Health News

Hospice of the Western Reserve - along with other national, state and community organizations - is participating in a national campaign running now through April 16, 2015 National Healthcare Decisions Day, to highlight the importance of making personal healthcare choices known. Free downloadable web resources and community educational events are planned.

Hospice of the Western Reserve has scheduled the following free east side community educational opportunities. Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will documents will be available and a representative from Daniel P. Seink Co., Ltd., will be available to answer questions and witness the signing of documents. Both sessions are open to the community; no reservations required.

Friday, April 10, 2015 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cleveland Heights Community Center, 1 Monticello Blvd, Cleveland Hts.

 Thursday, April 16, 2015 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Euclid Lakefront Community Center, One Bliss Lane

Are you aware of a young person who could use support on his or her grief journey? “Bridges of Courage,” a free half-day retreat for teens, ages 14 to 17, provides support to adolescents who have experienced the death of a loved one by uniting them with peers who are also experiencing the death of a loved one. The retreat will take place at the Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Bereavement Center, located on Hospice of the Western Reserve’s Lakeshore Campus, 300 East 185th Street, Cleveland, on Saturday, April 11, 2015 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A dinner of pizza and salad will be provided. Space is limited, so early reservations are recommended. To register, contact Dominique Butler at 216.486.6287. (Registration cutoff date is April 6.)

Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services (NEON) invites you to utilize the services of the Collinwood Health located at 15322 St. Clair Avenue. We offer a dedicated team of caring professionals and a wide array of health care services to meet the needs of you and your family. Our hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, Monday through Friday with night and weekend hours offered at the Hough Health Center.  Please call us at 216-851-1500 to make an appointment.

Established in 1967, NEON is one of the oldest and largest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in the country with seven locations, a dental van and multiple outreach sites including nursing homes and schools. Prevention and early detection are the cornerstones of NEON’s service delivery model.

NEON provides affordable, high-quality primary care services to the uninsured as well as to individuals and families with insurance coverage.  “Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of Northeast Ohio residents by providing comprehensive and excellent health care in a culturally sensitive and caring environment,” stated Mr. Willie F. Austin, NEON’s President and CEO.

NEON accepts a number of payment arrangements for services including Medicare and Medicaid. Managed Care Plans include CareSource, Buckeye Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare, Molina Healthcare, and Paramount. NEON also accepts Medical Mutual of Ohio, Anthem BC/BS, CIGNA and other commercial insurance plans. Services are also available on a sliding fee scale, based on income and family size.

Once a patient leaves the hospital their healthcare needs don’t end – whether ongoing or preventative. Mark Froimson, MD, President of Euclid Hospital, wants to make Euclid, Collinwood and the surrounding communities the “most healthy places to live and work, with citizens that are attuned to the best ways to remain healthy and prevent disease and access care when needed.”

Renee Marincic, Euclid Hospital patient care advocate, recently spoke to members of organizations in Euclid and Collinwood concerning the interest that Hospital caregivers have to partner with community services that can aid patients. “Patients who could also be your neighbor,” says Marincic.

A Community Support Task Force is formed
From that meeting, a Community Support Task Force (CSTF) was developed as a collaborative effort between Euclid Hospital and the City of Euclid. The Task Force will promote healthy living and activities, encourage health screenings and disease prevention and checking in on those in need – such as elderly neighbors.

Continued.

Heart attack. Stroke. Severe burns. For medical cases like these, immediate care at a full service emergency department (ED) is the obvious choice. “We’re here for the community,” says Marita Volk, MD, director of the Emergency Department at the Euclid Hospital. “When in doubt, remember: we’ll see anyone, anytime for anything."

The emergency department treats conditions that require immediate care for a sudden and unexpected medical condition, or for the worsening of a condition that suddenly threatens a life limb, or vision. Call 911 or go immediately to the ED in the case of medical emergencies, including:
• Loss of consciousness
• Signs of heart attack or stroke
• Sudden, severe pain and/or chest pain
• Uncontrolled or excessive bleeding
• Coughing up or vomiting blood
• Head injury
• Eye injuries
• Bone and joint injuries
• Severe burns or pain
• Sudden or unexpected paralysis
• Difficulty breathing
• Poisoning or suspected poisoning
• Major injuries
• Accidents, including falls and car crashes
• Extreme emotional distress
• Suicidal or homicidal feelings
• Drug overdose
• Injuries caused by violence, such as gun-shot wounds

Other conditions, like earache, sore throat or muscle strain, may be better handled by an express or urgent care center or your primary care doctor.

Your primary care doctor is the person to go to for your healthcare basics, such as wellness checkups and screenings, and for specialist referrals. They should always have your medical information on file. They may not be able to see you in an urgent situation, but their main focus is on disease prevention and helping you stay healthy.

To avoid unnecessary ED trips:
• Learn the signs of true medical emergencies like stroke and heart attack. 
• Develop a relationship with a primary care physician who has your medical information on file and can see you in a pinch.

