Lifestyles

Health notes

October 31, 2023 7 min read

SELF-HELP GROUPS MEETS: Recovery International, a community self-help mental health group, will meet 2 p.m. Nov. 7 at Michael Kusalaba Public Library, 2815 Mahoning Ave.

For more information, call 330-747-1176.

MOBILE OFFICE: The Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission Mobile Office is on site 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Carl Nunziato VA Outpatient Clinic, 1815 Belmont Ave., Youngstown. Anyone with questions regarding VA or Mahoning County benefits, or who needs to file a VA claim, can stop in.

For more information, contact Susan Krawchyk, executive director, Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission, at 330-740-2450,

MAMMOGRAPHY VAN SCHEDULE: The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center Mobile Mammography Unit is traveling northeast to deliver the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and support services in the region. Screening locations today are:

• 8 to 11 a.m., TTM Technologies, 12080 Debartolo Drive, North Jackson.

• 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., Hollywood Gaming, 655 N. Canfield-Niles Road, Youngstown.

Screening mammograms are usually a covered benefit with most insurance carriers and do not require a physician's order. Financial assistance for mobile screenings is also available.

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

FLU SHOT CLINIC: Mahoning County Public Health will be holding walk in flu shot clinics at various locations throughout the county. Insurance will be billed; most private insurances are accepted.

Mahoning County Public Health is a Vaccines for Children Program Provider and will have limited opportunities for children that are uninsured or underinsured to receive the vaccine free of charge.

• Wednesday -- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Boardman Township Building, 8299 Market St., Boardman.

• Thursday -- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mahoning County Public Health, 50 Westchester Drive, Youngstown.

EATING DISORDER HELP: The National Association for Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia and other Eating Disorders (ANAD), will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 6, at the Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Road, Hermitage, Pa. For more information, call Renee at 724-981-5435.

SUPPORT GROUP TO MEET: The Youngstown Area Scleroderma Support Group will meet virtually 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6.

The meeting is open to the public and focuses on issues of people affected in all ways by scleroderma. This includes patients, family, friends, or anyone interested in advancing the areas of "Support-Education-Research."

For more information and zoom meeting numbers contact the group leader Leni Schulz at 330-654-2538, or by emailing Youngstown-sg@sfohio.org.

Affiliate of the Ohio Chapter and the National Scleroderma Foundation (scleroderma.org).

OSTOMY SUPPORT: The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group will meet 6 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Tibbets Wick homecare office, 979 Tibbets Wick Road, Suite A, Girard.

The group offers education, encouragement and support to anyone whose life is affected by an ostomy. Light refreshments will be served.

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

ADDICTION HELP MEETINGS: SMART Recovery's 4-Point Program is the organization's flagship secular program serving those with an addictive behavior, including both substance and activity/process addictions. Trained volunteer facilitators lead effective mutual support group discussions from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday, on these topics: building and maintaining motivation; coping with urges and cravings; managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors; and living a balanced life

Related tools consistent with evidence-based motivational and cognitive behavioral theories are also offered and discussed.

Anyone 18 and over fitting the purpose of the above program is welcome to join the meeting. Read the program description at https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/7343/

All meetings are free and no registration needed.

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

The support groups meet:

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

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

Contact the Alzheimer's Association 24 / 7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 for more information.

FREE FITNESS PROGRAM: The Stepping Out Program offers free fitness classes and activities online and in person throughout the Mahoning Valley. Call Doris Bullock, project coordinator, at 330-720-3293 or email her at dibullock@mercy.com for information. For a schedule of virtual and in-person classes, visit www.mercy.com.

SENIOR SUPPORT: The Senior Support Action Group is a volunteer-based program that provides services to homebound seniors in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties. It provides monthly food boxes, transportation to medical appointments and a phone pals companionship program. For more information or to sign up for services, call 330-424-7877, Ext. 2.

NAMI OFFERS SUPPORT: National Alliance on Mental Illness Mahoning Valley offers support and education for individuals and families dealing with mental illness.

• Family To Family, for families dealing with a member who has mental illness, and Peer to Peer, for individuals dealing with mental illness, meet periodically.

• Connection support groups, 2:15 p.m. Thursdays, Community Center, 1344 Fifth Ave., Youngstown.

• Connection support groups, 6 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of each month, Alta Care Building, 142 Javit Court, Austintown.

• Free yoga, noon to 1 p.m. second Friday of each month, 201 Wick Ave., Youngstown.

