthood. 

• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a chronic disease, not a weakness of character. If you are overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about a successful weight loss plan. 

• Move. In addition to regular aerobic exercise (shoot for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity) and twice-weekly strength training, make it a point to move frequently throughout the day.  

• Eat a healthy diet. Your doctor or a nutritionist can provide specific guidance, but a healthy diet revolves around primarily plant-based foods and lean protein sources. You don’t have to give up your favorite treats – just eat them less frequently or in smaller portions. 

• Use technology safely and to improve your health. Take frequent breaks from using electronic devices and learn how to prevent strain and repetitive stress injuries. For example, switch hands when texting and hold your phone in front of your face to reduce the strain on your neck from constantly looking down.  

• Seek early treatment for autoimmune diseases. Treating autoimmune diseases as soon as possible helps prevent irreversible, long-term damage and slows disease progression.  

• Get help for depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. These conditions are common and highly treatable. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help. 

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, or if you already do, quit. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. If you won’t quit for yourself, do it for the people you love. 

• Make an appointment with a healthcare provider to learn which screenings are best for you. 

Millennials are fortunate in many ways. Modern medicine has reduced the incidence of infectious diseases that caused widespread death and disability in previous generations. However, as a group, the lifestyle trends of millennials are causing adults to develop serious, chronic diseases at younger and younger ages.

Genesis HealthCare System has earned CHIME Digital Health Most Wired recognition for the 6th consecutive year. Genesis has been certified level 9 for Ambulatory Care, certified level 9 Acute Care for 2021. These certifications place Genesis in the top 10% of all hospitals in the country utilizing integrated technology. The CHIME Digital Health Most Wired program conducts an annual survey to assess how effectively healthcare organizations apply core and advanced technologies into their clinical and business programs to improve health and care in their communities. The surveys assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all stages of development, from early development to industry leading.

“Utilizing leading edge information technology has long been one of Genesis’s key strategic priorities,” said Ed Romito, Chief Information Officer at Genesis HealthCare System. “We have a very talented team of IT professionals who are dedicated to delivering IT solutions that enable safer, faster, better health care. We’re pleased to be recognized as one of the top organizations in the country using state of the art information technology to improve patient safety and health outcomes for our patients.”

Most Wired validates that Genesis has integrated technology in every facet of the health care delivery system.  Using the best in class electronic medical record system from Epic, Genesis provides a single comprehensive medical record for each patient that includes all information, even for those who receive care from outside Genesis HealthCare System.  This allows our doctors and care team to access important medical information quickly and easily to deliver the safest care, make faster diagnosis, and minimize duplicate tests- which both increases safety and saves patients money. 

The Genesis Epic system allows each patient to be an active member in their care through MyChart which is available on the patients’ phone or computer.  More than 65,000 patients currently use the free Genesis MyChart application. Patients can schedule appointments, see a provider via a video visit, message their doctor, request prescription refills, review test results and make payments. All these features are protected by a robust, comprehensive cybersecurity system implemented by the Genesis IT department.

A total of 36,674 organizations were represented in the 2021 Digital Health Most Wired program, which this year included four separate surveys: acute, ambulatory, long-term care and international. The surveys assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all stages of development, from early development to those leading in the industry. Genesis was one of only 100 organizations to achieve Level 9 Ambulatory certification, and one of only 72 organizations to achieve Level 9 Acute Care certification.

Each participating organization received a customized benchmarking report, an overall score and scores for individual levels in eight segments: infrastructure; security; business/disaster recovery; administrative/supply chain; analytics/data management; interoperability/population health; patient engagement; and clinical quality/safety. Participants can use the report and scores to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement. Participants also received certification based on their overall performance, with level 10 being the highest. Only 9 of the 36,674 participating organizations achieved a level 10 certification.

More information about the award can be found HERE. 

Genesis HealthCare System was named one of the Most Wired® hospitals of 2021 by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME).

Wondering how to stay healthy during a pandemic? Follow our seven tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Wondering how to stay healthy during a pandemic? Follow our seven tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Anyone can make our chocolate chip pumpkin bread from scratch. It's so easy! Watch the video below:

Anyone can make our chocolate chip pumpkin bread from scratch. It's so easy!

For decades, we have heard 10,000 steps a day is the key to good health. Well, it turns out this is false. In fact, you can reap nearly the same health benefits with fewer steps. Before you discredit this article and walk out, give us a minute to step you through everything. You might be surprised and even pleased by what you learn. 

