Health notes
UPDATE YOUR LISTING: To update information, resubmit your health notes by email to tmunnell@tribtoday.com.
SELF-HELP GROUP TO MEET: Recovery International, a community-based, self-help mental health group, will meet at 2 p.m. today at the Michael Kusalaba Public Library, 2815 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, in Study Room 2.
Call 330-747-1176 for more information.
SUPPORT GROUP TO MEET: The Youngstown Area Scleroderma Support Group will meet virtually at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1. The meeting is open to the public and focuses on issues of people affected in all ways by scleroderma.
For more information and Zoom meeting numbers contact the group leader, Leni Schulz at 330-654-2538, or email youngstown-sg@sfohio.org.
AGENCY RENAMED: Coleman Professional Services, a nonprofit provider of behavioral health care and rehabilitation services, is now Coleman Health Services. The new name better reflects the organization’s focus on whole-person treatment.
Coleman was recently designated a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic in a number of the counties where it provides services.
The agency started in 1978 in Portage County as the Kevin Coleman Center. In 1996 the name was changed to Coleman Professional Services and Coleman Health Services now provides services in 22 Ohio counties.
Visit colemanservices.org for more information.
LIGHT UP IN TEAL: More than 375 sites in all 50 states and around the world will light up in teal Nov. 4 for Alzheimer’s awareness as part of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Light the World in Teal campaign.
Anyone wishing to participate in the initiative can sign up by visiting www.lighttheworldinteal.com. Individuals can also participate in Light the World in Teal by wearing teal, turning their porch lights teal, turning their social media profile picture or cover photo teal.
Families looking for additional information about Alzheimer’s disease or support services can contact AFA’s Helpline at 866-232-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.
ALZHEIMER’S FALSEHOODS: With National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month kicking off Nov. 1, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is providing information to dispel common falsehoods about Alzheimer’s disease to help individuals know the warning signs, understand the importance of early detection and learn how to be proactive about reducing their risk.
Here are five common falsehoods about Alzheimer’s disease:
• Alzheimer’s is just part of getting older. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, but a progressive, degenerative brain disorder.
• Alzheimer’s disease affects only senior citizens. While the majority of people who develop Alzheimer’s disease are older than 65, young-onset Alzheimer’s disease can affect younger people in their 30s or 40s.
• Nothing can be done for Alzheimer’s disease. Although there is currently no cure or treatment, people diagnosed with the disease can have active lives with some medications to help manage the symptoms.
• You cannot reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s, lifestyle choices can help you reduce your risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.
• All memory impairments are the result of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a cause of memory loss, but not the only one.
Anyone who has questions about Alzheimer’s disease, memory concerns, or support resources available to help can contact the AFA Helpline seven days a week at 866-232-8484, web chat at www.alzfdn.org. Information is also available at www.alzfdn.org.
MEDICARE CHECKUP DAY: The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program is conducting free Medicare Checkup Day webinars around the 2022 Medicare open enrollment period through Dec. 7.
The events are meant to educate participants about Medicare basics, coverage options and financial assistance programs.
The webinars are 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 1, 15 and 29, and 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 and 22. Register at www.insurance.ohio.gov.
Health notes
UPDATE YOUR LISTING: To update information, resubmit your health notes by email to tmunnell@trib today.com.
HEARING FOR THE HOLIDAYS MISSION: Hearing Missions Foundation, an affiliate of Centers for Hearing Care, is seeking local hearing-impaired candidates who are in financial crisis for its 10th annual Hearing for the Holidays mission. Potential candidates must contact the Hearing Mission Foundation at 330-779-8090 by Monday.
Once selected, candidates receive audiological counseling, their own custom-made and fitted hearing aids, a limited supply of batteries, along with education and instruction on proper operation and care of their new hearing devices.
Candidates for the Hearing for the Holidays mission can be of any age but must be a resident of Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana counties and be available on Nov. 27 to receive their new aids. Candidates are carefully selected, and eligibility is based primarily on financial need. They also are thoroughly screened to ensure they have a hearing impairment that can be improved with a hearing device.