When life-threatening situations occur, call 9-1-1. For urgent medical needs, call 911 or visit:
Euclid Hospital Emergency Department
18901 Lakeshore Blvd.
Euclid, Ohio 44119

Meet Danielle Wiggins of WKYC TV Channel 3 News!

Euclid residents are invited to join Hospice of the Western Reserve’s African American Outreach Committee at a free community luncheon event entitled, “Voices for Hospice: Who cares?  We do! Putting the Pieces Together,” on Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Embassy Suites, 5800 Rockside Road, Independence. The event commemorates World Hospice and Palliative Care Day.

Mistress of ceremonies is Danielle Wiggins of WKYC TV Channel 3. A panel of hospice team members including a spiritual care coordinator, an art therapist and a pediatric social worker will talk about their specialties and share real-life stories about how their work provides comfort, hope and dignity to patients and their families. The luncheon is free, but registration is required. Registration is available online at hospicewr.org/voices or by calling 216.486.6645.

Attendees will also enjoy a fabulous display of handcrafted art courtesy of the African American Quilt and Doll Guild. A variety of nonprofit community organizations will provide educational exhibits and complimentary health care screenings.

“This luncheon provides a great opportunity for church groups, social organizations, families and friends to learn more about the hospice philosophy in a relaxed setting,” said LaBena Fleming, Provider Relations Manager and co-chair of this year’s event.

Continued.

A Natural Way is located at 856 East 185th street. You would not imagine this facility small in size but big in innovation and excitement on this street. The owner Lashawn Evans has made it an Oasis for all on the Wellness Path. The studio offers a quarterly challenge,and every second Sunday a free wellness seminar.

You can find classes belly dance classes, zumba,yoga and many group fitness classes.

Natural Way offers instructional workshops on nutrition and weight loss.

This year the studio sponsored the belly dance troupe,"The sisters of Jamila Yaa at the annual Parade the  circle event at University Circle.

A Natural Way located at 656 East 185th Street,

Phone (216) 802-8284 Email anaturalway216@yahoo.com

You can discover your risk of developing prostate or colon cancer, learn how to quit smoking and prevent strokes, and gather all kinds of other health information at the 12th annual Cleveland Clinic's Minority Men's Health Fair.

The free event is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, in the lobby of Glickman Tower, 2050 East 96th St., on the Cleveland Clinic's main campus.

Free parking is available in the P1 garage at East 93rd Street and Euclid Avenue.

Last year, 1,200 men attended and underwent more than 6,000 screenings. The annual event, founded by Charles S. Modlin, Jr. M.D. of the Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, aims to address the healthcare disparities experienced by minority patients in Northeast Ohio. African-Americans have a shorter life-expectancy, higher incidence of death from heart disease and die from prostate cancer twice as often as white males.

Registration is strongly encouraged. To sign up, go to ClevelandClinic.org/MMHC. 

Hospice of the Western Reserve’s African American Outreach Committee will observe World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on Saturday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Marriott Cleveland East, 26300 Harvard Rd., Warrensville Hts.
by hosting a free community luncheon program aimed at dispelling the myths about hospice care and sharing surprising and little known facts about the range of services available, including many requiring no hospice experience. These include Yoga, Reiki, art therapy workshops (ranging from quilting to journaling to ceramics and painting), bereavement support groups for all ages, and a school crisis response program.

Beginning in 2014, millions of Americans will have access to affordable, quality health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. They will be able to compare health plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace created by the health reform law. Consumers will find various plan options available in their state in simple, easy-to-understand language.  Individuals will be able to enroll beginning on October 1st of this year. (If you obtain insurance through an employer or a government program such as Medicare or Medicaid, you do not need to enroll through the health exchange.) 

I know that many of my constituents have questions about the enrollment process, the types and cost of coverage that will be available and many other aspects of this phase-in of the health reform law, more commonly known as Obamacare. It’s unfortunate however, that critics of Obamacare have gone out of their way to spread misleading information, use fuzzy math or omit important details to create fear and confusion. That’s a disservice to the people I represent. My goal is to help ensure that our hardworking families and individuals have accurate information and know where to find it.

An example of misleading information can be found in the recent news release issued by the Ohio Department of Insurance. It announced that average premiums in Ohio will increase 41% next year as a result of the Affordable Care Act. That’s technically true but in practical terms, meaningless. Consumers will not pay an average based on all levels of plans available. It’s like averaging the price of a budget compact car with a high end luxury SUV. If you’re in the market for a low cost car, you’re not paying anywhere near the “average.”

For the 15th consecutive year, Hospice of the Western Reserve will host "Together We Can," a children’s bereavement day camp held at Red Oak Camp, 9057 Kirtland-Chardon Road in scenic Kirtland. This year’s camp is scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 6-8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Each year, up to 60 campers between the ages of six and 14 who have experienced the death of a loved one spend the day in this beautiful natural setting interacting with other children who have also had someone special die. 

