A Labor of Love

Every day when our teams in Labor and Delivery and Mother/Baby at Archbold come to work, they have one goal: Create an environment where families feel safe and excited to welcome a new baby into the world. “We want our patients to go home with confidence that all of their needs have been met,” said Whitney Sampson, RN, nurse manager of mother/baby at Archbold said. “We empower our patients throughout the process, from labor to birth to going home.” All Together Now From the...



Steps to Better Health

Walking may not get the same glory as pumping iron or running a marathon, but it can be one of the easiest forms of exercise to start – and stick with for the long term. If you stay consistent, you can see health improvements from just three to four hours of walking each week. In addition to helping you get in shape, walking: Boosts bone health. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, can increase your bone density, which may lower your risk of developing fractures or...



Screening Seniors Shouldn't Skip

Screenings can help detect conditions early, when they’re easier to treat. Here’s why it’s important for seniors to stay on track. As you age, the risk for chronic disease increases. The National Institutes of Health recommends the following screenings for adults age 65 and older: Blood pressure – Having your blood pressure checked at least once every year and keeping it under control can prevent heart disease. Breast cancer – Women ages 65 and older account for almost...



Stressed? So Is Your Heart

Learning how to manage stress benefits more than mental health. This year has been hard for so many reasons, even if you haven’t lost a job, seen a loved one get sick or had to juggle working from home at the dining room table next to your kids taking classes online. But with so many reasons to feel stressed and the holidays right around the corner, it’s even more important to learn how to deal with your stress in a healthy manner. “Although further research is needed to...



Take Charge of Your Health

Many health insurance providers cover a number of preventive health services without charging you a co-payment or co-insurance. “Some of these services, such as blood pressure screening and cholesterol screening, take place at your annual physical,” said Jackson Hatfield, MD, primary care physician at Archbold Primary Care. “Depression screening is another valuable preventive benefit you can take advantage of during your visit.” Depending on your age and health history, your...



Home-Cooked Meals? That's Comforting

Ceratin foods just make you feel good, especially when it’s cold outside. Cooking at home can help you take more comfort in your comfort foods. On a frigid winter night, a warm bowl of soup or a dinner of meatloaf and mashed potatoes can warm both body and soul. But the added sodium, fillers and preservatives in canned or frozen versions may leave your health out in the cold. “You don’t have to choose between taste and heart health when it comes to the cold-weather foods...



Palliative Care - The Help You Need to Live Life Your Way

As the world of medicine constantly evolves and improves, new innovative treatment options are becoming more readily available to patients. From cancer clinical trials to developmental medications that are intended to reduce the effects of long-term illnesses, the options are vast. This can sometimes be overwhelming for patients and their families, as they navigate the medical industry alongside their illness. However, what many people don’t think about is life outside of treating the...



Lung Cancer: Early Detection is Key to Survival

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. It makes up almost 25% of all cancer-related deaths, which is more than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. This year alone, lung cancer has resulted in over 131,000 deaths in the United States. What causes lung cancer? According to the American Cancer Society, between 80-90% of lung cancer diagnoses can be attributed to a history of smoking. Experts say the risk of cancer is significantly increased for people that smoke...



3 Causes of Knee Pain, Explained

Most types of knee pain occur due to a sudden injury or wear and tear. Here are three of the most common causes of knee pain and options for treating them. Arthritis Several types of arthritis can affect the knee. The most common is osteoarthritis, which destroys the cartilage that cushions the joint. Another type, rheumatoid arthritis, affects the synovium, a tissue in the capsule that surrounds the knee. Treatments: “Losing weight, changing how you exercise to reduce stress on...



Medical Imaging, Explained

X-ray, CT scans and MRI exams are three of the most common tools used in medical imaging. Here’s a rundown of these tests and how they’re used. X-RAY X-ray exams allow radiologists to take internal pictures of your body using small doses of radiation. This test is often used to confirm bone fractures but may also be used to diagnose pneumonia, blocked intestines and other illnesses. Two types of X-ray tests include mammograms, which detect breast cancer, and dual-energy X-ray...



Your Roadmap to Understanding Diabetes Starts Now

Wherever you are on your journey with diabetes, whether regaining control of prediabetic symptoms, fighting type 1 or type 2 diabetes or helping a loved one with their diagnosis, understanding diabetes can be overwhelming. The good news? You can still live a fulfilling life after a diabetes diagnosis. Understanding your options can help you create an action plan and stick to it. What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic, long-lasting condition that affects how your body turns...



When It Comes to Cancer Care, There’s No Place Like Home

A cancer diagnosis can be unexpected and overwhelming. Feelings of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty are heightened as patients and their families look to find the best physicians and most successful cancer treatment options available. From cutting-edge medicine to an expert oncology team, there are many important factors to consider when evaluating your next steps for cancer care. Perhaps the most important decision one will make in the days following a cancer diagnosis is where they will...