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CLARIFIES MEDICARE Don't forget it's flu season | Look as young as you feel Healthy aging, part 1 | Helping domestic violence survivors Hope during COVID-19 | Don't face cancer alone

Time to look as young as you feel!

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hat will your face, neck, and lines. Dr. Handler is the only dermaDR. HANDLER OFFERS TELEDERMATOLOGY hands reveal about you this fall? tologist in northwest Ohio performing When you are enjoying yourself with Dr. Handler has been providing virtual dermatology for patients over several years. Due to the viral pandemic, this may be this procedure. friends and family, will the fine lines, Are you aware that Dr. Handler of interest to his present and prospective patients. Go to Dr. Handler’s website at drharveyhandler.com and scroll to the brown spots (age spots), and sagging personally performs laser procebottom. On the right you’ll find a link to your care. You will receive a diagnosis and treatment program within 24 hours. jowls and neck not portray your true dures for removal of body hair age but make you appear tired and anywhere hair grows? Yes, this mintreatment, results are seen before leaving the office. Continued withered? Why not consider a painless and no-downtime cosmetic imally painful laser destroys hairs around the chin, jawline, upper tightening and lifting of sagging skin occurs over a 6-month time procedure to reduce your aging, sun-damaged, and sagging facial lip, underarms, ears, nose, bikini line, etc. And this laser is not just period with results lasting 3-4 years! There is NO downtime and skin and eliminate brown spots? Allow Dr. Handler to evaluate for women. Many men have this laser performed to permanently NO pain. The NEW Thermage CPT Deep Tip system has been and personally recommend a skin-rejuvenation program for you to remove chest and back hair as well as beard hair that grows down utilized by Dr. Handler for many years with excellent results and reduce the signs of aging. Look as young as you feel when gathonto the neck. very satisfied patients. Most patients see results at the completion ering with friends and family.

Dr. Handler also utilizes the latest in lasers for removal of of the procedure.

Whenever aged and spotted sun-damaged skin is discussed, “age spots” (sun spots really) anywhere on the body. This laser For lines between the eyes (worry lines, 11’s, ski slopes), the term used is rejuvenation. Wait! What about “pre-juvenation”? works especially well for the tops of hands covered with those crow’s feet, and the “sleepy and tired look with droopy eyelids,” Prevent and reduce the signs of future aging and sun damage “age spots.” Finally, Dr. Handler also performs laser removal of the use of Botox or Dysport works well to improve these areas. with a skin-care program designed for the Millennial and prior-tanunwanted blood vessels that grow on your face and enlarge with The results are diminished lines and a more “wide-awake” and ning-booth generation. Be proactive before the lines and age heat, stress, and the intake of alcohol. Again, pain and downtime less tired appearance. spots appear. Speak with the staff at Dr. Handler’s office to inquire are minimal with this laser.

EXCESSIVE UNDERARM SWEATING? about specials for cosmetic procedures and topical products to Anti-aging and cosmetic enhancements are not for any specifMost cosmetically-oriented patients know that Botox and reduce the signs of aging and fade and eliminate “age spots.” ic gender. Male cosmetic enhancement and anti-aging procedures Dysport are used to reduce the signs of aging. However, Dr. HanDr. Handler personally performs many anti-aging procedures have increased almost 300% in the past 5 years for sagging dler has utilized these products over many years for excessive that are “non-invasive” with minimal discomfort or downtime. You skin, darkening under the eyes with the “hollow” look, and brown sweating of the underarms. This excess sweating is known as can minimize under-eye darkening and wrinkling, raise those spots. The utilization of fillers, such as Restylane and its family hyperhidrosis and is associated with embarrassment and anxiety. droopy eyelids, shrink pores, lift sagging jowl areas, and appear of fillers, Juvederm, Radiesse, etc., is excellent for deep smile Most patients require injections twice a year to reduce sweating as youthful as you feel. Call Dr. Handler’s office for a personal lines and the “sad and tired look” as evidenced with sagging at 80% or more! The procedure is associated with minimal pain and evaluation with treatment recommendations designed specifically the corners of the mouth, hollow cheeks, and aging of the hands. no downtime. for your aging skin.

And, of course, the use of Dysport/Botox to reduce forehead The use of fillers, such as Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Remember, 80% of the signs of aging are due to prior sun “worry lines” is superb.

Juvederm, Radiesse, and others, to “fill” deep smile lines and exposure and subsequent skin damage. All the brown spots (“age All of these cosmetic enhancements are performed entirely the marionette lines (the sad look) from the corners of the mouth spots”), broken blood vessels on the face, fine lines, and sagging

by Dr. Handler. To view before-and-after photographs of patients produces immediate results lasting 12-15 months! Don’t look tired skin are caused almost entirely by sun! This is something young who have had these procedures performed by Dr. Handler, visit or sad when you are not! Since these products are combined with people should be aware of since we get 80% of our lifetime sun www.drharveyhandler.com. For more detailed information about a numbing agent, the pain is minimal. Now, Dr. Handler utilizes the exposure by the time we are 18-20 years of age. the above-mentioned procedures or products, please call Dr. injection of new fillers called “Restylane Silk” and “Restylane What about the “worry lines” between your eyes, deep smile Handler’s office at 419-885-3400. Also, remember to inquire about Refyne and Defyne.” These products markedly improve upper and lines, upper lip lines (lipstick runs uphill), and your sagging jowls special pricing available on many cosmetic procedures and prodlower lip lines (lipstick lines). Restylane Silk and Kysse also voluand neck? These unfortunate changes caused by prior sun exucts to diminish the signs of aging and obtain a more vibrant and mize your lips and restore their natural curve while looking attractive posure and aging can be improved dramatically with pain-free, youthful appearance of your skin. Look as young as you feel. and natural. There is no downtime with these noninvasive procenon-invasive cosmetic procedures performed entirely by Dr. HAIR LOSS IN MEN AND WOMEN dures. These products also improve the “tear trough” depression Handler.

Are you losing hair from surgery, anesthesia, illnesses, pregand hollowness under your eyes and cause darkening to be much The NEW Thermage CPT Deep Tip procedure painlessly nancy, medications, stress, genetics, or “normal” hair loss secless obvious. heats damaged collagen under your skin to tighten and lift sagondary to aging or low blood levels of nutrients? There are many Do you want to reduce fine lines, acne scars, and age spots ging areas of the neck, jowls, and upper arms, and wrinkling of causes of hair loss in men and women. Most are not simply due (brown spots from sun exposure) and shrink pores? Then the the skin on the abdomen. The NEW Thermage CPT Deep Tip to age or family history, and most are treatable. Now these probnon-invasive Clear and Brilliant laser is for you. When the Clear procedure utilizes radiofrequency energy (not laser). This prolems of hair loss can be evaluated and there is hope for reducing and Brilliant laser is combined with Thermage CPT Deep Tip, cedure also encourages a natural repair process that results in your hair loss and stimulating new growth. Dr. Harvey Handler, the results are ideal for patients who desire no downtime or pain further tightening, lifting, and younger-looking skin. With only ONE board-certified dermatologist of Sylvania, Ohio, has a medical and predictable results of lifting sagging skin and smoothing fine treatment for decreasing your hair loss and increasing growth in many patients!

Pediatric skin disease diagnosis and treatment is one of Dr. Handler’s special fields in general Dermatology. Age of the child is not relevant since Dr. Handler diagnoses and treats eczema, hemangiomas, contact Smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin on face, arms, and chest and allergic dermatitis, and general “lumps and bumps” that children and infants develop.

No surgery.

What about “birth marks,” scalp No injections. and body “ringworm,” body and No downtime. head lice, scabies, psoriasis?

If there is a lesion or spot on ADULT, the skin, Dr. Handler is trained to arvey andLer, m.d., f.a.a.d.

PEDIATRIC, dipLomate and feLLow of tHe american Board of dermatoLogy examine, diagnose, and treat appropriately.

Also, everyone should have a yearly full body exam to check & COSMETIC 5300 Harroun Rd., Suite 126 (in the Medical Office Building on the campus of Flower Hospital) for skin cancer, changing moles, and new growths that develop on DERMATOLOGY our bodies. This comprehensive exam should be conducted solely HAIR & NAILS by a board-certified dermatologist. ❦

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2 October 2020 | Healthy Living News

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MISSION STATEMENT Healthy Living News offers the residents of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan a monthly guide to news and information about healthy life styles, health care, sports and fitness, and other issues related to physical, mental and emotional quality of life. The publication promises to be an attractive, interesting and entertaining source of valuable information for all ages, especially those 35 to 50. Healthy Living News is locally owned, committed to quality, and dedicated to serving our great community.

Healthy Living News is published the first of each month. The opinions expressed by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of any kind. While HLN makes every attempt to present accurate, timely information, the publication and its publisher and/ or advertisers will not be held responsible for misinformation, typographical errors, omissions, etc.

CONTACTS Business office:

To advertise: Healthy Living News, 130 Louisiana Avenue, Perrysburg, OH 43552. Phone: 419-874-4491 or email Chet Welch at chetw@ perrysburg.com. Ad reservation deadline is the 15th of the month preceding publication. HLN reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason and does not accept advertising promoting the use of tobacco.

Editorial office:

Deadline for editorial submissions is the 10th of the month preceding publication. To contact the editor or send submissions, please email jeffreykurtz68@gmail.com.

Co-Publishers:

Adam Welch Chet Welch

Editor: Jeff Kurtz Travel Editor: LeMoyne Mercer Sales: Brad Beebe,

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Graphic Designer: Mary Ann Stearns Web Designer: Strategically Digital LLC Social Media Specialist: Kate Oatis Distribution:

Welch Publishing Co. Copyright © 2020 Healthy Living News Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Healthy Living News is published for the purpose of disseminating health-related information for the well being of the general public and its subscribers. The information published in Healthy Living News is not intended to diagnose or prescribe.

Please consult your physician or health care professional before undertaking any form of medical treatment and/or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.

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October 2020 Vol. 25, Issue 10

HEALTH & BEAUTY

ENRICHING YOUR LIFE (continued)

2 Time to look as young as you feel!

7 Genetic testing expands horizons of cancer care and prevention 9 Don’t forget, it’s flu season 14 Local urogynecologist and physical therapist empower women with advanced care and education 21 DYS celebrates 37 years of service during Diabetes Awareness Month 22 Sleep apnea: when snoring signals something serious 24 Fall activities and noise exposure by Dianna Randolph, AuD, CCC-A 25 The many benefits of physical therapy 26 Eating well – Nutrition tips to lower cancer risk

by Laurie Syring, RD/LD 28 You’re never too old for Super Slow Training 29 Hope during COVID-19 by Leslie Fern, LPC 33 Sound Advice from Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic by Randa Mansour-Shousher, AuD, CCC-A

23 Indulge your green thumb with flowering houseplants 27 The Devil and Mrs. Jones, part 6 – Mrs. Jones discovers MyCare by Chris Stieben 30 Nobody’s Perfect – Keep on the sunny side of life

by Sister Karen Zielinski, OSF

ENRICHING YOUR LIFE 8 Planning a safe and healthy Halloween 12 Healthy aging, part 1 by Daniel J. Jachimiak, BA 13 Health Crossword Puzzle 15 Spiritually Speaking – A blessing going forward

by Sister Mary Thill 16 A Walk in the Park – How much is enough? by LeMoyne Mercer 20 Running tips for beginners by Amanda Manthey plus Dave’s Races

OUR COMMUNITY 5 How to make the most of Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period 6 Sunset’s Sylvania campus offers a wealth of amenities and a sense of community 11 Individualized care helps Laurels COPD patients breathe easier 12 Announcing the first Sylvania Franciscan Virtual Gala 21 UTMC offers round-the-clock access to comprehensive orthopaedic care 23 Ability Center launches lending program for assistive technology 29 The Cocoon’s mission: help domestic violence survivors by Dennis Bova 31 Cancer Connection of Northwest Ohio ensures no one faces cancer alone 35 Senior Living Guide

ON THE COVER The Citizen Advisory Group is poised to provide expert advice to Medicare beneficiaries throughout the Annual Enrollment Period.

Dear Readers, Also in this issue, you’ll find Part 1 Thank you for picking up the of Dan Jachimiak’s three-part Healthy October issue of Healthy Living News. Aging series (p. 12); expert insights on Beginning on the 15th of this month genetic testing to determine cancer and continuing through risk from Dr. Richard December 7, people who Phinney of The Toledo are already enrolled in Clinic Cancer Centers (p.

7); a reminder from Dr. Medicare have the option of changing—or Jeffery Swartz of Mercy sticking with—their Health that, even during current plan if they so this global pandemic, the choose. Whether they’re seasonal flu remains a Adam and Chet Welch happy with their plan significant health conor not, Ron Myers of Citizen Advi- cern (p. 9); observations on counseling sory Group (the team of profession- clients who managed to find hope als pictured on our cover) urges all and resiliency during COVID from Medicare beneficiaries to review Leslie Fern of The Willow Center (p. their options during this Annual 29); a look at the many benefits of Enrollment Period. To understand physical therapy in commemoration why this review is so important for of National Physical Therapy Month Medicare recipients, be sure to read (p. 25), and much, much more. the eye-opening article on page 5.

Of course, this month the change

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of season becomes more pronounced.

The cool, crisp weather invites outdoor activities of all kinds, and our area offers a wealth of opportunities to get active outside—from our many wonderful metroparks and bike paths to the myriad walks, 5Ks, and fun runs presented by local non-profit organizations. In light of COVID, many of these events are going virtual this year, allowing you to participate in the location and time of your choosing.

So, whatever your current level of fitness, we encourage you to get up, go outside, get moving, and make the most out of every day this autumn!

Have a safe and healthy Halloween, and whenever you take advantage of our advertisers’ products or services, be sure to let them know you “saw it in Healthy Living News.”

Adam and Chet Welch Healthy Living News | October 2020 3

4 October 2020 | Healthy Living News

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OCTOBER 15 THROUGH December 7 is Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), the timeframe during which individuals who are already enrolled in Medicare have the opportunity to change their plan for the following year if they so desire. Of course, those who are happy with their existing plan have the option of simply keeping what they already have.

However, Ron Myers, a licensed independent health and life insurance agent with Citizen Advisory Group, LLC, advises all Medicare beneficiaries to review their plans during the AEP whether they’re curRon Myers rently satisfied or not. He explains, “Even if your individual needs and circumstances are the same, certain aspects of the plan itself may have changed, such as the premium, deductible, copay, formulary, or provider network. Too often, people end up staying with the same plan year after year even though a better fit might be available to them.”