“There’s nothing better than seeing all these kids who have experienced so many different losses come together in a beautiful setting to share stories, learn new ways to handle their grief, and have fun with other kids who understand what they’re going through,” said Karen Hatfield, counseling team leader at the Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Bereavement Center.

The American Hospital Association is very pleased to recognize Euclid Hospital with a plaque for 75 years of continuous AHA membership. The plaque is signed by AHA president Richard J. Umbdenstock and Teri G. Fontenot, chair, board of directors, to commemorate this milestone. The AHA marks membership anniversaries at 25, 50, and 75 years of membership.

The plaque reads, "The American Hospital Association recognizes Euclid Hospital, Euclid, Ohio, on the occasion of its seventy-fifth anniversary as a member (in) 2012. The Association honors this hospital for its leadership in advancing the health of its community."

Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Chicago, the AHA is the national organization that represents and serves all types of hospitals, health care networks and their patients and communities. Close to 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 40,000 individual members come together to form the AHA.

Euclid Hospital recently received the Pathway to Excellence designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Euclid is now the fourth hospital in the state of Ohio to receive the distinction, joining Lakewood, South Pointe and Marymount hospitals. 

“Our Euclid Hospital caregivers realize what a great job our nurses do every day, but receiving the Pathway to Excellence designation truly validates what an incredible team we have,” says Dawn Bailey, BSN, MAOM, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for Euclid Hospital. “Our nurses have such amazing talent and care so deeply about our patients and our organization.”  

Euclid Hospital earned the Pathway to Excellence honor after successfully undergoing a thorough review process that documented foundational quality initiatives in creating a positive work environment where nurses excel.  The American Nurses Credentialing Center is the world’s largest nurse credentialing organization and is a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association.

The public is invited to tour the house and grounds at David Simpson Hospice House, located at 300 E. 185th Street on the Lake Erie waterfront, on Tuesday, March 19, 10 to 11 a.m., during a free Community Open House sponsored by Hospice of the Western Reserve. Refreshments will be provided. Reservations can be made by visiting the hospice’s Website at http://www.hospicewr.org/david-simpson-hospice-house-community-open-house.

“Hospice of the Western Reserve is part of the fabric of the community, so we encourage Cleveland residents and those in the surrounding East Side communities to bring their friends and stop in during one of our open house events,” said Bill Finn, chief executive officer.  “It’s a great way to see first-hand the unique range of services we offer as a non-profit agency with 35 years of history in Northern Ohio,” Finn said.

The 42-bed David Simpson Hospice House provides a peaceful, home-like, therapeutic hospice environment for patients and their loved ones. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, families may walk the beautifully landscaped grounds and winding Vista Walk — a living tribute paved with engraved bricks and lined with gardens.

Residents of the Collinwood community are invited to participate in Hospice of the Western Reserve's first annual Walk to Remember at Cleveland MetroParks Zoo on Sunday, Sept. 9, 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Sponsored by FirstMerit Bank, Advance registration is required at www.hospicewr.org/walk.    

Walkers need not have a family member in hospice care to participate. Each walker is asked to raise a minimum of $25 from sponsors payable the day of the walk. (Simply ask 5 friends to each contribute $5.) Registration includes all-day admission to the Zoo and the Rainforest, a complimentary pancake breakfast, entertainment, prizes, goody bags and more.

"We will be walking to honor the memory of our loved ones while supporting the special services we offer that are not fully funded by Medicare or insurance, such as pediatric care, crisis intervention and bereavement counseling in schools, the granting of wishes for seriously ill patients and providing music, art and massage therapy to our patients and their caregivers," said Shawna Hofstetter, walk coordinator.  The agency’s headquarters is located at 17876 St. Clair and it also owns and operates David Simpson Hospice House, a residential hospice care facility, on Cleveland's lakefront at E. 185th Street.

Kim Wren’s noon water aerobics class (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) at the Collinwood Recreation Center has a spot for everyone.  Just show up about 11:45, with your swimming gear plus a pair of socks to wear in the pool (the bottom is rough) or water shoes, and a lock for your locker. Tell those in the locker room it’s your first time and you will be welcomed.  

It is the best. There are mostly women, a couple of pleasant fellows, and Kim our fitness/surgery recovery guide. People socialize. Locker rooms promote meeting and greeting each other. It’s not easy to remember everyone’s names, but no matter how many times you ask a person’s name, they gladly provide it. It is the nicest bunch of people you would ever want to meet. 

Kim Wren started her "get fit" program in the Fall. Her niece AJ and their church friend Sug joined in and shortly, so did I. Kim’s program is a very good workout and much more social than swimming up and down. The numbers grew. People committed to doing their best in the workouts and invited their co workers and friends. A community gathering of loving friends developed.
 

