In 2018, the American Cancer Society lowered the recommended age from 50 to 45 for colon cancer
screening. The change was made because more middle-age and young adults are getting colon cancer.
There are multiple colon cancer screening options. However, colonoscopies continue to be the best.

The American Cancer Society has lowered the recommended age to 45 for colon cancer screening.

What comes to mind when you think of strength training? A huge bodybuilder lifting massive dumbbells while barely breaking a sweat? While that is one example of strength training, you don’t need to run to a fitness convention to reap the benefits of this type of exercise. (Unless that’s your thing.)

What is strength training?

Strength training, also known as weight training or resistance training, is a type of training that builds your muscles and bones. Strength training is different than walking or cycling. It typically includes exercises like squats, pushups, glute bridges, planks and lunges.

Why should you incorporate strength training into your exercise routine? Here are three good reasons:

Reason #1: Increased mobility

A big concern as we age is our mobility. No one wants to struggle to complete their daily activities or do the things they love. According to the National Institute on Aging, a huge cause of reduced mobility is sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is a decline in muscle mass, strength and function. It has been linked to fatigue, low energy and weakness. You may have heard the saying “use it or lose it.” This applies to many things in life, including our muscles. Strength training is a great way to keep your body engaged, build muscle mass and improve mobility.

Reason #2: Ease chronic conditions

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), strength training reduces the symptoms of common chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease and back pain. Strength training improves each condition differently, including building bone density, strengthening muscles and reducing pain and stiffness.

Reason #3: Improves mental and emotional health

Combining strength training with aerobic exercise like walking or running can significantly improve mental and emotional health. According to the CDC, studies show that exercise helps people sleep better, lessens the length and severity of depression and improves self-confidence.

So, how do you get started?

To begin strength training, figure out your own comfort level. Are you new to strength training or do you have some experience? If you’re worried about your form or how to do a certain movement safely, work with a personal trainer or take a workout class at your local gym. There are free workouts online that can be performed safely at home or at the gym. You should also talk to your Primary Care Physician before starting a new fitness program.

Strength training can improve mobility, lessen the effects of chronic conditions and improve mental and emotional health.

Recently, Paul Rutkowski, M.D., joined the Genesis Orthopedic Group at the Genesis Orthopedic Center. He specializes in hand and upper extremity orthopedic surgery.

“Hand and wrist surgery is one of the broadest and most complex orthopedic surgery subspecialties,” said Dr. Rutkowski. “The challenge of becoming an expert in it is one of the things that initially drew me to it. As I progressed through training, I realized how much we use our hands. Seemingly minor hand and wrist injuries can limit our ability to complete even simple tasks, such as brushing our teeth, shaking hands or driving. Being a hand surgeon enables me to help people regain as much use of their hands and independence as possible.”

Dr. Rutkowski completed most of his medical training in Ohio and loved the region. While completing training, his mentors continually stressed patients come before business interests. When he discovered Genesis HealthCare System, he knew this was the place for him as Genesis’ mission aligned with his own. He is excited about working alongside the talented and kind team members he has found at all levels at Genesis. He is also looking forward to the challenges that come with a career as an orthopedic hand and wrist surgeon.

“Part of my job is to help patients understand their situation and how I can help,” said Dr. Rutkowski. “I believe in working with patients to develop a treatment plan.”

Outside of work, Dr. Rutkowski enjoys spending time with family, golfing, The Ohio State University sports and Columbus Blue Jackets hockey.

Dr. Rutkowski’s office is in the Genesis Orthopedic Center at 2904 Bell St, Zanesville. His phone number is 740-586-6828. He is accepting new patients.

Doctor of Medicine:
Wright State University Boonshoft School
of Medicine
Dayton, Ohio

Orthopedic Residency:
Mount Carmel Health System
Columbus, Ohio

Hand & Upper Extremity Fellowship:
Campbell Clinic Orthopedics
Memphis, Tennessee

Orthopedic Hand and Wrist Surgeon

Emily Flagler, M.D., recently joined the Genesis OB/GYN Group. She specializes in obstetrics and gynecology.

“I chose obstetrics and gynecology,” said Dr. Flagler, “because it gives me an opportunity to build long-term relationships with women from when they are young adults through pregnancy and into maturity.” She believes long-term connections will allow her to create treatment plans based on each patient’s goals and values. It also gives her the platform to advocate for women in every stage of their care.

Dr. Flagler was raised in a small town, and knew she wanted to return to one to practice medicine. She treasures the small-town atmosphere of Zanesville and the opportunity to connect with the community in and outside of work.

Dr. Flagler, her husband and her Labrador mix, Dani, are settling in nicely. They like to hike and spend as much time as they can outside.

Dr. Flagler’s office is with the Genesis OB/GYN Group at 945 Bethesda Drive, Suite 330, in Zanesville. Her phone number is 740-454-8800. She is accepting new patients.

Doctor of Medicine:
University of Michigan Medical School
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency:
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio

Membership:
American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Eric Antonucci, M.D., is the newest surgeon to join the Genesis ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Group. He performs medical and surgical treatments for head and neck diseases, ear tube placement (pediatric and adult), adenoidectomies, tonsillectomies and many other ear, nose and throat conditions.

“There were multiple reasons I chose to specialize in ENT,” said Dr. Antonucci. “I appreciate the direct and usually immediate cause-and-effect relationship that surgery has for patients. Once we perform a procedure, they feel better. I also enjoy the variety of the ENT field. Some problems can be solved with medicine, while at other times, surgery is the best option.”

Dr. Antonucci said he chose to work at Genesis because he can share medical care decisions with patients to decide the best course of care for them. He also appreciates working with a team of experienced doctors who provide consultation on treatment options. In addition, he likes the community feel at Genesis while being close to Central Ohio.

“The best thing about what I do,” said Dr. Antonucci, “is having patients come to appointments after treatment and tell me how much better they feel. I am grateful that I can help improve someone’s life.”

Dr. Antonucci and his wife prefer outdoor activities, like hiking and camping. This past summer, they hiked rim to rim at the Grand Canyon. They have a dog named Petey and recently acquired a kitten named Spritz.

Dr. Antonucci’s office is located with the Genesis ENT Group at 2945 Maple Ave. in Zanesville. He is accepting new patients. His phone number is 740-454-0158.

Doctor of Medicine:

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Cincinnati, Ohio

Residency:

Wayne State University Department of

Otolaryngology

Detroit, Michigan

Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon

An update from Matt Perry, President and CEO

When you bring exceptional people together who are committed to a cause, provide them with innovative technology and community support and continuously pursue excellence, you are rewarded with amazing results.

Genesis Primary Care now has three compassionate, experienced physicians who specialize in family medicine in the Genesis Physician Services office at 23599 Airport Rd., Suite A, Coshocton.