The Ironton Tribune • Healthy Life 2020

Healthy Family HEALTHY LIFE

WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 13-14, 2020

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HEALTHY FAMILY

THE TRIBUNE

WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 13-14, 2020

Teaching the basics SNAP-Ed classes go online to continue healthy cooking classes

By Mark Shaffer

L

a w r e n c e County’s Ohio State University Extension has a program aimed at helping those on SNAP learn to cook recipes that help stretch a limited food budget.

Peggy Jensen runs the SNAP-Ed classes with a goal of showing her students you can make good food at home that is better for them than just getting prepackaged foods.

“SNAP-Ed is supposed to help people lead healthier lives. It teaches people who have SNAP about good nutrition and how to make the food dollars stretch farther,” Jensen said. The program also includes physical activities too “since we are all getting a little overweight here,” with people only now starting to get active again after the quarantine.

The extension office works with a partner agency, like Ohio Jobs and Family Services, Land of Goshen or Mahajan Therapeutics, with the SNAP-Ed program.

Because the state has mandated that gatherings of more than 10 people have been discouraged, Jensen, like many people, has had to change how she works and gets her program’s message out.

Like everyone, Jensen has taken the course online, which means a change for her, as well as

the clients.

“I’m camera shy, so that’s been fun,” she said, with a laugh. “I’ve been making recordings, about five to 10 minutes long, and try to get a little bit of information out about eating healthy. And usually, I give them a recipe and I do a cooking demonstration so they can see how easy it really is to put it together. I have a few ‘ums’ and ‘oops’ in there, but I think people expect that.”

She said, in many cases, people never learned how to cook and she can show them how easy it really is.

“I did one recently and I showed them how to make fruit salsa and I did one on making cinnamon sugar chips out of tortillas,” Jensen said.

“It is so good. It is a little sugary, but they are getting the fruit into their diet. Most people don’t eat enough fruit and this shows them how they can make something tasty and quick rather than running out and getting a candy bar. And it can be stored and eaten later. So, it is handy to have.”

And Jensen said they are going to start teaching the class live online.

“So that way, it is more interactive, like when we have it in a classroom setting,” she said.

“They’re saying with the coronavirus and everything else going on, people’s attention span isn’t the same, so we’re short-

ening it to about 20 minutes. And it will be a lot more interactive since it will be on Zoom meetings.”

The videos are not available on YouTube, Jensen said. She gives the videos to her partners and they may post them online and they may eventually be posted on the OSU Lawrence County Extension website.

Jensen said the program is very useful for people who may not have grown up with a family that cooked much and are used to making meals out of prepackaged microwavable food or from fast food restaurants.

She had a granddaughter who never really learned to cook until she was in her late teens and she said that really opened her eyes.

“So, almost every program I do focuses on physical activity or it focuses on cooking skills basics like ‘How do I make this dish? I’ve had it before and it’s good, but how do I make it?’

The class lowers their fear of trying,” Jensen said. “And it works. I have people who come back and say ‘I never thought about eating hummus or a fruit parfait.’ But now they do, because it is simple.”

She said once people get over their fear of cooking and thinking they can’t do it, “it makes a big difference. You can learn really quickly.”

5 tips: Now’s a prime time for a car seat safety review (BPT) — Although many families aren’t driving as much these days, it’s always important to make sure you are keeping your kids as safe as possible in the car.

Now that we’re spending more time at home, this is a good time for parents and caregivers to brush up on expert advice for choosing, installing and properly using car seats, booster seats and seat belts. Making sure your child is buckled up correctly, on every car trip, is one of the best ways you can protect their health.

STAY SAFE ON SHORT TRIPS Most drives these days may be quick jaunts for necessary errands or appointments, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe for kids to skip their car seats or ride up front. According to a new study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one in three caregivers point to short trips as a reason they’ve sometimes skipped the car seat or booster seat. But a car crash can happen anywhere, at any time, which is why kids must be buckled in correctly every time. And no matter where you’re going, children under 13 should always ride in the back seat.

PRACTICE INSTALLATION Now that you’re not rushing to get your child in the car for school or activities, take this opportunity to review your vehicle and car seat manuals and practice accurate installation. Many parents and caregivers report particular difficulty in securing lower anchor attachments and

tethers, so if your car seat has those features, take additional time practicing those steps. Note that most car seats should be secured with either lower anchors or seat belts, not both.

