Heidi Locknane, LMT BODY & SOLE

214 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg 419-873-7652 bodyandsolemassagetherapy.com

Name three things that people should do every day to stay healthy. Drink plenty of water! Stress less, or find ways that work for you to de-stress. Eat a clean and well balanced diet!

Often, some of the best things that we do to stay healthy- like seeing friends or reading a book- seem to have nothing to do with health. What are some of your favorite “unknown” ways to stay healthy? sDe-stressing and disconnecting are very important ways to make sure you are staying invigorated, positive, & healthy. Ways I love to disconnect and de-stress include reading, spending time in nature, traveling, and spending time with my pets. I believe this time is crucial for us all to take time to do, with that being said based on your personal interests and preferences I believe that everyone deserves some “me” time for themselves.

When you feel stressed, how do you recharge? Taking time for myself to meditate is absolutely my favorite way to relax and recharge!

March is Disability Awareness Month

About 25% of Ohioans have a disability. This includes disabilities of mobility, cognition, hearing and vision. Last fall, Toledo’s Ability Center reiterated its commitment to making Toledo the most disability-friendly place in the country, through advocacy, cultural and civic partnerships, and education and outreach.

Raising awareness of how people are impacted by disability can help us make our community a friendlier and more inclusive place for all.

mleditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com.

Can You Hear Me Now?

Over the counter hearing aids may help with your hearing loss.

By Kelly McGilvery

Recently the federal government passed a bill that allows hearing aids to be sold over the counter, without the prescription of a doctor or audiologist. How can you find out if the over the counter hearing aids will help with your hearing loss?

A common analogy about this change in regulations for hearing aids compares them to reading glasses. You can go into any drugstore and pick up a pair of reading glasses that will help you out, if reading is the only thing you need help with. The glasses won’t be made with your specific prescription, and they fall into a category of very general disability aid. At some point, you may actually need to pay for an eye exam and a pair of bifocals.

Similarly, the OTC hearing aids and “hearing-assistive devices” that you can pick up at the drugstore are useful if your inconvenience is limited to needing to turn up the television volume when you’re at home, or not being able to understand what your family members are saying to you and having to constantly ask them to repeat themselves.

Time for a visit with an audiologist

A few tell-tale signs that you actually need to visit an audiologist: it sounds like everyone mumbles, especially if you can’t see their mouths; your television is at a volume that hurts your spouse’s ears; your friends find that you’re interrupting them in conversation because you don’t realize they’re already talking.

If you have significant hearing loss, you’ll still want to visit an audiologist to get their expert opinion on how to manage your hearing. Audiologists are now required to have Ph.Ds, so they truly are the most expert among us. They can take the results of your hearing test - your specific, personal, hearing loss profile - and program it into a hearing aid that will work more effectively for you.

If you have any concerns about your hearing, get a hearing test. Then you’ll know for sure if your course of action is the one recommended for your situation. Some big box retail stores have staff audiologists or hearing aid techs who can give you a hearing test while you’re in the store. Most also carry a few models of hearing aids at reduced cost.

Seek hearing loss evaluation

Also: please safeguard your hearing and treat your hearing loss when it occurs. Untreated hearing loss can contribute to many other health and lifestyle problems including depression, isolation, decreased socialization. Lack of cognitive activity due to hearing loss can contribute to other physical, neurological and psychological issues like increased rates of heart disease and dementia.

Consumer-grade hearing aids help a lot of folks participate more in their daily lives and be more integrated into their families and other social circles. The perception of hearing aids may change now that some are available at lesser cost, over the counter. Those with incremental hearing loss caused by aging may still be resistant to admitting they need help. The price points of over the counter hearing aids may drive some from more advanced devices and spark greater changes in the field of audiology. Find out more about your hearing loss and how it can be treated by scheduling a hearing test today.

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Sylvania and Springfield Townships Aim to Reduce Falls

by Michael Yatsko

calls. With that information the needs of these individuals are addressed and the

Over utilization of paramedic services due to falls occurs for a variety of reasons. Lack of grab bars and steps are two big causes. The Hero program installs grab bars and enlists other social service programs to build ramps and/or stairs

Sometimes falls happen due to medication issues. The Heros look into these issues and partner with others to find answers such as reduced costs for prescriptions or working with family physicians to prescribe less costly, but still viable medications.

A person may not understand why he or she keeps falling. In these cases, social service referrals are made.

This pilot program is proving helpful to the community. All township firefighters are aware of the program and make referrals when they see a need. With a limited budget, this program could use financial help to purchase supplies to build ramps and purchase grab bars. Volunteer carpenters are also needed to build and/or install accessories, but volunteers of any kind may be helpful.

If you have interest in volunteering, contact Shawn Wittkop at 419-843-2188, Extension 1750 and 1748 or Project HERO at 567-408-6787