Lifestyles

Health notes

June 28, 2022 6 min read

UPDATE YOUR LISTING: To update information, resubmit your health notes by email to tmunnell@tribtoday.com.

FAMILY ALZHEIMER SUPPORT: The Alzheimer's Network Family Support Groups offer seven local meeting sites. Locations in Austintown, Boardman, Girard, Howland, Poland, Salem and Hermitage, Pa., are open.

For directions, registration and general information, call 330-788-9755. Some sites may be full, but all are provided free of charge.

MAMMOGRAPHY MOBILE: The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center Mobile Mammography Unit will travel around northeast Ohio. The state-of-the-art mobile unit uses the same high-quality technology and equipment to perform the mammogram that can be found in the JACBCC.

Mercy Health-Youngstown announced the following mobile mammography screening dates for the rest of June include:

• Wednesday -- 8 to 11:15 a.m., Girard Multi-Generational Center, 443 Trumbull Ave., Girard;

• Wednesday -- 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., International Towers, 25 Market St., Youngstown.

For information or to schedule a mammogram, call 330-480-2654.

SUMMER SWEAT: This summer, Southern Park Mall will offer guests a variety of ways to stay active and burn calories through Summer Sweat series sponsored by the YMCA of Youngstown. Guests of all fitness levels are invited to participate at DeBartolo Commons.

Summer Sweat continues until Sept. 21. Classes are 9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Instructors from the YMCA of Youngstown will lead the classes. Registration is required. Guests can reserve their space on Eventbrite.

Mondays will feature SilverSneakers, a low-impact class that promotes balance, flexibility and general wellbeing. Wednesdays will feature a high-intensity Dance Cardio class and on Fridays guests can start their day with core and cardio.

For more information on Summer Sweat or other wellness activities, visit southernparkmall.com or call 330-758-4512.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Akron Children's Hospital is hosting a Health and Wellness Day from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. July 9, at the Eugenia Atkinson Recreation Center, 903 Otis St., Youngstown. Event location has limited space due to COVID restrictions. Register early.

Interactive activities and games for children include the prize drop game, Wheel of Fun and fitness dice. There are free health and wellness screenings, asthma screening, blood pressure screening, immunizations, sports physicals, vision screening and yearly check-ups.

There will be school supplies and hygiene items.

For information and to preregister, contact 330-543-8990 or externalaffairs@akronchildrens.org.

FITNESS LOOP AT MALL: Southern Park Mall is partnering with Bios Wellness Urgent Care to reinvent the traditional mall walker experience. Fitness Loop provides guests a new way to enjoy physical activity in a climate-controlled environment complete with mile markers and specified pathways.

Fitness Loop will be available 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, beginning at the DeBartolo Commons entrance. It features a designated walking path with various challenges along the way, identified through markers on the floor.

Free health screenings by Bios Wellness Urgent Care will be offered at Southern Park Mall on a monthly basis. Guests will be able to receive free blood pressure screenings, heart rate checks and the opportunity to chat with a medical professional to improve their lifestyle or answer any questions.

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. Sessions are 1 to 3 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month and 6 to 8 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at the Boardman Park Georgeanna Parker Administration Building, 375 Boardman Poland Road, Boardman.

MCMHRB NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: The Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board's newly formed LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) and DOSS (Drug Overdose Survivor Support) teams are seeking volunteers who will work to support the organization's mission.

The Mahoning County LOSS / DOSS Team is a group of trained first responders, mental health professionals, members of the religious community and other survivors of trauma who volunteer their time to bring support to suicide or overdose survivors.

Volunteers will act as responders at a scene to support survivors and will stay with them long after. From providing resources, writing cards and calling survivors to check in, volunteers will do everything they can to help those who need it.

For a LOSS / DOSS volunteer application, email Mental Health and Recovery Board program coordinator Lee DeVita at Lee.devita@mahoningcountyoh.gov or call 330-746-2959, Ext. 7975.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUPS: The Alzheimer's Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter makes Alzheimer's caregiver support groups free for all caregivers, family members and friends with a loved one affected by the disease or another form of dementia.

Groups are:

• 1:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month, Canfield United Methodist Church, 27 S. Broad St., Canfield;

• 2 p.m. the third Monday of each month, Antonine Sisters Adult Day Center, 2675 North Lipkey Road, North Jackson.

NAMI SUPPORT GROUPS: NAMI Mahoning Valley offers support and education to those dealing with serious mental illness.

Support groups are:

• Evening Connections -- 6 p.m., second and fourth Thursday each month, AltaCare Building, 142 Javit Court, Austintown;

• Daytime Connections -- 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Community Center, 1344 Fifth Ave., Youngstown.

