Paragon Orthopedic Center would like to bring awareness to May being the Asian American & Pacific Islander month. Our own Dr. Rob Bents is proud of his Japanese heritage. The purpose of designating the month is to recognize the contributions of its peoples, as well as taking a moment to understand how we as a country have improved how they have been treated over the years. Did you know that at one point, our country banned all Chinese women from entering the country, assuming they were all prostitutes? This was the Page Act of 1875. There was the inhumane internment of Japanese people into camps during World War II, several exclusion Acts enacted in our country, and even current xenophobia that goes on toward those of Asian descent. We are raising awareness and making our country better by celebrating Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and instilling pride. We are the United States of America, where all are created equal.
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Facts 2022 (rd.com)
The Daily Courier newspaper in Grants Pass featured the newest member to the Paragon Orthopedic Center team, Gordo (as he prefers to be called) Hart! Make sure you tell him hello when you visit the clinic!
Gordon Hart, PA-C is a nationally-certified physician assistant specializing in orthopedic surgery. He is originally from Calgary, Alberta Canada and graduated from Arizona School of Health Sciences with a master’s in Physician Assistant studies. He is known in the clinic for his excellent bedside manner and patient care.
Prior to becoming a PA, Gordon had a long career in professional hockey
and served as the head athletic trainer for the National Hockey League
Phoenix Coyotes (10 years) and the Winnipeg Jets (3 years).
An avid sports enthusiast, Gordon was also an outstanding athlete in his own
right. He was a team captain of the Canadian National Championship hockey
team at Mount Royal College. He and his wife Angela are relocating here
from Vail, Colorado and his interests include mountain biking, hiking,
camping and fly fishing. He is excited to join Dr. Bents in treating patients of all ages from throughout Southern Oregon!
Sea salt is popping up in recipes for everything from savory to sweet. Have you wondered what the differences between the two are? The main differences are found in texture, taste, and processing. Table salt comes from mines and in processing, has the natural minerals removed. Sea salt is from evaporated seawater, which results in a high mineral content and is the source of its unique flavor. The mineral content found in sea salt is minimal and you are better off finding the minerals you need from other food sources. The sodium content of both is the same: 40% by weight. When compared by volume, since sea salt may have larger crystals, you might have more volume with the table salt because more crystals are present.
If you are concerned about your sodium intake, this article from the Mayo Clinic has a list of salt substitutes to help you cut down on salt in meals. To name a few of these flavor boosters: rosemary, garlic, lemon, and dry mustard. Find more suggestions here:
Is sea salt healthier than table salt? – Mayo Clinic Health System
Dovetailing on our recent blog about hot dogs, we’re taking a closer look at cold cuts, which are considered processed meat like hot dogs and bacon. Consumer Reports did a deep dive into cold cuts and we think some of it will surprise you. Nitrates or nitrites are used in cold cuts, which are known carcinogens. They preserve and flavor the meat and are known to increase the risk of cancer. You might think grabbing the sandwich meat labeled “no nitrates” might be a better choice, but the preservatives used to substitute the nitrates, such as celery, convert to the same compounds that cause cancer. Their chemical composition is exactly the same and so are the health effects. Cold cuts have other health concerns, such as coloring agents, high sodium levels, and potential listeria contamination that has been known to cause death. This Consumer Reports article evaluates each of these and how they affect your health, with easy-to-read comparative graphs. Are they telling you to stop eating cold cuts? No. They are letting you know the risks and that there is no safe level of consumption of these meats. Make wise choices to have the best health possible Southern Oregon!
Danger at the Deli – Consumer Reports
It is that time of year in Southern Oregon when people are uncovering the barbeques and thinking about dinner outside with your feet in the grass. Hot dogs and hamburgers are top picks for American grills, but have you ever wondered from a nutritional standpoint which is better for you? NBC uncovers some facts you likely haven’t considered and will find very interesting. They give you a rundown of hamburger and hot dog nutrition facts, both naked and with all the accoutrements. The worrisome part of hot dogs is the nitrates they contain, which are known carcinogens. On the other hand, hamburgers are made with red meat and that has been found as a probable carcinogen. In the end, both can be considered winners. From a caloric standpoint, the hot dog is the winner. See the article for a breakdown of the numbers. Hamburgers come in first from an overall perspective, having more protein (about six times more than a hot dog) and thus helping you feel fuller longer.