According to a study based on a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey published in JAMA in 2020, people age 40 and older who took 8,000 steps a day during the survey had a 50% higher chance of surviving than people who took 4,000 steps or less a day for ten years after the survey. People who took 12,000 steps a day had a 65% higher chance of surviving than the 4,000 step group.  

Higher step counts appeared to have the largest impact in enabling participants to prevent and survive heart disease and cancer. Participants from a variety of ages, gender and ethnic backgrounds enjoyed these benefits.  

For everyone who doesn’t like to sweat, the study also reported intensity didn’t matter. Carrying groceries in from the car can benefit you as much as running.  

“Walking is a great, low-impact exercise. It works several muscles, can increase your heart rate and often improves your mental well-being too. It’s also easy to do with a friend or loved one, enabling you to share time together and give you someone to encourage you to keep moving on the days you don’t feel like it,” said Stephen Knox, M.D. board-certified family medicine, Genesis Primary Care. “However, as with any other fitness program, you should always talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can examine you for unknown health conditions and recommend the safest way to get started.” 

For decades, we have heard 10,000 steps a day is the key to good health. Well, it turns out this is false.

Breathing is something we do every day without thinking about it. However, pausing to check how you breathe can benefit your health.  

Stress can cause breathing difficulties. When you have problems with your breathing, you lower the amount of carbon dioxide that’s normally in your blood. This leads to a wide range of symptoms, including: 

• Shortness of breath 

• Chest tightness 

• Tingling or numbness in the arms, fingers, toes, or around the mouth 

• Feeling dizzy and light-headed 

• Weakness 

• Heart pounding and racing 

• Heart palpitations 

• Sweating or hot flushes 

• Headaches 

• Feeling sick 

• Fatigue 

These symptoms can appear out of the blue and can also lead to panic attacks. 

Your breathing difficulties may be related to: 

• Shallow breathing (breathing in too quickly) 

• Over-breathing (breathing in more air because you feel like you’re not getting enough). Examples of over-breathing include yawning or sighing frequently. 

Test your breathing: 

1. Put one hand on your chest and one on your belly. 

2. Breathe for a few seconds. Which hand rises? 

3. If it’s your chest, you might have developed a habit of shallow breathing. 

You can reverse the habit of shallow breathing with daily practice. The next time you feel anxious, take a moment to notice your breathing. Focus on breathing through your stomach so that your belly rises when you inhale and drops when you exhale. 

Here’s a belly breathing exercise you can practice for 5 to 10 minutes a day: 

• Inhale gently, lightly, and slowly count to four, expanding your belly as you do so 

• Hold that breath for a count of two 

• Slowly exhale though your mouth for a count of six 

This is called belly breathing, and research shows that practicing regularly can help you feel calmer in weeks. 

Breathing is something we do every day without thinking about it. However, pausing to check how you breathe can benefit your health.

There are no two ways about it – breast cancer is scary. The reality is that most women (and men, who also get breast cancer) will not die from the disease. Nevertheless, a breast cancer diagnosis changes your life, regardless of the treatment path you take. While there are factors that lead to breast cancer, like genetics, that can’t be changed, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of getting the disease. And the earlier you start to take these steps, the better. 

Here are some common questions and answers about breast health and preventing breast cancer you may find helpful. 

Q: I have breast cancer in my family. At what age should I start getting mammograms? 

A: You should understand the benefits and potential risks of mammography screening, discuss your personal situation with a trusted healthcare provider, and decide together when to begin screening. 

Q: How important are self-breast exams?  

A: Self-breast exams are very important, and you should do once a month. This will help you to be familiar with your breasts so that you can notice any changes that may be concerning. If you discover a change, call your doctor to follow up. 

Q: Does my weight matter when it comes to my risk of developing breast cancer?  

A: Being overweight can be a factor. Excess weight increases estrogen (a hormone) and affects other growth factors. Hormones create a more stimulating environment for cancer cells to grow. Maintain a healthy weight, especially after menopause.    

Q: I am not overweight, but my diet isn’t the best. I eat a lot of fast food and snacks. Is that a problem? 

A: It can be. Sugar feeds cancer cells. You should follow a healthy diet. Eat primarily whole foods: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein and low-fat dairy. Limit alcohol and sugar consumption.  

Q: Can smoking affect my chances of getting breast cancer? 

