September health briefs

Wood Co. Committee on Aging to present ‘A Matter of Balance’
        The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. (WCCOA) will be holding “A Matter of Balance” course Tuesdays Sept. 10-Oct. 29 from 1-3 p.m. at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove Street, Bowling Green.
        The eight-week evidence-based course costs $20 and includes a manual for training purposes and a certificate upon completion of the course.
         The course is geared toward adults who have a fear of falling, who are you limiting their activities due to this fear and who are becoming physically weak? Class participants will learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risk at home and exercise to increase strength and balance.
        To register, call the WCCOA Programs Department at 419-353-5661 or by email programs@wccoa.net.
        To learn more about WCCOA programs and services, visit wccoa.net.
 
Flu shots offered
        The Pharmacy at Magruder Hospital will host flu shot clinics for anyone 7 and older in various locations throughout Ottawa County.
        The Pharmacy has regular and high-dose flu vaccine available and can bill insurances, so those requesting shots should bring their insurance cards. For those who are not insured, the cost of a regular dose flu shot is $35, and the cost of a high dose flu shot is $75. Individuals can also check with their primary care provider about getting a flu vaccine at their office.
        Flu shots will be available by appointment at the Magruder Monthly Community Lab Screenings held at the Community Clinic, 730 Jefferson St., Port Clinton. The dates for these by-appointment flu shots are Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. Call 419-301-4304 for more information and to make an appointment. Anyone is welcome to make an appointment for these flu shot clinics – not just those who are participating in the lab screening that day.
        The Magruder Pharmacy will also offer the following walk-in flu shot clinics:
        • Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Kozy Corners, 501 W. Oak St., Oak Harbor, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
        • Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the Community Clinic, 730 Jefferson St., Port Clinton, 2-4 p.m.
        • Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Magruder booth at the Oak Harbor Apple Festival, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
        • Sunday, Oct. 13 at the Magruder booth at the Oak Harbor Apple Festival, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
        • Monday, Oct. 21 in the Magruder Main Lobby, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
 
Ask the Expert to tackle diabetes
        More than 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year, according to the American Diabetes Association. And that means every year, more and more people have questions about how to manage this chronic disease.
        Diabetes and medication management will be the focus of Mercy Health’s monthly Ask the Expert virtual series on Thursday, Sept. 19. Dr. Misbah Hassan will lead the discussion, which will be presented virtually via Zoom from 12:30-1:30 p.m. To join, participants can call 646-931-3860 or zoom meeting ID: 975 5220 8436. The program is free and there is no need to pre-register.
        Dr. Hassan will share recent advancements in diabetes management, information about injectable medicine, as well as options for those patients who are intolerant to the medication Metformin.
        The one-hour, monthly Ask the Expert sessions are held the third Thursday of every month.
        The series will continue Oct. 17 when the topic will be environmental toxins and how they can affect our everyday life. Melissa Lanier, Childhood & Youth Wellness Manager, Lucas County Health Department will be the featured speaker.
 
Mercy mobile mammograms
        Mercy Health’s Mobile Mammography Unit will make several stops throughout the region in the coming weeks.
        The unit, customized for patient convenience, delivers 3D mammograms to women age 40 and older. Patients are offered the option of self-compression, meaning she will have the ability to control the compression once she is in position.
        Scheduled stops include:
        • Wednesday, Sept. 11: Old West End Community Health Center, 2244 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo.
        • Friday, Sept. 13: Mercy Health – Jefferson Avenue Family Medicine, 2200 Jefferson Ave, Toledo.      
        • Saturday, Sept. 14: Mercy Health – Health & Wellness Fair, 4126 N. Holland-Sylvania Rd., Toledo.
        • Monday, Sept. 16: University of Toledo – Community Cares Clinic, 2150 S. Byrne Rd., Toledo.
        • Wednesday, Sept. 18: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 315 College Dr., Bowling Green.
        • Monday, Sept. 23: Mercy Health – Perrysburg Primary Care, 1103 Village Square.
        • Wednesday, Sept. 25: Mercy Health – Maumee Primary Care, 1657 Holland Rd.
        • Sunday, Sept. 29: Komen Northwest Ohio Race for the Cure, 406 Washington St., Toledo.
        Certified radiologists read all mammograms and because a second look can mean a second chance, all mammograms are double-checked with a computer-aided detection system.
        While mammogram screenings may be covered by insurance, for best coverage, patients should verify if Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital is an in-network provider with their insurance carrier. Financial need-based assistance programs are available for those who are uninsured or underinsured (have high deductibles). Call 1-800-929-6626 for more information.
        Screenings at the Mercy Health Mobile Mammography unit are by appointment only. Call 833-MAMM-VAN to schedule.
        To view the full list of dates and locations, visit mercy.com/toledomobilemamm.
 
