Health briefs

ProMedica announces date for ONE Yoga Festival
        Toledo-area yoga studios are once again coming together to bring a day of well-being to Promenade Park at ONE Yoga Festival, presented by ProMedica. The event will be held Sunday, Sept. 8 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Promenade Park is located at 400 Water St., Toledo.
        This one-day event will include yoga, music, food, vendors, and other wellness activities such as a meditation tent and Nature Therapy at Middlegrounds Metropark.
        Dan Nevins, a wounded warrior and motivational speaker, will lead the first yoga session at 9 a.m.
        The ONE Yoga Outreach Program’s mission is to bring access to community members who would not otherwise be exposed to the practice or benefits of yoga. Funds from last year’s ONE Yoga festival paid for 20 teachers to participate in a Youth Yoga Project training, which trains educators to incorporate yoga into their regular curriculum. This year, money raised will go toward the goal of opening a physical space for ONE Yoga, where community members can practice at no cost.
        Guests can pre-purchase tickets for $20 before Friday, Sept. 7 at noon or buy tickets for $30 at the door the day of the event. Ages 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Veterans and first responders can receive free tickets at vettix.org.
        To purchase tickets or see the full schedule, visit www.oneyogafestival.com.
 
Foot & ankle care program
        Dr. Clay Carmody, Mercy Health Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in foot and ankle care will speak about foot and ankle conditions and treatment options at a free program Thursday, Aug. 22 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Walbridge Branch of the Wood County Public Library, 108 N. Main St.
        “The foot and ankle are often taken for granted until something stops working properly, gets injured or causes pain,” Dr. Carmody said. “Correcting these problems allows people to get back to their passions, whether it be walking without pain, returning to work or playing sports.”
        RSVP is required. To reserve a spot, call 888-987-6372 or email mercy_healthlink@mercy.com.
 
Perrysburg Commons plans August events
        Perrysburg Commons, 10542 Fremont Pike, will present a Kissing Booth & Summer Concert Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
        Get your kisser ready for some doggie smooches prior to the “Kiss of Class” band taking the stage. All proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Walk. This is a lawn event; please bring your own lawn chair. Light refreshments will be served. Thanks to sponsor Huffman & Harpst, the event is free and open to the community.
        On Friday, Aug. 16, a Community Euchre Tournament will be held at 1 p.m. Participants are invited to enjoy a fun afternoon with refreshments and prizes. This tournament is held the third Friday monthly.
        Perrysburg Commons will host the St. Luke’s Family Medicine Lecture Series Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 10:30 a.m. This month’s topic will be “Stroke Risks in Older Adults,” presented by Dr. Peter Nguyen. These presentations are held the fourth Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. A complimentary lunch will be served following the presentation. RSVP is requested at 419-874-1931.
 
Life Line Screenings to be offered Sept. 6
        Residents living in and around the Oak Harbor area can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening.
        St John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 122 W. Ottawa St., will host the community event.
        Screenings can check for:
        • The level of plaque buildup in arteries, related to risk for heart disease, stroke and overall vascular health.
        • HDL and LDL cholesterol levels
        • Diabetes risk
        • Bone density as a risk for possible osteoporosis
        • Kidney and thyroid function, and more
        Screenings are convenient and accessible for wheelchairs and those with trouble walking. Free parking is also available.
        Packages start at $149. Consultants will help customers create a package that is right for them based on their age and risk factors. A Wellness Gold Membership Program is available to allow customers to get all the screenings they need by paying $19.95 a month.
        Pre-registration is required. Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com.
 
The Gardens Gives Back
        In the spirit of celebration of their heritage and the work of St. Jeanne Jugan, the foundress and first Little Sister of the Poor, CHI Living Communities The Gardens of St. Francis is having a special week of giving back and needs the community’s help in assembling toiletry items for hygiene bags.
        The Gardens of St. Francis is collecting toiletry items from the community to distribute to men and women the week of Aug. 26 at a community dinner for the underprivileged.
        The Gardens of St. Francis needs community support to supply the following items: soap bars with travel holders, toothpastes, combs, toothbrushes with travel holders, mouthwash, wash cloths, packages of wipes, pocket-size tissues, feminine hygiene products, socks and deodorants.
        Residents, staff and volunteers will assemble bags of the items for distribution to the underprivileged during its week of giving back.
        Drop off items at The Gardens of St. Francis campus at 930 S. Wynn Road, Oregon, Ohio through Aug. 24 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday or 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Gardens of St. Francis is finalizing plans for the community dinner on Aug. 28 to distribute hygiene bags.
        The Gardens Gives Back Week begins Aug. 26. It will culminate with Mass and luncheon with Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of Toledo, with the residents and staff on Aug. 30.
        The Gardens of St. Francis, a senior living community, offers long-term care, assisted and independent living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. A Medicare-Certified rehabilitation program with physical, speech and occupational therapies provides quality of care for individuals recovering from cardiac conditions, strokes, fractures, joint replacements and more.
        Visit www.homeishere.org for more details about The Gardens of St. Francis.
 
