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Weekend Doctor: Radiation therapy advances

By Ankit Modh, MD
Radiation Oncology, The Armes Family Cancer Care Center

As a radiation oncologist with years of experience, I am thrilled to share the incredible strides we've made in the field of radiation therapy, particularly in minimizing the impact of what was once a dreaded side effect – radiation burns. The landscape of cancer treatment has evolved significantly, and one of the most notable improvements lies in our ability to deliver effective treatment with a focus on patients’ comfort and well-being. 

In the not-so-distant past, radiation burns were an unfortunate and often inevitable consequence of radiation therapy. Patients undergoing treatment for various cancers would, unfortunately, experience skin reactions that ranged from discomfort to painful burns akin to severe sunburn. These side effects not only impacted the physical health of the patient but also added emotional distress to an already challenging journey. 

Trouble: COVID-19 

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

In 1981, Lindsey Buckingham released his first solo album with the single Trouble. Buckingham was the lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist for Fleetwood Mac. When he joined the group, he convinced them to bring Stevie Nicks into the group to sing vocals. Buckingham was known for his fingerpicking guitar style. Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. 

Weekend Doctor: Sports injuries

By Ali Chohan, MD
Family Medicine, Putnam County Primary Care

Sports injuries can be a challenging setback for athletes, affecting not only their physical well-being but also their mental resilience. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a “weekend warrior,” understanding common sports injuries and knowing how to take care of them is crucial for a speedy recovery and long-term health.

One of the most prevalent sports injuries is the sprain. Sprains occur when ligaments, the tough bands connecting bones within a joint, are stretched or torn. Ankle sprains are particularly common, often resulting from sudden twists or awkward landings. Immediate treatment involves the R.I.C.E. method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest the injured area, apply ice to reduce swelling, use compression to support the injured area, and elevate it to minimize fluid accumulation.

Helping patients prepare for and followup after laboratory testing

By William Kose, MD, JD
Vice President of Special Projects, Blanchard Valley Health System

Healthcare providers routinely order laboratory testing to help determine how to treat their patients. We want to take this opportunity to remind you not only that it’s important to get testing when it’s recommended but also that there are steps you can take to help make the process go more smoothly.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals have fallen behind on routine appointments and other regular healthcare. If you are not yet caught up on your laboratory tests, we urge you to sooner rather than later to ensure that any problems the lab tests identify can be dealt with promptly.

Your primary care provider can help you determine which tests you should have routinely. Generally, standard recommendations are based on an individual’s age and gender. However, the recommendations may vary depending on your specific situation, such as if there is a family history of a certain condition.

Weekend Doctor: Teen health skills

By Cynthia Holland-Hall, MD, MPH
Adolescent Health, Nationwide Children’s Hospital*

As adolescents move into young adulthood, they take on increasing responsibility for managing their own health care. By teaching your teen the necessary skills over time, this new responsibility will feel less overwhelming, and your teen will be one step closer to “adulting.” Making a medical appointment is a skill that seems simple but can be intimidating, particularly to teens who are “phone call-phobic.”

Start by having your teen make a list of their healthcare providers, including doctors, mental health providers, therapists, dentists, and any others. Encourage or help your teen to add the names, addresses, phone numbers, and web addresses of all providers to their phone contacts so they can easily find them in the future.  

Weekend Doctor: Knee pain

By Thomas Kindl, MD
Pain Management, Blanchard Valley Pain Management

Frequent knee pain affects approximately 25% of adults. While living an active lifestyle is one of the best things you can do for your joints, it can commonly result in injury. Common problems related to knee pain include sprained ligaments, meniscus tears, tendinitis, runner’s knee, bursitis, osteoarthritis, and excess weight. 

Common symptoms of knee pain include:

  • Pain when using the stairs
  • Swelling in one or more joints
  • Difficulty bearing weight on the knee
  • Recurring pain or tenderness
  • Inability to move a joint normally

Over 32 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, a form of “wear and tear” arthritis that is the leading cause of knee pain in individuals over the age of 50.

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