Chris McGrath, 63, of Cleveland, was having a normal day when he showed up at his alma mater, Villa Angela-St. Joseph, to volunteer at a high school sports banquet.
Fitness and Wellness Challenges were held in September at Euclid Hospital and Edgewater Park for The Cleveland Police Department. Police officers and staff completed heart health screenings and a body fat analysis along with exercise testing at Villa Angela-St.Joseph High School in an effort to promote wellness throughout the police department.
New to Medicare? Have questions about signing up for Medicare? Concerned about the changes coming to your Medicare coverage?
Please come to the next meeting of the Euclid Diabetes Support Group on Monday, September 16th at 6:45 p.m. at the Euclid Public Library. There a knowledgeable speaker from the Diabetes Partnership of Greater Cleveland will present updates on Medicare and answer your questions.
In addition you will receive worksheets to use to get ready for comparing options and resources for additional information. This meeting is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about Medicare.
Beginning in 2014, millions of Americans will have access to affordable, quality health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. They will be able to compare health plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace created by the health reform law. Consumers will find various plan options available in their state in simple, easy-to-understand language. Individuals will be able to enroll beginning on October 1st of this year. (If you obtain insurance through an employer or a government program such as Medicare or Medicaid, you do not need to enroll through the health exchange.)
I know that many of my constituents have questions about the enrollment process, the types and cost of coverage that will be available and many other aspects of this phase-in of the health reform law, more commonly known as Obamacare. It’s unfortunate however, that critics of Obamacare have gone out of their way to spread misleading information, use fuzzy math or omit important details to create fear and confusion. That’s a disservice to the people I represent. My goal is to help ensure that our hardworking families and individuals have accurate information and know where to find it.
An example of misleading information can be found in the recent news release issued by the Ohio Department of Insurance. It announced that average premiums in Ohio will increase 41% next year as a result of the Affordable Care Act. That’s technically true but in practical terms, meaningless. Consumers will not pay an average based on all levels of plans available. It’s like averaging the price of a budget compact car with a high end luxury SUV. If you’re in the market for a low cost car, you’re not paying anywhere near the “average.”
In the Health Marketplace, consumers will have an option to purchase insurance in four different levels to best meet their needs and budget. They may opt for lower monthly premiums (with higher deductibles) or pay more per month but face smaller out-of-pocket costs if a major medical expense does occur. A number of states that have worked hard to implement the law smoothly are reporting premiums will cost less in 2014 than what is currently available. In New York, not only will new insurers be entering the market to offer plans to consumers, the cost for even the most comprehensive plans will be down by over 50% according to the state. In Nevada, a young person can buy a catastrophic plan for less than $100.
Faster. Easier. Clearer. All those things are possible with digital mammograms, a new type of diagnostic imaging that’s changing how women are screened for breast cancer.
All women age 40 and over should have a mammogram every year, according to the American Cancer Society. Mammograms are X-rays that help diagnose breast cancer, the second most common cancer in American women after skin cancer.
Traditionally, having a mammogram meant getting four X-ray images, two per breast, on film. A technologist would run the film through a processor and then hang the processed films on a view box for a radiologist to read.
Now, with digital mammograms, the process is more like using a digital camera instead of a traditional camera. There’s no film to process or negatives to handle. The images are stored and viewed on a computer.
“Women still need to have the four X-rays — and the compression and positioning are the same — but processing the results is much faster,” says Christine Clark, radiology director at Euclid Hospital. “Instead of 15 to 20 minutes, women finish their digital mammograms in about five to 10 minutes.”
And the results are easier to diagnose. Radiologists can magnify, sharpen, change contrast or otherwise adjust digital images to see breast tissue more clearly. That’s good for all women, but especially for those under 50. Younger women tend to have denser breast tissue in which cancer is more difficult to detect.
“Digital mammograms are ideal for younger women who need to be screened because they found a breast lump or have a high family risk for breast cancer, for example,” says Christine.
