Health notes
To include or update items in the weekly Health News list, email information to tmunnell@tribtoday.com or afox@tribtoday.com. The deadline is noon Sunday for inclusion in that week’s list.
MOVEMBER SHAVE OFF: Mercy Health has asked men across the Mahoning Valley to ditch their razors through November in support of men’s health. Man Up Mahoning Valley, a Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley program, will conclude on Saturday for men to grow a mustache. To wrap up the month-long campaign, a Shave Off event will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the Eastwood Mall (Target concourse). All Movember participants will be provided professional grooming services from Excalibur Grooming Lounge.
RECOVERY INTERNATIONAL: A community self-help mental health group will meet 2 p.m. today at Michael Kusalaba Public Library, 2815 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown. For information, call 330-747-1176.
OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP: The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group will meet 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, 8401 Market St., Woodland Room (second floor). The group provides a safe, caring place for individuals to tell their story among people who understand and share their experience and feelings. Call Anna at 330-480-3440 or email Anna_Fitzgerald@mercy.com.
TOPS: Take off Pounds Sensibly meets 10 to 11 a.m. every Thursday at 1555 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown. Weigh-in is 9 to 9:45 a.m. For more information, go to the Tops Club website or call Janice 330-270-8611.
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 location information, 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.
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, at 330-740-2450.
WALK WITH A DOC: Ohio Living’s Vivo Center and YSU’s Bitonte College of Health and Human Services invite Mahoning and Columbiana County residents to improve their health through Walk with a Doc, a monthly event that connects participants with doctors and health care experts. The walks take place on the first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at the Southern Park Mall.
The event is open to the community, and participation is free; pre-registration is not required. Walkers can look forward to a refreshing experience with Tapp and other health care professionals, who will provide support and answer questions throughout the walk.
Health notes
To include or update items in the weekly Health News list, email information to tmunnell@tribtoday.com or afox@
tribtoday.com. The deadline is noon Sunday for inclusion in that week’s list.
BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT: The Brain Injury Family Education and Survivors Support Group will meet 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Howland United Methodist Church, 730 Howland Wilson Road, Warren. The support group is free of charge and available to all survivors and family members and / or caregivers. The group offers socialization and fundamental information and education about brain injury and common challenges confronting survivors and their families.
TOPS: Take off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), a program that was started 75 years ago, meets 10 to 11 a.m. every Thursday at 1555 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown. Weigh-in is 9 to 9:45 a.m. For more information, call Janice 330-270-8611.
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 location information, 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.
NAR-ANON GROUP TO MEET: NAR-ANON family group meets 7 p.m. Wednesdays in Girard. NAR-ANON was established to give support and hope to those who have a friend or loved one suffering from addiction. For more information, call 330-770-4576.
ADDICTION HELP MEETINGS: SMART Recovery’s four-point program is the organization’s flagship secular program serving those with addictive behavior, including both substance and activity/process addictions. Trained volunteer facilitators lead effective mutual support group discussions from noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday on topics such as building and maintaining motivation; coping with urges and cravings; managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors; and living a balanced life.
Read the program description at https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/7343.
All meetings are free, and no registration is needed.
MOBILE OFFICE: The Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission Mobile Office is onsite 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, at 330-740-2450.
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. Safely deactivate and dispose of unneeded pills, patches, liquids, creams and films at home. Unneeded medications can be disposed of at permanent drop-off locations in the lobbies of various local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies.
Health notes
To include or update items in the weekly Health News list, email information to
tmunnell@tribtoday.com or afox@tribtoday.com. The deadline is noon Sunday for inclusion in that week’s list.
RECOVERY SELF-HELP: Recovery International, a community self-help group, will meet 2 p.m. Tuesday at Michael Kusalaba Public Library, 2815 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown.
For more information, call 330-747-1176.
SUPPORT: The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group will meet 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Tibbetts Wick homecare office, 979 Tibbetts 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.
MCMHRB MEETINGS: The Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board ways and means committee will meet 5 p.m. Nov. 18 at the CSB Building, 222 W. Federal St., Youngstown.
A board meeting will be 5 p.m. Nov. 25 at the CSB Building.
If you have any questions or comments, contact MCMHR Board office at 330-746-2959.
DRIVE-THRU SHOTS: Akron Children’s providers are experts at giving vaccines to kids and, unlike retail pharmacies, can vaccinate children as young as 6 months old. There are additional ways to get a flu shot. They are available at:
• Akron Children’s Primary Care locations
• Akron Children’s outpatient pharmacy
• Akron Children’s School Health.
