Posted September 01, 2025
Posted August 26, 2025
Even without a medical degree, having certain medical equipment in the home can be a helpful way to keep an eye on your or a loved one’s health. For instance, most people are familiar with using a thermometer to determine if you are experiencing a fever. People who have or suspect they are experiencing a respiratory issue or illness may fine an at home oxygen meter just as helpful—and easy to use—as a trusty thermometer.
At home oxygen meters, more commonly…
Posted August 12, 2025
Being diagnosed with a serious illness or chronic condition can feel overwhelming, leaving you and your loved ones facing physical and emotional challenges — with a heavy dose of uncertainty.
However, there’s good news: You don't have to face it alone. Help is available in the form of palliative care, a medical specialty designed to improve the quality of life for people in different stages of serious illness.
Think of palliative care as an extra layer…
Posted July 28, 2025
If you’re looking for a new sport or hobby that positively impacts your health, look no further than the game of golf. Golfing is an excellent form of exercise that scores you many physical and mental health benefits.
Golf may not appear to be a physically demanding sport as it involves standing still for each shot and hitting a stationary ball. Yet, one round of golf involves walking for hours and using your brain to calculate distances and challenging shots. Plus,…
Posted July 21, 2025
Posted July 14, 2025
Until March 25, 2025, a significantly new treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs) had not been released for roughly 30 years. The development of new UTI medications, like the recent FDA approved Blujepa (gepotidacin), are important because UTIs are caused by bacteria—which can become resistant over time to existing mediations/treatments.
Blujepa (gepotidacin) is approved for females ages 12 and over with uncomplicated UTIs. This new medication is approved for eliminating…
Posted June 30, 2025
The decision to come out is a deeply personal one — one in which the advice and expertise of trained and compassionate professionals may be of value.
That’s why Summa Health recently sat down with medical professionals from its Pride Clinicto discuss tips on how to come out and tell your friends and family who you really are. On the flip side, there are ways friends and family can show support when their loved ones come out and share this personal journey with…
Posted June 23, 2025 by Grace DeVine, PA-C
As Ohio shifts from its gray season to summer sun, the temperature rises and so does your skin's risk for common heat-related conditions like sunburn, sun poisoning and heat rash. While they share similar causes — heat and sun exposure — their symptoms and treatments differ. Learning the important details and differences about these conditions will give you everything you need to know to stay safe and comfortable under the summer sun.
It is more…
Posted June 18, 2025
You’ve probably heard about the modern classic: “Men are from Mars. Women are from Venus.” This well-known book highlights the differences between men and women in communication, behavior and emotions. But there’s another key difference worth noting: their approach to healthcare.
Compared to women, men are less likely to seek medical attention when something seems wrong and less inclined to have preventive screenings and regular health checkups with…
Posted June 09, 2025 by Ann Wargo, PT, MsMHA, CAPS, CMCP
Gardening isn’t typically considered a high-risk activity. However, back injuries from common tasks like weeding, digging and planting can occur if proper precautions aren't taken. Whether you're mowing, raking, weeding or planting, it's no secret that yard work can sometimes lead to back pain. This is especially true as we age, since the likelihood of experiencing back pain increases over time.
So, how can you protect your spine while tending your garden?
Posted May 22, 2025
For the 2015 film, “Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation”, Tom Cruise held his breath for approximately six minutes while filming an underwater stunt. Kate Winslet broke Cruise’s record during the production of the 2022 film, “Avatar: The Way of Water”, when she held her breath underwater for an astonishing seven minutes and 15 seconds. While these feats of lung power are far beyond normal pulmonary expectations, they are great examples that with the…
Posted May 12, 2025
As we continue to navigate the long-term effects of COVID-19, one condition that has raised concerns is myocarditis – an inflammation of the heart muscle. While rare, COVID-19-related myocarditis has been observed at significantly higher rates compared to pre-pandemic levels. Here’s what you need to know about how COVID-19 can affect the heart, its symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself.
When you have myocarditis, your…
Posted April 28, 2025
Posted April 28, 2025
Sadly, diabetes is a widening epidemic in this country. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports more than 38 million people (about 11 percent of the population) in this country have diabetes — with nearly 95 percent of those cases type 2 diabetes. Plus, about 97 million more are prediabetic.