Faster. Easier. Clearer. All those things are possible with digital mammograms, a new type of diagnostic imaging that’s changing how women are screened for breast cancer.
All women age 40 and over should have a mammogram every year, according to the American Cancer Society. Mammograms are X-rays that help diagnose breast cancer, the second most common cancer in American women after skin cancer.
Traditionally, having a mammogram meant getting four X-ray images, two per breast, on film. A technologist would run the film through a processor and then hang the processed films on a view box for a radiologist to read.
Now, with digital mammograms, the process is more like using a digital camera instead of a traditional camera. There’s no film to process or negatives to handle. The images are stored and viewed on a computer.
“Women still need to have the four X-rays — and the compression and positioning are the same — but processing the results is much faster,” says Christine Clark, radiology director at Euclid Hospital. “Instead of 15 to 20 minutes, women finish their digital mammograms in about five to 10 minutes.”
And the results are easier to diagnose. Radiologists can magnify, sharpen, change contrast or otherwise adjust digital images to see breast tissue more clearly. That’s good for all women, but especially for those under 50. Younger women tend to have denser breast tissue in which cancer is more difficult to detect.
We now have a great opportunity to get just-picked produce direct from local farms when “City Fresh” fruits and vegetables come to Euclid Tuesday evenings 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm June 11 to October 22. City Fresh is a weekly produce delivery system organized by volunteers, farmers, and Euclid community members to bring the bounty of local farms directly to Euclid’s neighborhood Fresh Stop at Bethlehem Community Church, 24490 Euclid Ave. Our citizens can take advantage of this delicious opportunity when they order a “share” of this 95% pesticide and herbicide-free or organically certified produce in advance to fit the family’s summer and fall schedules.
Euclid Hospital is so much more than just a hospital. Home to one of our region’s leading orthopaedic and rehabilitation centers, including both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, the 371-bed hospital offers a complete continuum of care including emergency services, acute and sub-acute care and outpatient care. But it’s also a health and wellness facility, open to all members of the community in times of sickness and in health, located on a 17-acre campus – complete with a healing garden – directly on the beautiful Lake Erie shoreline. It is the medical home for the community of Euclid.
25 children were registered to attend presentations in Euclid Hospital’s Waltz Auditorium for “Take Your Child to Work Day.”
Several members of the OR staff including Jill Byrne, Diana Meaney, Donna Gagnon, Dan Sell and Sarah Sloop, led the children through a simulated operation where the “patient” presented symptoms, was diagnosed with “Spring Fever” and needed a “Beanie-ectomy.” The children put on sterile gowns, gloves and caps and helped perform surgery which included laparoscopically removing candy and Beanie Babies from the abdomen of the pretend patient, “Annie.” The surgery was a success for everyone involved.
Euclid Hospital’s commitment to disaster preparedness continues with the recent training of Euclid’s Hospital Emergency Response Team (HERT) members at FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama.
How do you stay healthy when you travel if you have diabetes? Flying? What snacks should you carry with you if get stuck on the tarmac for hours? What meal can you take aboard a plane that will help keep blood sugar stable yet satisfy all the requirements of the TSA? How should you handle your medications or insulin?
“Do I need to floss?” is a question often asked by patients. Typically, I respond by saying, “You only need to floss the teeth you want to keep.” That’s because, next to brushing, flossing is the best thing you can do to ensure good oral health.
The benefit of both brushing and flossing is that they reduce the bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria produces acids that erode the tooth enamel, creating cavities. In addition, they emit sulfur compounds that can create embarrassing bad breath. You can prevent harmful bacteria from forming (and causing plaque and tarter build-up) by practicing good oral hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily, and flossing to remove bacteria missed by the toothbrush. Brushing alone will remove approximately 65% of the plaque. If you add flossing to your regimen, you will effectively remove the remaining 35% of plaque between teeth --- resulting in a more complete tooth cleaning.
It’s a good practice to floss before you brush. Dental floss is a unique tool that is specifically designed to remove plaque from tight spaces between teeth and under gums. With less plaque between teeth, the fluoride in your toothpaste can cover more of the tooth’s surface. This combination gives you a “one-two” punch for taking care of your teeth and gums.
