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A Supplement to
il Li i
At It B t
JANUARY 2015
LISTENING CLOSE TO
HEARING PROBLEMS CAREGIVER QUESTIONS:
AFTERMATH OF HEART ATTACK OR STROKE
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A Supplement to
Contents January 2015
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6 5 Worth Noting
Preparing for a winter emergency.
Communicate better about ear health.
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Protecting canine and feline friends.
Stay fit with indoor walking programs.
Aftermath of a stroke or heart attack.
Finding new work or volunteer options.
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On the cover: William and Carole Hawke at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor during the Lake Health Mall Walking program.
6 Hearing Help 7 Pets & Winter Weather 8 On the Move 10 Caregiver Questions 12 Is There Life After Retirement? 13 Calendar
January 2015 Aging Answers
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Publisher’s Perspective A Time for Reflection and Action By Brad Mitchell It’s January and there are some sobering realties that hit us Northeast Ohioans squarely between the eyes once the ball drops, the Buckeyes play and the kids head back to school. We know that these winter days will be cold and dark. Our spirit will be tested as we try to persevere when the hope of spring seems so far away. We are in this struggle together. And, we are here to cheer you on to embrace this new year with a fresh new attitude to positively impact mind, body and soul. Our families count on us to be strong and help forge a path for successful living — for the kids as well as our aging loved ones. It's time to examine the basics, take inventory and help our parents at whatever stage they are in. Did we hear anything over the holidays that we need to address? What did you observe or hear that is worrisome? What was unspoken? Did Mom forget how to make that wonderful sweet potato casserole that’s been a family holiday tradition? Are there some health or financial concerns that you may need to get involved with in 2015? How long can Dad stay in the house by himself? After the busy holidays, we may be tempted to get back to the business of our own lives, however, take time to pause, reflect and start having the conversations that are needed — even if they can be awkward at first. Showing you care and speaking in love will always be welcomed, even to the most stubborn of our
parents. Start with a list of priorities and help your aging parents make realistic goals for 2015 and beyond. We need to listen to their desires and help find some of the answers for them. There are countless resources available through our area agencies on aging, local senior centers, health care facilities, and advisors and professional services. If your parents are able to get out, plan for ways to help them get up and going. Nothing can conquer the winter blues more than an outing to a stimulating environment. Sign up for a class, volunteer, visit the museum or take in some live theater. How about the library where there are great new resources for every generation to enjoy? And of course, there’s the mall with smaller crowds this time of year and walking groups to encourage one another to stay motivated. For all of us, it’s the time of year to check in on an elderly neighbor to make sure all is OK during these winter months. Ask if you can bring in the mail or newspaper. Maybe one of the kids can shovel their driveway. Consider making a double batch of soup and sharing with them. So, while some of the snowbirds will fly to warmer environs, we are here to enjoy the snowflakes, and inspire our parents to make 2015 a time for renewal and hope. It is our desire that Aging Answers will be a faithful companion for you during the adventure this year. brad@northeastohioparent.com
Publisher Brad Mitchell brad@northeastohioparent.com
Supplement to Northeast Ohio Parent Aging Answers is a property of Mitchell Media LLC.