Eastern Y programs
        The Eastern Community YMCA, 2960 Pickle Rd., Oregon, is offering “Livestrong at the Y” – an evidence-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health.
        The program, created by the Y and the Livestrong Foundation, begins the week of Sept. 16 and meets Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. The cost is $25 with a Y membership.
        Participants will work with Y staff trained in supportive cancer care to safely achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving confidence and self-esteem. To obtain physician clearance and schedule an appointment email healthyliving@ymcatoledo.org or call 419-725-7844.
        • BrainSavers, an evidence-based Brain+Body Total Fitness Program for healthy aging, also begins the week of Sept. 16 and meets Mondays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. The cost is $25 per 12-week session with a Y membership. To enroll or for more information, email healthyliving@ymcatoledo.org or call 419-725-7844.
        • A Parkinson's Exercise Group meets Mondays and Wednesdays at noon. This 60-minute class is for those with Parkinson’s that do not use a cane or walker. The class aims to improve motor skills with gait, strength and dexterity exercises. There is a $25 fee for each three-month session. The fall session runs September-November. A winter session will run from December-February and a spring session will be offered from March-May. Folks can join mid-session. Call 419-725-7844 to get started. The fee is $25 for Y members.
 
Medicare 101 Event
        The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. is working with the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) to ensure local seniors have the information they need for this fall’s Medicare open enrollment.             A representative from OSHIIP will present a talk Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 South Grove St., Bowling Green.
        Attendees will learn about the recent changes to Medicare and how the Oct. 15-Dec. 7 Medicare Annual Coordinated Election Period can work for them. They will also get tips on how to enroll for 2025 coverage in a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) and/or a Medicare health plan and will be able to see if they qualify to save an average of $3,900 on their prescription drug costs.
        RSVP is not required. Contact the WCCOA Social Services Department at 419-353-5661 for more information or contact OSHIIP directly at 1-800-686-1578.
 
ProMedica events
        ProMedica has announced the following events for September:
        • Sept. 9: ProMedica Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, meets the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m. in the ProMedica Health & Wellness Center, Education Conference Rooms 1 & 2, 5700 Monroe St., Sylvania. No registration is required. (The September meeting was moved to the second Monday of the month due to Labor Day.) The group is for patients who have had weight loss surgery or for community members who would like more information about weight loss surgery.
        • Sept. 15: BE FAST 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk, Promenade Park, 400 Water St., Toledo. The event works to raise awareness of stroke and stroke risk factors while raising money for the Stroke Patient Assistance Fund, which provides financial coverage for patients with limited financial means as a result of their stroke. It will feature a free community resource fair (race participation not required), music, face painting, Kids’ activities and more. For more info or to register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Toledo/BEFAST5kRunWalk.
        • Sept. 18: Chronic Illness Peer Support Group, 6 p.m., ProMedica Neurosciences Center, 2130 W. Central Ave., Toledo. The group provides an opportunity to engage with others to share experiences, wisdom, skills, and resources that can help in navigating your journey through chronic illness. Friends and family are welcome; no registration required.
        • Sept. 26: Annual Celebration of Life for Regional Brain Aneurysm Survivors, 5 p.m., Glass City Pavilion, 1505 Front St., Toledo. The event will include guest speakers, survivor testimonies, vendors, dinner and more. Admission is free but registration is required. To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-life-for-brain-aneurysm-survivors-2024-tickets-862370091157.
 
Race for the Cure
        The 2024 Komen Northwest Ohio Race for the Cure will be held Sunday, Sept. 29 in downtown Toledo.
        The morning’s schedule includes:
        • 7a.m.: Event day opens.
        • 8:30 a.m.: Survivor Parade.
        • 9 a.m.: Opening ceremony, Main Stage.
        • 9:30 a.m.: Race begins, followed by 1-mile walkers.
        For more information, visit komen.org.
 
hosts Trunk Show 
        The Magruder Hospital Auxiliary will host a trunk show fundraiser at the Port Clinton Yacht Club on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 1:30-4 p.m.
        The event will feature shopping with a wide variety of vendors, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a silent auction, door prizes and more. Proceeds will go toward employee recognition as well as healthcare scholarships for area students.              Scheduled vendors include Belleza Boutique, Creations by Chris, Fabulous Female Boutique, Meig, Norwex, Regazza and Thirty-One. The Magruder Auxiliary will be selling Suzin L chocolates. There will be a silent auction, and participants can purchase Marblehead Soap Company body butters for a chance to win a wide variety door prizes.
        Seating is limited. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased at the Magruder Gift Shop (Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and online at eventbrite.