The American Hospital Association is very pleased to recognize Euclid Hospital with a plaque for 75 years of continuous AHA membership. The plaque is signed by AHA president Richard J. Umbdenstock and Teri G. Fontenot, chair, board of directors, to commemorate this milestone. The AHA marks membership anniversaries at 25, 50, and 75 years of membership.
The plaque reads "The American Hospital Association recognizes Euclid Hospital, Euclid, Ohio, on the occasion of its seventy-fifth anniversary as a member (in) 2012. The Association honors this hospital for its leadership in advancing the health of its community."
Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Chicago, the AHA is the national organization that represents and serves all types of hospitals, health care networks and their patients and communities. Close to 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 40,000 individual members come together to form the AHA.
The public is invited to tour the house and grounds at David Simpson Hospice House, located at 300 E. 185th Street on the Lake Erie waterfront, on Tuesday, March 19, 10 to 11 a.m., during a free Community Open House sponsored by Hospice of the Western Reserve. Refreshments will be provided. Reservations can be made by visiting the hospice’s Website at http://www.hospicewr.org/david-simpson-hospice-house-community-open-house.
“Hospice of the Western Reserve is part of the fabric of the community, so we encourage Cleveland residents and those in the surrounding East Side communities to bring their friends and stop in during one of our open house events,” said Bill Finn, chief executive officer. “It’s a great way to see first-hand the unique range of services we offer as a non-profit agency with 35 years of history in Northern Ohio,” Finn said.
The 42-bed David Simpson Hospice House provides a peaceful, home-like, therapeutic hospice environment for patients and their loved ones. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, families may walk the beautifully landscaped grounds and winding Vista Walk — a living tribute paved with engraved bricks and lined with gardens.
The Euclid Diabetes Support Group is pleased to welcome Sara Snow, Certified Diabetes Educator from Novo Nordisk, who will speak at their February meeting.
Sara will lead a discussion entitled “The Highs and Lows of Sugar” on Monday, February 18th at 6:45 p.m. at the Euclid Public Library. She will include a power point presentation dealing with high and low levels of blood glucose called hypo and hyperglycemia.
She will explain how high and low levels of glucose are different. She will answer questions about symptoms, prevention and treatment. She will also discuss how medications affect blood glucose levels. This information is essential for people with diabetes who must monitor their blood glucose levels every day.
The Euclid Diabetes Support Group meets monthly to help people with diabetes to live a healthier lifestyle. Meetings are free and open to the public. If you have questions or need information about blood glucose levels, please join us on President’s Day, February 18th.
Joan Holmes is a retired teacher, a Board Member of the Euclid Diabetes Support Group and a Euclid resident of 42 years.
All body movement originates at the core or as it’s known in Pilates, the powerhouse. The three groups of muscles which make up the powerhouse or core, are the muscles of the pelvic floor, lower back and abs (abdominal muscles). A weak core limits the body’s range of motion, muscle strength and also hinders stability and balance. Whether swinging a golf club, pushing a grocery cart or picking up a bag of mulch, a strong core makes these activities more efficient, effective and less likely to cause injury.
The anywhere, anytime no equipment abs workout:
Most often when we think of abs, we think of the “six pack” or the rectus abdominus muscle. But it is the transverse abdominus, the deep ab muscle, which is the center of the powerhouse. Drawing the navel in and up while tightening the ab area, fires up four of the six abdominal muscles including the transverse abdominus. So daily as often as you think of it, draw your navel in towards your spine and imagine lifting it up through the top of your head while tightening your abs. This exercise is not only much easier than sit-ups but much more effective. The muscles which control the pelvic floor are a part of the deep core and help stabilize the lower back and pelvic area. Kegels are performed by contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. This can be done throughout the day, anytime, anywhere. To isolate the proper muscles, think about the muscle used to stop the flow of urine. Contract, hold for 10 counts then release.