If you know someone who is hearing- impaired and in financial crisis who may be a candidate for free hearing aids, contact the local mission team at 330-779-8090.
SELF HELP GROUP TO MEET: Recovery International, a community-based, self-help mental health group will meet at 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at Michael Kusalaba Public Library, 2815 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, in Study Room 2.
For more information, phone 330-747-1176.
MEDICARE CHECKUP DAY: The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program is conducting free Medicare Checkup Day webinars around the 2022 Medicare open enrollment period, through Dec. 7, to educate participants about Medicare basics, coverage options and financial assistance programs.
OSHIIP, a division of the Ohio Department of Insurance, helps Ohioans understand Medicare and determine the best coverage options for their health care needs and budget. Coverage and cost evaluation is imperative because Medicare plans can change from year to year.
The webinars are 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 1, 15 and 29, and 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 25 and Nov. 8 and 22. Register at www.insurance.ohio.gov.
During Medicare open enrollment, Ohioans can:
• Determine if their existing coverage will continue to meet their health insurance needs;
• Stay on Original Medicare and shop for a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan;
• Select a Medicare Advantage plan, which provides comprehensive health benefits, typically including prescription drug coverage;
• Utilize certain financial assistance programs.
Medicare 2022 plan information is available at www.medicare.gov.
In addition to webinars, OSHIIP is holding on-site events across the state, which are subject to change. For a full outreach schedule, visit www.insurance.ohio.gov. OSHIIP staff is available 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-800-686-1578 and OSHIIPmail@insurance.ohio.gov to provide assistance.
Ohioans on Medicare can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours per day, seven days per week for Medicare help.
SPECIAL NEEDS ADDRESSED: The Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office, in collaboration with the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office and the Board of Mahoning County Commissioners, is creating the Mahoning County Special Needs Registry.
The registry is a voluntary service designed to help police officers and other first responders better assist residents with special needs in the event of an emergency by providing those responders with vital information regarding a registrant’s special needs, emergency contact information, physical description and current photograph.
Individuals can participate through an online application process accessible through a secure portal within the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s website at prosecutor.mahoningcountyoh.gov. Written applications may also be requested from the Prosecutor’s Office by emailing a request to prosecutor@mahoningcountyoh.gov or calling 330-740-2330.
DUAL-DIAGNOSIS CONNECTIONS: NAMI Mahoning Valley announces a new weekly Connections support group for adults dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. Lead by a NAMI trained individual who is living in mental health and substance abuse recovery, the group meets 6 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Community Center, 1344 Fifth Ave., Youngstown.
For more information, email staff@namimv.org or call 330-727-9268.
MVI HOSPICE CARE: Bereavement support groups are free to anyone who has lost a loved one, including a pet. Contact 330-759-9487 for information. The next session is 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Boardman Park Georgeanna Parker Administration Building, 375 Boardman Poland Road, Boardman.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step fellowship for all who struggle with compulsive food behavior including bulimics, anorexics and overeaters, will meet at 7 p.m. Mondays at Good Hope Lutheran Church, 12030 Market St., North Lima. For more information, contact Kristen at 412-389-6019.
NAR-ANON MEETS: Nar-Anon, a 12-step program for relatives and friends adversely affected by loved ones and friends, meets 7 p.m. Fridays at Rust City Church, 5555 Youngstown Warren Road, Niles.
For more information, contact Merle at 330-307-7607.
PROGRAM TO DELIVER GOODS: Local nonprofit Life is Good No Matter What helps adults with cancer in northeast Ohio who may be unable to leave their homes for an escape.
The Good Delivery Program seeks to deliver goods in the form of dinner, flowers / plants, groceries, craft beer and up to $75 toward bills.
Both traditional escapes and the Good Delivery Program are open to all adults battling cancer. Visit www.lifeisgoodnomatterwhat.org to nominate someone or learn more.
