Health briefs: Area Office on Aging to present virtual Caregiver Expo

        Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Area Office on Aging’s annual Caregiver Expo will be held virtually this year.
        The Virtual Caregiver Expo will be held via Zoom Thursday, Nov. 12 from 4-6 p.m. The keynote speaker will be geriatrician Dr. Donnie “Don” Batie. Topics of discussion will include virtual programming available for family caregivers.
        Whether you take your loved one to doctor appointments, pick up their prescriptions, help with their grocery shopping or pay their bills, this event will help find solutions to reduce the stress that often accompanies taking on a caregiving role.
        Sign up for the expo at https://www.areaofficeonaging.com/event/4728. To learn more about the Area Office on Aging and programs and services available, visit https://www.areaofficeonaging.com.
 
Flu shots critical
        Getting a flu shot is critically important as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and are heading into what we often refer to as “flu season.”
        The team at Mercy Health – Oregon Clinic reminds area residents that the flu vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting a severe case of the flu.
        The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to provide full protection as your body creates antibodies. A vaccine combined with regular handwashing and avoiding touching your face will help reduce the spread of flu.
        Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. However, consult your primary care physician with any questions or concerns.
        Flu vaccines cannot cause you to contract the flu virus. Some people may experience side effects after getting a flu shot, such as soreness, headache, fever, nausea, fatigue or muscle aches.
        While flu vaccines will not reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, it will help you avoid getting COVID-19 and the flu at the same time.
        Different viruses cause flu and COVID-19, however, they have similar symptoms, including fever, cough, breathing difficulties and fatigue. Also, some people, including those who are older and those suffering from other medical conditions, have a greater risk of developing complications from both a flu infection and COVID-19.
        Handwashing, physical distancing and mask-wearing help reduce the spread of both flu and COVID-19.
        Mercy Health — Oregon Clinic, located at 3841 Navarre Ave., serves the Oregon community for all primary care
needs. The practice is comprised of Dr. Riaz Chaudhary, Dr. Puneet Chopra, Dr. Kewal Mahajan, Dr. Ranvir Rathore, Dr. Vaishali Sinha, Bridget Kennedy NP, and Jodi Mitchell NP.
 
Virtual Fall Lupus Summit
        The Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter (LFA, GOC) is hosting a Virtual Fall Lupus Summit on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m.-noon. The free webinar will feature a lupus expert panel, who will share the latest lupus insights and answer audience questions.
        This summit gives lupus patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals the opportunity to explore hot topics in the world of lupus. Presentations include “Lupus & Hair,” “Lupus & Vaccines” and “Labwork & Pain Management” – the latter of which will also discuss medical cannabis.
        “We often get questions about things like hair changes or which vaccines to get,” said Leslie Tierney, LFA, GOC vice president of operations. “It’s important that people have credible answers to these questions while also diving into the topics with experts. We want people to have the knowledge and tools to thrive in every aspect of lupus.”
        Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects 60,000 Ohioans. Although there is currently no known cause or cure, there are ways to improve the quality of life for people living with this cruel and mysterious disease.
        Learn more, get resources, and register for the summit at LupusGreaterOhio.org or by calling 1-888-NO-LUPUS.
 
Diabetes risk
        The Ohio Department of Health offers a reminder during National Diabetes Awareness Month to learn your diabetes risk.
        Take the test at www.diabetes.org/risk-test.
 
“Saved by the Belt Club”
        Kansas, Ohio resident Kelly King joined Ohio’s “Saved by the Belt Club” Sunday, Nov. 1 at the Fremont Post.      King’s safety belt saved her from sustaining life-threatening injuries on Feb. 24 when she was involved in a crash on CR 1 in Sandusky County. Two good Samaritans, Edward Harmon and Levi Peeler, also from Kansas, were recognized for their actions following the crash.
        Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Mark R. Sorg, Fremont Post, presented King with a “Saved by the Belt” certificate signed by Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Thomas J. Stickrath and Colonel Richard S. Fambro, Patrol superintendent. He also presented certificates of recognition signed by Colonel Fambro to Edward and Levi, who
stopped following the crash and assisted King from getting out of her vehicle after it caught fire.
        “Kelly is a living testimony to the effectiveness of safety belts and an example of why everyone needs to buckle up every trip, every time,” said Lt. Matthew Meredith, Fremont Post commander. “Edward and Levi’s bravery should be commended.”
        Provisional data from 2019 shows 457 people in Ohio were killed in traffic crashes where a safety belt was available, but not in use.
        The “Saved by the Belt” Club is a joint effort by the Ohio Department of Public Safety and more than 400 Ohio law enforcement agencies. This club is designed to recognize people who have benefited from their decision to wear safety belts.