As we told you in a previous blog, here is the May edition of the Paragon Press newsletter with more information about trigger finger. These are so common that Dr. Bents sees patients at Paragon Orthopedics Center in Grants Pass multiple times in a week with this problem. Not all need surgery, and Dr. Bents can help you formulate a plan of care for your individual finger issue to decrease your discomfort and increase your range of motion. We review trigger finger symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment here:
What You Don’t Know About Sunscreen Can Hurt You
Memorial Day weekend is coming and along with it in Southern Oregon, some really sunny weather. Are you thinking about protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays? Three big reasons to read more: there are some facts about sunscreen you will likely find surprising, you might be using your sunscreen incorrectly, and not following recommendations by dermatologists can result in skin damage. Did you know that a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) greater than 50 does not offer you any more significant coverage? These higher SPF products can be higher in price, so you can save yourself some money by sticking to 30, which blocks 97% of UVB rays, or 50, which blocks 98%. How much sunscreen do you use? Did you know you should be using an amount that would fill a shot glass to cover your unprotected skin? Do you know the difference between UVA and UVB? UVA rays penetrate more deeply in the skin and accelerate aging, whereas UVB cause burning. Both can cause skin cancers. SPF in a lotion only tells you about protection from UVB. How do you know if your sunscreen protects against UVA damage? Look for the words “broad spectrum,” which indicate UVA protection. Read more details on these facts and additional great information in this article from Time:
What Mattress Is Best For Lower Back Pain?
With around 16 million Americans complaining they suffer with back pain, there are many people who could use a mattress that doesn’t leave them with more discomfort. Finding the right one for you can be tricky and daunting in a showroom. Think you might need a firmer mattress? Try putting plywood under your current mattress, or place your mattress on the floor. An article put out by WebMD goes through a number of factors to consider as you look at mattresses, and cites some research to give you the courage to make a good purchase. Check it out:
https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/best-mattress-for-lower-back-pain
Who Needs A Bone Density Test?
Maybe you or someone you know was told you needed a bone density test. Doctors use this test for a few reasons:
- To confirm osteoporosis
- To identify decreases in bone density before you suffer a fracture
- To determine your risk for broken bones
- To monitor the treatment of osteoporosis
Regardless of your sex or age, anyone can develop problems with your bone density. Some medications put you more at risk, and hormone levels can also contribute to the problem. To read more about this and symptoms that your doctor might be looking for, read this article from the Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-density-test/about/pac-20385273
Paragon Orthopedics Center Honors Our Military Members
Back in 1999, Congress declared May as Military Appreciation month. We at Paragon are encouraging everyone throughout Southern Oregon to recognize those in your circle who have served or are currently serving our country. It is a selfless act, one from which we all benefit. You might have seen the t-shirts that say, “If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank your military.” From all of us at Paragon Orthopedics, a sincere and heartfelt thank you for the sacrifices you have made to protect the freedoms we enjoy each and every day. If you would like a few tips about how you can recognize someone in the military, or information about some of the national events to recognize our military, check out the link below.
https://militarybenefits.info/national-military-appreciation-month/
Take Time To Care For Your Mental Health
Paragon Orthopedics is always happy to help you with your orthopedic needs and our blog addresses other aspects of your health because we care about your overall health. Today we’re looking into how you feel: your mental health. Mental health can be ignored and we’d like you to take a moment to check your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Here are ten tips from the University of Michigan:
- Value yourself
- Give of your time and talents
- Set realistic goals
- Take care of your body
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
- Alter your routines every once in a while to rejuvenate
- Quiet your mind through prayer, silence, or meditation
- Surround yourself with good people
- Learn how to deal with stress
- Seek help when you need it
Please make sure that not only your body is in good shape, but also your thoughts and feelings. Read more details about each one of these pointers in this article:
https://uhs.umich.edu/tenthings
What Is A Trigger Finger And Can Paragon Orthopedics Help?
Trigger finger is a condition where most often the patient complains about the finger getting “stuck” or “caught” during movement. Sometimes it’s with extension, and sometimes it’s when you flex your fingers into a fist. It happens because of inflammation in a very small space within the finger. In best case scenarios, they go away on their own, but at worst, the finger locks in a bent position. Paragon Orthopedics Center has a very informative video that we will link to below. Can Paragon Orthopedics help you with this problem? Absolutely. Dr. Bents does these almost weekly for patients around Southern Oregon with great results. Look for our monthly newsletter this month for more details on this condition, what you can do, and what Dr. Bents does for treatment.
https://www.paragonorthopedic.com/trigger-finger-release.php
