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Posted September 18, 2023 by Ketan Deoras, M.D.
Are you an early bird or night owl? A person’s sleep schedule preference is closely tied to their circadian rhythms, the natural physical process that follows a similar cycle every 24 hours. But, either sleep-wake cycle can promote a healthy lifestyle, right? Not so fast.
Several studies have associated later sleep times with many health issues. That’s because people who stay up late tend to accumulate sleep debt if they’re forced to wake early.…
Posted September 11, 2023
Summa Health is on a mission to provide the highest quality, compassionate care to our patients and members and to contribute to a healthier community.
One way we are achieving our mission is by continually incorporating the latest innovative treatments and procedures to improve patient outcomes and their quality of life. While standard treatments and medications are at the core of our care plan, we also stand at the forefront of some of the latest measures that treat the root…
Posted September 05, 2023 by Paul Hartzfeld, M.D.
When the weather gets warmer in Northeast Ohio, more patients are admitted to the hospital with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This increase can be attributed to more participation in activities outside that require a helmet, such as riding a bicycle, motorcycle and playing contact sports, such as football.
According to the CDC, there are an estimated 1.7 to 3.8 million traumatic brain injuries each year in the United States. With the heightened safety risks associated…
Posted August 31, 2023 by Meagan Mafield, NRCMA
Posted August 21, 2023 by Maria Bossard, Summa Health Wellness Center Fitness Specialist
‘Tis the season for outdoor endurance sports! While gearing up with the best apparel, shoes and playlist is essential, don't overlook the power of nutrition. Learn how to properly fuel your body with carbohydrates, fluid and electrolytes during endurance activities that last longer than an hour.
During exercise, your muscles rely on muscle glycogen as a primary energy source. As your…
Posted August 07, 2023 by Roger Chaffee, M.D., FACC
When it comes to heart health, you’ve probably heard about the foods you shouldn’t eat at summertime gatherings. Ahem, we’re looking at you typical cookout fare: hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni salad and pie, which are chock full of saturated fats, added sugars and sodium.
Instead, let’s talk about foods we can and should be incorporating into our summer diet—and throughout the year. Fresh fruits and veggies can brighten up your plate and…
Posted July 31, 2023 by Paul Lenz, M.D.
Summer is synonymous with fun in the sun. From swimming to hiking and biking to tennis, golf and more, it’s a season to enjoy the great outdoors. But as temperatures and humidity rise, so do the dangers of heat illness.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 700 people are killed by extreme heat every year in this country. Infants and people aged 65 or older, especially those with chronic conditions, are most at risk for heat…
Posted July 24, 2023 by Evan Howe, M.D.
Summer often brings some much-needed fun in the sun. Longer days lead to outdoor activities for the whole family. However, summer months also bring forth a host of health safety concerns. Here are six concerns to recognize and tips on how to have a safe and enjoyable summer.
We all love to catch some rays but too much time in the sun can make for a painful sunburn. Usually within a few hours, skin reddens and becomes painful to the touch. A normal sunburn can be handled…
Posted July 17, 2023 by Jose Armendariz, M.D.
Do you feel a dull ache deep in your shoulder that worsens at night or with particular arm movements? Do you have weakness when lifting or rotating your arm above your head? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you might be dealing with a torn rotator cuff.
The rotator cuff is a series of muscles and tendons that keeps the shoulder joint stable, while allowing the arm to rotate. Rotator cuff injuries are very common and increase with age. Injury, degeneration or…
Posted July 10, 2023 by Mike Smeltzer, ACSM EP-C
With summer in full swing, you may be looking for any reason to be outside enjoying the beautiful weather. Which includes exercising outside.
However, for older adults this comes with an added risk for heat related-illnesses. Individuals over the age of 60 have a decreased ability to regulate their body temperature thus leading to an increased risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even heat stroke. To limit your risk, keep your structured exercise inside during the summer…
Posted July 04, 2023 by Greg Schimmoeller, PT, and Chris Miloscia, PT
When training for a marathon, obviously, the ultimate goal is to cross the finish line. So it’s important to take care of your body during training to achieve that goal! Here are some healthy habits that can help keep runners free from injury:
Posted July 03, 2023 by Darla Hadden, PA-C
Despite our best intentions and precautionary measures to protect our skin from the hot, blazing sun, many of us have suffered from sunburn at one time or another. But it’s no big deal if you’ve only been burned a few times, right? Wrong.
The dangers of even one sunburn go far beyond the short-term pain, redness and swelling. After the redness fades, lasting damage remains.