Editorial Angela Gartner, Editor angela@northeastohioparent.com Jennifer Clements, Managing Editor jennifer@northeastohioparent.com Art & Production Tammy House, Art Director | thouse@babcox.com Melinda Kiba, Designer | mkiba@babcox.com Advertising Services Amanda Wingerter, Ad Services | awingerter@babcox.com
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Aging Answers January 2015
Advertising Sales Chris Geer, 330-670-1234 ext. 246 chris@northeastohioparent.com Janyse Heidy, 330-670-1234 ext. 250 janyse@northeastohioparent.com Tarah King, 330-670-1234 ext. 245 tarah@northeastohioparent.com Michelle Vacha, 440-463-0146 michellevacha@yahoo.com Subscription Services Hallie Brown, Marketing / Events / Distribution Marketing Coordinator | hallie@northeastohioparent.com
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Worth Noting
Winter Preparedness for Your Aging Loved Ones Older Ohioans and their caregivers should take steps now to prepare for winter’s worst. “About the only thing you can predict about an Ohio winter is that it will be unpredictable,” says Bonnie K. Burman, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. “As we age, it often becomes harder for us to adapt to extreme and changing weather conditions. That’s why planning ahead and being prepared is so important. Ensuring the safety of Ohio’s most vulnerable residents is our plan, and we ask that you have a plan, too.” To make sure your aging loved ones are ready for winter, a good idea is to have a plan in place should your loved one be unable to leave home due to weather conditions for at least three days. See the following suggestions for what you need. Emergency Supplies – Create an emergency kit
that contains: a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, a signaling device (such as a loud whistle, horn or bell), food that can be opened and prepared easily, water (one gallon per person per day), extra blankets and a first aid kit. Have a phone that will work if the electricity goes out. Medications – Keep a backup supply of the medica-
tions they take every day (check expiration dates every couple of months and replace if necessary).
They should ask their doctors for extra copies of their prescriptions for their emergency kit. Have an ice chest on hand and keep ice packs in the freezer for medications that need to be kept cool. Keep a backup stash of medical supplies such as bandages, alcohol, etc. Equipment and Assistive Devices – Make sure
medical equipment and assistive devices (such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, lifts, oxygen tanks, etc.) are easy to locate in an emergency. Have spare batteries or non-powered options for any equipment that will not work if there is no electricity. Keep written instructions on how to operate and move medical and adaptive equipment in the emergency kit. Readiness – Make sure you or your loved ones know
where the main valves and switches are for gas, water and electricity, and make sure you can operate them. Have at least one fire extinguisher. Designate a safe place to go (such as a friend or neighbor’s house or shelter) and have a plan for getting there if it becomes unsafe to stay at home. Your area agency can also help them identify resources, such as energy assistance, chore service and minor home repairs that can help them stay warm and safe this winter. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community, or visit aging.ohio.gov for local contacts. Ohio Department of Aging and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness. This article was adapted from “Emergency Management Be Prepared Kit,” available at disabilityrightsohio.org.
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Hearing Help for Your Loved Ones By Dr. Karen Kantzes, Senior Audiologist, Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center
Hearing well is essential to communicating in all aspects of life. Social interactions, business dealings and family relationships are all impacted when someone’s hearing is bad. Often, family members will notice signs that a senior family member is experiencing hearing difficulty or loss. Some of these signs include: • Asking to repeat often; • Having a hard time hearing on the phone – passing the phone to someone else; • Increasing the volume on radios and televisions; or • Missing parts of conversations. While wanting to assist a loved one is admirable, there are times when enabling the hearing problem can become a road block to getting the person the help they need. In a restaurant setting, for example, by clarifying or repeating a waiter’s question rather than allowing the person to hear and answer for him/herself, you may be inadvertently contributing to the person’s dependence on others, rather than encouraging independence. Getting Tested
If you are noticing any of the issues described above, the best solution is to encourage a hearing test with a qualified hearing health care professional. Consult with family, friends or your physician to find an audiologist who has an established practice. Ideally, this professional would offer you expertise, compassion, and a commitment to providing individualized solutions. When the hearing test is conducted, it should include a visual inspection of the ear and ear canal
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(otoscopy), getting a measure of hearing sensitivity (pure tone thresholds), determining how well you understand speech (speech discrimination ability) and assessment of middle ear health (tympanometry). Here are some following tips to help your loved one navigate this process: • Make sure they’ve had a hearing test within the past year to ensure they are purchasing aids that are appropriate for their current hearing abilities. • Consider their lifestyle: how frequently are they in quiet situations? Noisy environments? Group activities? • Determine the situations in which they have the most difficulty hearing and understanding speech. Their audiologist can recommend aids that are suited to their individual needs. • More advanced technology allows them to hear better in noisy environments; however, these aids may be more expensive. • Don’t settle for products that don’t fit or are not suited to their needs. Work together with the audiologist to identify the hearing aid that is right for them. Hearing Aids
If hearing aids are recommended, the hearing health care professional will consider the degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, manual dexterity, visual acuity and budget to suggest appropriate solutions. The audiologist should offer communication strategies in addition to recommending a device. Buying hearing aids can be confusing. Your loved one’s audiologist should be a trusted advisor.