These are scary statistics. Fortunately, many risk factors for diabetes can be controlled, or modified, by healthy lifestyle choices to reduce your chances of…
Posted April 14, 2025 by Gary Machado, M.D.
A healthy lifestyle is a lifetime pursuit. But as you age, it becomes even more important to maintain healthy habits to keep you strong and active longer, while maintaining a good quality of life well into your later years.
After age 50, your risk increases for heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, cancer and other chronic illnesses. In fact, chronic illness is the leading cause of death for older adults in the United States, according to the National…
Posted April 07, 2025
It’s never too late to make cancer prevention your top priority.
Cancer affects 1 in 3 people in this country, according to the American Cancer Society. If you haven’t been touched by it, you likely know someone who has — a friend, family member, coworker or neighbor.
With odds like that, why not take the necessary steps to help prevent it in the first place?
While you can’t avoid all causes of cancer, you can significantly reduce your risks — while at the…
Posted March 31, 2025
After decades of prevalent tobacco warnings, the popularity of vaping has increased significantly — particularly among individuals looking for an alternative to smoking cigarettes. The attraction to vaping is often due to its variety of flavors, the belief that it is less harmful than smoking and the convenience of e-cigarettes. However, along with the rise in vaping's popularity, concerns regarding its long-term health effects have escalated. One of the most…
Posted March 26, 2025
Posted March 17, 2025 by Aliaksandr Ramaniuk, D.O. & Brandon T. Rapier, M.D.
Posted March 11, 2025
Posted March 03, 2025 by Hilary Hassinger, Ph.D.
“When walking, WALK. When eating, EAT.” – Zen Proverb
Today’s fast-paced, high-tech society can turn eating into a mindless act that takes place very quickly. Instead of taking a moment to pause and enjoy a well-chosen meal, all too often we eat while driving, working, watching television shows or films, or even while scrolling through social media content on our phones or tablets.
Eating while distracted can lead to the development of unhealthy…
Posted February 24, 2025 by Brianna French, M.D.
Maintaining good cardiovascular health can help you enjoy a longer, healthier life. Cardiovascular health refers to the overall well-being of the heart and blood vessels, ensuring they function efficiently to circulate blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Strong cardiovascular health reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions.
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. In the U.S…
Posted February 17, 2025
Posted February 17, 2025 by Israel Cajigas, M.D.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can be a silent disease — without any warning signs or symptoms — and many people may not even realize they have it. But without treatment, high blood pressure can greatly increase your risk for a heart attack and stroke.
Monitoring your blood pressure is the only way to know if you have high blood pressure. That’s why it’s important to check it regularly — at every healthcare visit and between appointments at home — to be proactive…
Posted January 27, 2025 by Elizabeth Emley, Ph.D.
Most of us have experienced setting a resolution or goal but then end up struggling to actually start or maintain it throughout the year. Changing habits in service of long-term goals is a challenging process that takes time, creativity and perseverance.
Habits are unconscious behaviors, triggered by our brain’s craving for reward and dopamine (a hormone that helps us feel pleasure or joy). Habits are particularly difficult to stick with when we don&…
Posted January 13, 2025
New Year’s resolutions are a fun tradition to ring in the new year and celebrate a fresh start. If you’ve already made a list of goals for 2025, no doubt losing weight, eating healthier and exercising more top your list.
But did you know cutting back or even giving up alcohol altogether can help you achieve all of these health goals and more in one resolution? It’s true! Going dry for 30 days or more does more than just save you money, it also can bring…
Posted January 06, 2025
If you have been recently diagnosed with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) its important to understand that COPD isn’t just one disease, it’s a spectrum of conditions that impacts the ability to get air out of the lungs. COPD is a common condition that can be treated more successfully when you know what type of COPD you have been diagnosed with and how to manage it.
COPD claims nearly as many lives as some cancers and due to the various causes and…
Posted December 16, 2024
Dry, frigid temperatures, harsh winds and low humidity are hallmarks of winter weather. Couple that with dry indoor heat and this time of year can wreak havoc on your skin if it’s not protected.
Winter elements cause dryness, redness and flaking, damaging your skin barrier, which can make it harder to hold moisture. This can lead to further dryness, irritation, itching and even cracking.
What’s the key to combating dry skin? Moisture! So, if you haven’t…
Posted December 06, 2024
With the Summa Health Level One Trauma Center being the first level-one trauma center in the Akron area, our expert trauma staff has caring for patients with injuries from falls for more than 25 years. And as the Baby Boomer generation is getting older, we are seeing more and more patients coming in with a higher incidence of falls.