• Daytime Family Support Group -- 11 a.m., first Thursday each month, Girard Free Library, 105 Prospect St., Girard;

•Evening Family Support Group -- 7 p.m., second Tuesday each month, Alta Care Building, 142 Javit Court, Austintown.

DUAL-DIAGNOSIS CONNECTIONS: NAMI Mahoning Valley announces a new weekly Connections support group for adults dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. Led by a NAMI trained individual who is living in mental health and substance abuse recovery, the group meets at 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.

NAR-ANON MEETS: Nar-Anon 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 www.mercy.com.

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.

Lifestyles

Health notes

June 21, 2022 3 min read

UPDATE YOUR LISTING: To update information, resubmit your health notes by email to tmunnell@tribtoday.com.

PARENT SUPPORT: Succeed, a support group for parents who have experienced the child welfare system, will meet 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Newport Library, 3730 Market St., Youngstown. During Succeed groups, parents discuss useful topics, help each other with community resources and have social time to support each other.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Schmid or Theresa Pancoe at Mahoning County Children Services, 330-941-8888.

BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH: June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. More than 220,000 Ohioans 65 and older live with Alzheimer's disease, a progressive, fatal brain disease that kills nerve cells and tissues in the brain.

While age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, research suggests these healthy lifestyle behaviors may help people age healthier and reduce the risk of cognitive decline:

• Exercise regularly -- Regular cardiovascular exercise helps increase blood flow to the body and brain, and there is strong evidence that regular physical activity is linked to better memory and thinking;

• Maintain a heart-healthy diet -- Stick to a meal schedule full of fruits and vegetables to ensure a well-balanced diet. Some evidence suggests a healthy diet is linked to cognitive performance;

• Get proper sleep -- Maintaining a regular, uninterrupted sleep pattern benefits physical and psychological health and helps clear waste from the brain. Adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night and try to keep a routine bedtime;

• Stay socially and mentally active -- Meaningful social engagement may support cognitive health. Besides staying connected with friends and family, engage your mind with activities such as completing a jigsaw puzzle, playing strategy games or learning a new language or musical instrument;

• Keep your heart healthy -- A recent study shows strong evidence that a healthier heart is connected to a healthier brain. The study shows that aggressively treating high blood pressure in older adults can help reduce the development of mild cognitive impairment.

FAMILY ALZHEIMER SUPPORT: The Alzheimer's Network Family Support Groups offer seven local meeting sites. Locations in Austintown, Boardman, Girard, Howland, Poland,Salem and Hermitage, Pa., are open.

For directions, registration and general information, call 330-788-9755. Some sites may be full, but all are provided free of charge.

MAMMOGRAPHY MOBILE: The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center Mobile Mammography Unit will travel around northeast Ohio. The state-of-the-art mobile unit uses the same high-quality technology and equipment to perform the mammogram that can be found in the JACBCC.

Mercy Health-Youngstown announced the following mobile mammography screening dates for the first half of June:

• Today -- 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., North Lima Primary Care, 9471 Market St., N. Lima;

• Wednesday -- 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Canfield Primary Care, 3660 Stutz Drive, Canfield;

• Thursday -- 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., Gasser Chair, 4136 Logan Way, Liberty;

• June 29 -- 8 to 11:15 a.m., Girard Multi-Generational Center, 443 Trumbull Ave., Girard;

• June 29 -- 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., International Towers, 25 Market St., Youngstown.

For information or to schedule a mammogram, call 330-480-2654.

Lifestyles

Health notes

By Staff report June 14, 2022 3 min read

UPDATE YOUR LISTING: To update information, resubmit your health notes by email to tmunnell@tribtoday.com.

BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH: June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. More than 6 million Americans 65 and older live with Alzheimer's disease, a progressive, fatal brain disease that kills nerve cells and tissues in the brain. In Ohio, that number is 220,000 individuals.

While age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and some brain changes are inevitable as we age, a growing body of research suggests that adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors may help people age healthier and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

For better brain health:

•Exercise regularly -- Regular cardiovascular exercise helps increase blood flow to the body and brain, and there is strong evidence that regular physical activity is linked to better memory and thinking;

• Maintain a heart-healthy diet -- Stick to a meal schedule full of fruits and vegetables to ensure a well-balanced diet. Some evidence suggests a healthy diet is linked to cognitive performance;

• Get proper sleep -- Maintaining a regular, uninterrupted sleep pattern benefits physical and psychological health, and helps clear waste from the brain. Adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night and try to keep a routine bedtime;

• Stay socially and mentally active -- Meaningful social engagement may support cognitive health. Besides staying connected with friends and family, engage your mind with activities such as completing a jigsaw puzzle, playing strategy games, or learning a new language or musical instrument;

•Keep your heart healthy -- A recent study shows strong evidence that a healthier heart is connected to a healthier brain. The study shows that aggressively treating high blood pressure in older adults can help reduce the development of mild cognitive impairment.

