Month: November 2020

The news seems to be frequently telling us what we can’t do this Thanksgiving.  Many have given up on their usual plans.  Paragon Orthopedic Center wants you to stay positive through these uncertain days, so here is an article with great suggestions you CAN do.  Country Living came up with not only some clever ideas to do on Thanksgiving, but they will connect you with other links with how to make them happen, such as recipes and crafts.  You’ll find several ideas that are outside.  One of the games includes making use of those pumpkins that haven’t moved from your doorstep since Halloween.  We’ve pointed out in other blogs about the importance of giving and how it’s a great way to cure your blues.  Don’t forget to find a way to give to others this week, whether it’s a food donation to the food bank, dropping some change in the Salvation Army bucket, or taking food to someone you know who can’t/won’t go out this year.  Southern Oregon always comes through for those in need.  We live in an awesome part of the world!

Check this out and create some memories:

https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/g33352541/things-to-do-on-thanksgiving/

Sugar can be found in almost every processed food.  The candy aisles are crowded with sugar-filled snacks.  The malls have stores with sugary offerings everywhere you look.  We seem to be a country addicted to sugar.  There are effects of that sugar though.  It can impact your heart health by increasing your triglycerides, increase your risk of diabetes, and possibly decrease your mental functioning.  It even has been found to affect the quality of your skin negatively.  With the holiday season upon us and sugar appearing at every gathering, what is a person to do?  Let’s be realistic: now is not the time to try to cut it out completely.  You can cut down on it though.  The Mayo Clinic has some wisdom about reducing sugar consumption and here are some tips:

-Read the nutrition content on everything you purchase and choose a low-sugar option when you can.
-Cereals and oatmeal packets might contain more sugar than you think.  Even what you believe to be a healthy breakfast choice can be laden with sugar.  Keep in mind one teaspoon of sugar is equal to 4 grams, so that bowl of sugar flakes with 14 grams of sugar per serving contains over 3 teaspoons.  And that’s for only one bowl at the stated serving size.
-Keep healthy choices for snacks ready before the craving hits, such as apples, oranges, pea pods, grapes, or bell pepper spears.
-Use unsweetened applesauce in recipes to replace some of the cane sugars.
-choose water over sweetened drinks.

The Mayo Clinic challenges you to cut the sugar for two weeks and see how you feel.  Check out this article and see if it can become your goal, maybe not right now, but make it a priority after this season of overeating is done.  Paragon Orthopedic Center urges you make your health priority #1!

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/sugar-challenge/faq-20322776

Diabetes is an epidemic.  The statistics are staggering with millions at risk.  November is the month to educate yourself about it, its symptoms, how it affects a people, and know your risks.  The American Diabetes Association has a great website with facts about prediabetes, Type 1, Type 2, and what Covid-19 with diabetes looks like.  Their mantra this year is We Stand Greater Than Diabetes.  They also provide some links for Live cooking and fitness events related to diabetes.  Did you know that if you don’t get your diabetes under control, you won’t heal well from surgery?  This is why your overall health must be checked before Dr. Bents or Dr. Van Horne can do any orthopedic surgery on you.  Educate yourselves Southern Oregon and check it out:

https://www.diabetes.org/greaterthan

Paragon Orthopedic Center is grateful for all who have served our country to give us the freedoms we enjoy each and every day.  Our own Dr. Rob Bents served in the United States Air Force for about 17 years active duty.  He is proud to say he accepts patients on the military insurance plan.  One day is hardly enough to thank these men and women of our great country for their sacrifices, so take the time to show gratitude at every opportunity!  We cannot say thank you enough!

Hot off the presses!  Here is the November Paragon Press newsletter.  This month’s topic: arthroscopy.  Why do you need to know anything about this?  Well it is one of the most common orthopedic procedures, with over 2 million performed world-wide, and with an approximate success rate of about 90%, you need to know about this.  Don’t know what it is?  Why is it so popular?  Find answers to all those questions rolling around in your head here:

Paragon Press, November 2020

Yes, indeed there is a superglue for wounds. It is NOT the same substance used for household repairs though. The type you can use on skin is less toxic and has additives that make it flexible, allowing it to give with the push and pull of your skin. Look at some of the benefits:
-It can reduce scarring
-It can reduce the chances of infection by keeping dirt and bacteria out
-It dries fast to stop bleeding and discomfort
-It stays in place, even under water

Before using this product, there are situations where this is not recommended. It is a great product when used appropriately. Hospitals sometimes use this glue to avoid needle pokes and close a wound quickly. Even Dr. Bents and Dr. Van Horne use this product occasionally here at Paragon Orthopedics and in the OR. Check out this link for more information:

https://www.healthline.com/health/super-glue-on-cuts#medical-uses

 

Paragon Orthopedic Center would like to remind everyone to get out and vote the changes you want to see in our world.  It’s a right, it’s a privilege, and your vote matters!