All geriatric patients who come into Summa Health emergency departments are screened for risks of…
Posted December 02, 2024 by Hilary Hassinger, PhD
“Have some! A few bites won’t hurt. But I made this because I know you like it.”
It’s likely we’ve all dealt with comments like this at some point. Instead of providing support, it seems like well-meaning loved ones are trying to derail your healthy eating plan. Intentional or not, the pressure to eat can make you feel uncomfortable, or worse, leave you feeling disappointed in yourself after you’ve gone off-course.
There…
Posted November 26, 2024
Posted November 18, 2024 by Dane J. Donich, M.D.
Updated May 2025
In August 2024, Summa Health proudly achieved re-certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Certified Center (CSC) from The Joint Commission for a second time. When the designation was first awarded to Summa Health in 2022, we were the first hospital in Akron to achieve Comprehensive Stroke Center certification. We are extremely proud of this recognition, but does this certification mean, and why is it so significant for both patients and providers?
Posted October 31, 2024
Posted October 21, 2024 by Jonathan Buggey, M.D.
Have you noticed shortness of breath or wheezing during usual daily activities like climbing the stairs, running errands or exercising? While many conditions can cause it — ranging from asthma and allergies to obesity, heart disease and lung issues — shortness of breath also can be a sign of pulmonary hypertension (PH).
PH is a condition that occurs when blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries — which carry oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs &…
Posted October 16, 2024
Posted October 07, 2024
Blood plays a vital role in how our bodies function. As blood circulates the body, it’s responsible for supplying all our organs with oxygen, nutrients and antibodies to fight infection and control bleeding. Blood is essential to life.
Unfortunately, about every 3 minutes, one person in the United States is diagnosed with blood cancer, according to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Blood cancers account for nearly 10 percent of new cancer cases in this country every…
Posted October 02, 2024
Posted September 18, 2024
When you think of football season, thoughts of your favorite team, cheerleaders and packed stadiums probably come to mind. But there’s another thing you’re likely forgetting. Football season also means a higher risk of sports-related concussions, or SRCs. While SRCs can occur in almost any activity, they most commonly occur in contact sports like rugby, soccer, boxing, basketball, hockey and, of course, football.
The Centers for Disease…
Posted September 16, 2024
The landscape of weight loss treatment is evolving, with new medications providing effective tools for managing obesity. However, the integration of these drugs into a personalized treatment plan, guided by a medical professional, is essential for sustainable success.
Weight loss drugs are not a new concept. In fact, they have been around for decades and have proven helpful in certain circumstances.
The newer medications that are often in the media are glucagon-like…
Posted September 12, 2024
Posted September 03, 2024
Hearing is one of the important senses for obvious reasons: You need to hear to communicate and connect with others! But, did you know the ability to hear also is crucial for maintaining other aspects of your health, such as your balance and brain health?
It’s true. Hearing loss can significantly impact your daily life, and studies show it can lead to social anxiety and isolation, an increased fall risk, dementia and depression.
Unfortunately, hearing loss is a common…
Posted August 27, 2024 by Ryan Urchek, MD
Posted August 19, 2024 by Sandy Kohut, RRT, Lead Lung Navigator
Imagine navigating a health system during a stressful time, like a new diagnosis or chronic illness. That’s where patient navigators come in—they act as personal guides to help patients receive the best possible care at Summa Health.
Patient navigators bridge the gap between our patients and the medical system. Although their backgrounds vary, they all deeply understand the healthcare landscape and are passionate about patient advocacy.
Patient navigators…
Posted August 05, 2024 by Kyle Yoder, D.O. & Ellen Saal-Patterson, MA, MSW, LISW-S
Many people worry about the medical care they might receive if they become too ill to make their wishes known. There are many reasons you might not be able to speak for yourself in the hospital, including if you are unconscious, if medications or intubation restrict your ability to communicate or if you are confused due to illness, injury or medication. Your inability to communicate may be temporary, but important decisions might need to be made during that time.
Advance…
Posted July 31, 2024
Posted July 18, 2024
Posted July 15, 2024
Many females will experience the dreaded hot flash, the hallmark symptom of menopause. It’s a sudden feeling of warmth, followed by a red, flushed face and neck, sweating, clammy skin and heart palpitations.
