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Blanchard Valley Health System

Weekend Doctor: Winter slip and fall prevention

By Jen Vorhees, MSN, MBA-HC, RN, CPHQ / Corporate Associate and Patient Safety Manager
Posted by Staff on January 29, 2022 - 5:00am

Falls during winter weather can lead to many types of injuries such as fractures of the wrists, legs, ankles and hip, as well as cause potential head, neck or brain injuries. It is nearly impossible to completely avoid ice and snow this time of year, but there are some steps that you can take to help reduce your risk of falling.

First of all, be aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions such as your cell phone and take time to pay attention to the surfaces on which you are walking or getting ready to walk on. Try to pick areas that are well lit when you are parking and walking, so that you can see any ice that is in your path, especially so that you can see black ice. Choose walkways that are well-cleared, even if that is not the most direct and convenient route.

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Weekend Doctor: Ergonomics

By Laura Durliat, OTR/L
Posted by Staff on January 22, 2022 - 6:57am

Tired of having a sore back, tight shoulders, tension headaches and fatigue by the end of the work day? Habits formed in our daily activities like staring at the computer, cradling the phone, slouching in a chair and carrying the groceries can develop bad habits and painful body conditions.

These conditions can be helped or prevented by incorporating ergonomic techniques into daily routines and work sites.

Ergonomics is helping to fit a job to the person. That job can be a task at work or at home. Here are some suggestions to help improve posture and ergonomics for your daily tasks.

1. Use good ergonomic practices in the office. Keep your body aligned while sitting in an office chair.

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Weekend Doctor: Dementia

By Chris Steffan, RN, ADON Birchaven Village
Posted by Staff on January 15, 2022 - 7:32am

Dementia is a general term used to describe various symptoms of cognitive decline including impairment in memory, communication and thinking, which is caused by damage to cells in the brain. The symptoms do not appear suddenly but build over time and become more noticeable. Damage can occur for many reasons including increased proteins inside and outside of brain cells, lack of oxygen to the brain, stroke, genetics, medication side effects, depression, alcohol use, and thyroid and vitamin deficiencies.

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Blanchard Valley Health System Adjusts Visitation Guidelines

Posted by Paula Scott on January 14, 2022 - 10:04am

Effective Monday, January 17, 2022, Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS), including Bluffton Hospital, will be further limiting the number of visitors coming into the organization due to the increased transmission in the community and rise in COVID-19 cases. This is to ensure that BVHS provides the safest environment for patients, visitors and associates.

Please see the link for the health system’s updated guidelines: 

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Weekend Doctor: Flat foot

By Lance Johnson, DPM Blanchard Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Posted by Paula Scott on December 25, 2021 - 7:17am

Flat foot (pes planus) is one of three basic foot types. There are also high arched feet (pes cavus) and a normal arch (rectus foot type). Flat foot is when the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened which causes the sole of the foot to touch the floor when standing upright. Some people are born with flat feet. Flat feet can also occur after an injury, or after years of wear and tear to the soft tissues of the arch and ankle. Some people never experience any pain or symptoms associated with flat feet, while others experience pain with every step they take.  

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Weekend Doctor: Breastfeeding during the holidays

By Wendy Broadhead, BA, IBCLC, CBS / Blanchard Valley Health System Lactation Team
Posted by Paula Scott on December 11, 2021 - 1:41am

This time of year can pose quite a challenge for nursing mothers. While the joy of the holidays is among us, with it all comes the business and stress of family gatherings, decorating, cooking, shopping, wrapping and other holiday activities. This is also the season where we often see more upper respiratory infections. 

Studies show that breast milk helps to protect infants and toddlers from infections that are common during this season. However, breastfeeding and pumping can be unusually challenging for parents during this time, as we engage ourselves in all the extra activities the holidays seemingly demand from our already busy lives. 

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