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By Alaina Kortokrax, Pharmacy Resident and Karen Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

I Heard It Through the Grapevine was first released by Motown Records on September 28, 1967.  It was recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips. The second release was in August of 1968 by The Miracles, even though they were the first to record it in 1966.  The third release was by Marvin Gaye on October 30, 1968.  The Marvin Gaye version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and has been used in television commercials and movies. 

Why is hearing so important to our health?  

Hearing loss has been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, dementia and poor physical health. The National Institute on Aging reports a faster decline of memory and concentration in those individuals who have hearing losses without corrective devices compared to those with normal hearing. A Johns Hopkins study followed 639 adults over a 12-year period and found those with mild hearing loss were 2 times more likely to develop dementia compared to those with severe hearing loss, who were 5 times more likely. 

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By Gina Bailey, BSN, RN
Infection Preventionist, Quality/Infection Control, Blanchard Valley Health System

Summer is here, and now is the time to enjoy the weather and get into the water. But many do not know that while you are in the lazy river or perfecting your cannonball, you are coming into contact with bacteria, viruses and parasites. Most of these will not cause you to become sick, but some can cause what is known as Recreational Water Illness (RWI). 

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By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

Boogie Wonderland was released in April 1979 by Earth, Wind & Fire for Columbia Records.  The song won a Grammy for the Best R&B Instrumental Performance. Maurice White founded the group in 1969 and the name derives from his astrological sign of Sagittarius. The group was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as receiving Kennedy Center Honors in 2019. As with much of the Earth, Wind & Fire music, Boogie Wonderland really makes you want to jump up and dance.  

Research has already shown us the importance of physical activity and brain health, but does dancing in any form help our brain and mental health?

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Technology and social media’s effect on mental health and young minds

By James Legge III, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Center of Northwest Ohio

After almost two decades in the healthcare field, I have noticed several themes that cause concern not only for teenagers, but also for young adults. 

The topics are driven by direct connections between technology/social media platforms and mental health, as well as the developing brain in general.

It has been claimed that social media outlets -- and the integration of artificial intelligence into them -- comprise what is called a “free platform.” 

This is ironic because recent studies suggest that these “free platforms” are actually very costly. Of course, these costs are not necessarily measured in dollars and cents. Rather, the costs can be seen from a mental health standpoint.  

Endless scrolling, accompanied by persistent cueing and random, perceived rewards, are the same methods that gambling casinos use to draw customers to their slot machines, theoretically. 

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By Ashley O’Flaherty, CMA
Supervisor, Blanchard Valley Medical Practices

Warmer weather and sunshine bring people outside for cookouts, swimming, hiking, and all-around fun. While enjoying the outdoors, we need to be mindful of those annoying little critters known as fleas and ticks. They can be harmful to humans as well as pets. 

Fleas are very tiny insects that jump from host to host and can live on your animals. When your pet is outside, a flea may simply jump on it and stay there when the pet comes back inside. They then can multiply and bite not only the animal, but also humans. Some humans react more severely than others when it comes to bites on the skin. If not caught in time, this can cause a flea infestation. If you encounter a flea infestation, it is best you treat your animal with the appropriate treatment recommended by your veterinarian. 

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By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

The idiom “sweet tooth” describes an individual who craves chocolate, candies, cake, cookies or sweet desserts. Healthcare professionals including dentists warn of the dangers of too much sugar. These include heart disease, obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. An option to reduce sugar intake is a sugar substitute. 

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