Fight the Fall

     Dick Van Dyke could make a fall funny, but in reality falls can lead to severe hip fractures, broken wrists and brain injuries—and that’s no laughing matter. The second main cause of trauma injuries in patients seen at Meritus Medical Center’s emergency department stems from falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every three adults age 65 and older fall each year.

     Adding to the problem, 35 percent of people who fall become less active. Meritus Medical Center EMS administrative specialist Kelly Llewellyn, RN, finds that when seniors fall, even without sustaining an injury, it frightens and prevents them from living life to the fullest.

Energy Drinks: a pick-me-up or a recipe for disaster?

Dr. Rafai Bukhari

     Cup of joe, java, brew, mud—most adults enjoy the little pick-me-up called coffee. But more and more adolescents are turning to the vitality found in energy drinks such as Red Bull, Monster, Rock Star and 5-Hour Energy. According Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, energy drinks are consumed by 30 to 50 percent of adolescents and young adults.

What’s in the can?
     Energy drinks contain 70 to 80 milligrams of caffeine per eight ounces, roughly three times the amount of caffeine found in soda. In addition to the high caffeine content, additives like guarana, kola nut, yerba mate and cocoa boost the drink’s caffeinated punch even more.

Healthy Employee Feature: Jenn Shank

Her exercise routine
     Jenn Shank has always made working out a priority. She has become involved in a number of different disciplines that allow her to stay in shape, but her number one interest is swimming. Since Jenn has been swimming laps across the pool since the age of seven. The activity has become ingrained in her routine, to the point where she is willing to wake up extra early to squeeze in her morning swim before work because she enjoys the water so much. “It starts my day off with a good attitude because I have already accomplished something before work,” she said.

Jenn during Muay Thai practice

Training for a 5K

Ethan Roberts

     Picture yourself running the National Mall in Washington, D.C. three times or jogging across roughly three-quarters of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Sound intimidating? With perseverance, patience and an end-goal in sight, you too can complete a 5K—which is 3.1 miles. If you’ve never entered a race, now is a good time to try. Mild days and colorful foliage make fall running a treat. But running for 35 to 40 minutes requires some training. Ethan Roberts, physical therapist at Total Rehab Care believes slow and steady really does win the race. Here’s Ethan’s take on transforming yourself from non-runner to 5K- ready.

Ready, set, run—or walk!