When your skin absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, it can damage the genetic…
Posted June 28, 2023 by Brian Bauman, M.D. & Aliaksandr Ramaniuk, D.O.
Air quality is measured through the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It informs you about how clean or polluted the air is in your area and what associated health effects might concern you.
AQI tracks harmful foreign substances, generally gasses and particulates, that have reached harmful levels in the air. AQI runs from 0 to 500; the higher the AQI value, the greater level of air pollution and health concerns. For example, an…
Posted June 27, 2023 by By Greg Schimmoeller, PT, and Chris Miloscia, PT
With everything it takes to train for a marathon, the last thing you need is for a running injury to throw a wrench in your routine. But a recent sports medicine study1 shows that an estimated 30 percent of runners training for a marathon suffer some kind of injury. Types of injuries vary, but 10 common ones include:
Posted June 26, 2023 by Kevin Spear, M.D.
Statistically speaking, the truth is men don’t live as long as women.
That’s why it’s critical that men of all ages recognize potential health risks and start taking precautions early on. While they can’t change their genes, they can change some of their risk factors by taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle.
Some of the biggest health concerns facing men today include heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),…
Posted June 20, 2023 by Karen Carson PT
We all have different reasons for running in the Akron Marathon series, whether it is to finish our first marathon, get a PR, lose weight or progress our love of running. We prepare with the “pounding” of miles, repeats, sprinting and rest/recovery. As a Summa Health physical therapist, one of the training components for running that is often missed or not understood by an athlete is dynamic stretching. This component, with consistent use, can reduce injury and…
Posted June 19, 2023 by Dr. Maria “Alex” Schiaffino, Program Director for Summa Health Family Medical Residency
Posted June 13, 2023
Make sure that you have been cleared to return to running by your medical provider. It’s generally advisable to wait 12 weeks after delivery and be able to pass the following tests to start gradually returning to running. You need to have the ability to complete all the tasks below without:
Posted June 12, 2023 by Jeannie Gombaski, APRN, CNP
Headaches, the most common health complaint, can be just that — a real pain. While headaches typically aren’t dangerous, they can cause severe discomfort and disrupt daily life.
Pain, pressure or aching from headaches can occur in the forehead, temples and the back of the neck. The pain can range from mild to severe and last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week. In most cases, a headache is not a symptom of an underlying condition. Instead, primary headaches may be…
Posted June 12, 2023 by Elbridge Locklear, MBA, CHCIO, CDH-E & Justin Catlett, MD
Posted June 07, 2023 by Jeffrey Junko, M.D.
As the weather gets warmer, more and more people will be outside participating in a range of summer activities, from sports to hikes and even gardening. While this is certainly good for your health, summer can also lead to a number of foot and ankle injuries.
A sprained ankle occurs when the ankle rolls towards the outside of the foot, most often during physical activity, and it is one of the most common foot injuries. While a mild sprain is often nothing to…
Posted June 06, 2023 by Amina Phelps, PT, DPT, Pelvic Floor Therapist
Some women feel ready and want to get back to running and exercise soon after childbirth. This is often encouraged as exercise has many physical and mental health benefits; however, keep in mind that pregnancy and childbirth produce unique changes in the muscles and ligaments of your pelvic floor, trunk, hips and feet. These changes can create an increased likelihood of:
Posted June 05, 2023 by Katherine Williams, M.D.
On your journey to becoming more of your true and healthier self, sometimes the body does not appear or do what it "should" do. Sometimes a patient's focus is weight loss, but sometimes the goal is deeper than that.
Many transgender people have intense distress when their appearance does not reflect their gender. Known as gender dysphoria, this distress can trigger poor mental health or even mental illnessin transgender people. Gender-affirming care can be an important part…
Posted May 30, 2023 by Michelle Boltz, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Post-race dos and don'ts:
Congratulations! You’ve finished the race, and now it is time to rehydrate and refuel. Below are some post-race nutrition tips.
These tips are according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and ACSM.
Do rehydrate:
Rehydrate your body with about 16-24 oz. of fluid for every pound lost.
Posted May 30, 2023 by Jessica Goff, Manager, Volunteer Services
Have you heard about the benefits of volunteering? No doubt, volunteering makes a difference in the lives of others by giving tremendous help to those in need, worthy causes and the community.
But, did you know that volunteering also has benefits for you? Researchers have found that volunteering can give you a positive attitude, increased social interaction and physical activity — all things that make a healthier person in the long run.