Which is healthier: A hot dog or hamburger? (nbcnews.com)
It is getting sunnier and warmer here in Southern Oregon. Nurseries and even grocery stores are putting out racks of plants, tempting passersby to start on those summer gardens. The National Gardening Association has a website, garden.org. On this website, they have a Medford/Southern Oregon-specific guide to tell you when you should plant which types of vegetables, both by seed and seedling. This helpful article tries to set you up for success, telling you why it might be best to start your seeds indoors first (and you’re too late to start by seed indoors in late April), how you need to know your soil temperature, when to plant direct seed or seedlings, and lays out strategies to set you up for bountiful success. Save yourself some money, time and frustration by knowing the optimal times to plant. Read more here:
When to Plant Vegetables in Medford, OR – Garden.org
Happy Birthday to Kristina! Paragon Orthopedic Center appreciates everything you do! Please feel free to give her your best when you’re in the clinic this month.
There are a few activities out and about in Southern Oregon to celebrate Earth Day 2022, but there are plenty of things you can do in and around your home to help our environment. Earthday.org has a plethora of information to help you. Read an article about avoiding the use of plastic, take an ocean plastic pollution quiz, find tips on growing an organic garden, or get encouragement over the efforts you’re already making. An easy first step is to reduce the millions of plastic water bottles used every day by purchasing a reusable water bottle. Did you know the average American buys an average of 167 disposable water bottles every year? That adds up to about $266! Reusable choices come in glass, BPA-free plastic, and stainless steel, and are readily found in grocery stores, sporting goods stores, or your even local coffee shops. Paragon Orthopedic Center was giving out reusable water bottles before the pandemic hit. Find all of this information and more here:
Earth Day Tips | Earth Day Network
Visitors to Southern Oregon fall in love with our area very quickly and many these days want to become a part of our cities, but what is it about a city that makes it attractive? Maybe you’re looking to move to another city: what makes you choose one over another? An article by the World Economic Forum finds the bottom line: its people must feel safe, and it must promote the health, well-being, and equity of all ages. There are many details to this, and people have different priorities of those details, depending on their phase of life and health. This article has a graphic that breaks down how the ingredients of a livable city vary by ages/phases:
These factors are what makes a city ‘liveable’ | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)
The Wall Street Journal has an article today that addresses what can be a sticky issue between couples: trying to change the unhealthy habits of one spouse that have led to poorer health of that spouse. When you see your spouse unwilling to address the issues, how can you give them support? Nagging comes naturally to us, but at the root of that nagging is fear; likely fear over loss of the spouse, or the lifestyle you want, or the future you envisioned. Here are the tips in a nutshell:
- Express your fears and empathize. Come from a place of love, not criticism.
- Consider options that meet your partner’s desires and definition of fun, possibly hobbies given up years ago. Getting out of the house is better than sitting in front of the television any day, even if that’s just playing Bingo. And remember that you might have to be a part of something new to come alongside in the effort.
- Be a positive reinforcement! Say or do something positive when you see your partner making efforts: a kiss, a shout of joy, or words of affirmation. A hug can go a long way!
- Have your healthcare professional deliver the news that is hard to hear. Avoid being the bad guy.
- Know that you might make sacrifices too, such as diet changes. Misery loves company, so get down in the trenches with your partner on the road to better health.
Are you the partner who needs to make these changes? Try to figure out why you resist changing. Being honest with your partner about this will not only open the dialog but will draw you closer as you unify in an effort to live the best lives you want, together.
How to Get Your Spouse to Eat, Exercise and Live More Healthfully – WSJ