• Support through Expressive Arts, 6 pm. every third Monday, Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown.

• Daytime Family Support Group, 11 a.m. the first Thursday of the month, Girard Library, 105 Prospect St., Girard.

• Evening Family Support Group, 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month, Alta Care Building, 142 Javit Court, Austintown.

Email info@namimahoningvalley.org, call 330-727-9268 or visit the website at www.namimahoningvalley.org for more information.

DISPOSAL BAGS AT LIBRARYS: Mahoning County Public Health, in partnership with the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, distributed Deterra Drug Disposal Bags at various library locations. A limited supply will be available at each library location and one Deterra Drug Disposal Bag will be permitted per family.

The Deterra Drug Deactivation and Disposal system is a simple, environmentally safe way for someone to get rid of unneeded medications. The Deterra Drug Disposal Bag allows users to safely deactivate and dispose of unneeded pills, patches, liquids, creams and films at home.

As an alternative to the Deterra Drug Disposal Bags, unneeded medications also can be disposed of at permanent drop-off locations that can be found in the lobbies at various local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies.

Proper disposal of unneeded medications helps: keep children, pets, and others safe from accidentally ingesting unused or expired medications; prevent them from being misused or stolen; and keep the medication out of our water and soil.

OA MEETS: Overeaters Anonymous meets 7 p.m. Mondays. OA is for anyone with addictive problems with food, including compulsive overeating, bulimia, anorexia and other food-related problems.

For further information on location, contact Mary Beth at 330-301-0891 or check OA.org for more meetings.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY: Celebrate Recovery, a support group to help those recovering from addiction or any kind of mental health issue, meets 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at 6779 Belmont Ave., Girard.

ADDICTION SCREENINGS: Anyone struggling with methamphetamine addiction may call Narconon to find treatment to end the web that traps people in those in addiction. Visit https://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/understanding-meth-addiction.html or call 800-431-1754 for free screenings or referrals.

ALZHEIMER NETWORK: The Alzheimer Network has scheduled the following volunteer support groups for Alzheimer caregivers. Call 330-788-9755 for information.

• Austintown -- 7 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2305 S. Canfield Niles Road.

• Boardman -- 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, St. Charles Catholic Church, Boardman Canfield Road.

• Canfield -- 10 a.m. fourth Friday of the month, Canfield Christian Church, 123 S. Broad St.

• Girard -- 6 p.m. third Tuesday of the month, Guiding Light Presbyterian Church, 890 Churchill Road.

• Howland -- 10 a.m. first Wednesday of the month, Children's Rehabilitation Center, 855 Howland Wilson Road.

• Poland -- noon first Saturday of the month, Wickshire Senior Living, 355 W. McKinley Way, or call for time, third Thursday of the month, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2985 Center Road.

• Salem -- 6:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of the month, Emmanuel Education Building, 251 S. Broadway Ave.

Lifestyles

Health notes

October 24, 2023 7 min read

SELF-HELP GROUPS MEETS: Recovery International, a community self-help mental health group, will meet at 2 p.m. today at the Michael Kusalaba Public Library, 2815 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown.

For information, call 330-747-1176.

MOBILE OFFICE: The Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission Mobile Office is on site 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Carl Nunziato VA Outpatient Clinic, 1815 Belmont Ave., Youngstown. Anyone with questions regarding VA or Mahoning County benefits, or who needs to file a VA claim, can stop in. For more information, contact Susan Krawchyk, executive director, Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission, at 330-740-2450,

DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION: The Trumbull-Mahoning Diversity Equity and Inclusion Collaborative, formed by the Mental Health and Recovery boards of Mahoning and Trumbull County, meets at 1 p.m. Friday at Direction Home of Northeast Ohio, 1030 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown. A virtual option is available. Find the link at www.trumbullmhrb.org or mahoningcountyoh.gov.

The boards are optimistic that this collaborative will help to identify and address barriers and gaps within Mahoning and Trumbull counties systems of care.

The committee is co-chaired by Katie Cretella, director of Clinical Services at TCMHRB and Brenda Heidinger, associate director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board.

For more information about DEI initiatives in Mahoning and Trumbull counties, call Carol Holmes Chambers at 330-675-2765, Ext. 114 or Brenda Heidinger or Valerie Burney at 330-746-2959.