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By Dr. Anna M. van Heeckeren at One Health Organization
Weathering the Winter with Pets Cold and icy conditions affect pets too as they spend time outdoors this season. My family has indoor-only cats, so this is not a frequent topic of conversation in our household, but I do know others have pets that go outside on a regular basis. This is what you need to know about pet safety during the winter. Shelter
Your home is the best place for your pets to get out of the elements (snow, ice, cold, etc.). Have a place in your home that your pets can claim as their own. Make sure that they can get out of the elements when they are left alone outdoors. A garage can be suitable shelter in the right circumstances. Just make sure to keep all chemicals (even salt) in a safe cabinet away from pets. Antifreeze tastes sweet to a pet and can cause a painful death for pets if consumed.
for dogs. While dogs look like they don’t like wearing them, booties can help prevent the pads of their feet from getting exposed to salt and other chemicals. Proper fit is a must here as well. Also, dogs and cats have fur in between the pads of their feet that can collect snow, ice and chemicals, so wipe their paws before they come back inside. Pools, Ponds and Lakes
Even if a body of water looks like it’s frozen, you cannot be sure every area can carry the full weight of your pet walking, running or playing on it. A pet (or person) can quickly drown in cold water. Don’t risk your own safety if you don’t know the proper way to save a pet (or person) if they fall through the ice.
Coats
Car Safety
People wear coats to stay warmer, but coats for pets? Are they necessary? While most dogs and cats come with their own fur coat, they may not be well adjusted to spending long periods of time outdoors. Limit the time that cats and dogs spend outside in the cold. Dogs with short fur coats may need a fitted sweater (not too tight or too loose) when taking them out for a walk. Ask your veterinarian to help you find the right fit for a coat since the wrong fit can cause health problems.
If you like heating up your car before getting in, be sure to thump on the hood beforehand since cats have been known to find a cozy place near the engine to get warm. Needless to say, this can cause severe injury to cats (or other animals) if you drive off. Also, just as you wouldn’t leave a pet in the car in warm or sunny weather, the car can get very cold pretty quickly. These are just a few tips for keeping your pet safe this season. If you have specific questions about winter weather safety for your pet, contact your veterinarian for advice. Did you find a creative solution for keeping your pet happy and healthy during the winter? We’d love to hear about it! Email Info@OneHealth.org with your stories.
Boots
People wear boots to keep their feet from getting wet and cold. Why not for pets? I’ve never seen booties made for cats, but I have seen them
January 2015 Aging Answers
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Keeping Pace with
By Angela Gartner
Mall Walkers in Northeast Ohio
For approximately four years, William and Carole Hawke of Eastlake have been getting up early to get to the Great Lakes Mall in Mentor. The couple isn’t there to shop, but instead walk the one-mile lap around the mall’s pathways. “It’s better than walking outside,” William says. “(It’s) warm and the floors are safe to walk on.” During winter, community members such as the Hawkes take advantage of mall’s walking programs, which provide benefits beyond physical health goals. Walk This Way
For people who don’t have a regular exercise routine, walking is an opportunity to stay fit. While not as strenuous as an aerobic workout, it has advantages. “It’s good for your heart, circulation and blood pressure, along with good for your bones,” says Laurie Pfahler, registered nurse and community nurse at Southwest General Hospital. “It doesn’t put a lot of stress on your joints. It helps people maintain a healthy weight, and is a stress reliever.” Pfahler, who also works with the ParkFit Mall Walkers Club, which is a Southwest General Hospital and SouthPark Mall in Strongsville based program, says the mall-walking program gives some
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consistency to a workout program. “I think it’s important we are at the mall, it’s a safe, warm environment,” she says. “(The mall walkers) don’t have to belong to a fitness center and there’s no need to worry about the ice and temperature outdoors.” The program at the SouthPark Mall, with about 200 members enrolled in the club yearly, has many physical benefits, but also social ones. “(The walkers) make friends and meet new people,” Pfahler says. She notes some might find an “exercise buddy” who helps motivate them to keep coming back to the program. For many of the mall walkers, it also becomes a social event after the walk is done. During the programs, which are
