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Geisinger JS one of seven locations recognized as ‘Best Hospitals’

JERSEY SHORE — Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital is one of seven Geisinger hospitals that have been recognized for high performance in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings. Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center were named among the Best Hospitals in Pennsylvania, with Geisinger Wyoming Valley being named No. 1 in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. In addition, both hospitals were ranked as high-performing for pulmonology and lung surgery, hip replacement and colon cancer surgery. Along with Geisinger Community Medical ...

Common arthritis drug could boost effectiveness of morning-after pill, study finds

LONDON (AP) — Taking a common arthritis drug together with the morning-after pill Plan B could boost the contraceptive’s effectiveness, according to new research published Wednesday. Levonorgestrel, often called Plan B, is the most widely available type of emergency contraception. It works by preventing or delaying ovulation. Scientists estimate that it is about 95% effective when taken within a day after unprotected sex, dropping to 58% or lower within three days. The new study, published by the medical journal Lancet, suggests levonorgestrel can remain highly effective up to ...

Tips for breastfeeding moms

August is National Breastfeeding Month — a time to celebrate and support breastfeeding mothers. Every family may have their own unique experience with breastfeeding, or some may choose to express and bottle feed breastmilk. While it’s natural and easy for some, it may be more challenging ...

Cros and Bi-cros technology

Cros or Bi-cros hearing aid technology can be used when an ear is completely deaf while the other ear has hearing loss but could be improved with a hearing aid. Some people can hear very little in one ear — so much so that a standard hearing aid won’t help. If a sound occurs on the side of your bad ear, your head literally blocks the sound from reaching your good ear. Scientifically, this is the “head-shadow effect,” and it tends to affect consonants, the higher-frequency sounds important for understanding speech. In short, when you can’t hear from one ear, it will be ...

Does your doctor need to know about every drug and supplement?

Perhaps you take zinc for an immune system boost, or melatonin for a better night’s sleep. You might smoke cigarettes or drink beer or wine. Or maybe you use cannabis — whether medically or recreationally. Regardless of what drugs or over-the-counter supplements you use, you need to let your care team know. Any substance, legal or not, could interact with the medications you’re prescribed. So be honest with your care team. They can help you avoid drug interactions that could make your prescription medications less effective — or that could be risky for your health. Your care ...

UPMC in North Central Pa. recognized in statewide Organ Donation Challenge

WILLIAMSPORT — UPMC in North Central Pa. is receiving statewide recognition for its efforts to support and raise awareness about organ, eyes, and tissue donation. UPMC hospitals and clinics in north central Pa. were named among the three top-performing health systems for eastern Pennsylvania in The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania’s (HAP) 2023 Donate Life PA Hospital Challenge. UPMC in North Central Pa. includes UPMC Cole, UPMC Muncy, UPMC Wellsboro and UPMC Williamsport. UPMC Williamsport was also recognized as a Gift of Life Donor Program Top-Performing ...