Euclid City Schools and Euclid Recreation Department have joined together to offer Euclid Residents additional opportunities to enjoy the use of the Euclid High School West(Girls) Pool and the Indoor Track. The City of Euclid Aquatics program has begun to offer early bird adult lap swimming Monday-Friday 6:30am to 9am, this time slot is very popular during the summer and the Recreation Department is excited to continue offering this popular time slot through the indoor season. Swimmers can continue to use their 2012 Daily Discount or Season Pool Passes. The passes are valid until December 31, 2012. Parking is available at the Fordyce Building, just north of the high school. Patrons will enter the pool using the Front Northwest doors, the pool will be on the left. Lockers are available, patrons will need to provide locks. Plans to offer a lunch time swim are being worked on, scheduled to be available in January 2013. Additional adult lap swimming is available Monday-Friday 4pm to 6pm, Monday and Wednesday 7pm to 8:30 and Saturday mornings 8am-9:30am. Families can swim on Thursdays 6pm to 7:30pm and Saturdays 11:45am to 12:45pm. Regular pool admission applies at all swim times.
In our last Fitness 101 class we reviewed the activity ABC’s of Fitness. We will now look at the 123’s of Fitness: eating. The best workout cannot erase bad eating. Plain and simple, to be in your best shape you must develop better eating habits. There is no magic pill that will control your eating. You and only you control what you put into your mouth whether good or bad. Acknowledging and taking full responsibility is one of the most important steps you can make toward improving your overall health and most importantly your quality of life. High blood pressure, type 2 Diabetes and some forms of heart disease are disorders which can be controlled and sometimes even reversed with proper eating. Diets simply do not work. At best diets are a temporary bandage. Diets that greatly reduce calorie intake, restrict consumption of certain food groups or consist of “specially” prepared food by the dietmaker, all must end at some point. Once “off” the diet you are left in the real world, with a real problem. You lack skills for dealing with real food. What follows are the 123’s; practical tips for dealing with real food in the real world.
1. Eat 5-6 meals spaced throughout the day. Eat your breakfast, have a snack, eat your lunch, have a snack, eat your dinner. Breakfast and lunch should be the larger meals of the day, not dinner. Plan for and pack healthy snacks ahead of time, so you are not stuck purchasing fast food or vending machine foods.
September 30: Receipt of Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage
October 15: Medicare Open Enrollment begins
December 7: Medicare Open Enrollment ends
If you are on a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Prescription Plan, you should be watching your mail for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC) from your plan providers. You should receive it by Monday, September 30.
Many people make the mistake of not taking time to review this important information. Don't be one of them. Your plan may be making changes for 2013 that affect your coverage, your premiums or the health care providers you currently see. You have the opportunity during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period beginning October 15 to switch to a plan that's a better fit for you. But, you must make the switch before the Open Enrollment Period ends on December 7.
Saturday November 3, Eaton Corporation and Euclid Recreation Department are hosting the annual EATON-Euclid 5k Walk/Run and 1.5 mile Doggie Dash. The Eaton-Euclid 5k Walk/run will be held at the Eaton Corporation campus at Heritage Business Park, located at 1345 East 222nd street.
Race day registration and packet pick-up begins at 7:30am, The Doggie Dash(1.5mi--one lap), a race for dogs and their human companions, starts at 8:30 am, and the 5k run/walk (2 laps) starts at 9am.
Registration is available online at www.hmapromotions.net or with the Euclid Recreation Department at 585 East 222nd Street. Pre-Race registration fees are: 5k only $15, Doggie Dash only $10 or both races $20. Race Day registration fee for the 5k is $20, Doggie Dash $15 or both races $25. Overall, age group and canine winners will be awarded on race day. Proceeds benefit the Euclid Recreation Department. For more information please contact Annemarie at 216-289-8114 or download a registration form at www.cityofeuclid.com/recreation/programs.
