Health briefs

Mercy Health hosting weight loss information sessions
        One-third of Americans are overweight, and tens of thousands of people every year turn to surgical weight loss to avoid obesity and to live healthier and happier lives.
        For those who are curious about or considering having weight loss surgery, Mercy Health hosts regular “Talk with a Doc” surgical weight loss informational sessions on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Mercy Health - Weight Management Solutions located at 3930 Sunforest Court, Suite 100, Toledo.
         The next session will take place Feb. 19.
        Mercy Health bariatric surgeons, Dr. Matthew Fourman and Dr. Gregory Johnston alternate hosting the sessions. Dr. Fourman hosts the first Wednesday, while Dr. Johnston hosts the third Wednesday. Both are fellowship trained in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery. They are both board-certified in general surgery and are certified by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
        The no-cost, no-obligation session offers the opportunity for attendees to learn more about surgical and non-surgical weight loss options.
        For those interested in non-surgical weight loss methods, Mercy Health also hosts weekly informational sessions on Mondays at 1 p.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m.
        Pre-registration is requested for all seminars. Call 419-251-8760 to register, or go to Eventbrite.com.
 
Magruder Alzheimer’s group monthly screening
        Magruder Hospital, 615 Fulton St., Port Clinton, will host its monthly Alzheimer’s Support Group Monday, Feb. 10 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.
        Magruder’s monthly screening will be held Feb. 13 starting at 9 a.m. in the lab.
        The test is a venipuncture/blood draw rather than a finger stick, and 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. The screenings are offered on the second Thursday of every month. Appointments may be made by calling 419-734-3131, ext. 3420.
        For more information on events and screenings, visit www.magruderhospital.com.
 
Riverview open house to showcase renovations
        An Open House to showcase renovations at Ottawa County Riverview Healthcare Campus will be held Sunday, Feb. 23 from noon-3 p.m. The campus is located at 8180 W. SR 163, Oak Harbor.
        Members of the community are invited to see the renovations and learn about services available at Ottawa County Riverview, including long-term care, short-term rehab, the Rehab Clinic, Veterans’ Services, Memory Care, Adult Day Care and the newest service – Assisted Living.
        A staff therapist will be offering free balance testing in the Rehab Clinic. Ottawa County Senior Resources – located on the Riverview campus –will offer tours of their offices, meal-packaging rooms and the Oak Harbor “Harbor Lights” Senior Center.
        Appetizers will be served at the Open House.
 
“Managing Arthritis”
        Perrysburg Commons Retirement Center, located at 10542 Fremont Pike, will host Dr. Olabisi Abokede, who will discuss “Managing Arthritis,” Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. The program is part of the ongoing St. Luke’s Family Medicine Lecture Series. A complimentary lunch will be served following the presentation. RSVP is requested. Call 419-874-1931 for details.
 
Caregiver support group
        A Caregiver Support Group meets the second Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. at the Northeast Area Senior Center, 705 N. Main St., Walbridge.
        The group is led by Jenna Ricker, licensed social worker.
        For more details, call the Wood County Committee on Aging at 419-353-4661.
 
Vacation raffle fundraiser
        A Vacation Raffle Fundraiser is being held to support Kaylene Kramer and her family as she continues her battle with breast cancer. Kramer is a second-grade teacher in the Eastwood District.
        The raffle is for a weeklong stay in a two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Navarre Beach, Florida. The winner will also get a $1,000 cash prize. The vacation week will be based upon availability. Learn more about the condo at www.beachrentalsatnavarre.com/property/169.
        Tickets are $100 each, with one winner to be drawn as soon as all 200 tickets are sold. The drawing will be held live via Facebook Live.
        To purchase a ticket or for more info, contact Josh Marten at 419-704-3418 or Randy Rothenbuhler at 419-341-9506.
        Net proceeds raised from the raffle will benefit KK Strong, which was established by friends of Kramer in support of her and her family. Organizers thanked raffle sponsor North Branch Nursery, Inc.
 
Ombudsman program seeks local volunteers
        Do you enjoy making a difference in the lives of others? Do you believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect? Do you want to help others make informed choices about where they live and the care they receive?
        Those who answer yes are encouraged to volunteer with the Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Apply online at www.stepup.ohio.gov.
        The program is made up of volunteers and staff who make regular visits to long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
        “Visitors help reduce residents’ feelings of isolation,” said Beverley Laubert, the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. “Our volunteers give residents a voice and honor their lives and experiences. They also help ensure facility staff do the same.”
        Volunteer Ombudsman representatives observe conditions in facilities, talk to residents and family members about issues with care and services, and help them understand their rights as consumers. They can work with facility staff to resolve simple problems, and support Ombudsman staff as they investigate more complicated complaints.
        Volunteer Ombudsman representatives receive extensive training to serve as advocates for long-term care consumers. Topics include problem-solving, interviewing, the rules and laws of long-term care, and how to work with providers to honor consumers’ choices.
        Ohio’s SFY 2020-2021 operating budget included additional funds to expand the Ombudsman’s statewide volunteer corps and increase the number and frequency of visits to residents. These funds have supported regional Ombudsman volunteer coordinators to recruit, train, and retain volunteers.
        For assistance with your or a loved one’s care, or to learn more about volunteering, contact the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-282-1206 or visit www.ombudsman.ohio.gov to find contact information for the Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program serving your community.
       
Overdose & Suicide Death Report released
        The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Overdose & Suicide Death Report released Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot counties has released the Calendar Year 2018 Overdose & Suicide Death Report. 
        The 2018 report is the most recent data provided by the Ohio Department of Health.  In the board’s district, a total of 36 individuals died by unintentional overdose, while 27 individuals died by suicide.  However, overall, unintentional drug overdose deaths are declining compared with the previous year, while suicide deaths are increasing. 
        The full report is posted on the board’s website at www.mhrsbssw.org.  
        “Overdose and suicide deaths are preventable, and behind every single death is a grieving family.  There are many
people and agencies in our communities fighting daily to stop these numbers from claiming even more,” said Director Mircea Handru. 
        The Board’s Suicide Prevention Coalition has been working to educate the community on suicide prevention and awareness in hopes to reduce the number of suicide deaths in the Board District.  If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved with the coalition, call Nicole Williams, prevention and education coordinator at 419-448-0640 or email coordinator@mhrsbssw.org.
 
“Why Am I Different?”
        A Bowling Green occupational therapist has written a book designed to help children learn about sensory system development.
         “Why Am I Different? A Guide for Children with Sensory Issues,” (published by Balboa Press), by Jeanne McCurry Matthews, is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
        The book is intended for children to read to understand their sensory processing disorder, but it can also be a tool for parents, teachers and individuals working with children with the disorder, Matthews said. It follows a young boy who doesn’t understand why so many things are hard for him. While focusing on sensory system development, the book also covers craniosacral therapy, essential oils and other things that could enhance a child’s development.
        Matthews drew on her many years of experience working with children with sensory integration dysfunction in writing her book. Now in private practice specializing in craniosacral therapy, she still works with children in school settings.
        Matthews wants readers to take away “That there is much that they can do to improve the situation. That there are many resources to help them on their way. That many of our brightest minds have or had these issues. That there is nothing wrong with them, they just process information differently.”
        More information is available on the website www.iahp.com/jeannematthews.