At the Collinwood Rec Center on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday come and experience one reason our Rec Center is full of people exerting themselves, smiling and occasionally whooping or laughing out loud. 

Shenese Wilson is perfect for us. Her extensive experience with health and wellness programs in the military gives us confidence that the hydration and diet advice she offers is the latest information. We are a large, diverse community of people with goals and aspirations to improve our health. She comes early for her 7:30 fitness for seniors class. She stays late after her step aerobics class, discussing personal progress toward a goal, setbacks and solutions, and of course celebrating every incremental step achieved toward a major goal. Shenese is interested and involved with her class participants. She remembers names and greets us individually. 

She is one of the dedicated crew of volunteers at the Rec Center. We are so grateful to receive the benefit of these “hearts of hospitality.”  They make getting and staying in shape a fun, free, happy, event. 

Shenese’s senior fitness class at 7:30 am has lots of room. The routine is extensive, performed seated on chairs, and lasts approximately 45 minutes. It gets your circulation going!

Shenese’s 10:00 am step aerobics class is often filled to its capacity of 40. Get there early! She takes us through a series of step routines that she makes look easy. For the fumble-footed, she notices and praises those who keep moving even without achieving the “new” or “complicated” step. The goal is a cardiovascular work out. We stretch and bend in ways that can cause unused muscles to make their presence known. 

Shenese serves us just because she can. The participants and staff thank Shenese from the bottom of our hearts for giving so freely of herself. 

Deborah Howitt has lived in Collinwood for 20 years - with 7 years out as an international science teacher. She is happy to be back here and looking for a way to make a difference in the quality of life here. 

The Lakeshore Golden Age Center is pleased to partner with the SilverSneakers Fitness Program to offer a Basic Range of Motion class, beginning on Thursday, March 1st at the Lakeshore Golden Age Center, 16600 Lakeshore Avenue, Cleveland.

Offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., this class can be done standing or in a chair. Using weights, balls and fitness bands all to upbeat music, the class is tailored to all ability levels and taught by an upbeat and expert instructor.    Class time is approximately 45 minutes and builds flexibility, motion and provides strength.

Many supplemental insurances offer SilverSneakers Fitness Programs as a benefit. SilverSneakers Fitness Members and those who think they may be eligible are encouraged to attend. Upon registering, SilverSneakers members should bring their SilverSneakers card. All participants should bring water, wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

Call the Golden Age Centers, 216-481-0631 for more information or visit www.silversneakers.com.

Euclid Hospital
18901 Lakeshore Blvd., Euclid
  Saturday, Oct. 22
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  Willoughby Hills Family Health Center
2570 SOM Center Road, Willoughby Hills
   Sunday, Oct. 2
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 9
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
   Sunday, Oct. 16
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.   Seasonal Flu Vaccinations
Vaccinations are available for adult and pediatric patients. Location, time, appointments and fees may vary by location. Cash only (no checks). Medicare and some insurance plans are accepted.   Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Flu
• Moderate-to-high fever (starting at 100–100.5 °F)
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (usually more common in children)
  For most people, the illness can last a week or longer. In some people, however, influenza can lead to life-threatening conditions.
   How can I stay healthy?
• Cover your cough/sneeze
• Wash your hands often
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after coughing or sneezing
• If you’re sick, stay home
• Get vaccinated against the flu. The vaccine is safe, even for pregnant women. You cannot get influenza from the flu shot This information is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider.
  Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.  
 

Euclid Hospital Participates in Disaster Drill 

Euclid Hospital was among many hospitals and medical centers across Northeast Ohio to participate in a five-county wide Emergency Management Drill on July 13. 

The purpose of the drill was to test the hospital's ability to respond to an external disaster using its Emergency Operations Plan. During the exercise, Euclid Hospital was responsible for responding to and managing a surge of patients requiring mass decontamination following a chemical exposure. The Incident Command Center at Euclid was activated to coordinate emergency response efforts while continuing normal operations within the hospital. Euclid's Hospital Emergency Response Team (HERT) team deployed a mass decontamination unit and performed actual decontamination on actors role playing as patients.

Drills are performed regularly to ensure the safety of patients, visitors and employees in case of a potential disaster. 

Euclid Hospital presents a Healthwise Connection “Lunch and Learn” 

More than 120 people attended a free lunch and learn session about colon cancer prevention on August 4, 2011 at the Willowick Senior Center. Sponsored by Euclid Hospital and Healthwise Connection, Gastroenterologist Michael Kirsch, M.D., presented important information on colon cancer, special risk factors, and screening options. A free lunch was provided by Parma Care/The Avenue Rehabilitation and Care Centers.

continued.

