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Hardin County Quality of Life survey for 2023, results for 2022

Results for the 2022 Quality of Life survy were released on October 12 and are attached HERE.

Hardin County residents are being asked to complete a Quality of Life Survey as part of a community health improvement plan process. The quality-of-life survey results will be presented at the 3rd CHIP meeting in January 2024. 

Help!: Flu, COVID-19 and RSV

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

Help! was the fifth album for the Beatles and included the song by the same name. John Lennon wrote the song and was quoted as indicating he needed help at the time he wrote it. The Beatles were the first rock band to be recognized in the category of Album of the Year at the Grammys in 1966. 

A recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania about the tripledemic of RSV, COVID-19, and flu indicates we need help when it comes to information!

According to the survey, only one-third of American adults fear they or a loved one will get the flu, COVID-19, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this winter. Recent CDC data from July 2023 indicates approximately 79% of Americans have had COVID-19 since the epidemic started. 

Weekend Doctor: What is a "swing bed"?

By Emily Koogler, LSW, CCM
Social Worker-Case Manager, Bluffton Hospital

What is a swing bed?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) grants approval to critical access hospitals to provide post-acute care in the hospital setting if the facility meets certain requirements. The swing bed concept allows a critical access facility to use its beds interchangeably for either acute care or post-acute care. The patient swings from receiving acute-care services and reimbursement to receiving skilled services and reimbursement while staying in the hospital setting.

One thin wafer: Weight loss medication

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

In Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life, there is a scene where Mr. Creosote explodes after eating too much food and being offered one thin wafer. The movie was released in 1983 after success with their other movies. 

The British comedy troupe formed in 1969 and started a comedy series on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The Monty Python’s Flying Circus was viewed from 1969 to 1974. The group’s comedy style was considered revolutionary. In 1988, the group won a BAFTA for their influence on comedy.

After holiday meals, one might express a feeling of fullness. We are entering the time of year when individuals are considering weight loss and thinking about New Year resolutions. 

Weekend Doctor: Heel pain

By Thomas Vail, DPM
Podiatry, Medical Staff Member of Blanchard Valley Health System

Heel pain is the most common foot condition that brings patients to my office. Heel pain is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, multiple muscles, the bursa, nerves and the periosteum under the heel.

For most people, heel pain is at its worst in the morning. While you are sleeping, your feet rest in a downward, relaxed position, causing your muscles to tighten. When you take your first steps out of bed, stretching these tight muscles can cause pain.

Weekend Doctor: Taking care with fall yardwork

By Misty Watkins, LPN
Primary Care Manager, Blanchard Valley Medical Practices

As the trees are in their final stages of losing their leaves, the temperatures begin to drop, and the winds begin to pick up, many homeowners start feeling the pressure of getting their fall yard cleaning done before winter sets in. 

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