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Platelet donors needed to help save lives
Although platelets are becoming increasingly important in modern medical care, comparatively few people donate this life-saving component of blood, Red Cross officials say.
Just four percent of the 7 million donation procedures performed each year through the American Red Cross involve donors who give platelets.
“Each year, thousands of children and adults will undergo care and treatment for cancer, leukemia and other serious diseases,” said Kathy Smith, director of donor services for the Western Lake Erie Region of the American Red Cross. “And since platelets are very fragile and must be transfused within five days of donation, someone very sick may literally be waiting for your donation.”
Platelets are cells in blood that help form clots and control bleeding. Cancer patients often need platelets when chemotherapy and radiation lower their platelet counts, or when their bodies can’t produce enough platelets on their own. Patients undergoing surgery, trauma care or bone marrow transplants may also need platelets to stop or prevent internal bleeding or blood loss.
Platelets are most efficiently collected through apheresis – a special donation process that involves separating platelets from other blood components. Depending on blood type, some whole blood donors may be asked to consider donating platelets at designated donation sites through the Red Cross.
The Red Cross is primarily recruiting new male donors with AB positive, A positive, B positive and O positive blood.
To schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.
Flu shot clinic
James “Wes” Hancock Senior Center, 5760 Bayshore Rd., Oregon, will offer a flu shot clinic Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. to noon.
Medicare Part B and Paramount insurance will be accepted with no co-pay if either is the primary insurer. Without Part B or Paramount, the cost is $25 per flu shot. Those attending the clinic should be prepared to provide Medicare/insurance information.
Hand to Hand help
One in 10 children in the U.S. suffers from mental illness severe enough to impair development and learning, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.
Some of them live in Wood County. That’s why NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Wood County is once again offering its popular Hand to Hand class for parents and caregivers of children with mental illness. There are still openings in the current class, which meets every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 200 West Second St., in Perrysburg.
There is no charge for the nine-week course. Hand to Hand not only provides information about the mental disorders that can affect children, but also covers how to find treatment and negotiate the sometimes confusing mental health and insurance systems. Participants learn how to cope with the unique stresses of their situation, and how to take care of themselves while caring for their children.
For more information or to register, call NAMI Wood County at 419-352-0626.
Go Red for Women
The American Heart Association will be celebrating the power that women have within themselves to speak up and beat their number-one killer, heart disease, at the Go Red for Women luncheon Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gladieux Meadows, 4480 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo.
Heart disease claims the life of one woman almost every minute, but there’s something women can do to help stop the disease.
The event is designed to create an inspirational and informative atmosphere that will encourage women and those who love them to become champions of health.
During the reception, all luncheon guests will have the opportunity to participate in health screenings, as well as interact with healthcare professionals about such topics as blood pressure, cholesterol, fitness, nutrition and stroke prevention.
The event, which will be emceed by Lauren Lowrey of WTOL, will also feature keynote speaker Donna Hartley who ignites her audience with “firepower” to awaken their untapped potential. Drawing on her three life changing events (plane crash, melanoma and open heart surgery), Hartley has captivated audiences worldwide with straight talk, vision and wisdom based strategies to master life’s challenges.
Go Red for Women is sponsored nationally by Merck and Macy’s. Tickets are $75 per person. Corporate tables are also available. Contact Wendy Keener at 419-740-6167 or visit www.heart.org/Toledo for more information.
In addition, women can visit www.GoRedForWomen.org to complete the Heart CheckUp and know their risk.
Heartbeat fundraiser set
“A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words” is the theme of the Heartbeat of Toledo Pregnancy Support Center’s free fundraising breakfast planned Oct. 14 beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Gladieux Meadows on Heatherdowns.
Less than a year ago, the Heartbeat Board of Directors committed to expanding services to offer free ultrasounds. Since that time the organization has joined the Life Choice Project through the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) and has begun the steps to convert to a medical clinic.
“Dr. Harvey Popovich has agreed to serve as our volunteer medical director and we have hired a nurse manager,” said Carol Clark, board president. “We have two nurses who are currently being trained in limited obstetrical ultrasound. We expect to begin offering free ultrasounds later this fall.”
At the fundraiser Heartbeat representatives will share Heartbeat’s progress in offering ultrasounds as well as plans for the future.
To attend, call 419-241-9131 by Oct. 11 to make a reservation.
Heartbeat of Toledo, founded in 1971, provides information, free pregnancy testing, compassionate listening, educational materials, and assistance to girls and women dealing with unplanned pregnancies. The agency also offers prenatal and parenting lessons for moms and moms-to-be through its Heart to Heart Education Center.
Heartbeat has two locations: 2130 Madison Ave. and 1020 Varland Ave. in Toledo. Appointments can be made by calling 419-241-9131.
Pink Ribbon Day
The Sandusky County Cancer Coalition will present Pink Ribbon Day, in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Oct. 19 at Memorial Health Care System, 715 S. Taft Ave., Fremont.
The event will include a discussion on, “The Evolution of Breast Cancer Screening Methods: Is Less Better ?”
with OB/GYN Dr. Jennifer Campbell from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Chestnut Café.
Tours of the Women’s Diagnostic Center will be offered from 5:30 to 6 and 7 to 7:30 p.m. The American Cancer Society will provide information on breast health. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres will also be available.
Statistics show that there is a high rate of late-stage breast – Stage 3 or 4 – cancer in Sandusky County. The rate is higher than the average rate of late-stage breast cancer in the state of Ohio.
The coalition recommends all women get a clinical breast examination every year and an annual mammogram starting at age 40.
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