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usually held a couple of hours before the mall opens, you might see groups gathered at the food court tables having a morning coffee. For the Hawkes, they have seen benefits, physical and social. “Our cardio is a lot better,” the couple says. “It gets you going and keeps your weight down.” Laray and Nancy Salsberry of Akron have been walking regularly at the Summit Mall in Fairlawn since being retired. The couple does 35 to 40 minutes of walking and Laray says the exercise helps his blood pressure. “No uneven sideways or dogs at your heels,” he adds. “I feel better when I walk.” Added Benefits to Programs
Mall-walking programs’ main idea is to provide an opportunity to come to the mall early and walk free, however, some have additional service offerings. Programs like the ones at SouthPark, Beachwood, Great Lakes and other malls have teamed up with area healthcare providers to deliver wellness checks and monthly speakers. For example, at the Great Lakes Mall, Lake Health system sponsors the mall-walking program.
“The major benefit of the Lake Health Mall Walking sponsorship is that it provides mall walkers benefits such as screenings and information,” says Renee Sanden, director of marketing at the Great Lakes Mall. The sponsorship, which began in December, will have its first program on Jan. 9 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. “Nurses, doctors and healthcare staff will provide various screening opportunities, demonstrations and information to mall walkers,” Sanden says. ParkFit Mall Walkers Club also has monthly blood pressure screenings performed by the community outreach nurses at Southwest General Hospital as well as brings in speakers for walkers. For those looking to get started in a mall-walking program, it’s always a good idea to check with your health professional before giving it a try. If you are caregiver, Pfahler says to offer to go with your loved one if they are nervous about going alone. “There’s no start-up fee, you don’t need special equipment,” she says. “Just go out for a little bit. At the mall, (while you walk) you can look in the store windows and you can play up the social piece, which is an added benefit.”
January 2015 Aging Answers
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The Aftermath of a Heart Attack or Stroke Questions and answers on how caregivers can help a loved one’s recovery process go smoother. Recovery from a heart attack or stroke takes time and patience on your part as a caregiver. Be prepared that your loved one may not be able to do all that he or she could before the heart attack or stroke. At the same time, remember that the rehabilitation process enables many people to do much more than they ever expected. Here are answers to some caregivers’ questions when helping a loved one after a stroke or heart attack: My loved one is so angry about this heart attack. Is this normal?
It’s not at all unusual for heart attack and stroke survivors to be angry and agitated. After all, they — and perhaps, you — have to change the way things
are done in daily life. Change like that is hard. It also takes time and skill. It’s especially important for everyone involved to recognize the signs of depression. It’s a common after-effect of a stroke or heart attack. My loved one had open-heart surgery, and I’m afraid he or she is overdoing rehabilitation. How can I know how much is too much?�
It’s great that your loved one is so motivated, however, the rehabilitation process should be done in a sensible manner. Each survivor has a different capacity. Find out from the healthcare professionals what is considered “too much.” You may find that his or her pace is OK, but if they’re overdoing it, gently share your concerns without nagging or being overprotective. Your loved one’s surgery has affected you too, and they need to know what you’re feeling. My loved one weighs 200 pounds, how can I attend to bath needs?
If your loved one is disabled from a heart attack or stroke or weak from heart surgery, you may not be able to take care of all his needs by yourself. Contact your healthcare provider for home-health resources in your community. They can help you in this and many other ways. At the very least, they can show you how to give a sponge bath by yourself. Or, they can provide staff to bathe him regularly. Putting a stool in a shower or bathtub with a rubber mat underneath it helps patients who are weak or dizzy. How can I give my loved one the care needed when he or she won’t/can’t speak to me?