You’ll find all these great…
Posted May 22, 2023 by Dr. Madihah Hepburn, Medical Director, Neurocritical Care.
Strokes are very common, with one occurring every 40 seconds United States. A stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention – the longer symptoms are left untreated, the more damage a stroke can cause. Since fast care is necessary, knowing the signs and symptoms is essential so you can help someone get the care they need right away.
BE FAST and dial 911: Recognize the SUDDEN symptoms of a stroke.
Posted May 17, 2023 by Ashley Krul, MSEd, CWP, CHC
Posted May 16, 2023 by Michelle Boltz, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
During race dos and don'ts:
You woke up early and followed our tips for what to eat before a race. Now your race has started – see what to eat and drink during a marathon. We’ll see you at the finish line!
Do: include about 30-60 grams of carbohydrate per hour.
Some examples include:
Posted May 15, 2023 by John Kasper, M.D.
You’ve probably heard the term “behavioral health,” but what exactly does it mean? Behavioral Health refers to the emotions and behaviors that affect your overall well-being, and encompasses mental health and substance use disorders, along with their stress-related physical symptoms. Behavioral health conditions can include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, anger management, drinking or drug abuse, traumatic stress and much more.
Because many people…
Posted May 08, 2023 by Nikole M. Scalera, M.D.
Viruses are a natural part of our daily lives. Fortunately, most viral infections clear after a few days to weeks when the body’s immune system launches an attack against them. However, some viruses, known as latent viruses, can remain in the body silently after the initial infection for prolonged periods without causing any symptoms and reactivate later on.
Latency is a survival strategy some viruses use to stay alive and spread. Latent viruses remain in the body and…
Posted May 04, 2023 by Nkem Aziken, MD
Posted May 02, 2023 by Michelle Boltz, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Pre-race dos and don'ts:
You’ve trained hard! You’ve consistently fueled your body throughout the training process, and you are now ready to run 26.2 miles! But what should you eat before your race begins?
Below are some race-day fueling tips to have you feeling, and performing, your best! Finish strong by following these tips according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and ACSM.
Posted May 01, 2023 by Ashley Ballester, M.D.
Regular visits and routine testing are a large part of the pregnancy journey to monitor the growth and development of your baby while helping to ensure you and your baby remain healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Summa Health breaks down various tests by trimester you can expect to undergo for routine prenatal care. The timings may vary, depending on your risk factors and individual situation, and for high-risk pregnancies, additional tests may be recommended, such as…
Posted April 24, 2023 by Gabrielle Ruff, M.D., MPH
Posted April 20, 2023 by Robert Crawford, M.D.
Watch Robert Crawford, M.D. share common injuries when people overexert themselves.
Posted April 18, 2023 by Michelle Boltz, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Proper nutrition and hydration is always important, not only on race day! Consistently consuming enough carbohydrates, and being adequately hydrated, supports training needs and recovery.
Guidelines for carbohydrate intake should be fine-tuned for each individual and depend on training intensity. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and ACSM, moderate-high intensity endurance exercise lasting 1-3 h/day may require between 6-10 g/kg/…
Posted April 18, 2023 by Iriel Hopkins & Marlo Schmidt
Posted April 10, 2023 by Marvin Rossi, M.D., Ph.D.
It may come as a surprise, but seizures are actually a common condition. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 out of 10 people may have a seizure during their lifetime. With stats like that, you may one day find that you need to help someone during or after a seizure.
Witnessing a person having a seizure can be a truly scary event, but following general first-aid guidelines can help you provide the right care to keep a person safe.
Seizures…
Posted April 05, 2023 by Cliff Deveny, M.D & Bill Epling
Posted April 04, 2023 by Nick Ferguson, AT
Running a marathon can be a grueling test of endurance for world class runners, first-timers, and everyone in between. As you prepare to compete in this year’s Akron Marathon, start to plan ahead so you can avoid the dreaded “wall.” The wall is that feeling when you run out of energy and feel weak, dizzy, or that get that heavy feeling. Physiologically, the wall is the point at which glycogen (stored glucose) is depleted and your body…
Posted April 03, 2023 by Edward Ferris, M.D., FACOG
For people with ovaries, having a period is a fact of life, but so too is losing it. Menopause is a normal part of aging and natural transition all females experience. It occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs and the reproductive hormones decline — marking the end of menstruation and fertility.
For most females, menopause begins between the ages of 40 and 55. However, it can start earlier for individuals who experience premature ovarian failure or have surgical…
Posted March 27, 2023 by Amy Welman, Au.D.