Mr. Myers emphasizes that the AEP should not be confused with the Initial Enrollment Period, or IEP, which applies to individuals who are just turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare for the first time. The IEP is a seven-month window that includes the month during which the individual turns 65 as well as the three months preceding his or her birth month and the three months after the birth month. This structure applies even if the individual turns 65 during the AEP. Changes to drug coverage can have a dramatic impact on Medicare beneficiaries’ health and financial well-being, so Mr. Myers urges individuals who are enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan to review their formulary—the list of covered prescription drugs—to ensure all the medications they currently take will still be covered the following year.

Otherwise, they could later discover that a vital medication is no longer available to them or that they now must pay the full cost of the drug out of pocket.

Mr. Myers offers the example of someone with diabetes who depends on a particular type of insulin to man-

knows all the ins and outs of Medicare and has the expertise to help you select the best plan for your needs out of the many available options. “From my viewpoint, everyone’s needs and circumstances are different, so there’s no one best plan for everyone. When it comes to choosing a Medicare plan, it’s what you don’t know you don’t know that can cause problems. As an independent agent contracted with multiple carriers, I or my colleague James Polling, who has the same licensing that I have, can look at all the available options and help identify which plan may be the right fit for you,” states Mr. Myers.

How to make the most of Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period age blood sugar. “There are multiple different types of insulin from various manufacturers, but the plan may only cover certain brands. If the preferred manufacturer gets changed, all the sudden you may be responsible for the full cost of the drug or you’ll have to talk to your doctor to see if you can use the one that’s on the plan’s formulary. Maybe it works just as well, but maybe it doesn’t,” he says.

Carriers who offer Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) or Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Plan) are required to issue an Annual Notice of Change, typically no later than October 1, that advises members of any such changes going into effect the following year. Unfortunately, these official notifications from carriers tend to arrive in beneficiaries’ mailboxes along with an avalanche of Medicare solicitations and marketing pieces from various entities, making them all too easy to overlook.

Another critical element to review during the AEP is the network of providers covered under your plan.

“If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, which typically combines original Medicare with Part D, keep in mind that the network of providers can change from year to year. You want to make sure any doctors you currently see or want to see will still be in network next year. The private carriers who contract with Medicare to provide these plans typically send out a letter to inform members that certain doctors are no longer in net-

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work, but again, these official letters can get lost in the shuffle with all the solicitations filling up your mailbox,” Mr. Myers says.

Perhaps the best way to cut through all the clutter and confusion and make the most of the Annual Enrollment Period is to work with an agent who

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Healthy Living News | October 2020 5

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Sunset’s Sylvania campus offers a wealth of amenities and a sense of community LOCATED IN A tranquil suburban setting—but just a stone’s throw from downtown Sylvania with all its shopping and dining opportunities, entertainment, and rich cultural attractions—Sunset Retirement Communities’ Sylvania campus has plenty to offer older adults who are seeking a vibrant environment to call home as well as the ability to choose different levels of care as needed.

Sunset Village Older adults who could benefit from assisted living, health care, or memory care will have their unique needs met at Sunset Village.

Featuring neighborhood-like floor plans, beautifully appointed common areas, and attractive gardens and courtyards, Otterbein Sunset Village provides a true sense of community.

Other amenities that help residents and their loved ones feel right at home include a wellness center, a full-service barber and beauty salon, a private dining room for special gatherings, and a sweet shop.

“What’s more, many current Sunset Village employees have worked at the facility since its doors first opened in 2002. That degree of longevity not only speaks volumes about the working atmosphere at Sunset Village, but also ensures residents and their loved ones are surrounded by plenty of friendly, familiar faces as they go about their day,” says Gayle Young, Director of Marketing, Communication and Public Relations for Sunset Retirement Communities.

Fieldstone Villas at Sunset Village Also located on Sunset’s Sylvania campus is Fieldstone Villas at Sunset Village, a community for older adults who are seeking an independent, maintenance-free lifestyle.

As part of the Sunset Village Life Plan Community, Fieldstone Villas (formerly called a CCRC) features several different villa styles to suit different tastes. Ranging in size from just over 1,200 square feet to 1,800 square feet, each beautiful, barrier-free home includes a full kitchen with full-size appliances, two bedrooms, two baths, and a gas

fireplace. All the villa homes also feature a two-car garage, with the exception of the smallest floorplan, which has a one-car garage.

Along with all these amenities, Fieldstone residents can expect their monthly fee to cover all aspects of home maintenance, both inside and outside, including lawn care and snow removal, preventive maintenance, appliance repair and other repairs associated with home ownership, and even bi-monthly housekeeping. Residents also enjoy access to the community’s clubhouse, which features an indoor swimming pool, an area for exercising, chef-prepared dinners served to residents Monday through Friday, and ample opportunities to gather and socialize with friends and family.

Launched in the fall of 2016, Fieldstone Villas at Sunset Village proved to be even more popular than expected. “The original villas filled up more rapidly than we anticipated, so additional villas were constructed in subsequent phases to meet the overwhelming demand and ensure older adults in our area have the opportunity to experience the flourishing, maintenance-free, independent lifestyle that Fieldstone Villas has to offer,” Young states.

Rehab center Last but certainly not least, located on the north side of Sunset’s Sylvania campus is a state-of-the-art rehab center, offering comprehensive physical-, occupational-, and speech-therapy services on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.

“Providing both inpatient and outpatient rehab can be very beneficial to clients, as it gives them the option to begin their recovery in the inpatient rehab program and then progress to the outpatient option in the same facility and under the care and guidance of the therapy team they’ve come to know and trust,” Young comments.

The rehab center ’s features and amenities include a 6,000-squarefoot gym area with top-of-the-line equipment, a SwimEx therapy pool, a mobility courtyard, a life skills apartment to help clients transition n

Sunset - continued on p12

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Genetic testing expands horizons of cancer care and prevention MANY FACTORS CAN increase the increase the risk of particular forms risk of developing cancer, including of cancer and some are associated some that people are able to modify with multiple cancer types, so it’s through lifestyle changes and others important to identify the specific that are beyond their control. Among mutation as well as which type of the risk factors people can’t control cancer or cancers the patient is at are inherited genetic mutations that increased risk of developing,” he says.

The decision of whether genetic are known to increase susceptibility testing is appropriate for a particular to certain forms of cancer—for expatient is usually made in a genetic ample, mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are associated counseling session. Genetic counseling with greater susceptibility to breast is the process of consulting with a physician or genetic counselor, either cancer and other forms of cancer.

Although genetic mutations can’t in person or remotely, to discuss the be modified, they often can be iden- patient’s family history and what his or her cancer risk tified through genetic testmight be based on that ing. This tool gives doctors information. Not every crucial insight on patients’ patient who takes part in cancer risk and can help genetic counseling meets guide their approach to the criteria for genetic cancer prevention as well testing. as treatment planning in The genetic test itself the event of an actual cancer can be performed in one diagnosis. of several ways. “The Richard Phinney, MD, most common approach of The Toledo Clinic Cancer Richard Phinney, MD is a blood draw, but it can Centers explains, “Genetic also be done through a testing is an analysis of the patient’s DNA, looking for a somat- buccal swab, which simply involves ic mutation that puts the patient at swabbing the inside of the cheek to increased risk of developing cancer collect cells. In the era of COVID, at some point in his or her life. If the remote genetic testing is becoming a testing identifies a mutation associated more common option as well. In this with a known hereditary cancer syn- case, a kit is mailed to the individual, drome, that information can influence who then provides a sputum sample how a patient is screened, for example and mails it to a lab for testing,” says through additional blood testing, en- Dr. Phinney.

In whatever manner it’s performed, doscopic procedures, imaging studies, or other surveillance measures. It may genetic testing is likely to grow in also lead to prophylactic treatment, prominence in the realm of cancer such as risk-reducing surgery or other care. “In the modern era of cancer medicine and therapies, genetic testing procedures.”

It’s important to understand that will play an even bigger role in years having a genetic mutation known to to come. As we learn more about the increase cancer risk does not mean human genome and actionable muthe individual is predestined to de- tations in cancer, genetic testing will velop cancer. Furthermore, not every help drive advances in our medical patient will benefit from genetic knowledge and management of cancer testing. According to Dr. Phinney, in the future,” Dr. Phinney states.

The Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers, appropriate candidates for genetic testing include those with a strong located at 4126 N. Holland Sylvania family history of malignancy, a per- Road, Suite 105, also provides imagsonal history of malignancy at a ing, laboratory, chemotherapy and IV younger age, a personal history of services. The cancer center consists of multiple malignancies, and those 7 medical and 2 radiation oncologists who have no personal history but along with 8 nurse practitioners and have a family member with a genetic 4 research nurses. The cancer center mutation known to increase cancer also has satellite centers in Maumee, n Genetic testing - continued on p28 risk. “Some hereditary mutations Connect with our advertisers via our online issue at hlntoledo.com

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FOR YOUNGSTERS all across our nation, the month of October means but one thing—Halloween is on its way. On this one special night of the year, kids get to fan out through their neighborhoods, dressed in outlandish costumes, with the goal of collecting a sack full of sugar-laden goodies. However, in their haste to accumulate as many treats as possible before the “witching hour” arrives, kids are also quick to forget some basic rules of safety. Though we don’t yet know exactly how various communities across our region will handle the tradition of trick-or-treating in light of COVID-19, parents should set the stage for a safe, healthy Halloween with a little planning.

Safety starts with the costume Deciding what to be and putting the costume together is almost as much fun for kids as the actual trickor-treating. This is also the point at which parents should get involved to ensure their little ghouls get off on the right foot where safety is concerned.

Costumes should be bright, reflective, and short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement, or contact with flame (e.g., the candles in those

Planning a safe and healthy Halloween

porch Jack-O-Lanterns). It’s a good idea to incorporate a flashlight and bands or strips of reflective tape into the costume’s design so your child will be clearly visible to motorists.

Law-enforcement authorities also suggest that emergency-identification

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On Halloween night When Halloween night finally arrives, make sure your kids eat a nutritious meal before hitting the streets. This simple step will discourage them from gobbling up half their Halloween booty before they even reach home.

Home fire safety must also be considered. Make sure electrical circuits aren’t overloaded with Halloween lighting or decorations, and position Jack-O-Lanterns at a safe distance from drapes, decorations, flammable materials, or any areas where costumed children will be walking. To eliminate the risk of fire from Jack-O-Lanterns altogether, light them with chemical glow sticks

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information, including your child’s name, address, and phone number, should be discreetly concealed within each child’s costume or worn on a bracelet.

Masks are often considered an integral part of the Halloween ensemble. However, if one is worn, make sure it doesn’t limit the child’s field of vision. All elements of the costume, including wigs and handheld accessories, should be clearly labeled as flame resistant. Simulated weapons—knives, guns, etc.—are best left at home. Too often, tragedy results when a toy weapon is mistaken for the real thing.

9/21/20 3:14 PM

instead of candles.

If your children are old enough to trick-or-treat without parental supervision, make sure you know the neighborhoods they will be visiting and the exact route they will take to get there. Agree upon a time for them to return, and equip them with a cell phone so they can call or text you in the event of any unforeseen delays or call 911 in the event of an emergency.

While trick-or-treating • Young children should be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult.

• Older children should travel in groups.

• Carry a flashlight.

• Visit only well-lit streets.

• Use sidewalks at all times. If no sidewalk is available, walk on the farthest edge of the road, facing on-coming traffic.

• Never cut across yards or walk down alleys.

• Walk, don’t run, especially when crossing roads.

• Never enter a stranger’s house or car for any reason.

• Obey all traffic and pedestrian rules.

• Remove masks before crossing a street, driveway, or alley.

• Never consume food items or drinks offered by strangers.

• Never eat candy until it is inspected by parents.

• Immediately notify lawenforcement authorities of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

The candy inspection Actual cases of candy tampering are extremely rare. Nonetheless, parents should check their kids Halloween haul for any unwrapped or otherwise suspicious-looking candy.

Parents should also be on the lookout for age-inappropriate treats, such as gumballs, hard candies, or other choking hazards in a toddler’s candy sack.

Last but not least—though this step might prove unpopular with little trick-or-treaters—it’s a good idea to divide your child’s treats into small, reasonable portions so they aren’t consumed all in one sitting. ❦

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Don’t forget, it’s

WITH THE WHOLE WORLD laser serious flu complications.”

Both COVID-19 and influenza are focused on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it’s easy to forget that respiratory ailments that commonly we’re entering another flu season cause symptoms such as coughing, this month. But the seasonal flu is fever, and body aches. However, these nothing to sneeze at. Notwithstanding two viruses are actually quite different the severity of COVID-19, influenza from one another. Dr. Swartz notes remains a significant health concern that with COVID-19, patients may that sickens many and claims numer- exhibit somewhat strange symptoms in addition to those it shares ous lives each year. with the flu, for example “Flu can be a devasloss of taste and smell and/ tating disease, especially or blue coloration in the for those with underlying toes or extremities due health conditions,” explains to problems with platelet Mercy Health family phyaggregation. sician Jeffery Swartz, MD. Having served for many “People who are obese are years as a family physiparticularly vulnerable to cian with an emphasis on the flu because obesity sports medicine, Dr. Swartz compromises the immune Jeffery Swartz, MD has recently shifted to an system. Comorbidities such integrative, whole-health as congestive heart failure approach to care.

“We combine eleand chronic obstructive pulmonary 1 8/7/20 10:01 AM 10.25x5_ES_SkilledRehFac_Ad_HL_820_HI.pdf ments of traditional medicine with disease also predispose people to

other evidence-based treatments, such as the use of supplements in cancer patients, which has shown pretty good results,” he says.

Rather than react to a disease or disorder after it develops, Dr. Swartz prefers to take a proactive approach— reducing risk in order to prevent disease and prolong his patients’ longevity.

When it comes to preventing the flu, COVID, or other viral illnesses that are out there and equally dangerous, several lifestyle factors come into play.

Dr. Swartz notes, for example, that the standard American diet lacks many of the vital nutrients that help fight off infection, such as polyphenols and polyflavonoids, so improving one’s diet is a major step in the right direction. Exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, and addressing issues with mental health can also help strengthen immune function.

From the standpoint of supplements, Dr. Swartz emphasizes the importance of maintaining an appropriate level of vitamin D in warding off viral infection. “Medscape reports that taking 10,000 units of vitamin D daily for three days at the first sign of symptoms can help reduce viral symptoms by roughly 75 percent. We also use elderberry and zinc together to help fight off symptoms and treat infection. In fact, we use about 10 different supplements in our practice and are looking at others,” he adds.