CHECK YOUR CHILD’S WEIGHT AND HEIGHT Keep in mind that the right car seat or booster seat for your child is based on their size as well as their age. Check your child’s height and weight against their current seat’s recommended limits. To keep them as protected as possible, don’t move them to the next seat type until they’ve exceeded either of those limits. Even if they beg and plead, you’re the parent, and you know best.

REGISTER FOR SAFETY UPDATES The last time you bought a car seat, do you remember filling out an online or mail-in form to register it? If you’re not sure, take a few minutes to go online and register so you can receive important safety updates from the manufacturers, including recalls.

PROTECT OLDER KIDS TOO For their own safety, kids 8 to 12 should use a booster seat until they outgrow its size limits or get big enough for adult seat belts. You’ll know they’re ready for a seat belt alone when it lies snugly across their shoulder and chest without crossing their neck or face, with the lap belt snugly crossing the upper thighs (not the stomach). Even if they’re ready for an adult seat belt, children under 13 should never sit in the front seat.

Peggy Jensen, the program assistant with the Ohio State University Extension Office in Lawerence County has recently taken to the internet to continue her SNAP-Ed classes on healthy and budget-stretching cooking classes. (Submitted Photo)

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WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 13-14, 2020

HEALTHY FAMILY

THE TRIBUNE

3

Southern Ohio’s hidden gem Lake Vesuvius has become destination for kayakers

By Mark Shaffer

T

here is a hidden gem amongst the hills of southern

Ohio.

In Wayne National Forest in Pedro, there is Lake Vesuvius, which is becoming a destination for kayakers.

Scott and Jennifer Mootz started Kountry Kayaks at the lake about four years ago.

Jennifer had retired from teaching first grade classes at Rock Hill Elementary School.

They enjoyed boating and thought that opening their own business would be a good job for Jennifer.

They talked with the management at Wayne National Forest and found out that no one had done boat rentals for a couple years. They worked together to open up Kountry Kayaks.

The business has a schedule of being open Friday through Sunday and on holidays.

“Monday through Thursday, there just aren’t a lot of people there,” Scott said. “We went out and bought a fleet of high-quality, commercial rental boats that are designed for this kind of business.

The boats are very stable and really easy to use. And we are proud of that.”

And because there was a demand, they also got four-person pedal boats for rent. Scott said those are popular with families and people with disabilities who might not otherwise be able to get onto the water.

Another attraction for kayakers is that Lake Vesuvius doesn’t allow gas-powered boats.

“It is one of the few totally electric power lakes, no gasoline engines. It makes for a very serene, quiet experience,” he said.

“That’s good for our customers, they don’t have to worry if they are in a wake zone — it’s all a no-wake zone. It’s a smaller lake but it is so quiet and pretty.”

The Mootzs have been canoers for decades.

It was on a trip to go

canoeing that Jennifer started talking with another couple that had come to the lake to kayak, and while Scott was unloading their canoes, she borrowed a kayak to try it out and loved it.

“It was about a year before she convinced me to try it,” Scott said, adding that she purchased a kayak at a sports store and loved it.

Scott, not so much.

“I hated it,” he said, with a laugh. But he talked to a friend who convinced him that what he needed was a better quality kayak.

“We got into it and became avid kayakers.

We traveled to a lot of places to kayak.”

Scott said that he tries to make the kayaking experience top notch, whether it’s making sure the life jackets smell fresh or working with firsttime kayakers to make their experience more enjoyable.

“We try to make it a good customer experience, because some of our customers are first-time kayakers,” Scott said, adding that a lot of customers are already experienced kayakers. “They tell me they have their own kayak, they just didn’t feel like messing with putting the car top carrier on the car and tying it down.”

The lake attracts lots of boaters from the surrounding counties, and even drawing some from central Ohio and Indiana.

“We get people from all over,” Scott said.

Kountry Kayaks has an outfitter permit with Wayne National Forest to run the boat rental.

They are insured and part of the rental fee goes to the forest.

“Lake Vesuvius is a friendly, familyorientated place,” Scott said. “We’ve got over 140 acres on Lake Vesuvius and some great fishing. There are fish of all types and it’s surprising how many fish are caught right off the dock.”

For more information, go to www. kountrykayaksllc.com.

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HEALTHY FAMILY

THE TRIBUNE

WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 13-14, 2020

Diabetes self-management telephone class to begin late June Staff Report Wellness classes provided by the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) are starting back up after a time off due to the coronavirus pandemic. While physical distancing requirements remain in place, a creative solution to offer the programs has been developed.

Beginning June 30 through Aug. 4, the AAA7 will be offering the popular diabetes self-management program through a telephone conference call.

