Health briefs - Gibsonburg recognized as “Heart Healthy Community”
For the first time ever, the Northwest Ohio Division of the American Heart Association (AHA) has recognized communities throughout the region that have made citizen health a priority by establishing policies and encouraging activities that create a culture of health and align with the AHA, which is “to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.”
The Village of Gibsonburg, and the cities of Findlay and Defiance were honored and celebrated as Heart Healthy Communities at a ceremony held Dec. 4 in Findlay.
“As we worked with volunteers, companies and hospital systems in communities around Northwest Ohio to implement the American Heart Association mission initiatives, it became very apparent that there are communities here that are very dedicated to improving the health and wellness of its citizens,” said Kerri Rochelle, AHA Development Director. “They put collective efforts into encouraging a culture of health.
“When community stakeholders make health and wellness a priority, it creates a solid foundation to further the American Heart Association’s mission within that community,” she said. “We wanted to formally recognize communities for their efforts and share their work as an example of a community’s role in health improvement for the whole region, state and nation.”
Municipalities in the counties serviced by the Northwest Ohio Division of the American Heart Association – including Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood counties – were eligible and invited to apply to receive the designation in July. The application process allowed communities to highlight and showcase what health and wellness efforts are happening locally and the AHA selected communities whose efforts aligned with the organization’s mission.
Pricess Party to benefit American Cancer Society
The Tiki Warriors Relay For Life Team is hosting a Wish Upon A Cure Princess Party – Frozen Party 2,” Saturday, March 14, 2020, from 2-4 p.m. at the Community Market VFW Hall in Oak Harbor,
Tickets are $15 per child, which includes a free goody bag, sundae/dessert bar, games and raffles, plus a meet-and-greet with Queen Elsa and Princess Anna (from Gabby’s Once Upon a Time Princess Parties). Adults are asked to pay a $5 donation if they wish to partake of food and beverages.
All Frozen Party 2 tickets will be entered into a special prize drawing.
Kids are encouraged to dress in Elsa and Anna costumes or the costumes of their favorite princess.
Tickets are on sale through Saturday, Feb. 29. To purchase tickets, contact Tami Coppes at 419-270-2194. Visit the Tiki Warriors Relay For Life Team’s Facebook page for updates and more information.
The fundraiser benefits the American Cancer Society.
Service of Hope
A Service of Hope on the Longest Night will be held Saturday, Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, SR 579, Williston.
The worship service will offer comfort and hope for those struggling to find the joy of the season. All are welcome.
Warrior Echo to bring mini animals to Zoo
Warrior Echo, an equine-assisted learning program from Swanton, will be presenting their miniature horses and donkeys at the Toledo Zoo’s main entrance each Tuesday in December during Lights Before Christmas presented by KeyBank.
The animals will be located near the panda statues in the Anthony Wayne Trail entry plaza, and Warrior Echo staff will assist guest interactions. The animals will be at the Zoo 4 -7 p.m. each Tuesday evening.
The local non-profit is launching a new program that will combine veteran mentors with at-risk youth to create meaningful connections with both horses and humans.
For more information, please visit https://www.hooves.us/warrior-echo.
“The Zoo is proud to work with Warrior Echo to provide another level of engagement and interaction to our guests,” said Jeff Sailer, President and CEO of Toledo Zoo. “Our mission is to inspire others to join us in caring for animals and the chance to meet these incredible miniature horses that are helping improve lives is a wonderful example of living out that mission.”
Beginner Tai Chi
The Taoist Tai Chi Society – a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to improving health and well-being – will offer Beginner Taoist Tai Chi classes starting Wednesday, Jan. 8 from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Northeast Senior Center, located in the Walbridge Municipal Building, 705 N. Main St.
Classes consist of slow movements that use gentle turns and stretches to improve balance, flexibility, circulation, and strength.
For more info, call 419-537-0131 or visit taoisttaichi.org/Toledo.
Magruder Hospital programs
Magruder Hospital will offer their monthly screening Dec. 12 starting at 9 a.m. in the lab. The hospital is located at 615 Fulton St., Port Clinton.
The test, a venipuncture/blood draw, will include a basic metabolic panel (glucose, BUN/creatinine, calcium, potassium, sodium, chloride, CO2, etc.) and a lipid profile (total cholesterol/LDL/HDL/triglycerides), as well as a blood pressure check. The cost is $16.
Screenings are offered the second Thursday of every month. Appointments can be made by calling 419-734-3131, ext. 3420.
Alzheimer’s support
Magruder’s monthly Alzheimer’s Support Group will meet Monday, Dec. 9 at 9 a.m. in the Conference Center. Meeting on the second Monday of each month, the group provides helpful tips, education, encouragement and resources to family, friends and caregivers of anyone dealing with dementia and memory loss.
For more info about these programs as well as other support groups, events and screenings, visit www.magruderhospital.com and click on the events calendar.
Beginner yoga
Linda Green will offer Beginner Yoga in the Magruder Conference Center on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Drop-in classes will be held Dec. 10 and 17 for $10 a class. There will also be a six-week session Jan. 7-Feb. 11, 2020 for $50. These classes will be an introduction to yoga postures, stretching, proper breathing, proper relaxation, positive thinking and meditation.
Participants should bring a floor mat and wear layered comfortable clothes. For more information call 419-350-8951 or email linda@omnigreen.com.
Dec. events planned at Gardens of St. Francis
The Gardens of St. Francis, 930 S. Wynn Rd., Oregon, is planning events in December for caregivers and the community to learn more about long-term care as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia-related illnesses.
Attendees who are interested can also tour the new Memory Care showroom and see plans for the new floor opening in early 2020.
“Calgon, Take Me Away” – A Caregivers’ Day of Pampering, will be held Wednesday, Dec 11 from 4-6 p.m. Space is limited. Reservations are required. Call 419-698-4331 to reserve a spot.
The Movie, “Still Alice” starring Julianne Moore Friday will be shown Friday, Dec. 13 from 6 - 8 p.m. The acclaimed production tells the story of renowned linguistics professor Dr. Alice Howland as she faces early-onset of Alzheimer’s and how her three grown children watch helplessly as their mother disappears more and more with each passing day. Reservations, not necessary but are appreciated and may be made by calling 419-698-4331.
Memory care suites
Nineteen memory care suites will open in early 2020 at The Gardens of St. Francis. One of the new suites is now available for touring. A typical suite opens up to one of the multiple safe, secure, social areas that includes three living rooms, a music area, a library, and dining. A large activity room with a dedicated activity person offers a range of engagement opportunities. Admissions Counselor Steve Reamey is currently working with families to select suites for their loved ones for early 2020.
The Gardens of St. Francis, a senior living community, offers long-term care, assisted and independent living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services and coming in early 2020 memory care. A Medicare-Certified rehabilitation program with physical, speech and occupational therapies provides care for individuals recovering from cardiac conditions, strokes, fractures, joint replacements and more.
To learn more or to schedule a tour, call 419-698-4331 or visit www.homeishere.org.
Chief Nursing Officer
Deborah Bryant has been named Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital and Mercy Health – St. Anne Hospital in Toledo.
Bryant brings more than 10 years of experience as a CNO with KentuckyOne Health, the state’s largest health system. She served in that role the past two years at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, and the previous eight years at St. Joseph East in Lexington. KentuckyOne Health is part of the 101-hospital, faith-based system Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI).
While maintaining the CNO role at both hospitals, Deborah’s leadership helped increase nursing satisfaction scores, reduce nursing turnover and integrate the nursing leadership team over the two sites.
In another leadership role, Deborah served as emergency department manager at St. Joseph Hospital.