FREE FITNESS PROGRAM: The Stepping Out Program, provided through a grant from the Mercy Health Foundation, offers free fitness classes and activities online and in person throughout the Mahoning Valley.
For information, call Doris Bullock, project coordinator, at 330-720-3293 or email her at dibullock@mercy.com. For a schedule of virtual and in-person classes, visit http://www.mercy.com/-/media/mercy/youngstown/stepping-out-calendar.
ADDICTION SCREENINGS: Narconon can help families take steps to help someone overcome addiction. Call 800-431-1754 for free screenings or referrals.
For information, visit www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/intervention-101.
Health notes
UPDATE YOUR LISTING: To update information, resubmit your health notes by email to tmunnell@tribtoday.com.
SELF-HELP GROUP TO MEET: Recovery International, a community-based, self-help mental health group, will meet at 2 p.m. today at the Michael Kusalaba Public Library, 2815 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, in Study Room 2.
For more information, phone 330-747-1176.
MEDICARE CHECK-UP DAY: The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program is conducting free Medicare Check-up Day webinars around the 2022 Medicare open enrollment period, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, to educate participants about Medicare basics, coverage options, and financial assistance programs.
OSHIIP, a division of the Ohio Department of Insurance, helps Ohioans understand Medicare and determine the best coverage options for their health care needs and budget. Coverage and cost evaluation is imperative because Medicare plans can change from year to year.
The webinars are 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 18, and Nov. 1, 15 and 29, and 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 25 and Nov. 8 and 22. Register at www.insurance.ohio.gov.
During Medicare open enrollment, Ohioans can:
¯ Determine if their existing coverage will continue to meet their health insurance needs;
¯ Stay on Original Medicare and shop for a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan;
¯ Select a Medicare Advantage plan, which provides comprehensive health benefits, typically including prescription drug coverage;
¯ Utilize certain financial assistance programs.
Medicare 2022 plan information is available at www.medicare.gov.
In addition to webinars, OSHIIP is holding on-site events across the state, which are subject to change. For a full outreach schedule, visit www. insurance.ohio.gov. OSHIIP staff is available 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-800-686-1578 and OSHIIPmail@insurance.ohio.gov to provide assistance.
Ohioans on Medicare can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week for Medicare help.
WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S: Residents from all over Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties will converge Saturday at Youngstown State University’s training facility for this year’s Mahoning Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Participants will also have the option to walk in their neighborhoods.
Walkers in their purple shirts will gather at the Watson and Tressel Training Site at Youngstown State. The Promise Garden Ceremony begins at 9 a.m., and the Walk begins at 9:15 a.m.
Participants will find a layout that allows for physical distancing, hand sanitizer stations and contactless registration. Per CDC guidelines around crowded outdoor settings, the Association asks that all Walk attendees be vaccinated against COVID-19 or wear a mask when in an overcrowded area. Masks will be available on-site.
Kathy Brown, a financial adviser associate at Stifel Nicolaus & Co. Inc., is this year’s walk chair. Brown, who lives in Berlin Lake in North Benton, became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association because of her mother-in-law, mentor and friend Almagene Brown.
Money raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s allows the Association to provide all of its services for free. The Greater East Ohio Area Chapter makes care and support available to 60,000 people with Alzheimer’s disease in the chapter area and an additional 250,000 people affected through their role as caregivers.
This year’s Walk Elite Sponsors are Comfort Keepers and Comfort Care-a-Van. The Premier Sponsors are Assurance Health
Health notes
UPDATE YOUR LISTING: To update information, resubmit your health notes by email to tmunnell@tribtoday.com.
SPECIAL NEEDS ADDRESSED: The Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office, in collaboration with the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office and the Board of Mahoning County Commissioners, is creating the Mahoning County Special Needs Registry.
The registry is a voluntary service designed to help police officers and other first responders better assist residents with special needs in the event of an emergency by providing those responders with vital information regarding a registrant’s special needs, emergency contact information, physical description and current photograph.