The Cleveland Division of Water (CWD) is committed to providing our customers with a first-class product – fresh drinking water. This commitment is our pledge as members of the Partnership for Safe Water program. The Partnership is a voluntary cooperative effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), drinking water professional organizations and 200 drinking water utilities across the country. Utilities which join the Partnership agree to adopt performance standards where drinking water regulations do not exist to optimize treatment and protect the water supply against microbiological contamination.

cont.

Euclid Hospital hosted their annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on May 19, at Tizzano's Party Center to thank volunteers for all of their hard work serving the hospital's patients, visitors and staff. In these days of high technology, shorter patient stays, and rising healthcare costs, volunteers are crucial to the hospital’s long-term success. They offer patients an added human touch that’s so important in the healing process. In 2010, volunteers donated over 27,000 hours of service to Euclid Hospital. Special pins were awarded to volunteers for service milestones at the luncheon.

When you hear the words "nursing home" what thoughts come to mind? For most people, unpleasant thoughts are associated with those words. This is a large misconception based upon a lack of community education. With more rules and regulations centered on quality care, nursing homes are becoming a wonderful place to call home. Here at ManorCare Euclid Beach we would like to become your expert on Nursing and Rehab Facilities in the local community. 

Every year during the month of May, nursing homes across the country celebrate National Nursing Home Week in hopes of bringing a renewed awareness to today’s society. 

No longer are there stories of Long Term Care Institutions where our elderly go to wait out the end of life. Today’s Nursing and Rehabilitation facilities are places where both young and old go to rehabilitate after surgery as well as continue an active and social lifestyle.

Aside from being a proven leader in health care, providing outstanding rehabilitation services, and only the highest quality nursing care, ManorCare Euclid Beach's focus is on LIVING. Our residents participate in community service projects such as; The Annual Salvation Army Adopt-A-Veteran Program, growing vegetables at the Corsica Community Garden and raising money to help provide hats and mittens to needy children in our local community.

On Saturday, April 30, from 10-2, the Euclid Hospital Medical Building is collecting unused or expired medications and drugs...drive behind the hospital, past the emergency department, and without getting out of your car hand the meds to an officer...be sure to remove any prescription labels that may be on the medication.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic and other local law enforcement agencies, is sponsoring a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday, April 30, to enable the public to safely dispose of unused or expired medications and narcotics with no questions asked.

Drive through drop-off sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

• Medina Hospital, 1000 E. Washington Street, Medina
• South Pointe Hospital, 20000 Harvard Rd, Warrensville Heights
• Euclid Hospital, 18901 Lakeshore Boulevard, Euclid
• Solon Family Health Center, 29800 Bainbridge Road, Solon
• Chagrin Falls Family Health Center, 551 East Washington Street, Chagrin Falls

Please remove all prescription labels before arriving. Prescription bottles with labels will be shredded. Inhalers will also be collected, but please no mercury thermometers or aerosol cans. All medications will be collected and held only by law enforcement officers until they are disposed of safely.

Important Facts About Medication Abuse

Nationally, teenage prescription drug abuse is rapidly increasing and your family’s medicine cabinet could become a teenager’s best supplier.

Everyday, 2,500 teenagers use prescription drugs to get high for the first time.

At the end of the year how many times did you hear, “Wow, this year went by fast?”  Hopefully we can reflect on the previous year and feel positive. Some of us will reflect on the previous year and feel not so satisfied.  If the previous year was great, let’s celebrate and multiply the good. However, if it was not so great, you can do something about it and now is the perfect time to do it.

Now is the time plan and orchestrate the next months of our lives. "I don’t have the money,"  "I don’t have time," or "I’ll do it when this or that happens," are excuses.  We can do something even if that something is very small. Want to learn tennis? Buy a used racquet, go the library and get some books or DVDs on tennis. Throw on a pair of shorts and go to the court and hit some balls, someone is bound to give you pointers, free of charge. If we take one step the universe will help us take the next step. But if we will not even take a step at all, what can we expect?  

Before you know it we will be at the end of another year.    

Even a long life is short. Do you want to be at the end of the year or the end of your life, still talking about what you are going to do?   

Appreciate life. The motivator Les Brown says you may as well have a good time in life, because you can’t get out alive. Start taking steps now, to make it happen now. Write it down where you will see it every day, get a buddy. If you want to get really motivated, write your obituary. It is not intended to be morbid, but to get you to realize that you are not going to live forever.

You are the author of your life. How will the next chapters read?

Desiree James is a licensed therapist located in Euclid, who is interested in promoting the emotional well-being of all individuals.

Hospice of the Western Reserve has announced a transition in executive leadership, culminating a two-year executive succession process. Chief Executive Officer David Simpson is relinquishing his day-to-day management responsibilities and will focus on certain strategic growth initiatives as CEO Emeritus. Succeeding Simpson as CEO is William E. Finn, who most recently served as the President & CEO of The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in Buffalo, New York. Finn and Simpson have been colleagues in many areas at the national level for 20 years working on various hospice policy and program initiatives.