Dr. Swartz is also hopeful that the universal precautions we’re all taking

©2020 Elizabeth Scott Community

THEY KEEP COMING BACK.

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in response to COVID—masking, handwashing, and social distancing— will be helpful in reducing exposure to influenza as well.

In addition to taking appropriate precautions and making healthy lifestyle choices, it’s important to get a flu vaccine on an annual basis. Each year’s vaccine contains the strains that health experts believe are most likely to be circulating and causing illness during the upcoming flu season. Of course, the effectiveness of the vaccine in any given flu season depends on how well the included strains match up to those that are actually circulating, which is why the flu shot may be, say, only 40 percent effective one year but 70 percent effective the next.

Also, despite common misconception, there is little risk of contracting influenza from the vaccine itself.

Nor is there any scientific basis to the fear that getting a flu shot makes one more vulnerable to COVID-19.

“On the other hand, if you don’t get vaccinated, there is a possibility that you could get influenza and then pick up COVID on top of it. That’s why it’s so important to protect yourself and give your body what it needs to build immunity and fight off these viral infections. You can achieve that with healthy living and a whole-health approach to medical care,” Dr. Swartz advises.

For more information or to find a doctor, visit www.mercy.com/primarycare. ❦

How can you judge the quality of care at a rehab facility? Ask the patients who’ve been there.

They’ll tell you we offer great, customized care with an emphasis on protecting their health during these trying times. They’ll tell you our response time is fast and the food is good.

How can we be so sure? Because our patients keep coming back when they need additional therapy.

If your provider prescribes skilled rehabilitation, choose the facility with repeat customers. Contact Matt Bucher, Director of Marketing, for more information.

Note: File photos used here were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Independent & Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation 2720 Albon Road Maumee, OH 43537 (419) 865-3002 • elizabethscott.org Healthy Living News | October 2020 9

STILL LOCAL. STILL YOURS. Everyone has a story. And, at St. Luke’s Hospital, ours has been to provide quality health care to our patients for more than 100 years. We recently joined McLaren Health Care, which means, as our story continues, we’ll have a new name – McLaren St. Luke’s.

While our name has changed, you can count on us for the same high-quality health care and long-trusted medical professionals. You can also expect us to strengthen and grow our already great services. With upgraded technology,

10 October 2020 | Healthy Living News

enhanced equipment, and soon updated surgical suites and intensive care center, we’re advancing our system today to meet the needs of tomorrow. Our commitment to being a leader in healing and your partner in health has been our history in northwest Ohio. And it’s still our priority because we’re still local and still yours.

Visit mclaren.org/stlukes or call 419-893-5911.

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Individualized care helps Laurels COPD patients breathe easier THE STAFF AT The Laurels of Toledo, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located at 1011 Byrne Road, sees a wide range of diagnoses and conditions among the facility’s longterm residents and short-term rehab guests. One of the more common disease states they encounter and manage is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that makes breathing difficult and gets progressively worse over time. The most common cause of the disease is cigarette smoking, including secondhand smoke, but according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, long-term exposure to other lung irritants, such as pollution, chemical fumes, or dusts, can also contribute to COPD, even in people who have never smoked.

Laurels certified nurse practitioner Jennifer Lockard explains that the symptomology of COPD can vary significantly from individual to individual and at different stages of the disease. In the earliest stage, COPD may cause no noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses, the individual may experience shortness of breath, chest

tightness, wheezing, coughing that produces mucus, fatigue, and other symptoms. In later stages, the disease can become debilitating. “It’s also important to be aware that COPD can affect people emotionally as well as physically. Even with relatively mild cases, the impact on quality of life—for example struggling more with day-today activities or being unable to go outside in certain temperatures or environments—can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety,” she says.

Lockard notes that in addition to experiencing a wide range of respiratory symptoms, people with COPD are at somewhat higher risk of developing secondary infections, which can make them even sicker. She also emphasizes that because their lung tissue is already compromised, it’s

essential for people with COPD to bolster their immune system with vaccines against flu and pneumonia at this time of year.

Furthermore, various comorbidities (medical conditions occurring simultaneously with another), such as hypertension, heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, and others, can be associated with COPD, which can complicate treatment and management of the disease. Interestingly, not only are people with COPD at increased risk of developing comorbidities, but having one or more comorbidities can also lead to exacerbation, or flare-ups, of the COPD. Though COPD cannot be reversed or cured, it can usually be managed effectively. Treatment can take many forms, both pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical, again depend-

Outpatient Therapy

ing on the individual and his or her specific symptoms. “For all our residents or guests with COPD, we advise smoking cessation as well as exercise to increase their lung capacity so they’re better able to function and cope with flareups,” Lockard says. “Management might also involve the use of oxygen, inhalers and nebulizers, steroids to help control flareups, as well as physical therapy to improve the individual’s lung health and endurance.”

As with all long-term residents and short-term rehab guests at The Laurels, those with COPD receive treatment that is tailored to their unique needs, including individualized care plans for each patient, with the goal of helping them achieve the best possible outcome and enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

The Laurels of Toledo accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most private commercial insurances. With a physician’s order, outpatient therapy at the Laurels is available, as well as inpatient rehabilitation stays and long-term care. For more information, call 419-536-7600 or visit www. laurelsoftoledo.com. ❦

Inpatient Short-Term Rehab

Accept Most Insurances

Come Experience The Laurel Difference!

The Laurels of Toledo • 1011 N. Byrne Rd. Toledo, OH 43607 • 419-536-7600 • Go on a virtual tour at: www.laurelsoftoledo.com Connect with our advertisers via our online issue at hlntoledo.com

Healthy Living News | October 2020 11

Healthy aging Part 1

by Daniel J. Jachimiak, BA

Announcing the first Sylvania Franciscan Virtual Gala OF ALL THE things that have been cancelled this year, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania hope that caring for others is not one of them.

The annual Sylvania Franciscan Gala will be virtual this year, and anyone can join us on Wednesday, October 14 and Thursday, October 15, 2020, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. (EST).

The Virtual Gala features fun video messages from the Sisters of St. Francis, a “Jeoparty” game with Sylvania Franciscan contestants, a few words from Gala sponsors, and a silent auction (bidding until 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15)! Silent auction items include a weekend at Mackinac Island, a week in Cancun, a hand-painted shawl by Sister Sharon Havelak, a “September 11, 2001” signed print by Walter Chapman, and much more.

Registration is free. Those interested in supporting the Sisters of St. Francis and their ministries can register by using the following link: sosfgala2020.givesmart.com.

The Gala proceeds benefit all ministries in which Sylvania Franciscan Sisters are active. Sisters support others every day all year through outreach ministries in seven states and eight dioceses.

For more information, contact Eileen Kerner at ekerner@sistersosf. org or 419-824-3625. ❦ n

Sunset - continued from p6

back home smoothly, and private treatment rooms. The mobility courtyard includes varying grades of surface, allowing clients to test their gait on the types of surfaces they’ll need to navigate on a day-to-day basis. This area also includes a non-operating car to help clients work on the skills necessary to transfer in and out of a vehicle safely.

Furthermore, the rehab center is pet friendly to help clients feel even more at home and offers private suites with WI-FI access as well as personal-concierge-like services for clients who stay at the facility during their rehab.

Most importantly, Sunset’s therapy team is poised to meet a wide variety of rehabilitation needs—ranging from orthopedic, neurological, cardiac, or cardiopulmonary issues to management of post-surgical pain and chronic diseases such as diabetes and congestive heart failure. The team also includes a therapist who is LSVT certified to work with those affected by Parkinson’s disease.

To learn more, please call Sunset Village at 419-724-1200 or Fieldstone Villas at Sunset Village at 419-386-2686, or visit www.sunset-communities. org. ❦

12 October 2020 | Healthy Living News

IN THE FIRST PART of the 20th century, the average life expectancy was only 45 years. Today the average life expectancy has increased to 78.6 years.

With the added 33 years to our life expectancy, we need to work toward a new image of aging, one that includes active, productive, vital years that are full of love, laughter, and intimacy.

Some scientists tell us that 70 percent of the characteristics of aging are based on the choices we make every day—that is, our personal lifestyle choicDaniel J. Jachimiak es. Our attitude and our sense of control over our lives are the keys in determining whether we just add years to our life or we add life to those years.

Get an attitude Satchel Paige said, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?” This question is an important one for each of us to think about. Our birthday doesn’t always reflect how old we really are. What’s important is how young we feel.

America’s youth-focused culture has made it hard for many of us to feel good about the aging process. For example, we commonly want others to believe we are younger than our true age. However, there is good news for us in America. We have begun to develop a new attitude about aging.

Our ideas about getting old are… old! Through new discoveries, we are learning that how we age is not only a function of our years, but also a function of our attitude.

Let’s take a closer look at aging in America. There has never been a better time in our nation’s history to be an adult. Over 70 percent of Americans will live to celebrate their 65th birthday.

And in 20 years there will be more Americans over 60 than under 15.

Thanks to scientific advances, we have added 33 years to our life expectancy.

Mickey Mantle once said, “If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.” Scientists who study aging

have made the remarkable discovery that most of the changes commonly associated with old people are really not dependent on the passage of time, but rather they result from disuse of our minds and bodies.

It can be said that we are largely responsible for our old age. It may surprise you that scientists say that only 30 percent of the characteristics of aging are based on genetics. Genetics plays the greatest role in health characteristics very early in life. The scientists tell us that about 70 percent of the characteristics of aging are based on the choices we make every day—our personal lifestyle choices.

What’s important is not how old we actually are, but how we are old.

The trick is to shift our focus from staying young to aging with good health and vitality.

Bust the aging myths Our beliefs about aging have a huge impact on how we act and how we take care of ourselves. In fact, a person’s perceived health turns out to be one of the best predictors of his or her future health. Surprisingly, studies have shown that subjective self-reported health is more accurate than an objective health measure from physicians.

How do we go about busting our own aging myths?

• Acknowledge your own aging myths • Educate yourself • Seek role models.

Let’s focus on the five most common myths about aging. It’s reassuring to know that all of these myths are in direct conflict with recent scientific data from researchers in the field of aging.

Myth #1: To be old is to be sick This is a false statement. New research from Stanford University and other research centers shows that older Americans are generally healthy.

Thus, living longer does NOT mean living with illness and disability. Much of your health is within your control.

Myth #2: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks The less people are challenged, the less they can learn and perform.

However, it’s important to know that older people can, and do, learn new things. The fear of age-related n

Healthy aging - continued on p13

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Healthy aging - continued from p12

mental loss is often exaggerated and simply wrong.

Myth #3: The horse is out of the barn Many consider age-related changes irreversible. Fortunately, they are mistaken. In fact, studies have shown that we can recover lost function and decrease our risk of disease by adopting new healthy behaviors at any age.

Of course, if you feel you have an irreversible age-related problem, it’s important to check with your doctor.

However, in almost every case, by adopting healthier habits you can improve your health and quality of life.

Myth #4: The secret of successful aging is to choose your parents wisely It is true that there is some meaningful connection between genetics and aging. However, according to recent studies, the relative importance of genes has been tremendously overstated. Experts in the field of aging report that only about 30 percent of the characteristics of aging can be attributed to genes. As we grow older, our genes, which we have no control over, become less important than the parts of our lives that we can control—our environment and lifestyle.

Myth #5: Older people are miserable The belief that older people are unhappy, lonely, and dejected is one of the biggest myths of all. Studies show that in terms of emotion, the best

years come late in life. As people age, they are more emotionally balanced and better able to solve emotional problems. Older people as a group suffer less from depression, anxiety, and substance abuse than younger people. They manage negative feelings better and enjoy positive feelings more.

Move it or lose it Exercise for the young is important, but exercise for the older person is imperative. Being physically active is the cornerstone of healthy aging. The National Institute of Aging reports that if exercise could be put into a pill, it would be the most widely prescribed medicine in the country.

Many characteristics that we used to attribute to aging—weight gain, brittle bones, forgetfulness, loss of muscle strength—are actually brought about by inactivity. There is no part

HEALTH CROSSWORD

by Myles Mellor • ilovecrosswords.com • Answers on page 15

ACROSS 1 Tropical fruit 6 IV amounts, abbr.

9 Garden tool 10 Another name for eggplant 11 ___ roll, 2 words 12 Type of bean 14 Crunchy fruit 16 Plum variety 17 Low bathroom fixtures 18 Pops 21 Post ___ drip 23 Leafy green vegetable 27 Pays attention to 29 Kitchen instrument

32 Coast Guard rank, abbr.

33 Curve 34 Compass direction 35 Your mother’s daughter 36 Dried fruits DOWN 1 Fuzzy fruit 2 Kernel 3 Orange fruit 4 Exact moment 5 Green sea color 6 Cut up in the kitchen 7 Against 8 Iodine source

13 Pungent salad veggies 15 Italian river 17 Grape collections 19 Rainbow shape 20 Happening 22 Wins, as a dieter?

23 Clam chowder and split pea, for example 24 It cools drinks 25 Good health is one (a plus) 26 Contains 28 Certain compass dir.

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of the body that doesn’t benefit from regular exercise.

Is a medical evaluation necessary before you start exercising? The American Heart Association guidelines indicate that the great majority of apparently healthy adults can participate in a moderate exercise program with minimal medical screening. However, persons with known heart disease, major physical limitations, or symptoms of cardiovascular problems such as shortness of breath or occasional chest pain should receive a medical checkup and more specific recommendations before starting an exercise program.

Exercise is a terrific way to keep going physically and mentally. Being physically active will make you feel energized and less stressed, ready to meet daily challenges we all face. If you already lead an active lifestyle, that’s great! Keep it up! Or maybe you know you need to be more active, but have trouble finding the time in an already jam-packed day.

At least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity five days per week for a total of 150 minutes gives you important health benefits. A walking program is flexible and boasts high success rates because you can stick with it. It’s easy for walking to become a regular and satisfying part of life.

Recent studies show that we spend too much time sitting and all this sitting is causing decreased health. Many of us spend most of our waking hours sitting. We sit eating our meals. We sit

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driving around. We sit watching TV. We sit at our computer. We sit while we are reading or talking on the telephone. Try to interrupt long periods of sitting with frequent breaks. Just stand up and move every 30 minutes.

