By Mindy Lause, RN Blanchard Valley Hospital Emergency Department
Human trafficking is also known as modern day slavery. It often manifests as prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor, servitude and the removal of organs. Since medical care becomes necessary for trafficked victims due to poor living conditions, abuse and inadequate nutrition, health care professionals are in a unique position to identify this vulnerable patient population.
Here are the births of babies born at Bluffton Hospital for May and June, which were reported to the Icon.
May 7 - Abigail Jo, daughter of Nate and Karlie Higgins of Lima.
May 8 - Macey Rey, daughter of Benjamin and Nicole Ridinger of Ottawa.
May 8 - Layne Colt, son of Maclain and Hannah Dyer of Harrod.
May 10 - Eliza Jolie, daughter of Cory and Emily Ellerbrock of Ottawa.
May 11 - Alivia June, daughter of Adam and Amanda Warren of Leipsic.
May 13 - Cleo Louise, daughter of Andrew and Leslie Gerdeman of Leipsic.
By Chris Steffan, RN, ADON Birchaven Village
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.
By Maria Slack, MD ENT & Allergy Specialists of Northwest Ohio
With flowers coloring the landscape and pollen filling the air, we are surrounded by the beauty of the warmer season, and the insects join in the fervor as well. Among the insects that pose both benefits and hazards, bees, hornets and wasps often stand out in our minds. We often unexpectantly encounter or are followed by these unwelcome visitors. Sometimes even within the confines of our homes, they pay a visit.
By Jay Alammar, MD Surgical Associates of Northwest Ohio
The skin is the largest organ of the body, and skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States regardless of age, race or skin color.
The disease incidence is reaching an epidemic level. Over 5.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, and approximately 15,000 people die each year from this disease. The current estimate is that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
By Brianne Hottinger, RN Oncology Nurse Navigatorat The Armes Family Cancer Care Center
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the United States.
According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated there will be over 101,420 new cases of colon cancer and 44,180 new cases of rectal cancer in 2019.
The overall lifetime risk for development of colon cancer is about 1 in 22 for men and 1 in 24 for women.
