Did you know that you can read accurate answers to some of your orthopedic questions right on the Paragon Orthopedic Center website? You don’t have to guess as to whether the information is credible because we are the best source for all of your orthopedic needs in Southern Oregon. We have a page dedicated to frequently asked questions (FAQ’s), so you can get some of your questions answered before you arrive at your appointment. Our recent blog talked about preparing for a visit to the clinic. Here is a way to get some basic answers, alleviate some of your anxiety over getting answers, and leave more time at your appointment for detailed questions. Check it out:
Does Surgery Have You Fearful?
There is a loss of control in surgery for the patient and for some, this loss causes paralyzing fear. Maybe you are feeling anxious about the changes you will have after surgery. The effects of surgery on your body and even those around you can often cause fear and anxiety. You are not alone. It has been said before in our blog that you should take control of your destiny when it comes to your medical care. Put some time into at least decreasing, if not eradicating, that fear. Dr. Bents and Dr. Van Horne understand these feelings and want you to have a successful experience all the way through the surgical process. If you have visited Paragon Orthopedics, you likely know our staff have ready smiles and words of support. We understand! Here are some tips to help you through surgery.
- Have a positive attitude.
- Talk to your family and friends. They want you to have a successful surgery and can provide positive support.
- Get all your questions and concerns addressed in your pre-op visit. We recently did a blog about how to be prepared for that visit and get the most out of it, so check it out.
- Don’t listen to people who have had bad surgical experiences. Negativity breeds negativity. Surround yourself with people who can positively support you through this process.
- Pray about it. People gain confidence when they seek help from God.
- Talk to your anesthesiologist about your feelings. Many times, they have techniques and medicines that can help relax you.
Also, be very aware that not all medical facts you read on the internet are real and/or true. There is a saying about the world wide web that the truth is getting harder to come by. The internet might not be a source of comfort to you, call Paragon Orthopedic Center with your concerns, and always remember to seek the positivity in all of your preparations.
Getting the most out of a doctor’s appointment
Dr. Rob Bents and Dr. Jim Van Horne are good enough at their surgeries to be in demand throughout Southern Oregon and the Oregon Coast. This sometimes means you have a small wait until your appointment date at Paragon Orthopedic Center arrives. Take advantage of that time to be prepared and get the most out of your time. Yes, you can be pro-active and prepare yourself for the discussion. Arriving at the time the clinic requests, which might be a few minutes early if they need forms filled, is very important. If you’re late, it cuts into the time allotted for you and your concerns. Dr. Bents and Dr. Van Horne like their patients to be well educated and they take time with their patients. Here are some tips from the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons about how to have a successful appointment:
- Arrive early
- Be honest about even the embarrassing information
- Don’t bring up issues unrelated to the reason for your appointment
- Bring questions and take notes.
Click on this link to learn more tips and details about making the most out of your doctor’s appointment:
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/getting-the-most-out-of-your-doctors-visit/
Are you stretching Southern Oregon?
Paragon Orthopedic Center’s newsletter for January listed some knee stretches to help prevent injuries. We leave copies in the waiting area at Paragon’s clinic on Ramsey Avenue here in Grants Pass, you can sign up to be on the email list when you’re in the office, or catch it here posted on the blog. The staff at Paragon Orthopedic Center is sympathetic to your injuries and wants everyone to avoid injuries that bring you through the Paragon Orthopedic doors. We want to remind you to take a few minutes before your activities to stretch and have those knees ready for the demands you make on them.
Air Pollution May Make Bones Weaker
Southern Oregon has seen more than its fair share of smoke-filled skies during the summer. Most people understand the direct result of lung problems from breathing the smoke, but did you know it also can affect your bones? A study has recently been published that shows how air pollution contributes to weaker bones. Working with more than 3,700 people in India with an average age of 37.5 years, they found a consistent pattern of lower bone mineral content as the levels of air pollutants grew higher. The worse the air, the weaker the bones became. More research needs to be done to fully understand the relationship between smoke and bone health. Read more here:
Paragon Orthopedic Center’s January newsletter is here for the good people of Southern Oregon. This month we are featuring valuable information about your knees. Paragon Orthopedics sees so many knee injuries from winter sports that Dr. Bents wants people to be aware of the stretches you can do to prevent injuries. Knee injuries can have a large impact on your daily life and take months for recovery, so prevention is big. Take a moment to read and learn a few stretches to continue doing the things you love.
Pickleball and the Possible Dangers
Around Grants Pass and Southern Oregon, a new sport is being seen and is quickly increasing in popularity. Pickleball is a game similar to tennis, but using a smaller court and a smaller racquet. Some people describe it as a mix of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. The smaller court size appeals to older people who have trouble getting around a large tennis court. The action is faster on a smaller playing area and you can play it for a good, fun workout. Pickleball has become so popular that at least one set of tennis courts in Grants Pass has been converted into pickleball courts. With more people discovering this fun, new game, doctors are seeing a downside. The rise in popularity has caused clinics like Paragon to see more playing injuries. Check out this article that discusses the injuries, as well as ways to avoid them. The January newsletter for Paragon Orthopedic Center, The Paragon Press, is coming out this week and will specifically focus on ways you can prevent knee injuries, so stay tuned for that!
Kicking off the year with good bone health
Healthy is the buzz word for the New Year. A healthy start, healthy bodies, healthy food choices are just some of the headlines. Don’t forget healthy bones and to give them some TLC. If you’re hoping for a long life, you will want your bones to give you the support you need in older ages. Here is an article put out by the Mayo Clinic that helps you understand why bone health is important and gives you some tips to have healthy bones. Paragon Orthopedics uses a variety of methods to help Southern Oregon stay healthy. In addition to all that the Paragon Orthopedic Center staff do, look for our January Paragon Press newsletter coming out soon and follow our blog. We want 2020 to be a great year for all, so keep yourself informed!
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/bone-health/art-20045060
Got cookies? Don’t forget to wash them down with a glass of milk for some calcium!
Christmastime usually means seeing more cookies and sweets at gatherings. Paragon Orthopedic Center wants to remind everyone to continue to get enough calcium, and cookies go down nicely with milk. An 8-ounce cup of cow’s milk, no matter what the percent fat, has about 300mg. An average adult needs 1,000mg calcium/day. Don’t forget to keep up on your calcium to keep those bones strong this holiday season Southern Oregon!
Sincerely, Paragon Orthopedic Center.
New research encouraging patients to drink fluids until 2 hours before surgery
Following up on our Paragon Orthopedic Center December newsletter about being NPO before surgery, renowned orthopedic surgeon Michael Ast recently noted the importance of drinking clear liquids up until 2 hours prior to surgery. His talk regarding this information took place today, December 13th, at a national orthopedic surgeon’s meeting in Las Vegas. Continuing to hydrate with clear liquids right up until that two hour mark helps avoid the lightheadedness, nausea, and vomiting that can occur when the body is dehydrated. When you are well hydrated, you will be more successful at getting out of bed postoperatively. Physical therapy will be more successful and a complete, timely recovery/discharge is more reliable. All around, the benefits of staying up on your clear liquids until two hours before your surgery time are going to help make your surgery successful. Both Dr. Rob Bents and Dr. Jim Van Horne keep up with the latest research, but if your healthcare provider isn’t mentioning that you can drink clear liquids up to 2 hours before surgery, you should further inquire. You are your best advocate!