Strength training at my age? Yes! We all need strength training, but older people need even more than young people do. Starting at about age 35, both men and women begin to lose about 10 percent of their lean muscle mass per decade. This loss is accelerated to 15 percent after age 45 and hits about 30 percent by the time we are 80. This wasting of muscle can go undetected for years because as we get older, our bodies pad the affected areas with fat. Since fat weighs less than muscle, we can even maintain our weight that shows on the scale while we are losing muscle. Much of the decline associated with aging is caused by this loss of muscle mass and gain of fat. When muscle mass begins to go, many other factors such as strength, bone density, balance, and quality of life also decline. Fortunately, recent studies have shown that strength training can prevent this loss of muscle mass.

Daniel J. Jachimiak, BA, is a life coach and life skills trainer working with teens, adults, and seniors in the Toledo area. Dan can be reached at djachimiak@bex.net or 419-787-2036. ~You can have a better life~ ❦

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Local urogynecologist and physical therapist empower women with advanced care and education “We’ve also introduced the option THOUGH COVID-19 TEMPORARILY of telemedicine visits, so patients can shut down their respective practices, Andrew Croak, DO, MS, FACOOG, be seen in the comfort of their own of the Northwest Ohio Center for home rather than in person if they Urogynecology and Women’s Health, prefer. In addition, we’ve created and Karen Liberi, MS, MPT, WCS, of an online boutique at nwourogyn.com, offering a the Northwest Ohio variety of products Center for Pelvic and supplements for Rehabilitation and women, so they can Wellness are once purchase the items again operating at they need without full capacity and having to travel to combining their exthe office,” he adds. tensive expertise to Dr. Croak is a promote women’s board-certified, health in our region. fellowship-trained “Back in March, urogynecologist who we had to close Karen Liberi, MS, MPT, WCS Andrew Croak, DO, MS, FACOOG completed his traindown due to the ing and received a pandemic and were limited to seeing patients for emergen- master’s in Biomedical Science from cies only, but our office and surgical the renowned Mayo Clinic. He was the schedules are now ‘full speed ahead’ third urogynecologist in the country, with excellent safety protocols in MD or DO, to be boarded and to be place. We’re confident we’re doing accepted into the prestigious Society everything right to provide a clean, of Gynecologic Surgeons. He has safe facility for our patients,” Dr. taught over 60 OB/GYN residents in his career, enough to be inducted Croak says.

into the Ohio Osteopathic Mentor Hall of Fame. He was nominated in the past as a Toledo Hometown Healthcare Hero and recently received the Distinguished Fellow award from the American College of Osteopathic OBGYNs. On the surgical front, Dr. Croak recently reached a significant milestone, having completed his 1,000th successful robotic case at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Research shows that high-volume surgeons such as Dr. Croak produce better, safer outcomes, helping to reassure patients that they’re in capable hands.

Dr. Croak’s practice has also had great success using various stateof-the-art technologies, such as the Mona Lisa Touch fractional laser, which is used to treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM. This condition can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms for women, including vaginal itching, irritation, and dryness; urinary urgency; dysuria; and increased nighttime voiding.

“Peri and post-menopausal women, especially breast cancer survivors, suffer because of irritation, painful relations, urinary urgency, or repeated infections,” Dr. Croak says.

“This treatment is life-changing for patients. Over 500 patients in my practice have had 90% long-lasting improvement without any risk.”

Dr. Croak emphasizes that Mona Lisa Touch should not be confused with “vaginal rejuvenation,” a series of poorly tested procedures claiming to tighten the vagina or cure stress urinary incontinence. These “rejuvenations” are often marketed by entities with no pelvic-health training whatsoever, and patients can get hurt as a result, he cautions.

Mona Lisa Touch has scientifically validated data, is treating a set of real conditions that affect millions of women, has been endorsed by major medical institutions, and is performed by Dr. Croak exclusively.

Currently, Dr. Croak’s practice is offering Mona Lisa Touch at a signifin Urogynecologist - continued on p15

Free Community Webinar

You are invited Dr. Andrew Croak DO, MS, FACOOG Karen Liberi MS, MPT, WCS

re! e h s i p l e H ...

P le a s e

jo in u s

Northwest Ohio Center for Urogynecology and Women’s Health will host a Women’s Health Urinary Incontinence Community Webinar

Wednesday, October 21 6 p.m. http://bit.ly/CroakWebinar Approximately 18 million American women sufffer from urinary incontinence.

If bladder leakage is a concern for you, Dr. Andrew Croak encourages you to attend this educational webinar event sponsored by Coloplast Corp. to learn about treatment options.

! l a i c e p MonaLisa Touch TreatmentS $600 off the regular price or $1,500

28442 E. River Road, Ste. 111, Perrysburg, OH 419.893.7134 • nwourogyn.com • nwopelvicrehab.com

14 October 2020 | Healthy Living News

Call for details, 419.893.7134

We love feedback. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.

Urogynecologist - continued from p14

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cant discount through the end of the year due to COVID-19 so individuals on a tight budget can still benefit from this advanced technology.

Now in her 25th year as a physical therapist with highly specialized training in pelvic floor therapy, Karen Liberi can help patients of all ages with pelvic floor disorders, which she defines as “anything that goes wrong ‘down there,’ whether it’s related to the bladder, the bowel, or sexual function.”

Among the pelvic floor issues Ms. Liberi commonly treats are urinary or fecal incontinence, prolapse, constipation, and pelvic pain. “Another patient population I frequently treat are prenatal and postpartum moms, many of whom need rehab for those muscles that recently had trauma to them,” she adds. In fact, Ms. Liberi actively advocates for the prenatal/postpartum community by offering “4th trimester care,” which promotes physical recovery from birth and is particularly useful for women who are struggling to return to exercise due to bladder incontinence, experiencing post-partum pelvic prolapse pressure, or having difficulty returning to intercourse due to painful scars.

Ms. Liberi has always been on the forefront of her profession as a board-certified pelvic floor therapist.

She was part of the first inaugural class of Women’s Health Certified Specialists (WCS) in 2009 through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and is one of the first nationally recertified therapists of her kind. Currently she is one of only 380 physical therapists in the US with the designation of WCS. She’s also a practitioner for Maven, an online digital healthcare clinic for women and avid educator for the community Answers to crossword from page 13 1

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and medical professionals.

Interestingly, many people aren’t even aware that pelvic floor rehab exists—or they assume it involves nothing more than Kegel exercises.

“Some patients come in and tell me, ‘I’ve already tried Kegels,’ but pelvic floor rehab involves much more than that. Also, it’s important to understand how, when, and why you’re doing Kegels—and sometimes you shouldn’t be doing them at all. For example, if you have pelvic pain with a very tight pelvic floor, you don’t necessarily want to tighten those muscles even further at the onset of therapy,” Ms. Liberi explains.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation has many nuances, and Ms. Liberi is connected with many disciplines including urogynecologists, Ob-Gyns, urologists, GI doctors, counselors, sex therapists, nutritionists, and naturopathic doctors to help form a well-rounded team for her patients.

Both Dr. Croak and Ms. Liberi are committed to the community they’ve served for 16 and 25 years respectively, and both are dedicated to providing vital education on issues affecting women’s health. For example, on Wednesday, October 21 at 6:00 p.m., Dr. Croak will be hosting a free webinar on urinary incontinence, an issue that affects one out of every four women. To register and to access the webinar, visit http://bit.ly/CroakWebinar.

In November, Dr. Croak will be discussing pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence on a national podcast called the Happy Vagina Summit hosted by urogynecologist Dr. Betsy Greenleaf—more information to come.

Contact information for the practices of Dr. Andrew Croak and Karen Liberi is as follows: Andrew Croak, DO, MS, FACOOG Northwest Ohio Center for

Urogynecology and Women’s Health 28442 East River Road, Suite #111 Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-893-7134 www.nwourogyn.com Karen Liberi, MS, MPT, WCS Northwest Ohio Center for Pelvic

Rehabilitation and Wellness 28442 East River Road, Suite #103 Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-893-7134, option #5 www.nwopelvicrehab.com ❦

Connect with our advertisers via our online issue at hlntoledo.com

A blessing going forward

by Sister Mary Thill JUST HOW MANY times will we need to be reminded that love is the answer to many of the challenges in our society these days? I have almost stopped watching the news because I find myself getting upset with what I see and hear going on around me. Increased killings on our streets, people destroying rather than demonstrating, forest fires burning out of control, Covid 19 still taking lives, politicians sounding divisive rather than uniting, and I could go on and on. Where is the love in all this?

I mean real love, the love that calls for the best of what’s in us, the love that reaches out and helps others, the love that goes above and beyond the call of duty and accepts others for who they are as human beings just like us. Do we really believe that robbing, hurting, beating, shooting, and killing others solves the problems in our society? I hope and pray, as we must now take time to slow down and reflect on what we need to do to get our lives back together, that we will see just how to do so in a more loving way than before all this started.

Take the wearing of a face covering, for example. Is that not one of the most unusual things to happen to you? It’s so obvious, so invasive of one’s freedom to breathe and to look like oneself. I’m amazed that people recognize me as I often have a difficult time recognizing my friends behind their masks. It has not, however, prevented me from being myself and greeting others with the respect and dignity they deserve whether they know me or not. Perhaps the mask has made me more sensitive and more inclusive of who I do and don’t greet. How much does a person’s appearance determine my attitude toward them or the way I greet them—or even if I greet them? Have I been hiding behind a “mask” all along?

What about this social distancing guide? I think it’s a “keeper” of a social policy. Think about how we spread all kinds of germs by talking with one another, not to mention singing or shouting or whispering. I know a

Hurt people, hurt people.

That’s how pain patterns get passed on, generation after generation.

Break the chain today.

Meet anger with sympathy, contempt with compassion, cruelty with kindness.

Greet grimaces with smiles.

Forgive and forget about finding fault.

Love is the weapon of the future. +Yehuda Berg Love your neighbor as you love yourself. +Jesus the Christ few people who almost stand on top of me when they speak, and I find myself backing away just to have some space. This social distancing must be very difficult for them, but I see it as a blessing.

Whose mother hasn’t reminded them to wash their hands before sitting down at the dinner table or just any time you have had to touch food or pick up something special or fragile like a baby brother or sister or special object? I know that hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap have become precious commodities now, and I wonder why we didn’t pay more attention to them before this coronavirus spread. Perhaps we’ll have less flu this season because of this new awareness of germs. Hospitals have known about the spread of germs in that environment for decades and have now become more vigilant about protecting patients, staff, and visitors from germs and viruses that they’ve been dealing with for a long time.

Even these simple requests/guidelines from the CDC and others are really a few ways we can show the love necessary to “break the chain” of hurt. Do we really want to hurt others by our behavior, or do we want to “love others as we love ourselves”?

How much do you love yourself?

Sster Mary Thill is a Sylvania Franciscan Sister. She recently retired from Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center and looks forward to being and doing in a new time and in new ways. ❦

Healthy Living News | October 2020 15

A WALK IN THE PARK Fall on the Blue Ridge is almost as lovely as spring. Tough choice, though.

How much is enough?

by LeMoyne Mercer NICK, MY BARBER, said his parents were looking into buying an RV. Like many people confined by the pandemic, they were eager to break out and feel free again. RV sales and rentals set all-time records this year.

His father suggested they might take three years to see the country and then sell the RV. Which is an

interesting concept. With rigorous research and planning, you might be able to plot a course that would take you to all the places you ever wanted to go in only three years.

It was not clear to Nick if his father meant full-timing for three years or if he felt that he could make a series of trips that would eventually take him everywhere—whatever that means. He was also not clear on

how his father decided three years was enough. A three-year plan implies specific goals and objectives.

We want to see this. We don’t care about that. But there are marvelous places totally unknown to 99% of the population that would never make it into anybody’s plans. One of the benefits of RVing is that people tell you about these places you never heard of.

Conversely, you might choose to avoid places that many people find appealing. Shirley and I have been to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam several times on our way to and from Yosemite, Death Valley, and the national parks in Arizona and Utah. We restock our pantry at the Las Vegas Costco and Trader Joe’s.

Have never once gone to any of the famous casinos to see the shows and bright lights. Some people find this totally incomprehensible.

The decision to travel in a motorhome creates its own set of advantages and limitations depending upon the kind of vehicle you choose—as many new owners are soon to find out. We have a Roadtrek (Class B campervan) because we want something small and agile enough to handle narrow, steep, winding gravel roads way back into national forests where the trout streams run cold and clear and the serenity is complete. It is also easy to visit our favorite city, Savannah, and park right on the street as we walk the Historic District and river front.

Likewise, in New Orleans we park across the street from the golden statue of St. Joan of Arc and stroll through the French Quarter. In Charleston,

We can park right next to the golden statue of St. Joan of Arc, and walk a block to Cafe du Monde for a beignet and cafe au lait before strolling through the French Quarter. we park at the Battery for easy access to the historic neighborhood south of Broad St. and along the Rainbow Row section of East Bay St. But there are tradeoffs. Owners of big Class A motor homes cannot

Our RV is just the right size for parking in Charleston to visit the palaces along Rainbow Row.

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park on the street or even in commercial parking lots so they usually have towed vehicles (“toads”) to reach places their rigs just can’t go. Some travel trailer and pickup truck combinations are as long as an 18-wheeler with all the lack of maneuverability that implies. Friends who own such a rig can’t bring it home from storage to load up before a trip because it won’t make the turns into the neighborhood. Obviously, they feel it is worth hauling all of their supplies to the rig in exchange for more living space and quite literally all the comforts of an actual home.

At Mammoth Campground in Yellowstone, an Asian couple asked our friends Russ and Susan if they could have a peek inside their Class A motor coach. The Asians were impressed because, with several slide outs, it is bigger than their apartment back home and they were further amazed that only two people live in it.

Speaking of living in it, Shirley and I have met quite a number of full-time RVers. Some were professionals who, thanks to technology, found that they could work from anywhere and did not need to report to a 25-square-foot cubicle every day.

This point was further emphasized by the Great Plague when both work and the schooling of children were often done remotely. Even before the pandemic, RVers were “home schooling” their kids on the road.

Probably doing it more effectively as well because it was a deliberate choice they prepared for rather than a responsibility suddenly forced on them.

Most of the million or so full-timers are retirees who just want to see the country while they are still vertical.

Some sold their homes and used the proceeds to buy luxurious RVs so they could travel in style and comfort. An even smaller subset are people with zero prior experience camping and/ or RVing. But that’s like learning to swim by diving into the deep end of the pool.