Simpson, who has served as CEO since 1985, helped lead the expansion of Hospice of the Western Reserve's six county service area in Northeast Ohio where it operates from twelve community sites. It currently provides care for as many as 1,600 patients daily through hospice, palliative and continuity of care programs.

"Throughout his tenure at Hospice of the Western Reserve, David's strong leadership and strategic vision have driven the organization's mission of providing the highest level of compassionate care to patients, families and caregivers throughout Northeast Ohio," stated Richard Whitney, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "His thoughtful, eloquent approach to end-of-life care has established the agency as a national leader in end-of-life care. Through the strong foundation he has built, we can continue to grow and flourish in helping those in need. Bill Finn himself has more than two decades of experience in executive leadership, and was instrumental in growing Hospice Buffalo into a national leader in hospice care, and the Board is extremely confident that he has the vision to lead Hospice of the Western Reserve in the very exciting period ahead."

We are in the mist of the holiday season. The endless store commercials, Christmas songs, parades, and all the fuss.

After all the hustle and bustle, right before the New Year begins, we begin to think about clearing clutter and cleaning our homes. The superstition goes, if you go into the New Year with an unclean house and clutter that is how the rest of the year will be.

Did you ever think that our minds might be the same way? If you go into the New Year with an unclean mind and clutter in our minds, that's how the rest of the year will be. Just as we clean and clear our homes this time of the year, we need to also clear and clean our minds.

What is mind clutter? Mind clutter is useless, worn out thought patterns, habits, unproductive ideas, people, and relationships. How many of us start year after year letting the same old people and stuff take up space in our heads?

We seem to hold on to bad relationships, unresolved issues from our childhood, drug addiction that imprisons, and painful events. Sadly, some of us will go to our graves with this garbage; still angry, blaming someone for something that happened last month, last decade, or even last century.

"Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall,

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall!"

Remember that fairytale? Grimm Brothers were probably not thinking in terms of weight as more in terms of prosperity.

This past month I had a fall. Literally and figuratively. While biking to work one day, I fell off my bike. No major damage, just a little sore. When I did get to work, the boys (Toto and Joe) both remarked that if I had not been working out so much I may not have gotten up so quickly. More positive reasons for more healthier living. Eventually I had to go home so getting back on the bike was a must.

The main thing is that I got up and dusted myself off and continued. How many times have I stopped because of fear of failing or falling?

Since my workout regimen started almost a year ago, I developed bunions, boils, blisters, callouses, bruises, brainstorms, and pinched nerves. Not one of these conditions has stopped me; it may have set me back a little, but never ever stopped my quest to be and stay healthy, and active.

"All the Kings Horses and all the King's men, couldn't put Humpty together again."

I always wondered if the Grimm brothers had lived today, would they be able to write that part of the verse?

Not! You have this ability to put yourself back together again, I did; it is a struggle and it is not going to happen over night. But when you give yourself the time, (and you are worth that) and put in the effort, amazing changes can start to happen.

My time started with a visit to my local gym, where I met Mike Karban, my personal fitness guru. He owns and operates Totally Toned at Miller's Gym. I started off with weight training 3 days a week for one hour, after a few weeks we started to add cardio. Add to that all the dog walks and riding my bike to and from work and still putting in close to 55 hours of work a week, and to date, I have taken off 100 pounds.

Manor Care Euclid Beach was recently the subject of an intensive quality indicator survey.

For those unfamiliar with this facility, Manor Care Euclid Beach is a post-hospital post-acute care center dedicated to serving patients who need short term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. Located behind McDonald’s on Lakeshore, they have over 200 employees, with one of their managers being employed there for over 30 years.

The quality indicator survey is an unannounced 3 day process to measure compliance with federal standards and state regulations. A large part of the survey is interviews, not only with the employees but also with the patients, and the families of the patients.

Hello, my name is Mike Karban and I am the owner of Totally Toned Personal Training. Got a question for you, how is your bottom line these days? Carrying some extra junk in that proverbial trunk? If you’re like most Americans, your exercise ‘routine’ could use a little tuning up, but what if you’re not ready to go back to the gym? it’s been how long, exactly?!? Or perhaps you want to refine your form at home first, then graduate to those hard-to-hide-from mirrors that line your local gym? 

Another question. Have you relied on exercise fads in the past, such as the Atkins’ Diet, the 8…no 7-minute workout videos, or how about that slick sauna suit (complete with vacuum to suck out the fat, I guess)?  How many such fads we have seen come and go throughout the years? Belts that vibrate the belly fat away, dumbbells that ‘shake’ your muscles into shape, or food plans that enable you to drop that pesky exercise component all together yet still lose weight. There are bulky, expensive and even alien-looking machines ready to take up space and collect dust once their novelty wears off. And who can forget Richard Simmons’ sweating to those oldies, Suzanne Somers’ Thighmaster, or those legwarmers n’ leotards Jane Fonda wore so well in the 80s?  