Did you know that once you lose your hearing, it often can’t be restored? Protecting your hearing and ear health can help prevent hearing loss and related ear diseases as you age.
According to the U.S. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 15 percent of adults in this country have trouble hearing with one or both ears, with the greatest amount of hearing loss in the 60 to 69 age group.
Fortunately, many common causes of…
Posted March 21, 2023 by Michelle Boltz, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
When it comes to fueling strategies during long duration exercise (exercise lasting longer than 1 hour) one must remember that carbohydrate is the master fuel. Even before beginning exercise, it is encouraged to start with a full gas tank of muscle energy, by fueling with carbohydrates.
Below are guidelines, as represented in the Position Statement from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine, on…
Posted March 20, 2023 by Roger Chaffee, M.D.
For people who wear smartwatches or fitness trackers, knowing how fast your heart is beating is as simple as glancing at your wrist. Your heart rate, also known as your pulse, is an indicator of how many times your heart beats per minute. Since the heart is responsible for pumping blood and oxygen throughout your body, its health is vital to yours.
It’s typical for your heart to beat faster during exercise and slower during rest. However, if your heart beats too fast (…
Posted March 20, 2023
Watch Kiel Pfefferle, M.D. discuss joint pain options.
Posted March 15, 2023 by Shannon Speaks, MSSA, LISW-S
Posted March 13, 2023 by Zachary Vallandingham, D.O.
A sports injury can be scary, especially if you're facing surgery that could keep you sidelined for weeks, if not months.
Fortunately, surgery isn't always the best option when you suffer an injury from playing a sport, exercising, or participating in recreational activities. A wide range of non-surgical treatments are available today that effectively treat muscle pain, joint pain, and lack of mobility.
A sports injury encompasses the musculoskeletal system, including…
Posted March 07, 2023 by Joe Cieszynski, MS AT CSCS
Lifting weights is kind of popular now a days. Everyone lifts. Swanky gyms seem to be popping up on every corner. But, you’re a runner and runners don’t lift weights, right? Runners just run, run, run. More miles are better, right? Well, not exactly. More is not always better.
Many health and fitness professionals are touting the benefits of strength training for runners and there is a mountain of research out there backing up those claims that strength training…
Posted March 06, 2023 by Teresa Edwards, APRN-CNM
While midwives are growing in popularity in this country, there are still many who aren’t aware of the care they can provide. Many people believe midwives help moms-to-be give birth in private settings, such as in their homes, without medication or medical intervention. While this may be true for some midwives, hospital-based midwives, like the ones at Summa, provide quality care in the hospital while maintaining a “home-like” feel.
In truth, certified nurse…
Posted March 02, 2023 by Paul Hartzfeld, M.D.
Posted February 27, 2023 by Smita I Negi, MD
Each time you visit a doctor’s office, your blood pressure is probably taken. This is one of the many vital sign checks that helps your provider keep tabs on your health. Just as some people are prone to heart disease based on their genetics and family history, blood pressure is an important predictor of future heart disease. While the risks associated with high blood pressure are well known, blood pressure that’s too low also can cause problems.
Blood pressure is…
Posted February 23, 2023 by Nilesh Shah, M.D.
Do simple tasks cause your shoulder, elbow, knee or foot pain? If you’ve been suffering for three months or longer then you may have chronic tendon pain.
.Summa Health Orthopedic Institute is offering a new, breakthrough technology for the treatment of chronic tendon pain. Tenex Health TX® uses ultrasound imaging and ultrasonic energy to target damaged and degenerated tendon tissue. It’s then removed through a minimally invasive procedure.
It has…
Posted February 21, 2023 by Ali Ziegler
Here are eight exercises to help warmup. Perform each exercise for 30 to 60 seconds.
Jumping Jacks: Start in a standing position with hands to yours sides and feet together. Then, perform a small hop to bring your feet out, slightly past hip width, and your arms into a V above your head (think making your body look like an X). Then perform another small hop to bring your body back to starting position.
Low intensity modification: Step out with right leg and…
Posted February 20, 2023 by Faisal Qadir, M.D.
Prioritizing your lung health is very important, especially if you’re suffering from chronic lung conditions, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), lung cancer or asthma.
Your lungs allow you to take in oxygen from the air you breathe and are the key to carrying it to all your organ systems to keep them running efficiently, while clearing your body of carbon dioxide.