One such couple we met along the Natchez Trace. They sold their home in Buffalo and, like two drifters, were off to see the world. There’s such a lot of world to see. They spent the first winter near Brownsville at the southern tip of Texas where they enjoyed the weather, especially compared to Buffalo, and socializing with fellow RVers. In the spring, they headed to Yosemite. What they overlooked was that “spring” at the tip of Texas

Early morning mist in the Grand Canyon. Yep. One visit is probably enough. means something altogether different from spring high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Nick’s father evidently thinks of travel as a way to check things off a bucket list—stuff you gotta do before you kick the bucket. I met an elderly gentleman like that on the deck of the Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge.

He was in a wheelchair. He said his daughter brought him there because he had always wanted to see the Canyon. Too bad, I thought, you waited until you were in a wheelchair.

A bucket list also implies a certain attitude about the visit. OK, I saw the Grand Canyon so what’s next?

Shirley and I know two couples traveling together who went through Yellowstone National Park. In one side, out the other. Didn’t stop. Claimed they didn’t see any animals. (Which is really, really hard to believe.) They couldn’t understand why people think Yellowstone is such a big deal.

Even so, they are forever entitled to say they have been to Yellowstone.

Check that off the list.

Which reminds me of the ques-

tion a tourist supposedly asked a park ranger. “What would you do if you had only one day to spend in Yellowstone?” Response: “I would just sit down and cry!”

If you were planning on three years to see the country, does that mean you are willing to settle for one day at the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone because you have lots of other places on your list? (If it’s Tuesday, this must be Zion.) For some people, that is the case.

Some people ain’t us.

Unlike the keepers of lists for one-time visits, there are numerous places we love and have returned to repeatedly. So, if we spend all our time going back to the same old places, how do we manage to visit any new places?

The trick is to plan every trip as a loop so you get to see something different returning than you did going. By now you understand that I am not qualified to tell you how to visit Las Vegas. I will, however, suggest starting relatively close to home.

That is, be sure that you enjoy the process before you sell your house and head for Brownsville. But you should still go far enough to get a feel for the wonders of America beyond

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the flatlands of NW Ohio—awe-inspiring though they may be.

One of our favorite trips of a couple weeks or so is down I-75 to Great Smoky Mountains NP, then north on the 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway to Shenandoah NP in Virginia and back home from there. This loop is especially pleasant when the spring wildflowers are in bloom and in the fall color season. Both the Parkway and the connecting Skyline Drive

Preserved or restored pioneer cabins are found all along the Parkway and Skyline Drive. in Shenandoah NP run along the crest of the ridge. There are glorious views of mountain ridges stretching to the western horizon and the rolling Piedmont with scattered farms n A Walk in the Park - continued on p18

Donna Hens, West Toledo resident chose Rosary Care Center I rehabilitated after knee surgery at Rosary Care because I don’t have anyone at home to help me.

My room was private with a bathroom – and it was clean!

I can’t say enough about the nurses and how responsive they were whenever I needed something.

Daily activities for residents were nice and they encouraged me to get out of my room and socialize.

AND, Physical Therapy came daily – even on weekends.

Rosary Care Center is located on the 89 acre Sylvania Franciscan campus. We welcome everyone in a warm, caring environment.

Visit us online at rosarycare.org

Call for a tour today. 419.824.3600 We have been to the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone 16 times, I think. Which is probably not quite enough. Maybe if there is a vaccine next year....

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Healthy Living News | October 2020 17

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concerts and informal jam sessions, and the Appalachian Craft Center with ordinary pioneer household goods raised to the level of fine art. Shirley and I always stop at the picturesque Mabry Mill where volunteers demonstrate how to turn corn and wheat into meal and flour. The restaurant across the mill pond is a great place for down-home country fare.

You may think the entire loop is rather long and way too much. We do not. Even so, most Blue Ridge

A Walk in the Park - continued from p17

Every trip on the Blue Ridge includes a stop at Mabry Mill and its restaurant. to the east. Commercial traffic is forbidden, and the highest speed limit is 45 mph on the Parkway and 35 on Skyline. The purpose of the road is to promote sightseeing and outdoor recreation. There are 280 scenic overlooks on the Parkway and another 105 on Skyline.

Along the way are preserved and restored pioneer homes and farms, waterfalls, access to the Appalachian Trail and hundreds of miles of other trails, the Blue Ridge Music Center for

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The recreated 1607 village of Jamestown, VA is still a very active archeological site. Knowledge of the first English settlement in America is constantly expanded and shared with visitors. you are a history buff. Try Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown and Yorktown, the homes of Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe.

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Lee surrendered. Visit some Colonial era mansions along the Charles River.

(We are especially fond of Shirley Plantation.)

You don’t like history? You might change your mind if you actually went to some of these places. Perhaps you do like wine. Tour some vineyards that now stand side-by-side all along the Piedmont side of the Blue Ridge.

Go to Virginia Beach. Better yet, go to the much less crowded beach at Assateague on the Delmarva Peninsula where the wild ponies hang out.

Assateague, on the Delmarva Peninsula, is home to wild ponies that wander pretty much wherever they choose.

One of our long-time favorite hikes in the Smokies is out to Abrams Falls.

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travelers choose a convenient portion of the route rather than the whole thing. You might just dip a toe in the water instead of plunging in headfirst.

You are not even required to own an RV to do any of this. Before our RVing days, Shirley and I enjoyed late October trips to Shenandoah where we stayed in the park lodges at Skyland and Big Meadows.

Though we had tent camped during the warmer months, fall at 5,000 feet can get a little nippy. There are B&Bs and motels all along the Parkway, so you can sample only as much as you think is enough.

If you find that you actually enjoy the experience, next time expand on it. Visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, NC. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is marvelous during the spring flower season and at the Michaelmas Harvest Festival in the fall. Virginia has enough to keep you busy for all three years—especially if

We have visited several Colonial-era plantations along the Charles River.

My favorite, of course, is Shirley.

Now, Shirley and I are accustomed to traveling about three months in winter and summer plus occasional short trips in spring and fall. Since 2012, we have been going to Arizona.

Our friends Sandy and Bill board Southwest and arrive at their Phoenix winter home in a few hours. It takes us about six weeks to get there because we pause several times along the way for a couple days to a week or more.

We would never consider driving straight through. Sandy and Bill look forward to golf and pickle ball and swimming and restaurants. Shirley and I look forward to magnificent scenery, wildlife, and serenity. It is difficult to experience much of that from 40,000 feet. Different people have different priorities.

You might be interested in what we find to see and do along the way to Arizona. Next month, this column will describe how we make those six weeks on the road just a walk in the park.

LeMoyne Mercer is the travel editor for Healthy Living News. There is limited space here for LeMoyne’s photos. You might want to see more at anotherwalkinthepark.blogspot.com.

Please leave comments on the site. ❦

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Diabetes got you on pins and needles?

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Running tips for beginners

by Amanda Manthey ARE YOU INTERESTED in running but afraid of the first steps? Here are a few tips to get you off on the right foot and on your way to enjoying the sport of running. Most important, consult your physician before starting any exercise program.

As a runner, the most important piece of equipment is your pair of running shoes. Before starting your running program, visit a shop that specializes in running shoes, such as Dave’s Running Shop, for an assessment of your needs and a personalized fit.

One of the most common complaints of a new runner is, “I can’t breathe.” Focus your energy on exhaling rather than inhaling. As your need for air increases, think about forcing the air out of your lungs rather than sucking it in. This will make you less tired than when you are huffing and puffing and will also help prevent hyperventilation.

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In the beginning, take frequent short runs after resting sufficiently.

Your runs should last long enough for your body to get a workout but still be able to recover in time for your next run. If you over exercise and your muscles do not recover to their original condition, you will not gain any benefit. Strength is gained during rest when your muscles repair the fibers that are broken down during exercise. But remember, every runner is different when it comes to the amount and frequency of exercise that is appropriate. Listen to your body.

As a novice runner, take quick steps rather than long ones. You will not tire as fast if you take short, fast steps rather than long, slow ones, especially when you are tackling hills. When running downhill, lean your body forward in order to try to keep your body perpendicular to the hill.

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ning group, or seek out a running partner. Some runners find that taking music along on their workouts helps make running fun. When using headphones, though, play the music at a reasonable level so you can hear traffic noise and remain alert to potential hazards. Speaking of hazards, if you are running alone, carry identification and always run against traffic, preferably on sidewalks or running paths.

One of the best ways to improve and get more enjoyment out of

running is to enter road races. The experience of finishing a running race is exhilarating. Start with the goal of a 5K (3.1 miles) road race, “fun run,” or a relay race with your running friends. Races can provide the foundation for enjoying a long life of running.

Happy running!

Amanda Manthey is a former collegiate runner at Eastern Michigan University.

She writes about running and fitness for Dave’s Running Shop. ❦

Don’t miss Dave’s races!

Runners, get ready to “take your mark” in these exciting community events sponsored by Dave’s Running Shop. For more information on the following events, including any associated costs/fees, please visit davesrunning.com.

Race for Grace PAIL Remembrance 5K Run/Walk Thursday, October 1 through Monday, October 5, 2020 at 407 Stearns Ave. (near Deshler Reservoir), Deshler, Ohio. Remembrance Walk with t-shirt: 9:30 a.m. Remembrance Walk without t-shirt: 10:00 a.m. Please note that the 5K will be VIRTUAL ONLY this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Remembrance Walk will be done in person, with some adaptations for safety. This event is such a special time to bring awareness to pregnancy and infant loss, experienced by one in every four pregnancies, as well as to show our support as we walk and remember together with so many families honoring the memory of their precious babies. All proceeds go to support the mission of Sufficient Grace Ministries as they support families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss.

McQueen’s Run for Your Life Sunday, October 11, 2020 at McQueen Orchards, 7605 Garden Rd., Holland, Ohio. One week after the annual MacQueen Orchards Apple Butter Stir Festival, MacQueen’s will be hosting the Run for Your Life 10K, 5K, and Ichabod Challenge. 10K and Ichabod Challenge at 7:30 a.m. 5K at 9:30 a.m. Get ready for the Halloween season by coming as a family and trying out your costumes during the runs. The course starts and finishes at MacQueen Orchards and travels through the scenic Holland neighborhoods.

Platinum Filament 5K Costume Run Saturday, October 17, 2020, 12:00 p.m. at 6751 Providence St., Whitehouse, Ohio. The Platinum Filament 5K Costume Run is a 3.15-mile race that you can run or walk. As a virtual race, you can choose to run whenever and wherever you want!

Racing for Recovery 10K & 5K Presented by Mercy Health Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 651 Superior St. in Rossford, Ohio. 5K and 1-mile walk at 8:00 a.m. 10K at 8:10 a.m. Free Kids Run at 9:30 a.m. 10K and 5K can also be completed virtually. Racing for Recovery’s mission since 2001 is to prevent all forms of substance abuse by promoting a lifestyle of fitness and health for all those affected by addiction. This event is the annual celebration of providing the community with substance abuse alternatives, awareness, prevention, and treatment. ❦ We love feedback. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.

UTMC offers round-the-clock access to comprehensive orthopaedic care DYS celebrates 37 years of service during Diabetes Awareness Month DIABETES YOUTH SERVICES (DYS) is celebrating all youth living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their families during November’s Diabetes Awareness Month. Youth living with T1D require persistent, 24/7 care and a deep understanding of how their bodies function at a young age. We celebrate their tenacity, strength, and desire to be more than just a person living with T1D. DYS is wrapping up a t-shirt contest for youth living with T1D. Jupmode will print the winning design on t-shirts, and proceeds will benefit DYS educational services, family programs, and five camps.

DYS also has created a large poster that will be displayed in ProMedica’s Mary Ellen Falzone Diabetes Center for those to sign who are living with T1D or support someone who is. In addition, DYS families are creating 30-second positive videos about their journey that will appear on the DYS Facebook page.

DYS’s 2020 Connection Gala will be virtual this year. “The theme is ‘Connection’ because more than ever, we value connecting with our families and, more importantly, connecting them to each other so they can lift each other up and cheer on their next success,” said DYS Board Chair Clare Armbruster.

The 2020 Connection Gala will be held Friday, November 13 from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Prior to the Gala, from November 1-12, silent auction items will be available for guests to bid on. DYS Gala Co-Chair Lisa Richards said, “The night of the Gala will celebrate our honorary chair, Terry Bossert, and Volunteer of the Year Award family Kris, Kathie, and Brian Johnson. The night will spotlight our DYS families as well as raise needed funds from the live auction and fund a camper.”

Those interested in purchasing t-shirts and/or buying gala tickets should go to our website at www.dys4kids.org.

DYS is a non-profit located in Toledo, OH serving the 34 counties of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. We know that there are thousands of youth living with type 1 diabetes in our service area. We provide free educational services for young people living with type 1 diabetes, their families, schools, and communities. We also offer a variety of family programs, as well as camps. No one is ever turned away because of financial restrictions.

For more information, contact DYS Executive Director Linda Leinbach Mays at 419-291-1234 or linda@dys4kids.org. ❦

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THE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO MEDICAL CENTER’S ORTHOPAEDIC CENTER is setting itself apart with next-level service in nearly every phase of its interactions with patients.

At many orthopaedic facilities, it can take weeks or months to get an appointment, leaving patients to deal with painful conditions that negatively affect their day-to-day lives. But at the UTMC Orthopaedic Center, patients can get same-day appointments at an all-inclusive facility.

And according to Dr. Nabil Ebraheim, the chair of UTMC’s orthopaedic department, it truly is all-inclusive, helping patients treat their underlying conditions and get back to their lives as quickly as possible.

“We treat every orthopaedic condition from neck to toe,” he said. “We treat the young, old, healthy, sick, rich, poor and everyone in between.”

The Center’s all-inclusive nature extends beyond the patients and conditions it treats, too. At the Orthopaedic Center, patients have 24/7 access to truly comprehensive care. Because the Center has so many different resources and specialists on-site, patients don’t have to travel to multiple locations to receive lab work and imaging, pick up prescriptions, or connect with therapy services. And because patients can connect with the Orthopaedic Center 24/7, they can easily schedule appointments for whatever time is most convenient for them.

As a bonus, the Orthopaedic Center also offers a unique concierge service, giving personalized attention to everyone who comes to the Orthopaedic Center. That attention ranges from something as simple as someone to guide patients to their appointments to valet service and refreshments for patients while they wait for their conversation with a doctor. And for out-of-town patients, the concierge can give recommendations on hotel n UTMC - continued on p33

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Approximately 15% of couples experience difficulty conceiving a child. These challenges can be stressful and frustrating. Male infertility is a contributing factor in up to half of these couples and board-certified experts at The University of Toledo Medical Center are ready to help.

