By Jill Jaynes, RT (R)
Director of Imaging Services, Blanchard Valley Health System
If you have ever had to have an imaging test, you may have been asked to change your clothes, remove jewelry, take out hearing aids, etc. Let’s review how to “dress for success” and other steps you will want to consider prior to arriving for your next imaging exam.
If you are going to have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conducted, it is best to leave your jewelry at home. You will be asked to remove jewelry before entering the exam room. Jewelry will show up when taking an X-ray if it’s in the field of interest. We want to make sure your valuables are safe and protected, and the easiest way to do that is to remove them beforehand. With that said, if you can leave jewelry at home, you won’t have to worry about it during the time of your exam.
By Karen L. Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team
Vim and vinegar is a malapropism for the expression vim and vigor, which is a large amount of vitality and energy. A malapropism is when a word is used by mistake in place of a similar sounding word. In this case, vinegar for vigor.
Vinegars are the result of fermentation, giving the liquid its distinct smell. The use of vinegar has been recorded as far back as the third century BC. The key component to vinegar solutions is acetic acid. White vinegar is 5-10% acetic acid compared to apple cider vinegar, which is 5-6% acetic acid.
By Jigna Janani, MD
Adult Hospitalist, Blanchard Valley Health System Medical Staff
Pneumonia is a common lung infection caused by germs, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. It can be a complication following the common cold, flu, COVID-19 infection, sick contact, travel history, exposure to certain farm animals or certain environmental risk factors.
Pneumonia and its symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Most healthy people recover from pneumonia, but it can be life-threatening for a few. The good news is that pneumonia can be prevented by getting an annual flu and COVID-19 shot (as flu and COVID-19 often lead to pneumonia), and for people at high risk, getting a vaccine for pneumococcal pneumonia, as well as the RSV vaccine.
By Karen L. Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team
As I was grocery shopping this week, an announcement came overhead about the new updated guidelines for the COVID-19 vaccines. After the announcement, a lady in the same aisle rolled her eyes and said, with obvious disdain, “Whoop-de-do.”
I refrained from going into a pharmacist educational mode in the dairy aisle, but I wondered if she really understood what she was whoop-de-doing about.
By Ailing Chen, MD
Pediatrics, Caughman Health Center
The most fulfilling part of being a mom and a pediatrician for me is witnessing my own child and other little ones under my care attain new skill levels in their growth journey. Those initial grins or giggles followed by those hesitant first steps are especially precious moments both for children and parents.
It is important for a child’s cognitive, social, and physical growth to reach developmental milestones appropriate for their age. However, every child develops at their own pace, and some may need a little more time to reach certain milestones. As a parent, you know your child best. Trust your instincts and consult with your pediatrician or primary care provider for guidance and support.
By Karen L. Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team
Easter baskets and candy will be here soon. The top three best selling Easter candies are Reese’s Milk Chocolate and Peanut Butter Egg, Kinder Joy Egg, and jelly beans. Besides the sugar and calorie content of these treats, what other dangers can lurk?
A bag of jelly beans is a wonderful array of colors, but the black jelly beans are often ignored. Why?