A: Yes. The risk of invasive breast cancer is highest in women who began smoking at a young age. If you currently smoke, talk to your doctor about effective smoking cessation programs.  

Q: I work at a desk job, and I don’t get very much exercise. Should I be concerned this may play a role in breast cancer? 

A: Women who exercise regularly have lower risks for breast cancer. Start moving more as soon as you can; just 30 minutes of exercise a few times a week can make a difference. 

Q: I’ve heard that not getting enough sleep could be a factor is developing breast cancer. Is that true, and if so, why? 

A: It may be a factor. Sleep metabolizes stress hormones, and we know that high levels of stress in your life can impact many health factors, including your body’s defenses against cancer.  

The bottom line? Keep your breasts healthy by making good lifestyle choices. Talk with your doctor about your breast health during your regular checkups. And be sure to see your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts. 

Here are some common questions and answers about breast health and preventing breast cancer you may find helpful.

Bring up menopause to a close-knit group of female friends and listen as they unravel the mysterious changes and symptoms that seem to show up differently from person to person.  

“So many patients ask, ‘Is this menopause?’” said Callie Crider, D.O., board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with Genesis HealthCare System. “When women come to me for their annual OB/GYN appointment, we often talk about the symptoms and what we can do about them. What worries me is, many women think they must suffer through menopause with no help – and that’s not the case.” 

A wide range of menopause and pre-menopause (called perimenopause) symptoms can occur, but a woman only officially enters menopause once she has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. The average woman reaches menopause at 51 years old.  

“Interestingly, it’s something we diagnose retroactively,” Dr. Crider said. “If a woman goes 11 months without a cycle and then has one, the clock resets.”  

Knowing what to expect, what is or isn’t normal, and what medical help is available can take the mystery out of menopause.  

“Even if we can’t fix all the symptoms, we can treat and bring improvement to many of them,” Dr. Crider said. “I see three main categories of menopause symptoms, and most women fall into one or more of the three categories: hot flashes, vaginal symptoms, and lifestyle.”  

1. It’s getting hot in here. With no medical treatment, menopause-related hot flashes can last for four to 10 years. These bursts of broiling body temperature can interfere with a woman’s quality of life. Thankfully, physician-prescribed hormone replacement therapy offers a way to cool off the symptoms.  
    
   “About 20 years ago, a study came out with warnings about significant risks linked to hormone replacement therapy, but more recent studies have found that they’re safer than originally thought; and, if administered correctly, in appropriately selected patients, the risks are fairly low,” Dr. Crider said. “So, if hot flashes make you miserable, it may be worth the small amount of risk to get some relief as long as you don’t have any specific contraindications.” It is important to know that not all women can safely use systemic hormones – a discussion with your OB/GYN regarding your personal medical history can help clarify if you can or can’t. 
    

2. “Down there” care. As ovaries produce less and less estrogen, vaginal dryness, itchiness and pain during sex can occur. But don’t fear because there are readily available treatments to alleviate the irritation.  
    
   “This is the easiest of the three categories to treat. I can either prescribe vaginal estrogen, or they can try water- or silicone-based moisturizers or even coconut oil. Anything to bring back moisture down there will help,” Dr. Crider said.  
    

3. Lifestyle changes. The lack of estrogen during menopause also causes a woman’s metabolism to reduce significantly, leading to an increase in body fat and a decrease in muscle mass.  
    
   “This is the hardest one, honestly. The metabolism tanks during menopause, and it never returns to its previous level. Even if a woman’s lifestyle habits stay consistent – they’re eating the same and exercising the same – they may gain weight. No one likes that answer. If a woman is noticing unfavorable changes in her weight, she needs to change the balance of calories she is taking in versus burning off. It’s a sad fact,” Dr. Crider said. 
    
   Another lifestyle menopausal effect is decreased sex drive. At this time, no FDA recommended medications or treatments exist to increase menopausal females’ sex drives.  

“There are a lot of herbal and natural supplements available in relation to menopause, but none of them are FDA regulated. The products claim to increase sex drive or ease other symptoms, but I don’t encourage those products since they’re often expensive and without proven benefit can be a waste of money. Instead, I recommend talking with your trusted OB/GYN for evidence-based treatments,” Dr. Crider said.  

Bring up menopause to a close-knit group of female friends and listen as they unravel the mysterious changes and symptoms that seem to show up differently from person to person.