The format will allow the AAA7 to connect and support class participants while learning valuable tools to manage diabetes. The telephone conference classes will be facilitated by AAA7 staff through a toll-free call-in number. Classes will be held weekly from 1 p.m. until around 1:45 p.m.

Those who are interested must pre-register

for the class. Once registered, participants will receive a free Diabetes Self-Management kit in the mail and the conference call information prior to the start of the class. The kit includes the book, “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions,” a relaxation CD and handouts for each class.

Contents in the kit will be used for the weekly calls. Participation in the weekly telephone conference calls is required to receive the kit at no cost.

Residents 60 and older in Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton counties are eligible to register at no cost. To register for the class, please call the AAA7 at 1-800-582-7277 and ask for Hannah at extension 247, or e-mail info@aaa7.org. In order to receive the materials in the mail in time for the start of the class, registration deadline is June 18.

Those who are interested are encouraged to register to stay socially connected and enhance their diabetes self-management skills.

The AAA7 will be offering other wellness classes in the future using this format or an online format. Classes include Chronic Pain Self-Management, Chronic Disease SelfManagement and Tools for Caregivers. Please call 1-800-582-7277 and ask for Hannah at extension 247 for any questions or more information. You can also e-mail info@aaa7.org.

Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis in ten counties in Southern Ohio including Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton.

These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their own

homes through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid and other federal and state resources, as well as private pay.

The AAA7’s Resource Center is also available to anyone in the community looking for information or assis-

Pediatric rehabilitation has returned through KDMC Vitality Center Staff Report ASHLAND, Ky. — The Vitality Center, formerly operated by Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, has reopened through Kings Daughters Medical Center.

It is located at 1100 St. Christopher Drive, Russell, Kentucky and had closed on April 30.

“We are so excited be able to open back up and start providing care to our patients again,” Tim O’Toole, PT, director of outpatient therapy for King’s Daughters, said. “There is such a great need for rehabilitation services, especially rehab services for our pediatric population.”

O’Toole served as director of the Vitality Center from 2006 until its closing.

All modalities of pediatric rehabilitation — physical, occupational and speech therapy — are available beginning June 1. Adult physical therapy has also returned, O’Toole said, with adult occupational and speech therapies to resume as demand for those services increases.

Most of the former Vitality Center staff has returned under King’s Daughters, O’Toole noted, including adult and pediatric physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and OT/PT assistants.

Over the next few weeks, Vitality Center team members will begin con-

tacting patients to resume therapy, O’Toole said.

When the Vitality Center closure was first announced, many parents were concerned that pediatric rehabilitation services would be discontinued in the community. Through the efforts of state Sen. Robin Webb (D-18th District), the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) designation which provided financial support for these services was able to be transferred to King’s Daughters.

“This is definitely a needed program and important to the health and well-being of children in this region,” he said, adding, “Without Robin Webb’s help, we would not have been able to continue. She was wonderful and we are very thankful for her efforts.”

The Vitality Center pool will remain closed for the foreseeable future due to COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, patients and staff alike will be required to wear a cloth face covering or mask at all times. Social distancing will be maintained and everyone will be subject to temperature checks and symptom screening, said Curtis Metzler, administrator of post-acute care services for King’s Daughters.

Vitality Center memberships will not be resumed until later. “We hope to be able to restart those in July, but much of that depends on COVID-19 restrictions,” O’Toole said.

tance with long-term care options. Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., the Resource Center is a valuable contact for learning more about options and what programs and services are available for assistance.

Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-5827277 (TTY: 711). Here, individuals can speak directly with a trained Resource Specialist who will assist them with information sur-

rounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs.

The Agency also offers an in-home assessment at no cost for those who are interested in learning more.

Information is also available on www.aaa7. org, or the Agency can be contacted through e-mail at info@aaa7. org. The Agency also has a Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/AreaAgency OnAgingDistrict7.

We are grateful for those who have our back in this important time. The list is long, but we want to thank our first responders and front-line workers.

Especially in critical times, newspapers have your back.

COVID-19 is a national story that is impacting you at home and at work.

Your local newspaper is keeping you informed with current events in your neighborhood and is bringing communities together in these challenging times.

From the actions your local government is taking, to lists of local stores that are delivering and tips on what to do while you’re at home, your local newspaper is committed to bringing you the news you need, when you need it.