The body has a natural defense system designed to protect the lungs, and help keep dirt…
Posted February 14, 2023 by Cheryl Johnson, MD, FACOG and Jacqueline Tulodzieski-Ahlstrom, DPM
Posted February 13, 2023 by Aisha Rahman, MD
Pain relief after surgical procedures is an important part of treatment and recovery. With reduced pain, patients are more likely to have a more comfortable recovery and faster return to everyday activities.
The problem is the most common way to treat pain after surgery is using opioids, such as morphine and oxycodone, and it’s no secret our country is battling an opioid epidemic.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were an estimated 75,673…
Posted February 09, 2023 by Deanna Nickerson, Au.D. CCC-A, CH-TM
Posted February 07, 2023 by Laurie Regallis, BS, LAT, ATC
All runners think about it, some achieve it and some train specifically for it. What is it you ask? A PR – Personal Record. The only competitors are yourself and the race clock. For the majority of runners, getting the elusive PR or personal best (PB), requires a great deal of work, including adhering to a strict training plan and nutrition plan. Along with consistency in training, utilizing some general strategies will also help you toe the line confidently.
Posted February 06, 2023 by Roger Chaffee, MD
Whether you’re a beginner trying to improve your endurance to lose weight or an avid trainer trying to improve your cardiovascular fitness, exercising in your targeted heart rate zone is the best way to ensure your workout is both safe and effective.
Your heart rate (HR) is measured by the number of times your heart beats in one minute. As you increase the intensity of your workout, the demands on your heart increase. The higher your HR, the more calories you burn.
Your HR can…
Posted February 01, 2023 by Kevin Spear, M.D.
Posted January 30, 2023 by Joseph Rabe, M.D.
Do frigid temperatures cause slow, achy joints that make it difficult for you to get moving? It’s not just your imagination. People living with joint pain related to conditions, such as: arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia, often report when temperatures drop, their joint pain acts up.
It’s true, cold weather causes muscles to tense, which can lead to less mobility and flexibility in the joints. Some studies also associate joint pain with…
Posted January 24, 2023 by Ron Burdette, AT
Congratulations for competing in an Akron Marathon Series Event! Now that the hardest work is over, it is time to focus on the recovery phase. It is important to note that many factors contribute to post-race recovery; including the intensity of the race, your overall health and weather conditions. Every recovery is different, but here are tips to accelerate the healing process.
Posted January 23, 2023 by Phillip Dayley, D.O.
You’re pregnant, so you can now “eat for two,” as the popular saying goes, right? Not quite. While pregnancy increases your body’s need for extra calories and nutrition, eating double the calories could cause you to gain an excessive amount of weight.
To maintain a healthy pregnancy, you only need about 350 extra calories each day — and maybe slightly more during your third trimester. That’s roughly the number of calories in a half a…
Posted January 17, 2023
Posted January 16, 2023 by Manveen Mann, MD
When it comes to hydration, it’s a simple rule: Drink eight glasses of water each day, right? Wrong. There is a lot of misinformation surrounding hydration, including this common myth, which can make it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction.
Water is essential for healthy bodies, as we are made up mostly of water. Getting enough water enables our bodies to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infection, deliver nutrients to cells and keep organ…
Posted January 10, 2023 by Laurie Regallis, AT
If you’ve been around veteran runners, you may have heard them mention that they are “tapering” before a big race. What is this taper that they talk about? The taper is a very important part of any marathon training program. Usually started three weeks before race day, the taper consists of cutting back on your mileage to allow your body time to rest, recover and prepare for race day. When done properly, the taper has proved to significantly boost…
Posted January 09, 2023 by Natalie Hiltbrand, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
How strong are your bones? You may have no idea until you break one doing some mundane activity, such as bumping into furniture, coughing or sneezing.
Osteoporosisis a bone disease that occurs when your body breaks down more bone than it creates. Bone is living tissue that is constantly broken down and replaced. The disease causes your bones to become weak and brittle, and breaking a bone doing seemingly ordinary activities is typically the first sign of osteoporosis.…
Posted January 03, 2023 by Munshi Moyenuddin, MD
It’s that time of year again. You just woke up with a fever, sore throat and cough. Could it be COVID-19? The flu? Maybe just the common cold?
Different viruses that infect the respiratory tract can cause any of these illnesses. All of them are contagious and share similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to distinguish between COVID-19, the flu and common cold.
COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory disease caused by infection from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The flu is…
Posted January 03, 2023 by Keith Blough, Robin Brown and Tracy Carter
