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Weekend Doctor: HPV in middle-aged men

Posted by Staff on Saturday, April 1, 2023

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

As a board-certified radiation oncologist, I've noticed a concerning trend in my patients–an increase in head and neck cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) in middle-aged men. While traditionally head and neck cancers were linked to heavy tobacco and alcohol use, we are now seeing a shift in the causes of these cancers, with HPV becoming a leading cause. 

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to a range of cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancer. In fact, over 70 percent of all oropharyngeal cancers are now caused by HPV. What's even more worrying is that HPV-related cancers tend to affect a younger demographic, and middle-aged men are often the ones who are diagnosed.

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Family Ties

Posted by Staff on Thursday, March 30, 2023

By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

The television show Family Ties was a breakout series for Michael Andrew Fox, professionally known as Michael J. Fox. He played Alex P. Keaton on the sitcom from 1982 until the finale in 1989. This series led to his success in the trilogy of Back to the Future movies. While on the Florida set of his 1991 movie Doc Hollywood, Michael J. Fox noted a slight tremor in his little finger. This was his first symptom of early-onset Parkinson’s disease.

Several years after Michael J. Fox’s diagnosis, he went public with his disease and his fight to find treatments. In 2000, he established the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.  This organization has become a global leader and innovator in finding therapies.

He has authored three books including No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality. Michael shares personal stories about his illness and his family. I was fortunate enough to see him at a conference where he was the keynote speaker. It was one of the most amazing speeches I have ever heard. He spoke for one hour without any notes and he held nothing back. 

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Lion’s Mane

Posted by Staff on Thursday, March 23, 2023

By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

This week I was asked an interesting drug information question about the mushroom known as Lion’s Mane and its related health benefits.  The first thing that came to my mind was the movie Secondhand Lions.  Not sure why!

The movie was released in 2003 in the comedy-drama genre and starred Robert Duvall. Michael Caine, Haley Joel Osment, and Kyra Sedgwick. Haley Joel Osment had the role of the 14-year-old Walter who is left for the summer with his great uncles. It is rumored that the uncles have a secret fortune and are targets for traveling salesmen and relatives looking for money. The uncles are often seen sitting on their porch with shotguns.

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Weekend Doctor: Back pain

Posted by Staff on Saturday, March 18, 2023

By Thomas Kindl, MD
Blanchard Valley Pain Management

You’ve heard of a “pain in the neck,” but did you know that back pain is more common, affecting eight out of every 10 adults during their lifetime?  With a statistic like that, learning to prevent back injuries is important to your health and well-being.

There are six key steps to avoiding back injuries at work or at play.

Frequent position changes 
Prolonged positioning places increased stress on your back. So, get up and move, frequently change positions and take breaks from repetitive activities.

Pushing/Pulling  
Stand up straight and push whenever possible. Pushing is easier on your back.

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Lyin' Eyes

Posted by Staff on Thursday, March 16, 2023

By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

In 1975, the Eagles recorded the hit "Lyin’ Eyes" about dishonesty within a relationship. The song was written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey and recorded with Frey singing the solo lead. The band had its start when Don and Glenn were recruited for Linda Ronstadt’s band by her and manager John Boylan. The 2019 documentary Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice provided an excellent perspective on the relationship establishing the Eagles. The Eagles became one the best selling bands of all time and were inducted into the Roll and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.  

Why a lead in with Lyin’ Eyes? 

The concern is the deception or misleading advertising that seems to be common with different media outlets. The pharmaceutical industry spent $5 billion on television ads in 2021 according to Fierce Pharma. These ads are referred to as direct-to-consumer (DTC) ads. The only two countries allowing DTC ads are the United States and New Zealand. Other countries have banned DTC ads similar to the 1970 ban of direct-to-consumer cigarette ads on radio and television.  

Prescription medications are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has a program aimed at healthcare professionals called the Bad Ad Program.  The FDA Office of Prescription Drug Promotions (OPDP) is responsible for the Bad Ad Program under the auspices of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Anyone can report to the Bad Ad Program, but it is aimed at healthcare providers. Reports can be sent via email at [email protected] or phone at 855-RX-BADAD.  

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Wellness challenge by email: Think Green…It’s Not Just a Color

Posted by Staff on Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Green with envy. Green around the gills. Do you have a green thumb? The grass is always greener on the other side. Go green or think green. These are common phrases you might think about when you hear the word “green,” but green may also apply to wellness themes as well. Join Ohio State University Extension for the “Think Green…It’s Not Just a Color” 6-week Spring email wellness challenge to learn more about how OSU Extension has tied together a variety of wellness topics.

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