Health

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By Lindsey Buddelmeyer, Leadership Education & Training Specialist

Falls are a common cause of injury, particularly for seniors. As we discussed in a previous column, the two primary reasons for falls are a decrease in strength and balance; and environmental factors. We previously focused on preventing falls outside your home. In this column, we will focus on preventing falls inside your home.

As we age, our balance, strength, and visual acuity naturally decline. According to the National Institute on Aging, common visual changes for older adults include struggling to see up close, difficulty with distinguishing colors, and needing additional time to adjust to changing levels of light. Certain conditions also contribute to a higher likelihood of falling. Let’s examine the inside of your home, determine if there are any unsafe spaces, and find strategies or modifications to make your home safer.  READ MORE

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By Scott Daley, Student Pharmacist and Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team 

On March 1, 1972, Mac Davis recorded Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me and the song hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Easy Listening Hot 100. The song was part of an episode on The Muppet Show hosted by Davis. Many may not realize how successful Mac Davis was as a songwriter before he became a performer in his own right.  He is famous for writing songs for Elvis such as Memories, In the Ghetto and A Little Less Conversation. 

You can get hooked on caffeine and the latest research is not good for our youth.

Prime, Bang, C4, Fast Twitch, Alani, Celcius, Dunkin and Starbucks are just a few of the popular drink brands giving teens and young adults too much caffeine. As these brands market to a younger audience and grow profits every year, the research surrounding their consumption has some pretty serious consequences. To understand why we should not be giving our children these drinks, we need to look at the effect caffeine has on the brain and how that affects our day to day behavior. READ MORE

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By James H. Legge III, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Center of Northwest Ohio

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By Karen L. Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team 

The idiom known as a big fish in a small pond explains a person who is important or powerful within a small group, but not necessarily known in a larger population.  This is a good example of our local officials or citizens versus the Hollywood famous.  

Recent science has identified a benefit with omega-fatty acids such as those found in fish.  The study was completed in a smaller pond of individuals.  The evidence was in a small pond of individuals over the age of 70 years.  

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Allen County Public Health and the Ohio Department of Health confirmed the first pediatric flu-related death of the 2024-2025 flu season occurred in Allen County. The deceased individual was a teenager under the age of 18 from Allen County. This tragic loss underscores the seriousness of the flu and the importance of prevention, especially with flu activity at very high levels at this time. 

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By Danielle Castle, APRN-CNP, Carey Medical Center

An estimated 10 million Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition that can significantly impact daily life, mood and overall well-being. Winter-patterned SAD is more common due to shorter daylight hours. Therefore, this disorder is especially prevalent in individuals living in northern regions, where daylight is limited for extended periods and is less common in those residing in sunnier climates such as Florida. 

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