Your loved one may not be able to speak clearly, especially if he or she is a stroke survivor. Aphasia is common after strokes. Be sure your loved one has been fully evaluated to see if a there is a medical or physiological reason for not speaking. Depression from a major medical trauma may also cause this. Finally, be patient. Your lives have changed. That takes some getting used to. Don’t let your loved one’s silence keep you from communicating with him or her.
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My loved one has nothing to say to family and friends when they come to visit. How can I encourage participation?
It’s possible that the stroke caused some injury to your loved one’s brain. They might not fully comprehend what’s going on around them or what people are saying. Talk to the healthcare professionals to determine if the injury was in an area that could affect hearing, comprehension or speaking ability. If so, find out what course of rehabilitation is needed to recover as much of those functions as possible. My loved one acts as if nothing has happened. I’m afraid he or she is going to have another heart attack. What can I do?�
There’s a fine line between being supportive and being overprotective. Your loved one is the best judge of how he or she is feeling at any given time. Take steps to reduce the risk of a future event, such as staying physically active, not smoking, eating lowsaturated-fat and low-cholesterol meals, taking medications as prescribed, and checking in with the doctors as recommended. I take my loved one’s blood pressure often. How high can it go before I should worry?�
The goal in preventing another heart attack, stroke or heart surgery is to keep blood pressure at the goal level set by the doctors. Find out the danger zone. Then keep a chart of the different readings each day for several weeks. Be sure to take the chart to the next doctor’s visit so the doctor knows how well treatment is working. The preferred blood pressure level is less than 120 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic. A
blood pressure of 120 mm Hg systolic and/or 80 mm Hg diastolic to 139 mm Hg systolic and/or 89 mm Hg diastolic is considered “prehypertension” and lifestyle changes are recommended to lower it. A reading of 140 mm Hg systolic and/or 90 mm Hg diastolic or higher is high blood pressure and is dangerous. My loved one talks about dying, feels less than a person and refuses to go see a doctor. What can I do?
This is very serious and needs quick attention. Contact the doctor and explain your concerns. The doctor will tell you the best way to get your loved one in for an appointment. I don’t want to push too hard, but he or she just doesn’t want to get moving. Any suggestions?
First, the doctors should clearly outline how much and what type of physical activity your loved one needs. If your loved one says that’s too much, take it up with the doctor. You can help by coming up with ideas that will make being physically active easier for your loved one. Offer to take a walk together. Get a stationary bike they can ride while watching television. Start being more active yourself and then draw your loved one in. Be patient and don’t nag. Your loved one might be afraid that exercising will cause something else to happen. Get the doctor to help calm those fears and explain the health benefits of physical activity and the health risks of staying inactive.
Article courtesy of the American Heart Association. For more information, visit heart.org/Cleveland.
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Is There Life After Retirement? By Kathleen McLaughlin
Retirement years belong to your aging loved one to use as they choose. The key is to have a plan, so have them think about the following: How much do they really want to work? Or would they prefer part-time, so they can still do some of those “retirement” activities? How about consulting — project by project — would that be a good fit? How do they feel about volunteering? While they were working, what were those things that they saw others doing that made them yearn for more time? Working is certainly a choice, but few of us live in a vacuum, so they need to look at the relationships they have when making a plan. The answer to these questions will hold the truth about what they should be looking for next. Making It Happen
Once they have come up with an idea, the next step is to put some action behind it. The world is full of people who need their talents and time. Sit down and talk about their ideas before they launch a search. You may have friends or connec-
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tions you are unaware of that could help them get started. If it’s a paying job they are after, all the usual routes to getting a job apply, but the newest and best avenues are local job clubs and job search cooperatives where they can learn the latest job search strategies and collaborate with other older workers and social networking sites like LinkedIn, along with staffing agencies and Internet job search sites. Local libraries can often get them started on where to look for each of these, and they are sure to find one that suits their personal style. Whether the job is full- or part-time is a matter of preference. If they want to make a difference in the world, they will find no shortage of organizations anxious to welcome them at the door. Aside from the more commonly known organizations, there are many local and small community programs that would love someone willing to give them 10 or 15 or 20 hours a week. For volunteering, they can use sites such as nationalservice.gov/impact-our-nation. For more information on employment and other services, go to matureservices.org.