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EASY•FAST

HEALTHY FAMILY

WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 13-14, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

5

Offering long-term assistance Shelter of Hope provides housing, case management for homeless

By Heath Harrison ASHLAND, Ky. — Shelter of Hope was established in 1988 and has been at its present location at 2944 Winchester Ave. in Ashland since 1994.

“We were set up by the Ministerial Association of Churches,” Debbie Sivas, the executive director of the facility since 2008, said. “There were several churches who saw a need to provide something to homeless families.”

Sivas said the facility has a staff of three, along with two Americorps workers and a few volunteers.

They are funded through donations, as well as matching donations.

“And people do in-kind donations, with supplies like toilet paper and paper towels — things food stamps won’t cover,” she said.

Sivas said Shelter of Hope is a long-term facility, which works to get its residents into permanent housing.

“It is designed with

apartments — we have 10 — with a common area and a laundry facility,” she said.

She said they review the cases of their residents every 10 days, though, since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have not been vacancies for housing and residents have been staying longer.

“We keep people in place until they get stable homes,” she said, adding that they also do case management, helping people with housing vouchers and other paperwork and processes.

She said this longterm assistance helps to alleviate the larger problem.

“They would probably become homeless again more quickly without the support,” she said. “We guide them through what they need to do.”

She said many of the people they work with have reading issue and, for others, reading comprehension is difficult.

Staff and volunteers help them to sign

Shelter of Hope in Ashland is funded through grants and matching donations from the community, as well as in-kind donations of supplies. In October, the South Ashland Lions Club collected household goods for guests there.

(Submitted photo) up for things such as mental health addiction services.

He said they also work with the Kentucky extension office to educate them on nutrition and health.

“And how to stretch money for those services,” Sivas said.

Sivas said that the pandemic has presented a challenge for them, as it is harder to move people into housing,

while they have also had to implement social distancing in their interaction, as well as reconfigure things such as how their shared laundry facility operates.

There are three homeless shelters in Ashland, also including the Salvation Army and Safe Harbor,” Sivas said. Shelter of Hope differs in that it is more long-term,

but she said they work with the other two with the same goal in mind.

“We work together to get people housing,” she said.

Typically, there are several fundraising events for the shelter during the year, though Sivas said the pandemic has led to those being canceled for now.

But she pointed to one that is still scheduled.

Texas Roadhouse in Ashland will be donating a percentage of proceeds for orders from anyone who brings in a copy of the shelter’s flyer. This event is set for June 15.

Sivas said anyone wanting the flyer, as well as more information on Shelter of Hope can visit www. shelterofhope.org or visit their Facebook page.

Board approves Ohio Department of Aging request to increase appropriations Funds will support expanded senior services during emergency protocols of Aging, said. “We are grateful to the federal government and the Ohio Legislature for recognizing COLUMBUS — The Ohio the importance of increasing these Controlling Board on Monday crucial services for older Ohioans approved a request by the Ohio at a time when more Ohioans than Department of Aging to increase ever need them.” appropriations in certain senior The department received service funding due to addi- authority to use $4,886,917 of additional federal funding under tional CARES funding in fiscal the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and year 2020 and $24,434,585 in fiscal Economic Security (CARES) Act. year2021. The funds will be used “During the coronavirus emer- to support increased demand for gency, older adults have been targeted Older Americans Act asked to limit their contact with programs due to the COVID-19 others. As a result, we have seen pandemic. Programs impacted increased need for services that by the funding include supporthelp seniors live independently in ive services, nutrition, caregiver their homes,” Ursel J. McElroy, support, information and referral, T Ohio I O Department N A L H and OS P I C ECare & Ombudsman PA L L directorNofA the Long-Term

Staff Report

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services. The funds are available from April 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021.

The increased funding will be awarded to Ohio’s 12 area agencies on aging who, in turn, will distribute it to contracted service providers in their local aging networks.

Area agencies are planners and funders within their community and have strong community partnerships that allow them to use funds efficiently and effectively.

To learn about available assistance for yourself or a loved one, call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the area agency on aging serving your community, or visit www.aging.ohio.gov/findservices to look up agency contact inforImation.

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THE TRIBUNE

HEALTHY FAMILY

WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 13-14, 2020

Destination for adventure Greenup business offers variety of outdoor opportunities

By Heath Harrison GREENUP, Ky. — Justin Matthews said that he and the staff at Dragonfly Outdoor Adventures are “passionate about getting people outside and exercising.”

The business is owned by his in-laws, Sandy and Myra Mosser, and is operated with him and his wife, Kristen Matthews.

Based on three properties along the Little Sandy River, it launched in 2014 with a kayak rental service and has since expanded to a number of offerings.

