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Weekend Doctor: What's a "hospitalist?"

Posted by Staff on Saturday, August 3, 2024

By Jigna Janani, MD
Adult Hospitalist, Blanchard Valley Health System Medical Staff

Often when patients are admitted to the hospital, they have questions such as, “Where is my family doctor?” or “What does a ‘hospitalist’ mean?” My common response to them is, “A hospitalist is serving like a family doctor for you while you are in the hospital.” Once the patient is discharged from the hospital, the family doctor usually resumes care. 

Hospitalists are like a quarterback on a football field or a conductor in an orchestra. Their job is to ensure both that patients feel well-educated about their medical illness and that they receive excellent care during one of the toughest times for them and for their loved ones.

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Lady and the Tramp: Pasta and health

Posted by Staff on Thursday, August 1, 2024

By Lena Salameh, Pharmacy Resident and Karen Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

In 1937, artist Joe Grant pitched an idea to Walt Disney about making a movie inspired by his English Springer Spaniel named Lady.  His plot would be based on how the family dog may receive less attention when a new baby was in the house. The plot and the movie struggled through many iterations at Disney before being released as Lady and the Tramp on June 22, 1955. This movie has an iconic scene where Lady and Tramp share a plate of spaghetti and end up kissing at the end of the same noodle. 

Pasta is the most common food group worldwide. It comes in various shapes, sizes, and dishes. Pasta is sometimes labeled as a common enemy of diets. Low-carbohydrate diets that cut out carbohydrates, like pasta, have become very popular. Since many low-carbohydrate and keto diets have become promoted, the amount of pasta eaten in both the United States and other countries has been decreasing. The reason appears to be related to pasta being considered a dangerous noodle because it can cause weight gain and is fattening. 

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Weekend Doctor: What’s a fever?

Posted by Staff on Saturday, July 27, 2024

By April Lieb, PA-C
Physician Assistant, Caughman Health Center

Fever. A common question for many parents is, “What is considered a fever?” Fever in children can be scary, but just because there is a fever does not always mean there is cause for alarm. Normal body temperature is considered 98.6 F (37 C). In the world of pediatrics, a fever is considered 100.4 F (38 C) per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

A fever helps the body by stimulating the immune system to fight the infection. Other common reasons children will develop a fever are overdressing, immunizations and occasionally teething, although in these cases the fever is typically less than 100 F. 

If your child is under three months old and has a fever of 100.4 F or higher, you should seek medical attention. 

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Christmas in July: Ho-ho-ho to health

Posted by Staff on Thursday, July 25, 2024

By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

Christmas in July has become quite popular in the United States. You can find all kinds of celebrations from shopping sales to promotions around the theme of Christmas in the summer. A North Carolina summer camp was credited for starting the concept of Christmas in July in the United States.  

Many Southern Hemisphere countries such as Australia and New Zealand celebrate Christmas in July because it is the winter season there. Some common dates for Christmas in July are July 24 and 25.  The Hallmark channel is no exception with the countdown to Christmas movies starting in July. Where would Christmas be without the ho-ho-ho of Santa?

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Listeria outbreak in 12 states

Posted by Paula Scott on Monday, July 22, 2024

The Allen County Department of Health has shared the following message from the Centers for Disease Control:

LISTERIA OUTBREAK: 
28 people are sick, with 2 deaths, in 12 states. Do not eat meats you get sliced at any deli counter, unless it is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot. Investigators are collecting as much information as possible to figure out which deli meats are contaminated. https://bit.ly/4cPl2dO/

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Weekend Doctor: Hypertension in pregnancy

Posted by Staff on Saturday, July 20, 2024

By Brittany Berens, DO, Obstetrics & Gynecology
OB Hospitalist, Blanchard Valley Hospital

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) account for 32% of maternal deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One in seven hospital deliveries may be affected by this complication of pregnancy. What are these disorders? How are they managed during and after pregnancy? Can a person do anything before becoming pregnant to decrease their risk factors?

First, let’s examine what is considered high blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. High blood pressure is greater than 140/90. 

There are different types of HDP. Chronic hypertension is a diagnosis of hypertension that is present before the person becomes pregnant. It can also be diagnosed if elevated blood pressures are found before 20 weeks of gestational age. Gestational hypertension is the diagnosis of hypertension that is made after 20 weeks of gestational age. 

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