Health

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By Tonya DeVaul, APRN-CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Gastroenterology Associates of Northwest Ohio

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. When this type of backflow happens repeatedly over time, it can lead to esophageal irritation causing GERD. Frequent acid reflux or reflux of nonacidic content from the stomach into the esophagus is what causes GERD. When you swallow, a circular band of muscle around the lower part of your esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, relaxes to allow food/liquid to flow into the stomach. After this occurs, the sphincter then closes; however, if the sphincter does not relax as it should and/or it weakens over a period of time, stomach acid then flows back into the esophagus causing irritation/inflammation to the lining of the esophagus. 

Some very common signs and symptoms of GERD include burning in the chest after eating (which may be more noticeable at night or when lying flat), regurgitation of food or liquid that may cause a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), upper abdominal discomfort and the sensation of a lump in the throat (globus sensation).

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Volunteer Guardians provide a lifeline to vulnerable adults in Allen County. An individual might need end-of-life care; another has mental health issues; some are estranged from family. All are victims of crime including financial exploitation, domestic violence, sexual and physical assault and need a guardian to manage their major affairs.

This is where the Guardian Program of Crime Victim Services steps in, meeting a growing need of both our community and the Allen County Probate Court.

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By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

Julie Andrews was the beloved Mary Poppins in the 1964 Walt Disney film. One of the songs is A Spoonful of Sugar to encourage the children to take a daunting task and make it fun.  Interestingly, Julie Andrews was not a fan of the original work titled The Eyes of Love. Disney asked Richard and Robert Sherman to rearrange the song into a snappier version.  

Robert Sherman got the idea after realizing his children received their polio vaccine. He asked if the polio shot hurt. The children were a bit startled since they reported the vaccine was in a sugar cube. The inspiration was born.

I remember standing in the school hallway waiting for my sugar cube with the vaccine. You may be thinking this article is about taking your medicine appropriately. Although a great topic, I will save it for another day. I want to discuss sugar!

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By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

"The Final Countdown" is a song released by the group Europe on February 14, 1986. The song performed by the Swedish rock band reached number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song is often played at sporting events to rally the crowds.

On January 30, 2023, President Biden announced the administration’s intent to end both the national emergency and the public health emergency for COVID-19. These emergency declarations have to be renewed every 90 days and are set to expire on May 11, 2023. Experts have some significant concerns about the changes the final countdown will bring to medical services.

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by Karen Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team
ONU HealthWise Pharmacy
419-772-3784

The Final Countdown was a song released by the group Europe on February 14, 1986. The song performed by the Swedish rock band reached number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song is often played at sporting events to rally the crowds.

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By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

Tom Hanks starred in the 2019 biographical drama about Mr. Fred Rogers titled A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.  Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was a television staple for children from 1968 until the last episode in 2001.  The program was filmed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania near Fred Rogers’ hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. 

Fred Rogers was a shy, overweight child who was frequently bullied by classmates.  Fred took these life experiences, both good and bad, to try and develop a deeper understanding of people. Journalist Tom Junod became a friend of Rogers after being assigned an interview with him for Esquire magazine.  Tom was amazed at how quickly the relationship developed out of pure kindness from Fred Rogers.  He was noted to say that Mr. Rogers really wanted to know what you had to say and how you felt. Junod noted the authenticity of Fred Rogers. 

Mr. Rogers’ wanted to be your neighbor, he wanted to be your friend, and he was proud of you (listen to his songs)!  He made you feel special right through the television.  Tom Junod commented in an interview years later that “he (Mr. Rogers) used that power to do good”. 

Why all of this chatter about being a friend and doing good? Because it is good for your health!

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