CPR TRAINING: CPR in the first few minutes of sudden cardiac arrest can save a person from disability or death. The Community Literacy Workforce and Cultural Center in Campbell will host American Heart Association-sanctioned CPR Certification Training 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the CLWCC at 436 Struthers-Coitsville Road. The cost is $60 per person. The class includes an American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR / AED certification with successful completion.

To sign up, go to the special events section at www.clwcc.org.

These classes are geared toward anyone with little or no medical training who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting. It is also for anyone who needs a course completion card for their job, regulatory or other requirements.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Mercy Health's Hospice of the Valley is seeking new volunteers. Apply and attend the upcoming training session, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, at Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland.

For information, contact Hospice of the Valley volunteer department Maureen McQuillan, 330-549-5902 or Jennifer Burgoyne, 330-549-5908.

MAMMOGRAPHY VAN SCHEDULE: The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center Mobile Mammography Unit will travel around northeast Ohio.

Upcoming screening locations are:

• Wednesday, 8 to 11:15 a.m., Talsman Primary Care, 61 Talsman Drive, Canfield.

• Wednesday, 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., Trailwood Primary Care, 900 Trailwood Drive, Boardman.

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

• Oct. 31, 8 to 11 a.m., TTM Technologies, 12080 DeBartolo Drive, North Jackson.

• Oct. 31, 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., Hollywood Gaming, 655 N. Canfield-Niles Road, Youngstown.

Screening mammograms are usually a covered benefit with most insurance carriers and do not require a physician's order. Financial assistance for mobile screenings is also available.

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

FLU SHOT CLINIC: Mahoning County Public Health will have walk-in flu shot clinics at two locations this month.

The department bills insurance for the vaccines and most insurers cover them.

Mahoning County Public Health is a Vaccines for Children program provider and will have limited opportunities for children that are uninsured or underinsured to receive the free vaccine.

The walk-in flu shot clinics are:

• Today -- 2 to 5 p.m., Poland Township Administration Building, 3339 Dobbins Road, Poland.

• Wednesday -- 1 to 3 p.m., Village of Sebring Administration Building, 135 E. Ohio Ave., Sebring.

• Thursday -- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mahoning County Public Health, 50 Westchester Drive, Youngstown.

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

The support groups meet:

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

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

Contact the Alzheimer's Association 24 / 7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 for more information.

FREE FITNESS PROGRAM: The Stepping Out Program offers free fitness classes and activities online and in person throughout the Mahoning Valley. Call Doris Bullock, project coordinator, at 330-720-3293 or email her at dibullock@mercy.com for information. For a schedule of virtual and in-person classes, visit www.mercy.com.

SENIOR SUPPORT: The Senior Support Action Group is a volunteer-based program that provides services to homebound seniors in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties. It provides monthly food boxes, transportation to medical appointments and a phone pals companionship program. For more information or to sign up for services, call 330-424-7877, Ext. 2.

NAMI OFFERS SUPPORT: National Alliance on Mental Illness Mahoning Valley offers support and education for individuals and families dealing with mental illness.

• Family To Family, for families dealing with a member who has mental illness, and Peer to Peer, for individuals dealing with mental illness, meet periodically;

• Connection support groups, 2:15 p.m. Thursdays, Community Center, 1344 Fifth Ave., Youngstown;

• Connection support groups, 6 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of each month, Alta Care Building, 142 Javit Court, Austintown;

• Free yoga, noon to 1 p.m. second Friday of each month, 201 Wick Ave., Youngstown;

• Support through Expressive Arts, 6 pm. every third Monday, Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown;

• Daytime Family Support Group, 11 a.m. the first Thursday of the month, Girard Library, 105 Prospect St., Girard;

• Evening Family Support Group, 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month, Alta Care Building, 142 Javit Court, Austintown.

Email info@namimahoningvalley.org, call 330-727-9268 or visit the website at www.namimahoningvalley.org for more information.

DISPOSAL BAGS AT LIBRARIES: Mahoning County Public Health, in partnership with the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, distributed Deterra Drug Disposal Bags at various library locations. A limited supply will be available at each library location and one bag will be permitted per family.

The Deterra Drug Deactivation and Disposal system is a simple, environmentally safe way for someone to get rid of unneeded medications. The bag allows users to safely deactivate and dispose of unneeded pills, patches, liquids, creams and films at home.

As an alternative to the bags, unneeded medications also can be disposed of at permanent drop-off locations that can be found in the lobbies at various local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies.