Exciting Activities in Southern Oregon This 2021 Christmas

Many of the activities that were cancelled because of COVID have come back to Southern Oregon this Christmas season.  Here is a link to find the events and celebrations you can get out and enjoy in 2021.  This weekend, you can see the Nutcracker ballet in Grants Pass and Medford, a Christmas parade in Myrtle Creek and downtown Grants Pass, wear your holiday sweater in Medford’s 5K Ugly Sweater race, enjoy a living nativity in Klamath Falls, ride a camel at the FFArm, take a jingle bell jog in Jacksonville, or find many locations of spectacular light displays. Please support these people who have put their time and efforts into bringing back traditions, or create new traditions by choosing something special from the many happenings. Southern Oregon is an amazing place at Christmas!

HOLIDAY FESTIVALS AND EVENTS CALENDAR — What to do in Southern Oregon

Avoid the Holiday Blues with These Tips

We have 17 days and only two weekends left until Christmas.  For many people, the to-do list is long, the time is short, and sometimes complicated family dynamics are at the fore.  Paragon Orthopedic Center cares about you as a whole person, not just your bones.  We have tips today to help you deal with the stress and depression you might feel this holiday season.  Some of the tips are strategies you can use throughout the year for your ongoing mental health!  Here are the 10 tips the Mayo Clinic suggested, and you can click on the link to read more details for each one.

  1. Acknowledge your feelings
  2. Reach out, which could include volunteering to help others.
  3. Be realistic
  4. Set aside differences
  5. Stick to a budget-expensive gifts do not equal happiness.
  6. Plan ahead
  7. Learn to say no
  8. Don’t abandon healthy habits-You know we like to encourage getting some exercise at Paragon!
  9. Take a breather-a brisk walk is an excellent way to clear your head.
  10. Seek professional help if needed
    Anticipate what you can, let go of what you cannot control, and seek joy this season.
    Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping – Mayo Clinic

Extra Pounds=How Much Extra Stress on Your Knees?

For every pound of extra weight that you carry, you are placing 4 more pounds of pressure on your knees.  If you lose 10 pounds, then that’s 40 pounds less on your knees with each step.  The Paragon Orthopedic Center’s December newsletter, the Paragon Press, will discuss knee pain and how you can do something to try to prevent having grandma’s achy knees.  Here is something to get you thinking:

The Link Between Weight Loss and Knee Pain (healthline.com)

Thanksgiving Doesn’t Have To Mean Weight Gain

Paragon Orthopedic Center encourages you to consider ways to avoid overeating on this national holiday that centers on food.  Living Well has a nice list of reminders.
-Accept that it is a day to indulge.
-Eat good things before the meal to avoid feeling overly hungry.
-Fill your plate with small servings; you can always go back for more.
-Pause and appreciate what is in front of you to fully enjoy it visually.  Take in the smells and give thanks for all that you see.
-Take smaller bites and chew completely.
-Take your time; soak up conversation and slow down.
-Pay attention to how full you are before you reach for seconds.
-Get away from the food to allow your body to feel full and begin digesting.
Don’t forget that we have many who are less fortunate in Southern Oregon and consider helping out at the many places serving free meals. The article below gives you more detail on all of these tips.

Happy Thanksgiving from Paragon Orthopedic Center!

How to Avoid Overeating on Thanksgiving – Living Well (livingwell-nutrition.com)

Thankful for You!

Gratitude is the theme of this third week in November and Paragon Orthopedic Center hopes you will take the time to be mindful of the many moments in a day to be thankful.  Paragon is especially thankful for the people of Southern Oregon who choose our clinic to take care of your orthopedic needs.  It might sound cliché, but our staff truly means that.  You have choices for your orthopedic needs.  We might be smaller than some of the bigger fish in the area, but we strive to give you a personalized experience and not move your through like a number in the schedule.  Dr. Bents, Dr. Van Horne, and all of our staff thank you for choosing us.  Happy Thanksgiving!

How Much Will the Hospital Charge Me for a Brace or Surgery?

Did you know a law went into effect January 1st of this year that tells hospitals to provide clear, online access to information about the cost of an item or your surgery before receiving it?  This allows you to shop around for the best price and view any associated costs.  The article below will link you to details about the law and what price transparency means to you.

Hospital Price Transparency | CMS

 

Paragon Congratulates Tammy on Eleven Years!


Tammy has been with Paragon Orthopedics for eleven years and we couldn’t be happier!  If you have had the privilege of talking to her at the clinic, you would know how wonderful she is and understand how much we appreciate her being a part of our team.  Congratulations Tammy!

Newsweek Names Grants Pass Surgery Center One of the Best in Our Nation

Newsweek recently named the 80 Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers for 2022 in America.  Oregon had four on the list and the Grants Pass Surgery Center was included!  They chose the 25 states with the most ambulatory surgery centers.  The official name of the GPSC is Surgical Care Affiliates-Grants Pass Surgery Center.  Look for it in the section for the state of Oregon within the article.  Both Dr. Van Horne and Dr. Bents at Paragon Orthopedic Center perform surgeries at the Grants Pass Surgery Center for many reasons, but at the top of the list is this: it provides a surgical option for the patient that is more personalized, efficient, and usually much less expensive than the hospital.  Newsweek validates that the GPSC is an outstanding facility and it is wonderful that we have this option here in Southern Oregon.  Check out the article here:

America’s Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers 2022 (newsweek.com)

Setting the Record Straight About COVID-19 and Ibuprofen

You might have read not to take ibuprofen if you’re getting the COVID vaccine  because there is a risk of harm, or maybe your healthcare provider cautioned against you taking it after you were diagnosed COVID positive because it can worsen your symptoms.  This is false, but the misinformation is still circulating.  Some medical professionals have even been taken in by the low-quality evidence that spread this misinformation.  Medical journals initially published these risks based on theories.  No research has produced results to back up the advice.  Again, there is no evidence that ibuprofen increases the risk of harm if you have COVID or if you get the vaccine.  Here is an article that summarizes the events that led to the presumption of harm and then to the reviews of the literature that debunked any links to harm.  It also has links to all of the research analysis.  Paragon Orthopedic Center wants you to know the facts.  It should be noted that ibuprofen, when taken before a vaccine, can mask an allergic reaction, so for this reason you might be told to avoid taking it.  Always consult your healthcare professional before taking any medication.

Ibuprofen and COVID-19: Risks, vaccine, and more (medicalnewstoday.com)