Matthews said his wife teaches aerial yoga, using parachute material swings, and they have both an indoor and outdoor space for these sessions.

“She received training down in Florida for that,” he said.

They also have an on-site food truck, which offers organic, locally produced food, such as BLTs, fried green tomatoes and fish tacos.

Matthews said the truck has gone on the road in the past, but, with the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been keeping it on site.

While they offer some activities offsite, most of their options are at their home site.

“We’re hoping to be more of a destination location and keeping a lot at Dragonfly,” he said.

Their typical season runs from May through October, but can vary slightly, depending on the weather and the river levels, while Kristen offers yoga year round, making use of the indoor facility, he said.

They have remained open during the pandemic, but Matthews

said they have “Been trying to navigate” things and changed accordingly.

“We’re focusing on smaller groups of kayakers,” he said, noting that all boats and lifejackets are cleaned at the start of the day, “used once and that’s it.”

He said they ask customers to call ahead and make reservations to help.

He said he will be teaching fly fishing again in coming weeks.

“That will start up this summer,” he said.

He also said they plan to organize guided hikes and longer kayaking trips at some point.

“We’re 2.3 miles from the Ohio River,” he said. “These would be a monthly, offsite paddle.”

One change he said is coming is that they will be starting a volunteer program, to help with the operation of the business.

He said those who take part will get a free meal from the food truck, as well as a ½ day kayaking pass for each day worked.

Matthews said business has been good, with visitors coming from Cincinnati and Louisville, though he said local residents have picked up in the last year and he’s seeing more customers from Ashland, Ironton and the surrounding area now as well.

“The community is becoming more aware of what we’re doing here and we have a good mix,” he said.

For more information, visit www.dragonflyoutdoor adventures.com online, while there are separate Facebook pages available for the yoga, café and expedition parts of the business.

ABOVE: Dragonfly Outdoor Adventures offers outdoor recreation on the Little Sandy River near Greenup. LEFT: Dragonfly Outdoor Adventures features an on-site food truck, serving organic, locally produced food, such as BLTs, fried green tomatoes and fish tacos. BELOW: Fly fishing classes will be offered by Justin Matthews, of Dragonfly Outdoor Adventures, this summer. (Submitted photo)

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Kristen Mathews, of Dragonfly Outdoor Adventures, teaches aerial yoga year-round at their indoor facility.

(Submitted photo)

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Delivering a world of ideas to your classroom NIE is a program utilized by many newspapers around the country to help promote literacy in our schools by placing newspapers in classrooms.

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because the “textbook” speaks to them about people, places and things that they are likely to be familiar with from their own community, thus sparking their interest. This is a valuable program to every school and community, and your contribution is an investment into our children, our community and the future workforce.

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WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 13-14, 2020

HEALTHY FAMILY

THE TRIBUNE

It’s time to get kids biking (BPT) — For kids, biking is one of the gateways to growing up. Popular films and TV hits such as “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “Stranger Things” highlight the joy a bike can bring as a fun way to explore or spend time kicking around the neighborhood. Yet, according to a study from the Outdoor Industry Association, bike riding among kids declined 19 percent between 2007 and 2019.

With the weather getting warmer, there are plenty of good reasons for anyone to get outside and ride a bike.

Especially during this time of social distancing, bike riding offers the perfect opportunity to shake off cabin fever and safely enjoy the fresh air.

BENEFITS OF BIKE RIDING For tweens and teens in particular, there are many benefits of owning and riding a bike, including: • It gets kids outside away from screens to enjoy fresh air and vitamin D-giving sunshine.

• It promotes cardiovascular health.

• It builds muscles, while improving balance and coordination.

• It improves mental health by helping to reduce anxiety or stress.

• It is good for the environment, offering an emissions-free mode of transportation.

• It helps build self-confidence and relationships with others who like cycling too.

HELP FOR FOSTER KIDS WHO NEED BIKES Unfortunately, not every kid has the opportunity to enjoy the many positive aspects of bike riding. Children in foster care, tweens and teens in particular, don’t always have access to a bike, so they aren’t able to experience this important milestone of growing up.

To help address this issue, Honeycomb cereal is donating $50,000 to Together We Rise, a national

nonprofit dedicated to helping improve the lives of youth in foster care. The donation will provide 600 bicycles to tweens and teens in foster care nationwide, helping them to build their confidence and experience the many physical and emotional benefits that having a bike brings.

