Archbold Blog

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps reduce the risk of several health conditions, including cancer and heart disease. But exactly how much should you eat to reap the benefits? According to data published by the American Heart Association, three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit each day may be optimal. Researchers pooled data from several studies representing about 2 million adults worldwide to discover the ideal intake. Participants who ate five servings of fruits...

If you’re interested in weight loss surgery, you may already know that it can help people who have significant amounts of weight to lose regain their lives. But you may not realize how much improvement you may see in other aspects of your health. “Once exclusively regarded as a weight loss procedure, there’s a lot of evidence that bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes,” said Mary Kate Hanisee, MD, FACS, FASMCS, metabolic and bariatric surgery director at...

Hospital readmissions are roadblocks to better health. Here’s what we do to help you avoid them. One hospital stay is difficult enough, but when obstacles in your life prevent you from fully recovering, one stay can lead to another. Not only is it inconvenient, but it can also be a serious risk to your health. “Missed follow-up appointments, missing medications, lack of transportation to and from appointments, and failure to understand treatment can all lead to hospital...

During fall and winter – peak seasons for sickness – vitamin C pills, herbal supplements and elderberry syrup go flying off the shelves. While focusing on vitamins and supplements can do some good, don’t overlook a major threat to your immune system: stress. “Stress causes changes in your body that make it difficult to fight infection,” said Eugene Sun, DM, medical director and psychiatrist at Archbold Northside Center for Behavioral and Psychiatric Care. “People who are...

Organ transplants give thousands of children and adults each year a renewed chance at living full and active lives. And while ninety percent of Americans support organ donations, only thirty percent actually know how to become a donor. “Registering to be an organ donor is a generous decision that can save the lives of up to eight individuals,” says Jessica Burns, AGNP-C, Archbold’s palliative care nurse practitioner. “Almost anyone, regardless of age, race or gender, can become...

Have you been monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels? Great! But have you been watching your triglycerides? Having a high level of triglycerides in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease. However, the same lifestyle choices that promote overall health can help lower your triglycerides, too. What are triglycerides? Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories not used into triglycerides. The...

Breast cancer often has no noticeable symptoms, and lumps – the one symptom many women associate with breast cancer – can be difficult to detect with self-exams. That’s why early detection of the disease with annual mammograms is so important. “Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early,” said Chisom Onuoha, MD, medical oncologist at Archbold’s Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center. “Symptoms vary widely with each person. Having annual screening mammograms...

According to the American Geriatrics Society, half of Americans over age 65 deal with at least three health conditions every day. If you’re one of them, use these tips to maintain your good health. Choose Lifestyle-Based Treatments If you don’t eat healthy foods, exercise regularly and get good sleep every night, your health is at a disadvantage. Ask your provider about lifestyle changes that could help you turn the corner. A healthy lifestyle has no negative side effects. Know...

Screenings for colorectal cancer are important. Evidence suggests they can help prevent 60% of colorectal cancer-related deaths. “The most widely used test is the colonoscopy, because it is the only screening that can both detect polyps before they become cancerous and remove them during the same procedure,” said Scott Farquhar, MD, gastroenterologist at Archbold Gastroenterology Group. “Other screening tests are available, but colonoscopies are considered the gold standard because...

When you’re feeling good, it can be easy to assume that your blood pressure is normal. But this isn’t always the case. “People often think, ‘I feel fine, how can I have high blood pressure?’” said Jackson Hatfield, MD, primary care physician at Archbold Primary Care. “People believe they would have symptoms to let them know there is a problem. Unfortunately, we can have high blood pressure for a long period of time before developing any symptoms.” Because high blood...

The numbers below tell an important story about your heart health. Learn what they mean and ask your primary care provider how you can keep them in healthy ranges. Good and Bad Cholesterol Unhealthy cholesterol levels lead to heart disease. Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL HDL, or “good.” cholesterol: Above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women Triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood: Less than 150...

It’s common to hear that calcium is good for your bones. But, that’s not the case when it comes to your heart. Coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. When there’s a buildup of plaque, made up of calcium and other substances, it can narrow or close the arteries. These calcifications can form in many places throughout the body, including small and large arteries and heart valves, which can be a sign of heart disease. “Most often, the more calcified plaque in...