The Euclid Diabetes Support Group has two upcoming events during the holiday season. The first will be their regular meeting on Monday, November 26th at 6:45 p.m. at the Euclid Public Library. Members look forward to hearing a presentation by Kendra Cress, a clinical pharmacist for UH. She will discuss medications for people with diabetes including their side effects and complications. This should be a very informative meeting. This meeting is free and open to anyone interested in learning about diabetes medications.
The second event is their annual Christmas Potluck Dinner. Members will gather on Monday, December 3rd at 5:30 p.m. at the East Shore United Methodist Church on Lakeshore Blvd. In the relaxing environment of the upper parlor they will socialize until 6 p.m. when they will share a delicious meal. Members will contribute a healthy dish that they have prepared. There will be a wide variety of foods available. This will be a good opportunity to de-stress during the busy holiday season.
The October meeting of the Euclid Diabetes Support Group will feature Susan Courney, who will present a discussion entitled, "Getting Ready for the Coming Winter." Susan is the new facilitator of the Euclid Group. Her talk will include tips for stocking up on basic supplies to deal with diabetes as well as with colds and flu and ailments likely to strike during the colder months of the year. She will also make suggestions about how to alter your exercise program and activities so that you continue to exercise during the winter months. This meeting will take place at the Euclid Public Library on Monday, October 15th at 6:45 p.m. Meetings are always free and open to the public.
Susan is employed by the Diabetes Partnership of Greater Cleveland. She comes to us after retiring earlier this year from a career in government service ending in Washington, D.C. Susan comes to Cleveland with an impressive number of credentials. She has earned the right to add the letters MSW, LSW, and CDCA after her name. Our group is fortunate to have this new enthusiastic leader. Already Susan has supplied our group with a speaker from out-of-state and continues to develop topics for future meetings.
The membership of the Euclid Diabetes Support Group also wishes to thank Dr. Andrew Brobbey, MD from Euclid Hospital for his outstanding presentation on September 17th dealing with preventing and managing diabetes. More than fifty people attended his informative program.
School’s back in session, so let’s review the basics of fitness beginning with the ABC’s.
A – Activity - Cardiovascular training should occur 5-6 days per week. The activity should challenge you so that you are working hard. You should feel winded but not breathless. A minimum of 45 minutes to a maximum of 60 minutes in duration is best. Newcomers should begin with 10-15 minutes, and work toward reaching 60 minutes. An activity which engages the large muscle groups, legs and buttocks, is most desirable. Examples are walking, biking, jogging, dancing, etc.
B – Build Muscle - Strength-training should occur 2-3 days per week. Always warm up with walking or another form of cardiovascular activity for at least 10 minutes before each strength training session. Include a day of rest between sessions. Begin working the muscles in the following progression; legs, back, chest, arms then abs. Unless you are training for a fitness title, a warm up set followed by a working set is all you need to gain and maintain muscle tone. Weight selection for the warm-up set should be a light weight, one that allows you to complete 20 repetitions (reps) or more. For the working set, choose a weight that allows you to complete 8 but not more than 12 reps with good form. Begin with the warm up set, do 10 reps, then increase to the working weight selection and complete a minimum of 8 reps. Once you can complete 12 reps in good form with the working set weight selection, increase the weight to continue gaining strength.
The Euclid Diabetes Support Group will attend a special presentation at the Euclid Public Library by Andrew Brobbey, MD, Internal Medicine on Monday September 17th at 7 p.m. He will discuss Preventing and Managing Diabetes. By a happy coincidence Euclid Hospital and HCR Manor Care are sponsoring this presentation on the same day that the support group’s regular meeting is scheduled. When Rebecca McFarland of the Euclid Public Library informed the leadership of the Euclid Diabetes Group of the
This discussion is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. To register call the library at (216) 261-5300. Member of the Euclid Diabetes Support Group are already registered.
If you have diabetes or if your doctor has told you that your blood sugar is high, you might consider joining the Euclid Diabetes Support Group. It meets monthly and helps people with the disease by supplying tips for healthy eating, exercising, medications, and reducing stress. Membership is free. All are welcome.
upcoming talk by Dr. Brobbey, the Euclid Diabetes group decided to take advantage of this opportunity to attend the discussion. This presentation will replace the group’s regular September meeting.
Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy
If you meet certain income and resource limits, you may qualify for Extra Help from Medicare to pay the costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Savings Programs
You may be able to get help from your State in paying your Medicare premiums. In some cases, Medicare Savings Programs may also pay Part A and Part B deductibles, co-insurance, and co-payments if you meet certain requirements.
If you have income from working, you may qualify for these 4 programs even if your income is higher than these limits.
If you qualify for a QMB, SLMB or QI program, you would most likely qualify to get Extra Help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage.
While we all know the benefits of working out, most of us don’t. Lack of time is the most frequent excuse given for not working out. But the reality is we always find time to do the things we really want to do. Adding the “fun” factor to your exercise plan will not only have you looking forward to working out but could greatly improve your results. Studies confirm that people who enjoy their workouts and who work out with a friend or in a group setting are more consistent and see better results. These three easy steps will help you remember to put the FUN in fitness:
F – Find an activity that you enjoy and add it to your daily schedule.
U – Use friends and family to help you stay motivated and accountable by working out together
N – Now is the best time to start being more active, little steps everyday
Physical activity should be a part of your daily life and The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of moderate activity, like a brisk walk, most days of the week to maintain a healthy heart. If you are not currently active, after getting your doctor’s okay, take small step everyday toward reaching the 30 minute goal, slow and steady wins the race.
Amy Hayes will deliver a free educational program at the Euclid Public Library to share diabetes self-management and lifestyle strategies based on her extensive training and personal experiences living with diabetes.
Amy is a member of the A1C Champions Program, which is a patient-led approach to diabetes education. Amy’s presentation will cover topics including achieving good glucose control, learning about effective self-management and developing a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Her talk will help you learn about some the ways to control your blood sugar so that you may help reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications.
This program takes place during the regular meeting of the Euclid Diabetes Support Group on Monday, August 20th. The meeting starts at 6:45 p.m. Amy’s presentation starts at 7 p.m. This meeting is free and open to anyone who is interested in diabetes.
Do you have diabetes? Has your doctor told you that you are pre-diabetic? If so, you might be interested in the Euclid Diabetes Support Group. Members meet once a month, on Mondays, at the Euclid Public Library. Facilitators from the Diabetes Partnership bring the latest information about how to live a healthy life with this disease. Various topics including diet, exercise, carb counting, dealing with stress, and complications of diabetes are discussed.
The June meeting will be on Monday, June 18th, starting at 6:45 p.m. at the library. At this meeting members will also sign up for our annual picnic in July. All meetings are free and open to the public.
Members of the Euclid Diabetes Support Group wish to express their appreciation to Dan Finkenthal, RN, our former facilitator, in his new position with the Cleveland Clinic. His positive attitude and friendly manner will be greatly missed. We wish him the best in his new career.
Joan Holmes is a Board Member of the Euclid Diabetes Support Group, and a 42 year resident of the city of Euclid.
Since its inception more than 40 years ago, Earth Day has become an important reminder of the human impact on the ecosystem. Euclid Hospital proudly celebrated this special day as a way to remember that everyone can contribute to a healthy environment. On April 20, over 100 people stopped by the cafeteria to learn more about saving energy and reducing waste at both home and work. Hosted by the hospital's Green Team, the event also featured a light bulb giveaway, coloring contest and other educational activities.
Mary Baird, Coordinator of Atma Center's Yog@Work program, will be the guest speaker at the May meeting of the Euclid Diabetes Support Group. Mary has been practicing yoga for thirty years. She teaches a class called Yoga for Healthy Aging at the Atma House and also gives private lessons covering many aspects of yoga. She believes yoga is important for anyone seeking to maintain balance, inner strength, and sanity in today's world. Mary has filled her life with a wide variety of teaching experiences and volunteer activities. She is also the co-founder of Hard-Hatted Women.