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Event Listings
January & February Monthly Ongoing Alzheimer’s Support, First Tuesday (7-8:30 p.m.) and second Friday (1:30-3 p.m.) of the month. For caregivers and memory-impaired individuals. University Hospital’s Parma Medical Center’s Health Education Center, 7300 State Road, Parma. Call 440-743-4900. Fitpaths Too (Geared for Seniors), Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. A complete workout for active seniors. $35 for 10-class card. Register at fairviewhospital.org/ wellnesscenter or call 440-356-0670, option 5. Fairview Hospital Wellness Center, 3035 Wooster Road, Rocky River
Center, 7327 Avon Belden Road, North Ridgeville
Tuesdays Sweet Life Programs, 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 6May 12, This free, 15-week program provides practical ways to help improve your health. Summa Rehab Hospital, 29 N. Adams St., Akron. Contact Summa Center at New Seasons Center for Health Equity 1493 S. Hawkins Ave., Akron. Call 1-800-2378662.
Mondays
Caregiver’s Support Group, 5:30-7:30 p.m. First and third Tuesdays of the month. Join this free, open group at any time. Call the Outpatient Social Work Department at 216-778-5779. MetroHealth Old Brooklyn Health Center, 4229 Pearl Road, Cleveland
HEALTHY U — Free 6-Week Workshop, Mondays, Jan. 12-March 2, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tips and support to deal with pain and fatigue, discover better nutrition and exercise choices, and learn better ways to talk with your doctor and family about your health. The classes are free to Lorain County residents 55+ years. Register by calling 440-326-4805. North Ridgeville Senior
Caregiver Support Group and Resource Center, 7-9 p.m. Third Tuesday of the month. Topics include community services for caregivers; coping with the dynamics of caregiving; planning for the future; and learning caregiving techniques. Free. Southwest General Health Center, 18697 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, 440-816-5018
Wednesdays Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi, 11 a.m.noon. Fees: resident $40, nonresident $48. Mentor Community Center, 8600 Munson Road, Mentor, 440-974-5720, cityofmentor.com/play Stroke Support Group, 11:45 a.m. Fourth Wednesday of the month. Director Sandy McLeod, 440-729-2782; facilitator, Paula Leonette. West Geauga Senior Center, 11414 Caves Road, Chesterland, 440-285-6569 Breast Cancer Support: “Staying in Touch,” 6-7:30 p.m. Last Wednesday of every month. Hillcrest Hospital Ross Auditoriums A & B, 6780 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights. No registration fee required. Call 440-312-6636.
Thursdays Memory Care Support Group, 1-2 p.m. Typically meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month. This is a free support and discussion group for caregivers. Mentor Senior Center, 8484 Munson Road, Mentor, 440-974-5725, cityofmentor.com
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Event Listings Sudden Death Support Group, 6:30-8 p.m. First Thursday of each month. This group is for adults who have experienced a sudden death. This sudden loss experience can be different from an expected loss. Free. Thomas P. Perciak Family Residential Hospice, 18659 Drake Road, Strongsville, 877794-2328 Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program 10 -11 a.m. Based on Tai Chi for Arthritis which was developed by Dr. Paul Lam and is endorsed by both the Arthritis Foundation
January & February and the CDC. It is a safe and effective evidence-based practice to increase flexibility and reduce both pain and falls. TriPoint Medical Center, Physician Pavilion, 7590 Auburn Road, Concord, Suite 201. Call 440-953-6000.
Fridays Life After Stroke (Stroke Support Group), 10 a.m.-noon, second Friday of every month. Provides a forum for stroke survivors and their families to share ideas and solve problems. Summa Rehab Hospital, 29 N.
Adams St., Akron. Contact Dr. Cathy Torcasio, 330-686-4455 or 330-572-7300.