Hot flashes are by far the most common symptom of menopause. It’s estimated up to 80 percent of females in the United States experience hot flashes around the time of menopause, according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. They…
Posted June 30, 2024 by Heidi Mueller, RN
Posted June 17, 2024
In many cases today, cancer has become a chronic disease, rather than a terminal disease, with people living longer and healthier lives after a diagnosis of cancer than ever before. Even more significant, more people are surviving cancer thanks to early detection and more advanced treatment options. The American Cancer Society estimates there are more than 18 million cancer survivors in the United States—and growing each year. At Summa Health, we define cancer…
Posted June 03, 2024 by Nicole Piriak, RRT, CTTS
It’s never too late to quit smoking or nicotine use — no matter your age or how long you’ve been using tobacco or vaping products. Believe it or not, you’ll reap the health benefits within the first day of quitting.
In just 24 hours after quitting, your risk of a heart attack decreases. Within three months after quitting, your circulation, lung function and stamina improve.
The health benefits continue to get better the longer you go smoke-…
Posted May 20, 2024 by Elaine Markowski, DDS
Believe it or not, your mouth has a lot to say about your overall health.
Since a young age, we’ve been taught that regularly brushing and flossing our pearly whites helps prevent cavities, stained teeth, bad breath and gum disease. But, what you may not know is that good dental hygiene habits also can have a positive impact on the health of your body.
It’s true. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the mouth harbors up to 700…
Posted April 23, 2024 by Edward Ferris, M.D., FACOG
Posted April 17, 2024 by Danielle Greiner, Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Bianca Grover, Fitness Specialist at the Summa Health Wellness Center
Posted April 15, 2024
As we age, some people get something commonly known as "the hump.” This is when a person has an abnormal outward curve of the upper back, rounded shoulders and a stooped posture. Known as Dowager's hump or kyphosis, the condition is directly related to osteoporosis or thin, brittle bones.
Approximately 8 million females and 2 million males have osteoporosis in the U.S. Another 44 million Americans have osteopenia. Individuals with these conditions have increased…
Posted April 03, 2024 by Tammy Potts
Posted April 01, 2024
If so, you’re not alone. A rotator cuff tear is one of the most common shoulder injuries – making many daily activities extremely painful and difficult to perform. Common signs to watch for include:
If these…
Posted March 19, 2024
Posted March 18, 2024
Leafy greens sometimes get stereotyped as the soggy and wilted salad sidekick taking up space in our refrigerator’s crisper drawer. But the fact is they’re so much more! These nutritional powerhouses are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that fuel our bodies and minds in countless ways.
Think of Popeye eating his spinach, but instead of only bulging biceps, he’s got strong bones, a sharp mind, radiant skin and a healthy immune…
Posted March 15, 2024
Posted March 04, 2024
It seems like we just changed our clocks – and it’s time to do it again. This time, we lose an hour on the second Sunday in March, as we spring forward at 2 a.m.
The change back to daylight saving time disrupts your body’s natural rhythm, the circadian rhythm, which manages sleep and other vital functions, leaving you feeling sluggish and out of sorts. You also may have a more challenging time making decisions. Studies have shown that the transition to…
Posted February 28, 2024
Posted February 19, 2024 by Shannon Blower, MA Pastoral Counseling, MAR in Religious Leadership | Wendy Rickerd, MSN, APRN-CNP, FNP-BC, C-EFM
Posted February 19, 2024
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports an estimated 46 million people in this country, aged 12 and older, suffer from substance use disorder. Unfortunately, that number continues to rise, as the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the crisis.
Addiction is a chronic brain disease characterized by continued use of drugs or alcohol despite harmful consequences. Continued use of addictive substances triggers the release of chemicals, which alter the brain&…
Posted February 07, 2024 by Rathna Shenoy, MD, FACS | Amy Hirnikl, BSN, RN, CCRN-K | Alexandra Carpenter, MHA, BSN, RN, TCRN, CPEN
Posted February 05, 2024
When healthcare providers need to see inside your body, the type of imaging test they recommend will depend on your injury or condition. Each modality is unique, creating imagery based on distinct technology and equipment, and offers a different purpose and set of advantages for making an accurate diagnosis.