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Sleep apnea: when snoring signals something serious FROM TIME TO TIME, we all have those nights when restful sleep proves elusive and it’s a struggle to stay awake, alert, and productive the following day. But for the millions of Americans who suffer with sleep apnea, this battle against excessive sleepiness plays out every single day.

Sleep apnea is a chronic condition characterized by episodes of involuntary breathing cessation during sleep. These episodes commonly repeat as often as five to 30 times per hour but can be even more frequent.

Sleep apnea sufferers can experience a wide range of problematic symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, moodiness, irritability, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, depression, poor work or school performance, and an increased risk of vehicle or workplace accidents. Apnea can also worsen or increase the risk of certain serious health conditions, such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart arrhythmias, heart attack, and stroke.

There are three distinct forms of sleep apnea, the most common by far being obstructive sleep apnea, or

OSA, which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and the airway becomes blocked by excess tissue in the airway (for example, large tonsils or a prominent tongue base). The other two forms are central sleep apnea, a very rare form that occurs when the brain fails to send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing, and mixed sleep apnea, which combines both the obstructive and central forms.

When breathing stops during an apnea episode, the oxygen level drops, heart rate and blood pressure increase, and the sufferer wakes up

just long enough for the throat muscles to open up and allow breathing to resume—but usually not long enough for the individual to become aware of waking. Then, he or she falls back asleep until the next episode.

Though apnea sufferers may not realize these episodes are occurring, their family members or bed partners are often fully aware of what’s going on. Typically, they’ll notice the individual snoring, a brief period of silence when breathing ceases, and then a sudden snorting or gasping sound before breathing resumes.

Most sleep apnea sufferers are

snorers (though not all snorers have sleep apnea), and the condition is much more common in men than in women. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, other risk factors include increasing age; having unhealthy lifestyle habits such as drinking alcohol, smoking, or being overweight or obese; having a family history of or genetic predisposition to sleep apnea; and being African American, Hispanic, or Native American.

To diagnose sleep apnea, doctors look at a variety of factors, such as the patient’s medical and family history; a medical exam to check the patient’s mouth, nose, and throat for excess or prominent tissues (e.g., an enlarged soft palate or uvula); and the results of sleep studies, which record what is happening with the patient while he or she is asleep.

The most common sleep study is the polysomnogram, which is conducted overnight in a sleep center.

During this procedure, the patient goes to sleep with sensors placed on n

Sleep apnea - continued on p34

Cancer’s scary.

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Excellent cancer outcomes close to home.

At the Maurer Family Cancer Care Center, we ease your fears with supportive care and personal treatment from a trusted team of specialists. We offer the most advanced radiation therapy, including respiratory gating that actually targets your tumor as you breathe. All to give you the very best chance of a cure.

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Indulge your green thumb 419.885.5733 | abilitycenter.org with flowering houseplants SOON, AUTUMN’S FROST will bring an end to another Northwest Ohio growing season, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until the spring thaw to indulge your green thumb. Flowering houseplants, if thoughtfully selected and properly cared for, are a great way to satisfy your craving for color and fight off cabin fever during the upcoming cold months.

But before you head for the flower shop or greenhouse to purchase those blooming beauties, keep in mind that in order for a plant to prosper in your home, it must be able to adapt to low winter light levels or thrive under artificial lighting. It must also be able to endure the relatively high heat and low humidity common in most homes in winter. A modest amount of effort on your part to approximate a plant’s natural growing conditions will go a long way toward ensuring its survival. Before buying any plant, be sure to research its unique growing requirements.

Some houseplants are capable of blooming almost nonstop and may live for many years. Examples include African violets and wax begonias.

African violets produce a profusion of

quarter-sized blossoms ranging in color from the familiar purple to shades of pink, blue, or white. Wax begonias have oval, waxy green or reddish leaves with small flowers in colors of salmon pink, white, or rose.

Plants like the Christmas cactus and zebra plant may only bloom through winter, but they earn their keep year round through their attractive foliage. The Christmas cactus sends out chains of beautiful dark-green, elliptical leaves that, as the plant’s common name suggests, produce blooms around the end of December. The striped foliage of the zebra plant is sure to catch the eye.

Kalanchoe is another popular cold-season bloomer. It produces tiny four-petaled blossoms in red, orange, coral, gold, or yellow that almost completely obscure the waxy foliage. The flowers can persist for weeks. Like the poinsettia, kalanchoe requires 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each day for several weeks to bring the plant back into bloom, so many people opt to discard their kalanchoe n

Houseplants - continued on p32

Ability Center launches lending program for assistive technology ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT) is growing in popularity as local families adjust to social distancing and virtual community activities. The Ability Center has launched a new program, Tech for REC (recreation, education, employment, and community), which allows people to borrow assistive technology. This lending closet of adaptive items was developed to serve the seven-county service area of Lucas, Ottawa, Wood, Fulton, Henry, Defiance, and Williams.

The lending closet consists of electronic devices, alternative input/output devices, and switch-adapted toys, instruments, and leisure items. Participants must first be a consumer of The Ability Center and set independent-living goals that align with the use of the pieces.

Tech for REC was initiated for youth to gain access to adapted play and leisure items. In response to COVID-19, The Ability Center identified access to technology as a barrier for individuals across the entire lifespan. With this in mind, the closet was expanded to include devices (Kindles, iPads, and Chromebooks) to support independent living.

All items are available to borrow for short-term loans up to 90 days free of charge. Caregivers can borrow AT to help a child reach a specific milestone or to make an informed purchasing or funding decision.

Similar to the Tech for REC Program, In 2019, we supplied 687 individuals with durable medical equipment through our Assistive Technology/Medical Equipment Program. 100% of individuals reported on a follow-up survey that their needs were met. The Ability Center is currently in need of bathroom equipment for this program. These items are not generally covered by insurance and keep people safe within one of the most used rooms in the home.

For more information, visit www.abilitycenter.org.

TECH FOR REC

New program designed to temporarily give youth and adults with disabilities assistive technology to live more independently. Switch adapted toys and leisure items are also available.

Test out products with your child - View our loan closet or call for more information.

419.885.5733 | abilitycenter.org

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Healthy Living News | October 2020 23

Fall activities and noise exposure

by Dianna Randolph, AuD, CCC-A FALL IS MY favorite time of year.

The weather is cooler, the leaves are changing colors, and there are some activities that I enjoy that only occur in the fall, like football games. With some fall activities, there is a possible risk of excessive noise exposure. This article will discuss some the more popular fall activities that may expose you to damaging noise without you even realizing it. Some of these activities are football games (including the marching band), hunting, and yard work.

Before we discuss the loudness of these activities, we need to discuss how loud is loud. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health says that levels of 85 decibels for an eighthour time period can cause hearing loss. For every 3-decibel (dB) increase in sound level, the recommended time of exposure is cut in half. That means that for a stadium averaging 88dB, 4 hours of exposure can cause permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss is not the only thing that is caused by excessive noise. Tinnitus, or ringing

in the ears, is also a result of excessive noise exposure.

COVID has interrupted many of our fall activities this year. Many sporting events, whether high school or professional, are not what they used to be. Crowds are being limited, and spectators are being asked to social distance. This will actually cut down on the amount of noise that is usually heard at a football game. Usually, football games can be very noisy, and the risk of noise exposure is something to be aware of. But, the risk of noise exposure is dependent on a few things—how big the crowd is and whether or not people brought their own noisemakers (e.g., airhorns or cowbells).

Obviously, the bigger the crowd, the louder the noise. This is

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more of an issue with college and NFL games. The world record for the loudest crowd noise for an NFL game goes to the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 29, 2014 against the New England Patriots.

The crowd noise reached 142.2dB at the end of the first quarter. This noise level is equivalent to that of an aircraft carrier deck or a jet engine taking off at 25 meters away. College stadiums are also very loud. The top five college football teams with the loudest stadium crowd noise are The LSU Tigers, The Ohio State Buckeyes, The Florida Gators, The Oregon Ducks, and Penn State. It may be a good idea to take a pair of earplugs with you the next time you are going to a football game.

Noisemakers like air horns and cowbells are commonly heard at any football game. The average air horn can reach 129dB. If you are someone who likes to bring your airhorn, not only are you exposing yourself to possible hearing loss, but also the people around you. Cowbells are another popular sound at a football game. A cowbell can produce noise up to a surprising 110dB! Again, if you are the person with the cowbell or are near the person with the cowbell, you are at risk for hearing damage. This is something to take into consideration when attending any football game.

Marching bands are a wonderful highlight to a game, whether it is a high school or college game. Some people go to games just to see the marching bands. The loudness of the band will depend on the number of the participants. The larger the band, the louder the sound. According to a Duke University experiment, the sound levels of two marching bands were recorded. One was the Duke University Marching Band with 85 members and the other was the Riverside High School Marching Band from Durham NC with 61 members. Measurements were taken during rehearsals inside and

outside. Results showed that both bands had decibel readings above 90dB while playing indoors and outdoors with the drumline.

With this in mind, there are many types of hearing protection specifically designed for musicians that can be used by band members and the band director. Please contact our office to discuss these options with an audiologist.

Hunting is another popular fall activity that can easily cause hearing loss and/or tinnitus if hearing protection is not used. A study by the University of Wisconsin found that men age 48-92 who hunted regularly were more likely to experience high-frequency hearing loss, a risk that increased 7% for every 5 years a man had been hunting (Starkey.com). The study goes on to state that with 83% of the participants, 38% of the target shooters and 95% of the hunters did not wear hearing protection while shooting in the past year. One shotgun blast is loud enough to cause instant damage with a loudness of 140-190dB. Many hunters I’ve treated have reported to me that they do not like wearing hearing protection because they cannot hear their surroundings or the sound of an animal nearby. There are many different types of hearing protection that will allow you to hear but then will protect your hearing when the gun is fired. It only takes one gun blast to cause instant and permanent damage. I recently had a patient that came into the office with tinnitus and hearing loss after a gun blast without the use of hearing protection. He suffered some permanent high-pitch hearing loss and constant tinnitus even after a week. His hearing will probably never return, and he may have some longstanding tinnitus.

Finally, some lawn equipment used in the fall can be excessively loud. A lawnmower is about 90dB, a leaf blower is 99dB, an edger is 86dB, and a trimmer can get up to 96dB. All of these are deemed excessively loud according to OSHA, and hearing protection should be worn when using them.

Many different types of hearing protection are designed for your spen NWO Hearing - continued on p33

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The many benefits of physical therapy

OCTOBER HAS BEEN DESIGNATED National Physical Therapy Month to raise awareness of the benefits of physical therapy as well as to recognize the vital role professionals in this discipline play in improving patients’ health, function, and overall quality of life.

What exactly are physical therapists and what do they do? According to the American Physical Therapy Association, “Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education. Physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. Many patients have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need treatment, but PTs also care for people who simply want to become healthier and to prevent future problems. Physical therapists examine each person and then develop a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists can have a profound effect on people’s lives. They help people achieve fitness goals, regain or maintain their independence, and lead active lives.”

Elaborating on this definition, here are just some of the ways physical therapists can help patients: An extensive range of treatments and modalities PTs today have access to an extremely wide variety of therapeutic treatment options, ranging from simple heat or ice, to aquatic therapy, to more advanced modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and laser or light therapy for reducing pain and accelerating healing. Some have even begun to utilize state-of-the-art technologies, such as specialized treadmills or robotic exoskeletons, that augment patients’ strengths and abilities while compensating for limitations to help

them get back on their feet faster.

Of course, PTs also have extensive knowledge of the various exercises and movement strategies that can help improve patients’ strength, endurance, range of motion, balance, gait, and overall function and mobility, and they can provide expert training on the proper use of any assistive devices patients may require as they progress through treatment. More innovative PT professionals are also drawing upon elements of disciplines such as tai chi and yoga to help improve deficits in balance, stability, coordination, or other areas.

Inpatient and outpatient rehab The role people most commonly associate with physical therapy is rehabilitation following a debilitating injury, surgery, illness, or prolonged period of immobilization/bed rest. In these circumstances, PT focuses on helping patients regain their prior level of function to the extent possible and getting them back to their daily lives, favorite sports, or other activities. Rehab may involve both inpatient and outpatient phases as well as a home-exercise component so patients can maintain and build upon the gains they achieved in formal therapy.

Prehab A relatively new but growing aspect of physical therapy is so-called prehab. Prehab is a form of proactive outpatient therapy that improves strength and function prior to surgery so patients are able to recover and return to normal activities and independence much more rapidly afterward. Patients who take part in a prehab program also have the advantage of knowing exactly what to expect from their post-surgical rehab program because they’ve learned how to perform all the exercises and have already practiced them. In addition, n Physical therapy - continued on p33

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Healthy Living News | October 2020 25

by Laurie Syring, RD/LD BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH is underway, and although this year ’s observance may look quite different than it has in the past due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the message remains the same—with proper awareness and early detection, successful treatment of breast cancer is possible.

The key phrase here is “early detection.” Everyone—meaning women and men—should know how to detect early signs and symptoms of breast cancer and get regular screenings.

It’s also important to be aware of the many risk factors for developing cancer, including (among others) obesity, excessive alcohol intake, and smoking.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, you should make changes that work for you and set goals to work towards healthier habits that help reduce cancer risk. One of the most important changes you can make from the standpoint of cancer prevention is to adopt a healthy diet.

26 October 2020 | Healthy Living News

EATING WELL Nutrition tips to lower cancer risk What nutritional changes can you make to reduce your cancer risk? A good way to start is by limiting sugar-sweetened drinks. Many studies have shown a link between sweetened beverages and heart disease, obesity, and cancer, so quench your thirst with water, iced tea, or other unsweetened beverages instead.

While we’re on the subject of beverages, I should add that it’s recommended to limit alcohol consumption. Women should have no more than one drink per day, and men should not exceed two drinks daily. The fact is, when it comes to cancer prevention, it’s best not to drink alcohol at all. If you do drink

alcohol, aim for moderation and remember that less is best. Of course, binge drinking, defined as consuming more than five or six drinks at one time, should be avoided as well.

In terms of foods, try to limit your consumption of red meat and processed meats, such as bologna sausage, bacon, and hot dogs. If you’re a meat lover and find this almost impossible, your goal should be to aim for less than 12 ounces of meat a week. That would be three four-ounce portions for the week. Also, limit fast foods that are high in fat, starch, and sugars. In addition, choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and beans. Make whole grains the center of your plate with

lots of vegetables and fruit at each meal. Beans and other legumes are excellent sources of fiber, protein, and vitamins/minerals.

