Healthy Living

How to safely dispose of medications

By On the PULSE | May 20, 2023 | 0 Comments

By: David Klinger, System Director, Pharmacy Operations & Compliance Right now, chances are you’ve got a bottle or two of old or expired medications you no longer use in your medicine cabinet. These pills, patches, inhalers and creams not only clutter our bathroom and kitchen cabinets, but they can also cause serious harm if they…

Expert: Minutes matter in stroke emergencies

By On the PULSE | May 10, 2023 | 0 Comments

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke, and unfortunately, every three and a half minutes someone dies of stroke. A victim can lose up to two million brain cells every minute during a stroke, but immediate care helps reduce the stroke’s impact and most importantly can save that person’s life. BE FAST…

Eye doctor: Understanding cataracts

By On the PULSE | April 18, 2023

Are you over the age of 40 and have blurred, cloudy, or foggy vision? If so, you may be dealing with cataracts. Cataracts are the result of a normal aging process in which the eyes’ natural proteins gradually lose their clarity, clouding the natural lens inside of the eye. This clouding interferes with light passing…

Expert: Allergic reactions and their causes

By On the PULSE | April 11, 2023

Allergies are the symptoms of our immune system’s defensive response to things we encounter that our body deems as “unsafe.” Most commonly, dust mites, pollen, mold, certain foods, plants, or bug stings/bites are the trigger. Allergies can put a damper on enjoying the warmer weather, time outside, and all that the season has to offer.…

5 myths about shingles

By On the PULSE | March 28, 2023

Dr. Stanley Martin, director of Geisinger’s Division of Infectious Diseases Despite what you’ve heard, shingles isn’t just a disease that affects older people. Anyone who’s had chickenpox can get shingles, and it can be a serious illness. But even if you don’t remember having chickenpox (you may not have had “true chickenpox,” or you had…

Neurosurgeon: How to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

By On the PULSE | March 23, 2023

Without a doubt, the use and advancement of technology has only grown. Society has benefited from this in many ways, but have you considered the physical effects that using a smartphone, tablet, or other device could have on your physical health? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition often occurring in the thumb, index, and…

Expert: Ear Ringing Explained

By On the PULSE | March 21, 2023

According to urban legend, your ears ring when someone is talking about you; according to doctors, it’s tinnitus. This ringing can be described as a phantom noise, or sounds that aren’t actually there, and can include high-pitched squeals or low rumbles. While this isn’t technically a disease, these symptoms, among others that amount to a…

Therapist: Aquatic therapy great option for low-impact recovery

By Submitted Column | January 3, 2023

Simply put, aquatic physical therapy is the practice of physical therapy in the water. Also known as hydrotherapy, it’s often an effective, evidence-based option to consider as an alternative for people who have trouble exercising due to pain, weakness, and weight-bearing and mobility limitations. The pools used are designed specifically for physical therapy and are…

Ten tips for handling grief around the holidays

By On the PULSE | December 7, 2022

Grief affects each of us differently. Feelings of loss come and go without warning, even many years after a loved one has died. Sometimes, grief can be triggered by familiar events, music, smells, foods, or photographs. The holidays—full of traditions, events, group meals, and company—can heighten or reignite these intense feelings of loss. Here are…

Three foods that may increase your risk of colon cancer

By On the PULSE | December 7, 2022

Bogdan Protyniak MD, Division Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery & System Director of Robotic Surgery, Geisinger Choosing good-for-you foods like fresh vegetables and whole grains is part of a healthy lifestyle. But knowing which foods to avoid can be just as important as filling your plate with vibrant veggies and lean proteins. In fact,…