Individuals can participate through an online application process accessible through a secure portal within the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s website at prosecutor.mahoningcountyoh.gov. Written applications may also be requested from the Prosecutor’s Office by emailing a request to prosecutor@mahoningcountyoh.gov or calling 330-740-2330.
SCLERODERMA SUPPORT: The Youngstown Area Scleroderma Support Group will meet virtually 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4. The meeting is open to the public and focuses on issues of people affected in all ways by scleroderma.
For more information and zoom meeting numbers, contact the group leader Leni Schulz at 330-654-2538 or by emailing Youngstown-sg@sfohio.org.
The group is an affiliate of the Ohio Chapter and the National Scleroderma Foundation (scleroderma.org).
WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S: The Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter will host seven Walk to End Alzheimer’s events in the region and all will take place in person. The Association is inviting area residents to join the fight by signing up as a team captain, joining a team or registering to walk as an individual at alz.org/walk.
Those individuals who don’t want to join in person may still participate in all of the day-of activities through the Walk To End Alzheimer’s mobile app. The Mahoning Valley Walk to End Alzheimers will be held Oct. 16.
Presenting sponsors for the Mahoning Valley Walk are Comfort Keepers and Comfort Care-a-Van. On Walk day, participants will honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease.
LEARN ABOUT DIABETES: A free diabetes health program will teach how to incorporate healthy cooking techniques and other practices to help control blood sugar through cooking school and nutrition. The remaining sessions are 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday and Oct. 13.
Registration can be made at https://go.osu.edu/septemberdwd2021.
For more information, contact dietitian Beth Stefura, extension educator, The Ohio State University Mahoning County Extension Office, at stefura.2@osu.edu, or Marie Economos, extension educator, Trumbull County Extension, at economos.2@osu.edu, or call 330-638-6783 or Margaret Jenkins, jenkins.188@osu.edu, educator, Clermont County.?
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step fellowship for all who struggle with compulsive food behavior including bulimics, anorexics and overeaters, will meet at 7 p.m. Mondays at Good Hope Lutheran Church, 12030 Market St., North Lima. For more information, contact Kristen at 412-389-6019.
NAMI DECLARES ‘MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS’: The Mahoning Valley chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) is encouraging the Mahoning Valley to declare “Mental Health Matters” and walk 1 p.m. Sunday at Wick Park, 260 Park Ave., Youngstown.
The “Mental Health Matters” Annual NAMI Mahoning Valley Walk is to bring the community together to support those dealing with mental illness. Judge Robert Rusu, Judge Anthony D’Apolito and Mahoning County Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti have been invited to open the walk.
NAR-ANON MEETS: Nar-Anon, a 12-step program for relatives and friends adversely affected by loved ones and friends, meets 7 p.m. Fridays at Rust City Church, 5555 Youngstown Warren Road, Niles.
For more information, contact Merle at 330-307-7607.
PROGRAM TO DELIVER GOODS: Local nonprofit Life is Good No Matter What helps adults with cancer in northeast Ohio who may be unable to leave their homes for an escape.
The Good Delivery Program seeks to deliver goods in the form of dinner, flowers / plants, groceries, craft beer and up to $75 toward bills.
Both traditional escapes and the Good Delivery Program are open to all adults battling cancer. Visit www.lifeisgoodnomatterwhat.org to nominate someone or learn more.
FREE FITNESS PROGRAM: The Stepping Out Program, provided through a grant from the Mercy Health Foundation, offers free fitness classes and activities online and in person throughout the Mahoning Valley.
For information, call Doris Bullock, project coordinator, at 330-720-3293 or email her at dibullock@mercy.com. For a schedule of virtual and in-person classes, visit http://www.mercy.com/-/media/mercy/youngstown/stepping-out-calendar.
ADDICTION SCREENINGS: Narconon can help families take steps to help someone overcome addiction. Call 800-431-1754 for free screenings or referrals.
For information, visit www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/intervention-101.