Did you ever leave a doctor’s office and realize that you had forgotten to ask him a question or mention some important information? It can happen to anyone.
Your doctor is probably under a lot of pressure to see more and more patients. To do this he limits his time with you. To get the most benefit from a visit with your doctor, you need to be prepared. You need to know what to bring to the doctor’s office. You need to know what questions to ask. And you need to be able to understand the significance of the numbers that result from testing.
On Monday, April 23rd., at 7 p.m. Dan Finkenthal, RN, from the Diabetes Partnership will give an informative presentation about getting ready for your next visit to a doctor’s office. Dan will speak at the Euclid Diabetes Support Group’s meeting at the Euclid Public Library. He will help you to prepare for your next session with your doctor. Although this meeting is presented for people with diabetes, anyone with a chronic medical condition may find it helpful. This meeting is free and open to the public.
The Euclid Diabetes Support Group’s purpose is to help people with the diabetes live a healthier lifestyle. Members socialize and get the latest information at their monthly meetings at the Euclid Public Library. Phone calls and emails remind members to attend the next meeting. New members or guests are always welcome.
"Our Community is Better Together" is the theme for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2012. Rose-Mary Center and other related organizations celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month this month, and invite you to consider the true meaning of this year’s theme, “Our Community is Better Together.” Statewide, and across the nation, organizations devoted to serving individuals with developmental disabilities are planning special events in March to raise public awareness of the many abilities people have, regardless of disability.
“Our Community is Better Together” encourages people to understand that when people with disabilities are welcomed into local neighborhoods, workplaces, houses of worship, and schools everyone wins. "This is a time when our organization focuses on encouraging the public to better understand the individuals we serve," said Patricia A. Colombo, Executive Director of Rose-Mary Center. “During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we encourage people to learn more about the people in this community who have developmental disabilities and to recognize that all of us have talents and abilities that we can offer to make this a better place to live. ‘Together’ we can accomplish more.”
During March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, get acquainted with someone who has a developmental disability. You’ll learn that everyone has something to offer and that and when we are all together our communities are stronger, we accomplish more, and everyone wins!
Got questions about eating turkey? No, it’s not Thanksgiving. At the next meeting of the Euclid Diabetes Support Group you can get your questions answered. Dan Finkenthal, R.N. of the Diabetes Partnership will present “Lets Talk Turkey.” The meeting will be on Monday, March 19th, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the Euclid Public Library.
Dan will tell us all about turkey bacon, sausage and hot dogs and compare them to their all-beef or pork counterparts. He’ll supply tips on how to cook a turkey and suggestions about how to use the entire turkey for everyday meals. In addition he’ll compare the cost of home cooked turkey with the cost of deli turkey. Learn all you ever wanted to know about turkey at this informative meeting.
Other items on the agenda include a discussion of the March chapter of the Happiness Project and voluntary A1C and blood pressure screenings by a researcher from Case Western Reserve University.
The Euclid Diabetes Support Group is free and open to the public. Its purpose is to help members live a healthier lifestyle. Please join us.
If you are a person with diabetes or have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, consider joining the Euclid Diabetes Support Group. The EDSG started more than 12 years ago to encourage people with diabetes to manage their disease and live a healthy lifestyle. New members are always welcome.
Dan Finkenthal, R.N., facilitates the meeting each month. He is an engaging and knowledgeable speaker who brings the latest information available from the Diabetes Partnership. The meetings are informal and informative. Monthly topics have included managing stress, carb counting, foot care, handling holiday meals, exercise, medication, neuropathy, and the complications of diabetes. The January 23rd meeting was a question and answer session so that members could get immediate information about questions they have.
Once a month on Monday evenings the members meet at the Euclid Public Library at 7 p.m. Meetings are scheduled for January 23, February 20, March 19, April 16, May 21, and June18, 2012. All meetings are free and open to the public. Flyers with the month’s topic are usually available at the library.
Members can socialize before and after the meetings. Twice a year members share potluck dinners featuring healthy foods. In July they meet for a picnic and in December for a holiday celebration. Start a healthy new year by joining the EDSG.