• Akron Children’s specialty departments.
For more information on all the ways to get a flu shot from Akron Children’s and schedule an appointment, visit akronchildrens.org/flu.
TOPS: Take off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), a program that was started 75 years ago, meets 10 to 11 a.m. every Thursday at 1555 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown. Weigh-in is 9 to 9:45 a.m.
For more information, go to the Tops Club website or call Janice 330-270-8611.
OA MEETS: Overeaters Anonymous meets at 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 location information, 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.
NAR-ANON GROUP TO MEET: NAR-ANON family group meeting is 7 p.m. on Wednesdays in Girard. NAR-ANON was established to give support and hope to those who have a friend or loved one suffering from addiction. For more information, call 330-770-4576.
ADDICTION HELP MEETINGS: SMART Recovery’s four-point program is the organization’s flagship secular program serving those with addictive behavior, including both substance and activity/process addictions. Trained volunteer facilitators lead effective mutual support group discussions from noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday on topics such as building and maintaining motivation; coping with urges and cravings; managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors; and living a balanced life.
Read the program description at https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/7343.
All meetings are free and no registration is needed.
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, and 6 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of the month, Alta Care Building, 142 Javit Court, Austintown.
* Free yoga, noon to 1 p.m. second Friday of the month, 201 Wick Ave., Youngstown.
* Support through Expressive Arts, 6 p.m. third Monday of the month, Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown.
* Daytime Family Support Group, 11 a.m. first Thursday of the month, Girard Free Library, 105 Prospect St., Girard.
* Evening Family Support Group, 6 p.m. second Tuesday of the 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.
MOBILE OFFICE: The Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission Mobile Office is onsite 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, at 330-740-2450.
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. Safely deactivate and dispose of unneeded pills, patches, liquids, creams and films at home. Unneeded medications can be disposed of at permanent drop-off locations in the lobbies of various local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies.
ALZHEIMER NETWORK: The Alzheimer Network has scheduled the following volunteer support groups for Alzheimer’s caregivers. Call 330-788-9755.
* 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, just west of the intersection of U.S. Route 224 and Market Street, Boardman.
* 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 Rd.
* Salem — 6:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of the month, Emmanuel Education Building, 251 S. Broadway Ave.
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.
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 at:
* 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. Contact Doris Bullock at 330-720-3293 or 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.
WALK WITH A DOC: Ohio Living’s Vivo Center and YSU’s Bitonte College of Health and Human Services invite Mahoning and Columbiana County residents to improve their health through Walk with a Doc, a monthly event that connects participants with doctors and health care experts. The walks take place on the first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at the Southern Park Mall.
The event is open to the community, and participation is free; pre-registration is not required. Walkers can look forward to a refreshing experience with Tapp and other health care professionals, who will provide support and answer questions throughout the walk.
Health notes
To include or update items in the weekly Health News list, email information to tmunnell@tribtoday.com or afox@tribtoday.com. The deadline is noon Sunday for inclusion in that week’s list.
MCPH FLU SHOTS: Mahoning County Public Health will host flu shot clinics at various locations throughout the county. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season
No appointment is necessary.
Bring insurance cards, driver’s license, Medicaid and Medicare cards so the cost of the vaccine can be billed; most private insurances are accepted.
Available 2024-25 flu vaccines will all be trivalent and will protect against an H1N1, H3N2 and a Victoria lineage virus.
• Thursday — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mahoning County Public Health, 50 Westchester Drive, Youngstown.
WALK WITH A DOC: Ohio Living’s Vivo Center and YSU’s Bitonte College of Health and Human Services invites Mahoning and Columbiana County residents to improve their health through Walk with a Doc, a monthly event that connects participants with doctors and health care experts. The walks take place on the first Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at the Southern Park Mall. The event is open to the community and participation is free; preregistration is not required.
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.
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, at 330-740-2450.
OSTOMY SUPPORT: The Youngstown Area Ostomy Support Group will meet 6 p.m. Nov. 13, at the Tibbetts Wick home care office, 979 Tibbetts Wick Road, Suite A, Girard.
The group offers education, encouragement and support to anyone whose life is affected by an ostomy. Refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact Anna Fitzgerald at Anna_Fitzgerald@mercy.com or call 330-480-3440.
TOPS: Take off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), a program that was started 75 years ago, meets 10 to 11 a.m. every Thursday at 1555 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown. Weigh-in is 9 to 9:45 a.m. For more information, go to the Tops Club website or call Janice 330-270-8611.