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Blanchard Valley Health System

Weekend Doctor: Joint replacement surgery

By Jim Davidson, MD and Katie Fultz, PA-C

Blanchard Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Often a patient has been diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis of a large joint (hip, knee, shoulder) and among treatment options discussed, joint replacement surgery may be considered. Typically, a joint replacement is reserved for the treatment of severe osteoarthritis when non-surgical treatments are no longer working. A joint replacement is replacing the cartilage ends of two bones where they come together to make a joint with a metal and plastic prosthetic. Once a patient has met with their orthopedic provider and decided a joint replacement is the right treatment option for them, there is preparation that can be done. This preparation is crucial to joint replacement success. Often, some of these things should start to be addressed upon initial diagnosis of the disease.

Weekend Doctor: Toddler snack tactics

By Ericca Lovegrove, RD, LD
Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition
Nationwide Children’s Hospital

For toddlers, snacking is a very important part of the day. Unlike adults, they need to eat more frequently to maintain their energy levels. Healthy snacks help control toddler hunger while providing a nutritious boost, but how can parents ensure their little ones will still be hungry for dinner after a day of snacking? Here are some tips to help structure your toddler’s diet and not spoil their dinners.

Weekend Doctor: Continuous glucose monitoring

By Thomas Grace, MD, Endocrinology & Diabetes Specialists of Northwest Ohio 

CGM stands for Continuous Glucose Monitoring, the newest and best way for people with diabetes to monitor their glucose levels. Simply put, a CGM is a patch that you can wear on your skin that allows the user to see their blood glucose level consistently, in real time. Someone with diabetes would be able to track what is happening to their glucose level continuously throughout the day. Not only do these devices show blood glucose readings, but they also provide predictive trends to show users where their blood glucoses are headed. Unlike the traditional glucometers on the market, you do not have to poke your finger, which is painful and burdensome.  

Weekend Doctor: Facts and myths about ticks

By Julie Schloemer, MD, Blanchard Valley Medical Associates

Now that the weather is warmer and you may be spending more time outdoors, it’s a great time to brush up on your knowledge about ticks and preventing tickborne illnesses. Below are some facts and myths about ticks.

Fact: Repellants containing only DEET are not sufficient to deter ticks

Look for clothing treated with permethrin or tick-repellant sprays containing permethrin which can kill ticks on contact.

Myth: Ticks can drop from tree branches onto your head or body  

Weekend Doctor: Hospital prep

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

One of my friends asked the other day about how he could file his advance directives, specifically durable power of attorney and living will, with the hospital to be used in emergencies. In addition, there are many different pieces of information that would be helpful whenever someone comes to a hospital, emergency room or sees a physician. 

We begin with what the primary problem is or chief complaint. It is helpful to write down the problem, what are the symptoms and what are your concerns and questions, so that nothing is missed in the encounter.

Weekend Doctor: Cough talk

By Terry Barber, MD, Medical Director of off-site Urgent Care Centers, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Right now, there is probably at least one person in your household that has a cough. Coughs are often associated with the common cold and there is little you can do, other than try to ease the symptoms. However, a lot of coughing, especially in babies under four months old, could be a sign of a serious illness.

Here’s what to listen for:

Barking Cough

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