Clearing Up Cancer Myths

     Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer. It’s a disease feared by many and understood by few. While no one is ever prepared to receive a cancer diagnosis, knowledge is power. Medical oncologist Michael McCormack, M.D., of TriState Physician Associates, reveals the fact and fiction behind cancer.

Myth: If you have a family history of cancer, you will get it too.
A tendency to develop cancer can run in families and may increase your risk of developing the disease, however Dr. McCormack puts the risk into perspective.

Picnics, Barbeques—and Food Poisoning?

     It’s summer time and the living is easy. But that juicy hamburger, creamy deviled egg or homemade ice cream you’re eating could contain bacteria, viruses or parasites. Food poisoning occurs when these harmful organisms get into food during its processing, handling, transportation, cooking or storing. According to internist Jerry Correces, M.D., food poisoning most often occurs at home due to improper cooking or handling.

     Use water as your first defense against food-borne illness. Wash your hands before prepping food and thoroughly rinse produce. Uncooked foods are particularly risky because harmful organisms have not been destroyed during the cooking process. It’s also a good idea to keep separate cutting boards for veggies and uncooked meats.

Swimming Safety

      Swimming is a popular summer activity as the temperatures and humidity rises. As school closes for the year and children venture to the cool water of a swimming pool for relief from the heat, it is important to make sure they are safe.

     According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning ranks as the fifth cause of unintentional death in the U.S. Kids between the ages of 1-4 have the highest drowning rate, and 1 in 5 people who die from drowning are children aged 14 and younger. Here are some tips from Jenn Shank, physical therapy assistant at Total Rehab Care on keeping you and your family safe while swimming this summer:

A Dancer at Heart

     Growing up in Louisiana, music and dance were a part of Bridget Krautwurst’s Cajun heritage. Bridget, an RN with her MBA, is Meritus Health’s Director of Community Health Nursing. Since she was three, Bridget found ways to dance: tap, ballet, hip-hop or cheerleading. “I would dress up in my mom’s swirling skirts, spin around and do the two step or jitterbug,” she says. And the late 80’s movie “Dirty Dancing,” fueled her passion for dance even more.