Making these nutritional choices will help you maintain a health weight, which in turn will lower your cancer risk. Naturally, being physically active will help you stay in a healthy weight range as well. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity per day, whether you enjoy gardening, running, rowing, shooting hoops in the driveway, or any other activity.

One more important point I’d like to make with respect to nutrition: avoid quackery with supplements!

There are all kinds of supplements on the market that claim to protect against—or even cure—cancer, but most of these products have no science backing their claims. However, there’s nothing wrong with taking a multivitamin and making sure you get enough Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and beta carotene. Also, certain dietary elements such as garlic, ground flax seed, ginger, and n

Eating Well - continued on p27

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)Ĺ— )2 -Ä„Ĺ— )Ĺ— )..&counter -Ä„Ĺ— The Devil and Mrs. Jones Pharmacy patients Part 6 )Ĺ— ." HOME. ,Ä„Ĺ—Ĺ— have a) new Mrs. Jones discovers MyCare

by Chris Stieben MRS. JONES RECEIVED a postcard with information about “MyCare Ohio� and did not understand what this was all about, so she called the Ombudsman for more information.

Mrs. Jones found out that MyCare Ohio is a demonstration project with the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) and Ohio Medicaid to provide a managed care program

by the Ombudsman, Mrs. Jones also learned of the flexibility of the MyCare Ohio program. She had the option of being “opt-out� or “opt-in.� Opt-out would mean that her Medicare would remain traditional Medicare and her benefits through Medicare and Medicaid would be handled separately. She decided the best plan for her would be to opt-in, which means that she will have the managed care plan (through Buckeye or Aetna) handle both her Medicare and Medicaid benefits.

With the help of her tech-savvy grandkids, she was able to go to the plan website to access benefit information and create a log-in to manage

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There were a few things that Mrs. Jones had to make a decision about when it came to MyCare. First, she had the option of choosing Aetna or Buckeye in the Northwest Ohio region.

Highlights of either plan can be found on the “Aetna Better Health� or “Buckeye Community Health Plan� website. Additional benefits of enrollment can include care management to coordinate your care, coverage of all eligible Medicare and Medicaid health services, and several value-adds that provide extra benefits, such as transportation and prescription benefits.

Mrs. Jones learned from the Ombudsman that approximately 6,500 people in the Northwest Ohio area have a MyCare Ohio plan.

With the information provided

her own care and services.

If you have questions regarding eligibility or enrollment, or you have concerns about your coverage, you can reach out to the Long-Term-CareOmbudsman Office for assistance. You can reach us by phone at 419-259-2891 or visit our Facebook by searching “ABLE: Ombudsman� and follow our page for up-to-date information.

Next month, we will follow Mrs. Jones as the assisted living opens up for visits and we will discuss the obstacles (and solutions) to the next phase of visitation guidance for longterm-care facilities.

Chris Stieben is Director of the ABLE Long-Term-Care-Ombudsman Program, which can be reached at 419-259-2891 (http://ombudsman.ablelaw.org). â?Ś

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Eating Well - continued from p26 green tea are known to boost immunity and are easy to add to foods and smoothies.

What if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve already been diagnosed with cancer? The same nutritional recommendations still apply. I often have new cancer patients tell me theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to â&#x20AC;&#x153;start eating healthy now.â&#x20AC;? I tell them thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great and then give them all this same advice to follow.

Though scientists are doing constant research to determine how diet affects disease, we do know that the food choices we make can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer and many other forms of cancer. So, this October, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenge ourselves to lose some extra pounds, increase our activity, make healthy food choices, limit alcohol, and look for other ways to lower our cancer risk as well as make our homes and community healthier places to live, work, and play. n

Laurie Syring, RD/LD, is Clinical Nutrition Manager at ProMedica Flower Hospital. â?Ś Connect with our advertisers via our online issue at hlntoledo.com

James D. Diethelm, MD Ryan Szenderski, PA-C Same day appointments available with our physician assistant

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THOUGH MOST OF the clients currently taking advantage of the Super Slow Training method offered at TriggerPoint are in their 40s, this evidence-based, time-efficient exercise solution is gaining popularity among people of all ages—including individuals well into their senior years.

One such client is Peg Anderson, age 92. Anderson learned about Super Slow Training from an ad and article in Healthy Living News and decided to explore the program further. So she came to TriggerPoint, tried it out, and was immediately impressed. “I thought, ‘This is great! I need to keep doing this!” she recalls.

At that time, Anderson was beginning to have difficulty managing the stairs outside her home and wasn’t sure whether she would be able to continue living there. She had even purchased two canes to help her navigate the stairs. However, after just a handful of Super Slow Training sessions, she began to notice a positive change. “I could tell a difference after doing the program once a week for just three weeks. I realized I was getting stronger and could go up and down those stairs without much effort whereas I struggled before. So I said I’m never going to quit this. I’m still not using

You’re never too old for Super Slow Training

either of those canes, and I attribute that to coming to TriggerPoint and making my muscles stronger,” she says.

TriggerPoint owner Russ Wakefield explains that Super Slow Training involves lifting and lowering weights at a very slow rate, keeping consistent tension on the muscle throughout its whole range of motion. High-tech monitors on the specially designed Super Slow Training equipment help clients maintain the proper form, technique, and tempo during workouts.

This method differs from conventional strength-training techniques in that there is no fast momentum to help do the work for you.

Though slow, this technique is intense, really working the muscles. It’s

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also very safe, with highly experienced and educated trainers working oneon-one with clients and monitoring and adjusting their every move. After this intense exercise stimulus, the body recovers for seven days, producing the desired results.

Ours is a busy, fast-paced society that allows us little time to focus on health and fitness, so TriggerPoint clients appreciate the fact that Super Slow Training demands no more than a half hour of their time once a week. In fact, the program can be completed over your lunch hour with no requirement to change clothes or shower afterward. What’s more, as you progress through the program and begin to see results you never

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thought possible, that weekly workout time may actually decrease.

Super Slow Training is considered a high-intensity workout, but that should not discourage anyone from participating as long as they have their physician’s approval. Wakefield notes that clients of all ages, backgrounds, personalities, and body types—even pregnant women—can participate in and benefit from this time-efficient program. Anderson has certain physical challenges, including arthritis in her shoulder, but she says that her trainers at TriggerPoint are fully aware of her age and limitations and are careful to modify her program accordingly.

Asked what she would tell others in her age group about Super Slow Training, Anderson states, “You are never too old for this. If you have physical limitations, the trainers will help you work around them. Remember, health problems are expensive and become more and more likely the older you get. You can’t just sit around reading magazines and eating bonbons and expect to stay healthy. You have to get moving and keep moving!”

Wakefield urges anyone who is seeking a more efficient strength-training and conditioning alternative—or is simply tired of getting disappointing results from conventional workouts— to follow Anderson’s example by calling TriggerPoint and giving Super Slow Training a try. “This efficient, evidence-based program might just be the exercise solution you’ve been looking for,” he states.

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Genetic testing - continued from p7 Napoleon, Bowling Green, Wauseon, and Monroe.

The Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers has earned Patient-Centered Specialty Practice level 3 recognition and Oncology Medical Home recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Oncology homes align systems and resources with coordinated care focused on cancer patients and their needs. This reduces fragmentation, supports shared decision making, and improves the patient experience.

They are the first oncology practice in the state of Michigan and the second oncology practice in the state of Ohio to receive this recognition.

For more information, please call The Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers at 419-479-5605. ❦

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The Cocoon’s mission: help domestic violence survivors

by Dennis Bova OCTOBER IS Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this year’s is unlike any of the 39 others in terms of national psyche and severity.

Kathy Mull, executive director of The Cocoon, a Bowling Green-based nonprofit that aids survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, tells why. But first, she explains the significance of the designation, which was established in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

“It was established to provide an opportunity to share with the community the prevalence of domestic violence in our country and how it affects society,” Mull says. She adds that the designation raises the level of awareness of domestic violence, gives survivors a voice, and provides people with an opportunity to recognize domestic violence and offer help.

It also is a way for communities to learn how to help domestic violence agencies—such as The Cocoon—and to work toward preventing such violence from occurring.

“Domestic violence is physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, or verbal abuse,” she says. “It usually occurs in intimate partner relationships. Typically, one individual in the relationship is using these tactics to gain as much control as they can in a relationship.” Mull adds that the relationship usually is heterosexual, but sometimes is same-sex.

What makes this year’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month unique is the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestic violence is fostered by isolation and financial strain. “When the stay-athome order was issued in March,” Mull says, “there was increased isolation and increased strain—sort of the perfect storm for survivors.”

Mull adds, “Last year, we served 717 survivors total. This year, we’re on track to serve more than that. By the end of July this year, we served almost 400. In March, we had an increase of 40 percent of survivors seek-

ing help from the previous month. And the level of violence is increasing. This is a dangerous and scary time right now for those experiencing domestic violence.” She says that each month since March, the numbers have stayed up consistently.

Mull says 80 percent of the survivors helped by The Cocoon in recent years are from domestic violence; the others are survivors of sexual violence or sex

trafficking.

The Cocoon provides services free of charge to survivors. Operating money comes through grants, donations, and fundraisers—the last of which has particularly been hurt by the pandemic. “The biggest thing that has changed for us is that we cannot have any large gatherings,” she says.

“Our major annual fundraiser usually is in October. This year we had to cancel that. We’ve had to revamp our awareness events so they can be seen in a socially distanced manner.”

To that end, The Cocoon is planning three events this month: selling special T-shirts through its website (thecocoon.org); displaying at several locations in Wood County the Clothesline Project, which is composed of T-shirts designed by survivors depicting their experiences; and a drive-in movie night sponsored by the Thayer auto dealerships.

Mull says there may be one more fundraiser. News of that event, any additional ones, and ways people can support the agency are available on The Cocoon’s website.

The Cocoon aims, especially this month, to reach out to survivors and those who might know of a possible victim. “To the survivors, we want them to know that help is available, on their own terms. At no cost. We urge survivors to reach out. We provide shelter, help to navigate the legal system, anything they may need.”

To those who suspect domestic violence, Mull suggests, “If they’re concerned, reach out to those loved

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Hope during COVID-19 creating a smaller support system and investing in them.

Those clients who lost their main WHILE LIVING IN the middle of a source of income shared that, while global pandemic, one thing is certain, these times are like no other. As a li- difficult, they either found other censed professional counselor (LPC), employment or developed the skills I have heard firsthand from clients to successfully complete the process how COVID-19 has impacted their to receive unemployment. Many of lives and how they have dealt with them were asked to do their jobs differently and, in some the related stressors. Not cases, work from home surprisingly, I heard about while having to find a their personal struggles, but new routine of raising I also heard about victories and educating their chilclients experienced during dren. While adapting to this season of isolation. Clithis “new normal” was ents shared their struggles stressful, they also found and victories in very real ways to make it work. ways that should give us What I’ve learned is there all hope. were just as many clients A number of clients exwho shared how COVIDpressed that, while living in 19 was a time of growth isolation from their support and encouragement for systems such as friends them, learning to slow Leslie Fern, LPC and family, they became down and let go of the increasingly anxious and depressed and some even turned to idea of perfection, as there were or relapsed with drugs and alcohol. those who saw it as only a struggle.

It was clear to me as a clinical But I also learned how some of these same clients found the resiliency to therapist that when a person’s world attend sober support groups such as is completely reshaped due to sitAlcoholics Anonymous (AA), religious uations beyond their control, the services, and other structured meet- human spirit is stronger than we ever ings to maintain their sobriety. On imagined. And there are opportunithe flipside, some clients expressed ties to seek and receive the help you how being in isolation provided a need. Things may never go back to time of self-reflection, and a time normal as we know it, or even close to focus on their family and their to what it was before COVID-19, but own personal growth. In the midst one thing is for sure. The resiliency of this pandemic, they developed that people demonstrate during new coping skills that helped them hard times is not only encouraging manage their anxiety, depression, but should give us all hope. and substance abuse. They did this by finding new ways of coping such Leslie Fern, LPC, is a licensed professional as taking advantage of teletherapy, counselor at The Willow Center and being more intentional about en- can be reached at 419-720-5800. gaging in outside activities, or by ❦

by Leslie Fern, LPC

ones and ask how they can help. Try to connect them with us. Give them our phone number [419-373-1730]. What to look for are what we call ‘red flags.’

If the partner is extremely possessive.

If there’s a lot of emotional abuse, like name-calling. If the survivor is less excited about hobbies or shows a general lack of interest.”

She says one of the biggest missteps that a friend can do is to try to solve the problem themselves. A survivor is in a relationship that’s about control.

It’s not helpful for a friend to enter the picture and try to exert control.

“What we know,” Mull says, “is

that domestic violence is bigger than a family issue. It’s a community issue, a society issue. And there needs to be a placing of the blame where it belongs. Usually it’s on the survivor instead of looking at the offender and holding that person accountable for their actions.

“Everybody can be part of the solution by reaching out, extending a hand. If we come together as a society to demand change, that’s what it’ll take to eradicate domestic violence.”

Dennis Bova is a freelance writer, editor, and marketer. ❦

Healthy Living News | October 2020 29

by Sister Karen Zielinski, OSF YEARS AGO, when I was in fourth grade back home in Detroit, I got the flu. My mom kept me at home, and when I was feeling a little better on my third day home, I was able to lie on the sofa and watch some afternoon TV. That was really cool.

I remember the long-running Detroit-based program called “Bill Kennedy at the Movies” hosted by Kennedy. He chatted during movie breaks, and the show always played a black-and-white movie. I don’t remember the movie’s title on that flu-couch-recovery afternoon, but I remember it had a swimmer, Esther Williams, and a big dance, musical, synchronized-swimming number.

I asked my mom why they did this big swimming scene. She said, “During the Great Depression, and sometimes during the war, people were really sad about all the problems going on in the world. These big movies made them laugh, feel happy, and took their minds off their troubles.”

Flash ahead a few decades to 2020.

We are dealing with a pandemic, a threatened economy, racial challenges, and basically widespread frustration and fear. We face the challenge of

n body’s perfect

Keep on the sunny side of life educating our students at the preschool to university levels, and our social gatherings are greatly curtailed.

Many of us are depressed, and just long to gather with others in any way, but that has been challenging.

We stay home and stream movies on our TVs, play games on our smart phones, and read or listen to music.

We read and clean and try out new recipes, but deep in our hearts, we hold anxiety, sadness over all the losses we face, and even some fear.

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30 October 2020 | Healthy Living News

  

We just want life to go back to where it was before all these problems.