Saturdays Caregiver Support Group, last Saturday of the month. This gathering provides a time for caregivers of parents/grandparents/children to connect and talk about their experiences and challenges. Live speakers are provided every other month. Free. Westbay Rehab and Care Center, 27601 Westchester Parkway, Westlake, 440-930-0431
January 8 BF4LFC Snowshoe Hike 101 Lesson, 5-6 p.m. Attend a short lecture on snowshoeing, then snowshoe through Chapin Forest Part in Kirtland. In the event of no snow, there will be a hike at this location. Equipment provided at no charge. Wear appropriate clothing. Chapin Forest Lodge, 10381 Hobart Road, Kirtland
January 15 Catching some ZZZ’s: Importance of Sleep To Your Health, 7-8 p.m. MetroHealth Advanced Nurse Practitioner Valerie Ross will discuss how sleep deficiencies impact your health and techniques for getting a good night’s sleep. Visit cuyahogalibrary.org to register. Brook Park Branch Library, 6155 Engle Road, Brook Park, 216-267-5250
January 20 Music as Healing 7:30-8 p.m. How do experiences in music, both listening and participating, make a difference in our physical, mental and emotional well-being? Program presented by Kira Seaton of Cuyahoga Community College. Stewart’s Caring Place: A Cancer Wellness Center; free for those touched by cancer. 2955 W. Market St., Akron, 330-836-1772, stewartscaringplace.org
January 20, 27 and February 18, 25 Free Basic Computer Classes, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Learn basic computer concepts. Classes require no previous experience or knowledge. First priority will be given to
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Send your event listings to: calendar@NortheastOhioParent.com Lake County residents who are 60 and older. Call 440-205-8111, ext. 226. Lake County Council on Aging Computer Lab, 8520 East Ave., Mentor, lccoa.org
January 21 New Year, New You Help with Managing Your Weight, 6:30-8 p.m. Physician credentialed in medically supervised weight loss will speak on the best plan and new tools to help women lose weight. Free. UH Women’s Health Institute, 730 SOM Center Road, Mayfield Village, 440-720-3263
vided by Visiting Nurse Service and Affiliates – part of the Akron General Health System. Stewart’s Caring Place: A Cancer Wellness Center; free for those touched by cancer. 2955 W. Market St., Akron, 330-836-1772, stewartscaringplace.org
February 21 Annual Gala to honor the 2015 Kidney
Foundation of Ohio Person of the Year, 6:30 p.m. Dr. Joshua Augustine will be presented with the Person of the Year Award. The night will also offer silent and live auctions and live entertainers. Held at Cleveland Marriott Hotel Downtown at Key Center. For more information, contact Sara Nunney at 216-771-2700 or snunney@kfohio.org. Visit kfohio.org.
January 22 The Brooklyn Sr. Center is hosting Dr. John Kandare, noon-12:30 p.m. about hearing loss and the health impacts of untreated hearing loss. Afterward he will be conducting a free hearing screening. Registration is encouraged. Lunch is provided at 11:30 a.m. for $6. Call 216-738-2067 to RSVP. You do not need to be a member to attend.
January 23 Program sponsored by Zounds Hearing “Time does not wait,” noon. Enjoy a free lunch and special at Mayfield Village Civic Center. The talk will be given by Dr. John Kandare, audiologist for Zounds Hearing of Mayfield Heights. Call Mayfield Village Senior Services at 440-919-2332.
February 5 Free Blood Pressure Screens, 11 a.m.noon. Parma Heights Senior Center, Educator Apartment Building, 9275 N. Church Blvd., Parma Heights, 440-888-4416 Know Your Numbers, 6-7 p.m. MetroHealth cardiologist Grace Cater discusses important questions. Learn tips for a heart-healthy lifestyle. Visit cuyahogalibrary.org to register for this free event. Middleburg Heights Library, 15600 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights
February 9 Caregiving Strategies: Energy Conservation, 6-7 p.m. Overview of the day-to-day, hands-on strategies and skills needed for you to care for your loved one at home. ProJanuary 2015 Aging Answers
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