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Be Our Guest: Errors with spoons and medications

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

Be Our Guest was a song from the 1991 Disney film Beauty and the Beast. The song was performed by Mrs. Potts (Angela Lansbury) and Lemière (Jerry Orbach). During the song’s animation, we see spoons dancing and diving into a punch bowl. In the movie, the Beast struggles to eat with a spoon and Belle puts down her spoon and drinks out of the bowl. 

Why talk about spoons? Many medications for infants and children come in liquid dosage forms requiring measuring. Spoons are used to give medications to children. 

Weekend Doctor: Wellness exams for children

By Danielle Wicker, LPN
Pediatric Supervisor, Caughman Health Center

For parents in today’s world, there are numerous daily tasks to juggle, from going to work to preparing meals and driving kids to and from practices. Sometimes, if we do not have any concerns as parents about our child’s development, we may not realize the importance of making time for their well-child exams. 

While it may feel like there are not enough hours in a day, it is important to keep well-child exams as recommended. The American Academy of Pediatrics developed a well-child exam schedule, which allows patients to be seen at strategic ages to ensure growth and development milestones are on track. 

A suggested schedule of well-child visits, beginning from a child’s birth, typically includes the following ages: 

Hook: Drug advertising

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

In 1991, the film Hook directed by Steven Spielberg was released. The film was the sequel to the 1911 novel Peter & Wendy. The movie starred Robin Williams as Peter Pan, Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook, and Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell. Jimmy Buffett and David Crosby made cameo appearances as pirates in the movie. 

Weekend Doctor: Neck pain

By Megan Verhoff, PA-C
Pain Management, Blanchard Valley Pain Management

Do you have neck pain? You’re not alone. Over half of all individuals develop neck pain during their lifetime with an annual prevalence in up to 40% of people. Most often, neck pain resolves on its own within just days to weeks; however, for some, it may last longer and require medical management. This article describes the causes of neck pain, provides some conservative treatment ideas, and describes when to seek medical attention. 

If I Didn’t Have You: Off-label use of medications

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

In 2001, If I Didn’t Have You won the Academy Award for Best Original Song from the Disney movie Monsters, Inc. The song was written by Randy Newman and performed by Billy Crystal and John Goodman.   

Weekend Doctor: As much prenatal care as possible

By Jennifer Loera, RN
Clinical Navigator - Maternal Opiate Medical Support (MOMS) Program, Blanchard Valley Health System

Engaging in as much prenatal care as possible is the single most important thing a pregnant woman can do, even if care is not sought until late. Pregnant women with substance use disorder (SUD) frequently face tremendous stigma and judgment when seeking medical care. Experience with judgment and stigma can often make it difficult to seek prenatal care, mental health care, and community support services. 

Providers should utilize a trauma-informed care approach when working with substance-using pregnant patients to combat stigma. This includes harm reduction and motivational interviewing. Focusing primarily on building trust, enhancing self-efficacy, and strengthening personal skills and resources promotes optimal health and well-being of the mother-baby dyad. 

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