Not to dismiss all exercise ‘fads’ per se, my aim here is to remind you that overall individual lifestyle changes, such as good nutrition and tapping into your inner drive and motivation, are the real ‘secrets’ that make or break any fad or workout routine. If it worked, the reason it worked was because it was something you got excited about, which in turn got you up and moving. And perhaps because you felt you were on an exercise program, you started watching other facets of your life, such as how much/what you ate, and how active you were. The moral here is that it is up to you to take control of your body, and no machine can do it all for you. Invest in each step toward reaching your goals, more so than just relying on that next big thing that promises to ‘make’ it happen, and take pride in the results you’ll see in your attitude, body, life overall. 

This time of the year can have different meanings for each one of us. Traditionally, it is categorized as a time for family gatherings and finding the perfect gift. For others this may be a time of sorrow and may mean a period of unresolved pain, loneliness, family friction, reminders of loss, or not being able to provide during this difficult financial period.   

At the corner of East 185 Street and Lakeshore Boulevard you will find the Hospice of the Western Reserve (HWR), nestled along the lake. So what, exactly is a hospice? If you’re like me you may think of this as a dingy ward, some place where gray and shaky old people wheeze out their dying breaths. Utterly depressing. Turns out that is a grave distortion of reality - a huge misunderstanding. The building you can see is but the tip of a much larger iceberg. True, the building we’re discussing houses 42 terminally ill patients but the vast majority of the six thousand odd clients of  HWR live at home or in assisted living. Though most hospice patients are physically weak, this is by no means a place of gloom and misery. A hospice can actually be a very happy environment.

Poodle skirts and root beer floats, not scrubs and lab coats, filled the Euclid Hospital cafeteria when the clocks were turned back for a 1950's themed sock hop where employees donated pairs of socks to benefit the Euclid Public School District. 

October 9 is World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. For the fifth time, Hospice of the Western Reserve is helping to educate underserved populations about hospice and palliative care in conjunction with this international initiative.

During world Hospice and Palliative Care Day, people from around the world plan and participate in Voices for Hospice – events dedicated to increasing access and understanding of hospice and palliative care. This year, the focus of these events is “Sharing the Care” and how local healthcare providers and individual hospices work as a team to provide the necessary care to those facing a serious illness and their families.

Locally, Hospice of the Western Reserve will host Voices for Hospice on October 9 from 11:30 to 2, at McGregor Home at 14900 Private Drive in East Cleveland. This free luncheon will feature Keynote speaker A. Gus Kious, MD, President of Huron Hospital. The event is free and open to the public and reservations are recommended by visiting HospiceWR.org/voices or calling 216-916-5517.

The soft lighting, no-skid floors and overall atmosphere of calm are among the first indications that this division of Huron Hospital is geared to the unique needs of a unique population.

Indeed, elderly members of the community are the focus of care in this new Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) Unit. The fourth floor unit, which provides specialized and individualized care, began accepting its first patients in August 2010.

“This unit is in keeping with our tradition of providing quality care to the elderly,” says Keyvan Ravakhah, M.D., chairman, Department of Medicine, Huron Hospital, a Cleveland Clinic hospital. “Now, instead of being in different sections of the hospital for different services, we’ll be able to give them comprehensive medical and rehabilitative care in one location.”

Patients are referred to ACE by their physicians after being treated in the hospital for chronic diseases and other ailments. The 13-bed unit is designed to simulate a home environment for patients, to help offset any disorientation or confusion they may experience as a result of being admitted to the hospital. Rooms are private and more spacious.

In addition to being under the care of personal physicians, day-to-day treatment plans will be developed for individual patients for physical, occupational and speech therapy. The personal plans are developed and implemented to by an interdisciplinary healthcare team assigned to the unit. Their goal is to return patients to lives of independence, or self-reliance, as soon as possible for as long as possible.

May 14, 2009, is a day that Tara Kuchenbecker can remember as vividly as if it were a television show she had recorded on her DVR, because she can remember it at any time. It was a Thursday evening. Tara and her husband, Ken, were relaxing at home after work. Ken headed to the backyard to chop wood for their fire pit. Tara picked up the phone to call her mother to talk.

For many decades, the former St. Joseph Christian Life Center stood as a beacon of peace, prayer and reflection on the shores of Lake Erie, not far from the Hospice House grounds. Last year, Hospice of the Western Reserve was presented with an opportunity to purchase the property. Although the purchase of the Center was unplanned, Hospice of the Western Reserve recognized it as an opportunity to preserve the legacy of the historic property. Also identified was the prospect of extending the Vista Walk and restoring the property to a beautiful green space from which the community, patients, and family members would benefit.

