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Blanchard Valley Health System

Weekend doctor: What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?

The patient has difficulty with solid foods and may feel like food gets “stuck” in the throat or chest

By Brenda Keller, APRN-CNP, Certified Nurse Practitioner
Gastroenterology Associates of Northwest Ohio

Eosinophilic esophagitis, or “EoE” for short, is a condition that affects the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. In cases of EoE, the esophagus has cells called eosinophils.

Eosinophils are not normally found in the esophagus. They are cells associated with allergies. The exact cause of EoE is unknown but thought to be related to food allergies.

Mid-week doctor: What is a D.O.?

When you go to see your doctor you may notice some letters following the name, but have you ever wondered what they mean?

By Dr. Robert Puckett, DO
Family Medicine, Carey Medical Center

What is a DO?

When you go to see your doctor you may notice some letters following their name, but have you ever wondered what they mean? Physicians in the United States receive one of two degrees upon completion of medical school, either an MD or a DO. So, what is the difference?

Most people are familiar with a MD or Medical Doctor, but would you be surprised to know that nearly 1 in 4 current medical students is working toward their DO rather than an MD.

State of Our Organization: COVID-19 Response and Plan Part III

Blanchard Valley Health System - on Facebook Live 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30

Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) will hold a “State of Our Organization: COVID-19 Response and Plan Part III” through Facebook Live to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, the response plan for BVHS and answer questions from the community.

President and CEO Scott Malaney and Dr. William Kose, vice president of special projects, will speak to the community for a third time on the pandemic and updates on the health system’s response from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30.

Weekend doctor: I want this hair gone!

By Lorie Thomas, DO
Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology
There are many options available for hair removal. People will use chemical depilatories, electrolysis, shaving or wax to remove hair.

A less painful option may be sugaring as well as laser hair removal for a more permanent hair removal option. 

Any area where you may have undesired hair is an option for hair removal. A few popular examples for men are shoulders, back, upper arms and nape of the neck.

Weekend doctor: Information you need to know about kidney cancer

By Joshua Ebel, MD
Blanchard Valley Urology Associates
The kidneys are vital organs serving many important roles in your body including, filtering your blood and controlling your blood pressure. Unfortunately, they are also prone to developing abnormal cysts and tumors, some of which are cancerous. 

Kidney cancer is in the top 10 most common cancers in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 70,000 Americans will be diagnosed with kidney cancer this year alone. 

Basilar thumb arthritis – a common problem related to the thumb

By Dr. Brent Steiner

Northwest Ohio Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Our thumbs are one unique feature that separates us, as humans, from many other living creatures. Our thumbs are opposable, allowing us to grasp items and perform fine motor skills which would otherwise be impossible with a less mobile digit. 

The thumb is a complex structure providing multi-plane mobility and fine dexterity. The base of the thumb joint is described as a “saddle joint” due to its unique appearance and attachment structure.

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