If you are unable to perform some of the tasks required for daily living, Department of Veterans Affairs offers a generous pension program for veterans and their surviving spouse. This benefit provides significant support for those in need of ongoing care. It is called Aid and Attendance.
To qualify, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active service, one day of which was during a wartime period.
Benefits are also available to a surviving spouse who is 65 or older, or is permanently and totally disabled, and total family income is below annual limit set by law. Most medical or care expenses including nursing homes, assisted living, enhanced independent living or home care will substantially reduce countable income if you qualify medically.
continued.
I hope that everyone had a nice summer. It’s that time of year when we’ll start using our fireplaces and furnaces. These two necessities provide warmth and comfort to our homes during the winter months. However, if used incorrectly, or not properly maintained, these two heat sources can bring carbon monoxide, or CO, into our homes. This article will help you understand what CO is, how it comes into our homes, and how to protect yourself and your family from suffering CO poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is toxic to humans and animals at high levels. It poisons us when we unknowingly inhale it in an enclosed area, such as in our homes when our windows and doors are closed. After we unknowingly inhale CO, the gas removes the oxygen from our blood. The severity of poisoning will depend on how much we’re exposed to and for how long. Carbon monoxide poisoning will mimic flu symptoms, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue.
continued.
Ask any emergency room nurse or doctor and I’m sure they’ll say that Friday nights can be interesting. An early September evening provided evidence of this phenomenon. Dr. Marita Volk was the doctor on duty one night when a family of four came to Euclid Hospital with flu-like symptoms. She and her staff wisely chose to test the family for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning; all four tests came back positive. But now a larger, more dangerous problem presented itself. The family of four lived in a six-story apartment complex on Euclid Avenue, and if this family had CO poisoning, then perhaps dozens, or perhaps hundreds, of occupants could be suffering the same problem. Dr. Volk immediately called the Euclid Fire Department to alert them to a potential mass-casualty incident.
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Keeping healthy during the holidays is a challenge for everyone. American traditions include food—lots of food. Food loaded with fats, sugar and calories. For most people gaining weight during the holidays is another holiday tradition.
As the days get shorter and darker, it is so easy to curl up in a cozy throw, sip hot chocolate, eat your aunt’s cookies and watch TV. Who wants to go for a brisk walk in the dark?
This time of year poses a special challenge for people with diabetes. They are told to limit the amount of carbohydrates they eat. Easier said than done. Most of our holiday foods are loaded with carbs. Keeping the pounds off becomes even harder when you are surrounded by food.
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Vaccinations are available for adult and pediatric patients. Location, time, appointments and fees may vary by location. Cash only (no checks). Medicare and some insurance plans are accepted.
Euclid Hospital
18901 Lakeshore Boulevard, Euclid
Saturday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Willoughby Hills Family Health Center
2570 SOM Center Road, Willoughby Hills
Sunday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Signs and symptoms of seasonal flu include:
• Moderate-to-high fever (starting at 100–100.5 °F)
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (usually more common in children)
For most people, the illness can last a week or longer. In some people, however, influenza can lead to life-threatening conditions.
How can you stay healthy?
• Cover your cough/sneeze
• Wash your hands often
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after coughing or sneezing
• If you’re sick, stay home
• Get vaccinated against the flu. The vaccine is safe, even for pregnant women. You cannot get influenza from the flu shot This information is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider.
Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
Minor foot injuries in people with diabetes often lead to major amputations. To prevent such drastic treatment people with diabetes must take extra care to keep their feet healthy. Dan Finkenthal, RN, of the Diabetes Partnership will describe the routines and procedures for keeping feet healthy at the Oct. 17 meeting of the Euclid Diabetes Support Group. His talk will be especially helpful for people diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Euclid Public Library and is free and open to the public.
The purpose of the Euclid Diabetes Support Group is to help people with diabetes live a healthy lifestyle. Monthly meetings help people socialize, ask questions, and learn to live better with diabetes.