Thursday, June 10, employees from The Lubrizol Corporation’s locations in Wickliffe, Avon Lake and Brecksville spent the day working for Hospice of the Western Reserve as part of the company’s 4th annual “Building Bonds” day. Nearly one hundred volunteers came to Hospice House to clean up and landscape the former St. Joseph Christian Life Center property, provide administrative support and host an ice cream social for patients and families.

The Senior Information and Wellness Fair will be held Thursday, June 23 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Lake Shore Golden Age Center, 16600 Lake Shore Blvd.

City Departments and Community Agencies will distribute information on services and programs available for senior citizens. Free glucose and blood pressure screenings will be available.

The Fair is hosted by Councilman Michael D. Polensek of Ward 11 and The Cleveland Department of Aging and The Cleveland Department of Public Health.
 

In an effort to help promote better health, a Collinwood High School graduate recently opened up a local fitness center called TMAB Fitness.

Tracey M. Brown, a 2000 grad, is the person behind the new business.

The services provided by TMAB Fitness are based on three tiers of training: intergrated, core, and private personal training. 

Brown was born and raised on the east side of Cleveland. She is an alumna of Collinwood High; known for the infamous “Lady Railroaders,” where she was a proud participant. She moved away after graduation and acquired a number of skills while traveling. Being an athlete at heart, Brown stuck with her habitual state of working out six days a week.

This story is not new or startiling by any means, I am obese, and have been for at least the last 30 years. I might be lucky, only because I do not have diabetes, and my cholesterol, at last check in August of 2009, is in the normal range.

What I do have, however, is the ability to change the course that I took to get here, and that is not easy by any means. Not easy in the sense that change is difficult in the big picture but easy in small steps.

The first small step I took was looking into different forms of weight loss. There are a million ways to lose the weight, but in reality only one way to keep it off. Weight Watchers, Nutri System, Bariactric Bypass, the Gazelle, Ty-bow, Yoga, Pilate's, South Beach Diet, Atkins Diet, Lap-band, Diet M.D., Ballys ect....

In September of 2009 I signed up at Millers Gym with a personal trainer, Mike Karban, you may have read about him in the column "Getting to Know You" back in December of 2009. I have this love/hate relationship with him, because you see I love the results but hate the work, but as long as I am getting the results, the work I so dearly hate, is going to get done.

The work-out started out fairly simple, squats, crunches leg lifts. But oh, was I fooled, the day after the first work-out I almost didn't get out of bed, my legs felt like lead weights, not to mention the rest of my body, but I persevered. I showed up every session, Mike wrote down everything that I did, and now, when I look back at where I am and where I was, the results are pretty AWESOME!

Ask people in and around Euclid about Mary Mavec Opportunity School and many are not really sure what the school is all about. The school has always operated quietly, without a lot of fanfare. But if you ask Peter, one of the school’s clients, he will tell you that Mary Mavec Opportunity School is the place he goes every weekday to work, learn and hang out with his best friends.

It has been this way for more than 60 years. Mary Mavec Opportunity School is an adult center especially for clients over the age of 22 who have developmental disabilities. The school offers opportunities to work and participate in a variety of activities that encourage independence, life-long learning and growth.  

Belly Dance for Exercise & Health

HCR ManorCare has taken the caring attitude they have with in their centers and extended it out to the community. ManorCare Health Servicesis a leading provider of short-term, post-acute services and long-term care. The company's nearly 60,000 employees provide high quality care for patients and residents through a network of more than 500 skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, hospice and home care agencies.

Recently, Manor Care made a large monetary contribution to the Golden Age Centers of Greater Cleveland (GAC). The mission of the GAC is to provide outstanding programs and supportive services that enhance the quality of life and independence of older persons. As stated by James Armour, President and CEO of the GAC, "The Golden Age Centers are like a family to those to those who don't have one."

I would like to introduce a new section, called Health Watch.  It does not need to be a column, just a box with current health information-- where anyone can submit items of interest. 

Providing a full continuum of care is what Euclid Hospital strives to do for their patient’s everyday. When a patient has an illness, injury, trauma, surgery or any other health incident, and needs to recover to the highest level of function possible, they go through many stages of need. Euclid Hospital provides care for all these stages including an extremely unique rehabilitation program known as the Neuro Day Hospital Rehabilitation Program.

The program is designed for individuals with neurological impairments who no longer require 24-hour inpatient medical care but still require intensive rehabilitative therapy. Patients attend the program for three days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for about six weeks. During these six weeks, patients receive nursing services, recreational therapy, psychological services, speech therapy, and physical therapy, along with other services.

Hospice of the Western Reserve, for the first time, is recognizing a teenage volunteer with the Chair’s Award. Dewon Hudson, of South Euclid, received the award during the 32nd Annual Meeting at St. Josephat Arts Hall. The Chair’s Award recognizes outstanding contributions that further the mission of Hospice of the Western Reserve. At 16, Mr. Hudson is the youngest person to receive this honor.