For instance, if doctors need to check for a concussion, a CT scan is the best option for your exam. But if you suspect a broken bone, X-Ray is the better choice.&…
Posted January 24, 2024
This time of year, it feels like our world is gray and gloomy, bright sunshine will never reappear and the cold winds dampen our spirits at every turn. It’s easy to experience the winter blues.
But, for some people winter is quite literally depressing. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in the late fall and early winter and going away during the spring and summer.
As the days become short and…
Posted January 08, 2024
Posted January 01, 2024 by Dr. Amy Welman and Dr. Gabrielle King
Posted December 26, 2023 by Mykola Kolganov, MD
Does someone you love have an addiction? You’re not alone. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports an estimated 46 million people in this country, aged 12 and older, suffer from substance use disorder.
Addiction, or substance use disorder, is a chronic brain disease characterized by continued use of drugs or alcohol despite its harmful consequences to the person’s health and well-being. Continued use of addictive substances triggers the release of…
Posted December 18, 2023 by Gretchen Dixon, PA-C
Medical experts are warning some children and older adults are more vulnerable to RSV infection this season, while cases continue to surge in our community and many parts of the country.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and isolation protocols, RSV cases were lower than normal. This hindered the population’s ability to build up natural immunity.
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults, but…
Posted December 07, 2023 by Ashley Krul, MSEd, CWP, CHC
Posted December 04, 2023 by Dawn Hubbard, MD
People are innately social creatures. Even the most introverted crave social interaction from time to time. And, that’s good news. Social interaction is good for our minds, bodies and souls.
In fact, studies show when you have a satisfying relationship with a romantic partner, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers or others, you’re happier, have fewer health problems and live longer. In contrast, people who are lonely or socially isolated are linked to poorer…
Posted November 28, 2023
Posted November 27, 2023
Posted November 06, 2023 by Maria Bossard, Summa Health Wellness Center Fitness Specialist
Are you walking into the gym with a whirlwind of thoughts in your head? Whether it's dinner plans or making it home in time to watch the game, we understand that life can get hectic. But, let's make sure your fitness goals don't get lost in the shuffle. At Summa Health Wellness Center, we're here to help you work out with a purpose and guide you on your journey to becoming a healthier and fitter version of yourself.
For new…
Posted November 02, 2023 by Ketan Deoras, MD
Updated November 2024
Fall is here, and with the change in the season comes the change in our clocks. On the first Sunday in November every year, we set our clocks back one hour. The time change can disrupt your sleep schedule, making it difficult to fall asleep and wake up on time. As sleep is essential for your overall health and well-being, you can do a few things to minimize this impact on your sleep, such as:
Posted October 30, 2023 by Shanu Agarwal, M.D., Nancy Reynolds, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC
Reviewed August 2025
As we enter the fall and winter virus season, we want you to know how you can best protect yourself and others from getting sick. There are a lot of questions about vaccines that we want to answer for you here.
The three viruses that cause the most hospitalizations this time of year are:
All three viruses can potentially cause severe infections in adults, especially for those…
Posted October 23, 2023 by Morgan Schaber, PT, DPT and Diana Stitch, PT, DPT
If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, you probably have many questions about recovery. After all, rehabilitation is key to getting you back on your feet. But while the journey may not be easy or fast, it will be worth it for years to come.
Rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery typically takes about 12 weeks. However, it can take six months to a year to fully recover and regain maximal strength and endurance.
Committing to a comprehensive…
Posted October 16, 2023 by Regina Ravine, RN, IBCLC and Susan Warner, RN, IBCLC
You’ve probably heard the term time and time again: “breast is best.” That’s because it’s true. Scientific research proves the benefits to both newborns and mothers are too numerous to count. That’s why physicians and experts encourage all mothers to breastfeed, if possible.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast milk is the best source of nutrition for newborns. It has the right amount of fat, sugar, water…
Posted October 13, 2023 by Anand Desai, M.D.
Posted October 09, 2023 by Catherine Bentley, MPA, RDN, LD, CDCES and Rella Rotondo, RD, LD
Posted October 05, 2023 by Patrick Slattery, M.D.
Posted October 02, 2023
Posted September 18, 2023 by Ketan Deoras, M.D.
Are you an early bird or a 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. Work…
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 pack…
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
With summer in full swing, you may be looking for any reason to be outside enjoying the beautiful weather — which includes exercising.
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
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