EATING DISORDER HELP: The National Association for Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia and other Eating Disorders will meet 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Road, Hermitage, Pa.

For more information, call Renee at 724-981-5435.

SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE SUPPORT GROUP MONTHLY MEETING: Help Network of Northeast Ohio will host a survivors of suicide support group 6 p.m. Monday by conference call. Anyone grieving the death of a loved one to suicide may email cgrizinski@helpnetworkneo.org to register for the conference call.

WOMEN OF WORTH SUPPORT: The House of Hope, under the auspices of Pregnancy Choices, will host the next Women of Worth after-abortion support group 7 p.m. Monday at the House of Hope.

Women of Worth is a drop-in, no-commitment, come as you are, monthly support meeting for women with a shared abortion experience who desire to begin or continue in their recovery journey. This is a safe, confidential, nonjudgmental and nonpolitical place to restore and recover from a past abortion experience.

Call or text 330-834-8224 for address and directions.

Pregnancy Choices strives to provide communities with education and support in matters of crisis pregnancy, sexual lifestyle and sanctity of human life from a biblical worldview.

FAMILY ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT: The Alzheimer's Network Family Support Groups offer seven local meeting sites. Locations in Austintown, Boardman, Girard, Howland, Poland and Salem, and Hermitage, Pa., are open.

Lifestyles

Health notes

By Staff report June 7, 2022 6 min read

UPDATE YOUR LISTING: To update information, resubmit your health notes by email to tmunnell@tribtoday.com.

OSTOMY SUPPORT: The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group will meet 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, 8401 Market St., Boardman.

The ostomy support group provides a safe, caring place to share stories with people who have the same experiences and feelings. Family members and people considering an ostomy are also welcome.

For information contact Anna Fitzgerald at Anna-Fitzgerald@mercy.com or call 330-480-3440.

AVOIDING FALLS: Youngstown Trauma Services will offer a free, seven-week "Stepping On" workshop at Mercy Health-St. Joe's at the Mall in Niles to help participants learn how to avoid costly falls. The program will be 1 to 3 p.m. every Tuesday through June 21.

The workshop will cover strategies to keep those who are at risk of experiencing dangerous falls independent, upright and as active as possible.

To register, call Mercy Health Trauma services at 330-480-3907 or email Renee Kegg at Renee-Kegg@mercy.com.

For information on the Stepping On program, visit http://www.steppingon.com.

MAMMOGRAPHY MOBILE: The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center Mobile Mammography Unit will travel around northeast Ohio. The state-of-the-art mobile unit uses the same high-quality technology and equipment to perform the mammogram that can be found in the JACBCC.

Mercy Health-Youngstown announced the following mobile mammography screening dates:

• Today -- 8 to 11:30 a.m., Churchill Primary Care, 4694 Belmont Ave., Liberty;

• Today -- 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., Youngstown Primary Care, 1053 Belmont Ave., Youngstown;

• Wednesday -- 8 to 11:30 a.m., Mineral Ridge Primary Care, 1360 N. Canfield Niles Road, Mineral Ridge;

• Wednesday -- 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., Austintown Primary Care, 5533 Mahoning Ave., Austintown;

•Thursday -- 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Howland Primary Care, 1932 Niles Cortland Road, Warren;

• June 16 -- 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Howland Primary Care, 1932 Niles Cortland Road, Warren;

• June 23 -- 8 to 11:30 a.m., St. Joe's at the Eastwood Mall, Youngstown Warren Road, Niles;

•June 23 -- 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., Gasser Chair, 4136 Logan Way, Liberty;

•June 29 -- 8 to 11:15 a.m., Girard Multi-Generational Center, 443 Trumbull Ave., Girard;

•June 29 -- 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., International Towers, 25 Market St., Youngstown.

For information or to schedule a mammogram, call 330-480-2654.

BALANCE PROGRAM OFFERED: Mahoning County Public Health is sponsoring a free falls-prevention program for seniors, 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning today at Mauthe Park, 156 Smithfield St., Struthers.

"Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance" is an evidence-based 24-week structured falls prevention program that improves muscle strength, balance, flexibility and mobility to reduce the risk for falls. During the twice-a-week program, participants will meet for one hour, and each session will consist of three parts: a brief Tai Ji Quan (pronounced tye gee chuwan) warm-up, the core program emphasizing variations of the eight-form program and concluding with a brief cool-down exercise. No prior experience is necessary, and the class is ideal for older adults and people with a history of falls, balance disorders, leg muscle weakness, abnormal gait or walking difficulties.

Registration is required by calling 330-270-2855, Ext. 109 or 117.