We know this time will eventually pass, but some of us need some distraction from hand washing, sanitizing, the evening news, our dwindling finances, and racial unrest.

I think America has a few happy— even mindless—distractions that might help us feel a little more relaxed, that life is safe and normal or will be again.

There are a few game shows that

are upbeat and bright, and offer contestants winning prizes of cash, travel destinations, or just happy and funny games. We put ourselves into these shows as we watch The Price is Right, Press my Luck, or To Tell the Truth.

If people do not care for game shows, there are tons of YouTube videos that are pretty interesting and entertaining. Some are online animal posts, where pet owners tape their dogs or cats at home, and then narrate a story as the pet tries to swim, fetches a bone, or has an encounter with a neighbor’s cat.

Some social media groups post blogs dealing with cooking ethnic foods, or there’s a YouTube series called Crazy Russian Hacker, where a man tries various kitchen devices (mango slicers, breakfast sandwich makers, garlic slicers, or manual vegetable choppers). Just Google any topic, and chances are there is a website, video, or blog that could distract us for a while from our stay-at-home reality.

Local television stations offer nature videos with calming music in the background. Others change programming, so there is much more casual chatting somewhere in the n

Nobody’s Perfect - continued on p34

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Cancer Connection of Northwest Ohio ensures no one faces cancer alone THERE IS NOTHING quite as scary as hearing the word cancer. When my family first heard this, we had no idea what to do. We were completely overwhelmed. Confusion and fear set in. The year was 2000.

In 2008, I created a nonprofit corporation known as Cancer Connection of Northwest Ohio in order to provide the guidance and support that I would have liked my family to have had. We provide free, hands-on services to ensure that no one goes through cancer alone. Our unique programs were created based on the needs of our community, services that no other organization is providing.

In 2010, we received our first pediatric patient, which led to the beginning of our Kids Konnection Program. This program is the only specialized support program for children with cancer in the area. Our Chemo Buddy services set us apart as one of only two organizations in the United States offering direct support

to children going through infusion chemotherapy. Our youngest patient was six months old.

In the past 11 years, we have provided $1.4 million in free programs and have served over 4,700 cancer patients and their families. 90% of our budget is programming. 82% of our patients are stage 4 or advanced, metastatic cancer. We are currently providing services for 16 children with cancer.

My three daughters inspired me to write three children’s books. No child should ever have to deal with something as complex and frightening as cancer, but the reality is that they

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do. When my husband was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, my daughters were all under the age of seven. As a mother, my goal was to protect them and refrain from talking about it in front of them. Even if I had wanted to explain it to them, I would have had no idea how. What I realized later on was that not explaining it made them even more fearful.

These books are designed to help loved ones succeed in talking and explaining cancer to a child in a way that they will understand without frightening them. They are a tool that can be utilized not only to initiate the conversation, but to help

encourage sharing between the child and the adult. The books explain what cancer is, how it is treated, and the side effects—on three different age-appropriate levels: Beginning Readers, Young Readers, and Young Adult Readers. Each book ends with a project or idea that children can do for someone in their life who has cancer. These books are part of our Cancer Education Program, and we take them out to schools to share with students. The books are being sold both nationally and internationally and are available on Amazon.

Jean Schoen is founder and president of Cancer Connection of Northwest Ohio, Inc. (419-725-1100) ❦

Healthy Living News | October 2020 31

n

WELCOME TO THE WAR. IT’S YOUR BATTLE. FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE.

Houseplants - continued from p23

plant after the blooms fade and buy another one the following Christmas.

Bromeliads are a favorite that can be purchased in bloom year-round.

Keep the “cup” in the center of the plant filled with water and sparingly water the growing medium for best results. As the old plant dies back, it will be replaced by the offset growing next to the flower spike, so you can

um respectively). Again, consult with garden center staff to determine an appropriate feeding schedule for the plant/plants you intend to keep.

When it comes to watering, you have the option of three techniques: from the top down, from the bottom up, and by immersing the entire pot.

The appropriate technique will vary depending on circumstances. For

enjoy your bromeliad for many years.

If you’re looking for some temporary winter color, now is the time to buy spring bulbs, such as tulips and narcissus, for indoor forcing. Or, if the effort of forcing doesn’t appeal to you, you can wait until winter and buy potted bulbs that have already been forced into bloom. Forced bulbs can make it seem like spring indoors if only for a short time. However, once they go out of bloom, the forced bulbs aren’t good for much except the compost bin.

These are just a few of the options available to you. You might want to take a trip to your local florist’s shop or garden center to discover other options. Whatever you choose, be sure to familiarize yourself with each plant’s watering, lighting, and fertilizing needs as these requirements will vary considerably from plant to plant.

If you’re fortunate enough to have abundant natural lighting in your home, all you need to do is familiarize yourself with the specific lighting needs of the plants you wish to keep and position them accordingly. Otherwise, it may be necessary to supplement the natural illumination with artificial grow lights.

Garden center personnel can help you determine the type and duration of lighting that’s best for your plants.

With respect to feeding, flowering houseplants generally benefit from a fertilizer with a higher percentage of phosphorous, for example 15-30-15 (the three-number analysis on any fertilizer package indicates the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassi-

example, top watering is fine when there is ample light and air circulation to prevent the plant’s crown (where the plant’s growth emerges at the soil level) from molding.

Plants that prefer a constantly moist soil, like azaleas, can be watered from the bottom by placing the pot in a water-filled saucer or via a glass-fiber wick inserted into the bottom of the pot. However, if you use this method exclusively, fertilizer salts in the soil may rise to the surface and accumulate there, forming a crusty buildup and potentially burning the plant’s foliage. Occasionally watering from the top will help prevent this buildup.

The third method is total immersion of the pot. This method is recommended when a plant’s soil has completely dried out, and most plants seem to benefit from the occasional use of this technique. Simply submerge the pot in a pail of tepid water until the water rises above the soil level in the pot. Keep the pot submerged until air bubbles no longer escape from the soil. Then, drain it thoroughly and replace the pot in its saucer.

Remember, a plant’s demand for water depends on several factors, including temperature, humidity, and the plant’s life cycle. You may need to modify your watering technique and schedule accordingly.

If your “green thumb” is starting to itch as the leaves begin to fall, why not surround yourself with a selection of winter bloomers? With a little effort, you can enjoy a taste of spring all winter long! ❦

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UTMC - continued from p21 accommodations or restaurants, making the visit to the Orthopaedic Center as smooth as possible.

But beyond the personalized attention and next-level access to care, the true differentiator at the Orthopaedic Center is its team-centered approach to patient service. From a patient’s initial visit to the final consultation during recovery, they have access to the full team of specialists at the Orthopaedic Center.

“Our team is what makes our center great,” said Dr. Ebraheim. “The positive attitude of the employees, the reassuring tone of their voices, and the quickness of their response is what makes the Orthopaedic Center great. A great team knows exactly what they want and are determined to achieve it. Our team is an inspiration to all who come in contact with us.”

To connect with one of UTMC’s orthopaedic specialists or ask a question about the Orthopaedic Center’s services, call 419-383-BONE (3761). ❦ n

NWO Hearing - continued from p24 cific needs. There is not one type of protection that fits all. There are custom and disposable, filtered or unfiltered, some designed for music and some for shooting, and others to just block as much noise as possible.

It is always a good idea to get an annual hearing test if you are frequently exposed to excessive noise. With annual testing, we can see if the noise level you are exposed to is causing damage to your auditory system. Sometimes the damage isn’t seen during the hearing test but is recognized due to the development of tinnitus, and sometimes damage occurs so gradually that it isn’t noticed by the patient until it is too late.

At Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic, our audiologists can provide counseling on the correct type of hearing protection for you, discuss any hearing loss and/or tinnitus you may have, and give you treatment options, if available.

If you would like to speak to one of our audiologists or schedule an appointment for a hearing test, please call one of our offices to do so. n

Dianna Randolph, AuD, CCC-A, is a Doctor of Audiology with Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic, located at 1125 Hospital Dr., Suite 50 in Toledo (419-383-4012) and 1601 Brigham Dr., Suite 160 in Perrysburg (419-873-4327). ❦ n

Physical therapy - continued from p25

they develop a high degree of comfort and familiarity with the rehab facility and its staff ahead of time.

Pain control With the opioid epidemic still exacting a heavy toll across our nation, more and more people are seeking pain-management alternatives that don’t involve the risk of dependence and overdose. PT is not only effective in relieving many forms of pain, but it is also a conservative and completely safe starting point in terms of pain management. Again, PTs have access to many therapies and techniques—ranging from simple ice/heat, to exercises and stretches, to more high-tech technologies such as electrical stimulation or ultrasound—that can be used singly or in combination to alleviate patients’ pain and promote healing of injured tissue.

Delaying or preventing surgery In some cases, PT can make it possible to delay or prevent certain surgeries. For example, if a patient has an arthritic knee that is causing pain and discomfort when standing and walking, PT to strengthen the supporting musculature around the knee and to improve the patient’s gait mechanics may make it possible to postpone or (depending on the patient’s age, the degree of joint degeneration, and other factors) even avoid knee-replacement surgery.

Patient education Last but not least in this far-from-all-inclusive list is providing patient education. From the very beginning of a patient’s inpatient or outpatient rehab program through his or her transition home, this element of a PT’s job pervades all aspects of treatment and helps encourage proper compliance with exercises, prevent injury or reinjury, and promote the best possible long-term outcome. ❦ Connect with our advertisers via our online issue at hlntoledo.com

Q

: Is it true that people with diabetes may experience hearing loss?

A

: Yes, it’s true. Researchers have found a higher percentage of individuals with a diagnosis of diabetes have hearing loss compared to non-diabetic individuals regardless of age. Based on this data, the researchers estimated that there was a 28 percent prevalence of at least mild hearing loss in people with diabetes. When patients were tested, it seemed there was a stronger relationship between diabetes and high-frequency hearing loss than there was between diabetes and low- or mid-frequency hearing loss. But, we also know that as we age, we lose our capability to hear high frequencies, leaving us also with a high frequency hearing loss.

The information shows that people with diabetes often have less keratin—a protein that lines the ear canal. When present in reduced amounts, hearing loss can occur. Also, the eighth cranial nerve (responsible for taking sound from the cochlea to the brainstem) may experience a deterioration of the heath that protects its nerve fibers (demyelination). The tissue in the ear canal can also degenerate, affecting hearing.

The cochlea itself can experience a thickening of its walls or the loss of hair cells. Diabetes can even damage the nerves associated with hearing; higher blood sugar levels produce chemical changes that impact the nerves’ ability to carry sound signals.

The capillaries of the inner ear can also be thickened, causing similar results.

Because of the link between diabetes and hearing loss, those individuals should have their hearing loss assessed regularly in addition to monitoring their blood sugar. This is important because some experts say that the prevalence of hearing loss in diabetics may actually be higher than known. Keep this in mind and pass along this information to your loved ones who may suffer from

hearing loss, tinnitus, and diabetes.

Randa Mansour-Shousher, AuD, CCC-A, is a Doctor of Audiology with Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic, located at 1125 Hospital Dr., Suite 50 in Toledo (419-383-4012) and 1601 Brigham Dr., Suite 160 in Perrysburg (419-873-4327). ❦

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Healthy Living News | October 2020 33

n

Sleep apnea - continued from p22

n

various parts of the body to record information such as brain activity, blood oxygen level, blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, body position, eye movement, and other muscle activity. Doctors may also ask patients to complete a home-based sleep test using a portable monitor to aid in diagnosis.

Currently, the most common form of treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, which is a small, portable machine that supplies positive air pressure through a face mask worn over the mouth and nose to help keep the airway open while sleeping.

In addition to CPAP, there are various other treatments and measures that can help apnea sufferers get a better night’s sleep. For example, a dentist or orthodontist can fabricate a customized oral appliance (somewhat like a sports mouthguard) that holds the lower jaw forward and pulls the base of the tongue away from the back of the throat, thereby helping to keep the airway open. Also, various surgical approaches can be helpful in some cases. Certain lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, alcohol avoidance, smoking cessation, or changing one’s sleeping position can greatly improve symptoms, as well.

It’s important for individuals with apnea to understand that their condition is not merely an inconvenience that deprives them of sleep, but a serious problem that puts their health at risk. If you or someone close to you is experiencing any of the symptoms described above, see a sleep specialist to determine whether apnea is the cause. The sooner the condition is properly managed, the sooner you can reclaim restful nights. ❦

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Nobody’s Perfect - continued from p30

broadcast. Anchors are happy and offer ways of getting involved in local outdoor activities. The basic trend in media seems to be to offer positive, hopeful stories that can distract all of us for a while. Since we are social, physical, spiritual, sexual, psychological beings, having a bit of humor and positive experiences is good for our total health.

Just like the Depression-era blowout musical films or feel-good movies, media makers know how to suspend our feelings, even for just a few hours, and a great number of us look forward to it.

This whole happy-media trend is not new. Producers, musicians, bloggers, and writers all know that the market is open for some happy, distracting stuff.

Back in the1930s, songs were popular and pretty hopeful. There was “Happy Days are Here Again,” and there were many renditions of “Keep on the Sunny Side of Life.”

Try something, because whatever helps you and your loved ones should be included in your day. Something that might help can be a simple, but positive way to get through these troubling times.

Sister Karen Zielinski is the Director of Canticle Studio. Canticle Studio is a part of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH’s overall advancement effort and has a mission of being a creative center where artists generate works, products, and services in harmony with the mission of the Sisters St. Francis. She can be reached at kzielins@sistersosf.org or 419-824-3543. ❦

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34 October 2020 | Healthy Living News

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Choosing a senior living community that’s right for you or a loved one is among the most important—and challenging— decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. We’re fortunate here in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan to have a wide variety of high-quality senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, continuing-care, and subsidized low-income housing communities.

To make your decision a bit easier, we’ve assembled this guide to all the senior living properties that regularly support Healthy Living News through advertising. In addition to referencing this page for each organization’s contact information, we urge you to see their ads in the pages of this issue, check out their websites, and give them a call to schedule a tour if you are interested in hearing more about all the services and amenities they offer.

4226 Parkcliffe Lane Toledo, OH 43615 419-381-9447 www.parkcliffe.com

Pelham Manor 2700 Pelham Rd Toledo, OH 43606 419-537-1515 www.jewishtoledo.org

St. Clare Commons

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4030 Indian Rd. Ottawa Hills, OH 43606

2520 Monroe Street Toledo, Ohio 43620

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Healthy Living News | October 2020 35

36 October 2020 | Healthy Living News

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