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Weekend Doctor: Temper tantrums?

By Michael Flores, PhD
Big Lots Outpatient Behavioral Health
Nationwide Children’s Hospital*

Defiant behavior among toddlers and young children (commonly known as “the terrible twos”) is a normal phase of child development. Children might throw temper tantrums or have rapid mood changes. They want to do things by themselves. Their favorite word is “no.” Similar developmentally appropriate behavior often shows up again during the teen years. Teens may rebel against household rules or act frustrated or angry. Some of this behavior stems from hormonal changes associated with puberty, as their bodies and minds develop.

Temper tantrums are usually triggered when a child is frustrated, tired or hungry. As children learn more appropriate ways to communicate their wants and needs, and when clear limits and behavioral expectations are consistently set, these outbursts tend to become less frequent. However, some children continue to struggle with aggressive or impulsive behavior. Sometimes these actions may pose a threat to their safety or the safety of others. For some people, the behaviors can continue through childhood and even into adulthood.

Don't Go Breaking My Heart

By Karen Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

In 1976, Elton John and Kiki Dee released the duet Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin under the pseudonyms of Ann Orson and Carte Blanche. The single was never on an original Elton John album, but appeared on the 1994 release Duets.

Elton John sang the same duet with Miss Piggy on The Muppet Show. He performed the duet again with Kiki Dee for the Live Aid concert, but has done performances with RuPaul, Minnie Mouse and the Spice Girls.

Elton John started his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour on September 8, 2018 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, but it had delays due to COVID-19 and John’s hip injury. His last U.S. concert was in Los Angeles on November 20, 2022. He will continue to tour in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe with his last concert scheduled for July 30, 2023. I was lucky enough to see his concert at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

His message of don’t go breaking my heart is timely for several reasons. February is American Heart Month with February 3rd being National Wear Red Day® to increase awareness of heart disease in women. As Valentine’s Day approaches, we should think about ways to take care of our hearts.

Weekend Doctor: Effective communication

By Nancy Proctor, BSN, MAE
Patient Experience Educator

Our survival depends on human interaction, which creates connection, trust and safety. Deep-seated in all of this is effective, “real” communication.

Believe it or not, despite the healthcare industry’s state-of-the-art everything (technology, equipment, buildings, campuses), the number one way we still treat our patients and families is through communication.

Explanation, education and information sharing are a large part of the patient experience, as we include the patient and family as partners in the healthcare team. In this way, healthcare professionals create mutual purpose via diagnosis, treatment and health management, in order to facilitate the most optimal health outcomes for the patient. Through dialogue, we also help develop mutual accountability. We are going to take care of you while you’re here and teach you how to take care of yourself when you’re not. This relationship is a winning combination for all.

Weekend Doctor: Telehealth coverage

By Kathlean Downing, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CEMC
Compliance Specialist, Risk Management - Blanchard Valley Health System

As we begin 2023, it is hard to believe that nearly three years have passed since the federal government initially declared a public health emergency (PHE). With the declaration of the PHE, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other commercial payers adjusted coverage policies, and the doors for telehealth were opened for a whole new world of healthcare to emerge. 

Tapas

By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

In Spain, tapa or tapas are small plates or small bites of food. Spaniards often eat their dinners later in the evening, so they will have tapas as small snacks to hold them over until food is served. Tapa would be similar to an appetizer in the United States.

There are three different types of tapas. The first is cocas de picar and is considered finger food to nibble such as nuts or olives. The second is pinchos, which requires utensils like a toothpick or skewer. Cazuelas is the third type of tapas served as a small dish of food in sauce.  

So, why am I discussing tapas? I will be providing some small bites of information published in recent medical journals about some healthy habits for 2023. Some of these tips might be a good solution if your resolutions are not going quite as planned.

Weekend Doctor: Winter pain management

By Andrius Giedraitis, MD
Blanchard Valley Pain Management

We are all well-accustomed to the trials of Ohio winters – cold mornings, snowy roads and early sunsets. Another common aspect of these winters is the propensity to develop exacerbations of chronic pain ailments. Knees and hips become achier, walking becomes more difficult and sleep becomes less restful. Many of these issues are a reflection of the colder temperatures and changes in barometric pressure, which can affect your neck, low back, shoulders, hips and
knees.

Sometimes resting at home and applying a heating pad to the painful area can bring enough relief; at other times, over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, are needed to help alleviate these symptoms. Physical therapy, stretching and home exercises can also often improve one’s overall well-being and functionality.

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