Magruder Hospital events
        Magruder Hospital will host the monthly Alzheimer’s Support Group on Monday, Aug. 12 at 9 a.m. in the Conference Center.
        The group, which meets the second Monday of each month, provides helpful tips, education, encouragement and resources to family, friends and caregivers of anyone dealing with dementia and memory loss.
        Visit www.magruderhospital.com and click on the events calendar for details.
        Grapes and Grains – The Magruder Hospital Foundation will present Grapes & Grains – a celebration of Food & Spirits on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the pavilion at the Catawba Island Club. Entertainment will be provided by Corduroy Road.
        The event will feature dinner stations with specially selected food pairings created by Catawba Island Club's Chef Addison and spirits from Bait House Brewery, Catawba Island Brewing, Firelands Winery, Put-in Bay Brewery & Distillery and Twin Oast Brewery.
        Tickets can be purchased at magruderhospitalfoundation.eventbrite.com. The cost is $75 person or $125 per couple. Attendees must be 21 years of age. Proceeds raised will be used to benefit the Employee Giving Campaign Paved Walking Trail Project.
        For more info, contact Magruder Director of Development at 419-734-3131, ext. 3147 or mmueller@magruderhospital.com.
 
Medical marijuana dispensary opens in BG
        Soothe Dispensary, the only Bowling Green-area Medical Marijuana dispensary owned and operated by local residents of Northwest Ohio, passed its final inspection from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy’s Medical Marijuana Control Program.
        Once the dispensary receives its Certificate of Operation, qualified medical marijuana patients that have received a recommendation from a physician certified to recommend cannabis as medical treatment can visit the dispensary beginning the week of Aug. 12.
        “Making sure that we are in full compliance with the State Board of Pharmacy and the municipality has always been our number one priority,” Soothe’s Designated Representative Mark I. Jacobs said. “The process has been a race to the beginning and it’s an honor to be licensed to serve qualified patients.”
        Soothe Dispensary will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. The dispensary will be closed Sundays.
        As Northwest Ohio’s only locally owned and operated medical marijuana dispensary, Bowling Green’s Soothe Dispensary, located at 1155 N. Main St., serves qualified patients quality medicine in full compliance with the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. Visit www.soothebg.com for additional information.
        The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program went into effect with House Bill 523, which legalized medical marijuana in Ohio to be dispensed to state-approved patients and caregivers by medical marijuana dispensaries authorized by The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy. Visit www.medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov for more details.
 
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program to expand
        During National Farmers’ Market Week, held Aug. 4-10, the Ohio Department of Aging announced that the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 State Budget includes funding that will allow the agency to increase access to healthy, locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables for older Ohioans.
        The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, currently available in 45 Ohio counties, provides eligible older adults with $50 in coupons each growing season to use at participating farmers’ markets and roadside stands to purchase qualifying produce. The program is popular where it is available, enjoying a 95 percent redemption rate.
        “Farmers’ markets help older Ohioans learn about and buy healthy food, as well as provide opportunities to interact with friends and neighbors,” said Ursel J. McElroy, director of the department. “Expanding access to farmers’ markets by older adults also supports local farmers, many of whom are older adults themselves.”
        The State Budget passed in July included $1.2 million in funding to the Ohio Department of Aging in each fiscal year to serve more Ohioans with the program. This funding will be combined with approximately $1.6 million in annual funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as local funds such as senior levy dollars and donations. During the 2020 growing season, the program will expand to new counties and eliminate wait lists in areas currently served by the program.
        “Good nutrition supports a healthy and active lifestyle, reduces frailty and disability, improves health outcomes, and reduces health care costs,” McElroy added. “We are thankful to Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly for investing in this highly successful program and making it available to more older adults.”
        Learn more about the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and other nutrition services supported by the Ohio Department of Aging at www.aging.ohio.gov/nutrition. Contact your Area Agency on Aging for information about local services. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community.
 
“Employer of Choice”
        Otterbein SeniorLife announced that their locations have received Gold and Bronze Employer of Choice designation through the 2019-2020 LeadingAge Ohio Employer of Choice Initiative. Otterbein St Mary’s received Gold and was the only organization in the state to receive a Gold designation. Otterbein Cridersville, Otterbein Pemberville, Otterbein Marblehead, Otterbein Monclova, Otterbein Perrysburg, and Otterbein Union Township all received Bronze and were among only 23 organizations statewide within LeadingAge Ohio’s 400+ members to receive a prestigious Employer of Choice designation.
        “Through LeadingAge Ohio’s Employer of Choice program, members can demonstrate that they strive not just to be residences or providers of choice, but to be employers of choice as well,” said LeadingAge Ohio President & CEO Kathryn Brod. “The Employer of Choice designation recognizes our members that are making strides to distinguish their organizations from competitors on metrics related to employee satisfaction, staffing-related outcomes, and other measures of workplace excellence.”
        Otterbein SeniorLife is a faith-based non-profit health and human services ministry. Otterbein has six full-service retirement communities, nine skilled nursing and rehabilitation neighborhoods, a home health agency, and hospice.
        “It is an honor to be recognized for this award,” said Jill Wilson, President/CEO of Otterbein SeniorLife. “Our partners [employees] are the life blood of our organization, critical in every way. I am glad we have provided a positive culture and commitment to excellence. When partners are happy our residents feel that and it creates a better experience for everyone.”
        The LeadingAge Ohio Employer of Choice recognition program requires applicant organizations to have a 3-star or better rating on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Five-Star Quality Rating System, and an occupancy rate of 80% or higher for at least one year as of the date of application for newly-opened communities.
        Other criteria include employee satisfaction surveys; ODA Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resident Survey; 90-day turnover rate; annual retention; audited financial statements and more.
        For more info on LeadingAge Ohio’s Employer of Choice program, visit https://www.leadingageohio.org/aws/LAO/pt/sp/employee_recognition.