Bikes have been part of Honeycomb’s history since the 1970s, featured in its advertising and promotions. Kids growing up in the ‘70s and ‘80s fondly remember collecting Honeycomb bikesized state license plates, which were given away free inside cereal boxes each year. Honeycomb’s latest “Always Be Big” spot features a bicycle with a nostalgic nod to the past.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Together We Rise to give kids in foster care the chance to experience the fun and joy that biking brings,” said Michelle Titus, senior brand manager of Honeycomb cereal.

“Throughout its history, Honeycomb has been a champion of the small yet big moments for kids.

This donation will make the dream of owning a bike a reality for these kids.”

SAFETY TIPS Kids heading out on their bikes should follow basic guidelines to protect their health and safety. Remind your tween or teen to: • Always wear a helmet, even for a short trip.

• Be visible by wearing bright clothing and using reflectors or lights to ensure others can see you, especially in the early morning or around sundown.

• Always use sunscreen to protect exposed skin from UV rays.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

• Stick to bike paths, if possible, rather than riding on the street.

• Obey all traffic laws.

• Stay alert while riding.

• Don’t use ear buds or headphones that could prevent you from hearing traffic or

other dangers.

• Don’t use your phone or text while riding - stop and get off the trail to use any device.

Now is the perfect time to get your kids biking and consider helping foster kids do the same.

For more information about the Together We Rise Bikes for Foster Children program or how to sponsor a bike for kids who need one, visit TogetherWeRise.org.

Four things to consider when rescheduling elective surgery (BPT) — For the past few months, patients around the country have had to postpone elective surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re one of them, you’re probably wondering when you may hear from your doctor about rescheduling that surgery.

As states begin easing restrictions, hospitals and clinics have been preparing to welcome patients back for procedures that can help relieve pain and improve their quality of life.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), in partnership with other medical associations, has developed a roadmap to help health care organizations safely resume elective surgeries.

ASA’s checklist of safety measures can help ensure patients’ comfort in moving forward with surgery: 1. COVID-19 CASES ARE DECREASING ASA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advise that it is safe to resume elective procedures when the number of new COVID-19 cases in the area has decreased every day for the last two weeks.

2. ALL PATIENTS ARE TESTED Before you have surgery, you should be tested for COVID-19. Healthcare providers will also ask you if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days, or if you have experienced unexplained fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat

or loss of taste or smell in the last two weeks.

While it may be tempting to shrug off any symptoms or potential exposure, it is extremely important to be honest, for your safety and the safety of your surgical team. Patients who have viral infections - of any kind are at higher risk for complications from surgery.

3. YOUR PROCEDURE WILL BE PERFORMED IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT Surgical procedures are being performed in locations separate from where COVID-19 patients are being treated, such as an ambulatory care center or a different part of the hospital. Keeping surgeries separate from COVID-19 treatment areas protects both you and your surgical team.

4. EVERY FACILITY HAS CREATED A COVID-19 SURGICAL CARE PLAN ASA recommends that all health care facilities adopt COVID-19related policies to address every stage of surgical care, from before the procedure through post-discharge care planning.

Physicians are working to create the safest environment possible for you to have your needed surgery.

Keep in mind that in many areas, elective surgeries have not been performed for over a month, meaning that there will be a backlog, so it may take time to schedule your procedure.

Healthy kids, are Happy kids.

Pediatrics Dr. Pearl Hennan-Hain Pediatrician

Family Medical Centers South Point 55 Township Road 508 East South Point, OH 45680

Mon-Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm Pediatric Care 740.377.2712

www.FamilyMedicalCenters.org

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HEALTHY FAMILY

THE TRIBUNE

WEEKEND EDITION, JUNE 13-14, 2020

We are committed to providing the highest quality service for all your healthcare needs. Services include:

• Audiology/Hearing Aids

• Neurology

• Ear, Nose, and Throat (Otolaryngology)

• Pain Management

• Family Practice

• X-Ray

• Internal Medicine

• Women’s Health

• Rheumatology

• Laboratory Services

Meet Our Providers

Diane Allen, CRNP Obstetrics/ Gynecology

Michael Black, MD Family Practice

Jeremy Cuzzourt, MD ENT

G. Scott Davis, MD Internal Medicine

Mittra Esmaeili, DO Family Practice

Deena Hassuna, MD Rheumatology

Glen Imlay, MD Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Alicia Johnson, PA-C ENT

Amanda McConnell, DO, MPH Neurology, Sleep Medicine

Kimberly Starks, Au.D., CCC-A Audiology

To schedule an appointment, call 740.886.9370.