Health Briefs: Summer Day Camp for grieving kids, teens enrolling

        Hospice of Northwest Ohio is accepting registrations for its summer day camp for grieving kids and teens ages 6-15.
        The four-day camp, provided at no charge to participants, will be held July 29-Aug. 1 at Camp Miakonda in Toledo.
        Path Finders Camp provides opportunities for grieving kids and teens to interact with others who have experienced similar losses – in a safe, fun and supportive environment. Licensed counselors/social workers and trained volunteers will lead groups, which will be separated by age.
        Through a variety of camp activities, campers will honor the memory of the person who died; normalize feelings and learn coping skills; participate in fun, outdoor games and activities and explore new friendships.
        Thanks to the generosity of donors, the camp will be offered at no cost to participants. Registration is required by completing an online application at hospicenwo.org no later than Friday, June 13. Space is limited.
        Anyone interested in learning more about attending or volunteering at the camp can call 419-931-5623 or email pathfinderscamp@hospicenwo.org.
 
Health department
to host open house
        The Ottawa County Health Department invites the community to an Open House on Monday, April 7, from 5-7 p.m., 1856 E. Perry St, Port Clinton.
        The special event will mark the beginning of National Public Health Week, which will be observed from April 7-13.
        Community members are encouraged to stop by to meet the team, tour the department and learn more about the programs and services offered.
        “Our Health Department team is excited to welcome you all and showcase the many services we provide,” said Gerald Bingham, junior health commissioner.
        National Public Health Week is an annual observance aimed at recognizing the contributions of public health professionals and highlighting important health initiatives.
        For more information about the Open House or the programs offered by the Ottawa County Health Department, visit ottawahealth.org or call 419-734-6800.
 
Magruder to host blood drive, lab screening
        The next Monthly Community Lab Screening will be held Thursday, March 13, in the Magruder Hospital Conference Center, 615 Fulton St., Port Clinton.
        Appointments are required and run from 8-11:30 a.m. Participants can enter through the Main Entrance at the front of the hospital and take the Conference Center Elevator up to 1.
        The main lab test is a CBC, CMP and Lipid Profile, which includes liver and kidney function, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, HDL/LDL, triglycerides and a complete blood count (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood) for $50.
        Add-on tests are also available including:
        • Lipid profile - $20.
        • Hemoglobin A1C - $20.
        • PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) -$30.
        • TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) -$25.
        • Vitamin D - $35.
        This lab screening is held on the second Thursday each month. Appointments are required and may be made by calling 419-301-4304. Participants are asked to fast for 12 hours prior to their appointment times but can have water. No insurance is accepted – payment can be made by cash, check or credit card (no American Express).
        Red Cross blood drive
        The American Red Cross will have a blood drive in the Magruder Hospital Conference Center on Friday, March 14, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
        Appointments are required and may be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org. Nearby
blood drives can always be found by going to redcrossblood.org and entering your ZIP Code.
 
Ability Center names executive director
        After an extensive review, the Ability Center of Greater Toledo Board of Directors appointed Ash Lemons as the organization's executive director.
        Lemons, who has dedicated more than 23 years to The Ability Center, has been serving as interim executive director.
        “We are thrilled to officially welcome Ash as our executive director,” said Adrienne Bell, board chair. “Ash's longstanding dedication, leadership and vision make him the ideal person to guide The Ability Center forward. His passion for empowering people with disabilities and his commitment to collaboration will ensure continued progress toward our ambitious goals.”
        Lemons’ leadership has been instrumental in expanding services, strengthening community partnerships and advocating for greater accessibility and inclusion.
        “I am honored and excited to lead The Ability Center into this next chapter,” Lemons said. “This organization has been my home for more than two decades, and I am incredibly proud of our dedicated team, our community partners and the people we serve. Together, we will continue to break barriers and build a future where people with disabilities can live, work, and thrive independently.
        The Ability Center of Greater Toledo is located at 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania. Visit abilitycenter.org to learn more.
 
Stroke Support Group
        The ProMedica Stroke Support Group will meet Thursday, March 27, at 4:30 p.m. at the ProMedica Flower Hospital Conference Center, 5200 Harroun Rd., Sylvania.
        A representative from Dave’s Running Shop will discuss how to find appropriate footwear.
        Stroke survivors, caregivers and supporters are welcome to attend. No registration is required.
 
Sensory Friendly Morning at NMGL
        The National Museum of the Great Lakes will offer a Sensory Friendly Morning on March 8, from 9-10 a.m.
        Visitors are invited to explore the museum in a calm and accommodating setting tailored to individuals with sensory sensitivities.
        At Sensory Friendly Mornings:
        • Crowds are limited, ensuring a peaceful and relaxed environment.
        • Lights are dimmed to create a calming ambience.
        • Exhibit sounds are lowered or eliminated, reducing auditory stimulation.  
        As a Certified Autism Center, NMGL is dedicated to providing inclusive and supportive experiences for all visitors.
        Regular admission rates apply; admission is included for members.
        Call 419-214-5000 or visit nmgl.org for more information. The National Museum of the Great Lakes is located at 1701 Front St., Toledo.
        Sensory Friendly Mornings at the Museum are offered the second Saturday of every month.
 
Cholesterol Screening Clinics
        The Wood County Committee on Aging is scheduling cholesterol screening clinics for March.
        Clinics are open to Wood County residents age 25 and older. The cost is $20 for those 60 and older and $25 for ages 25-59.
        The screenings require an appointment and pretest instructions. Screening panels include Total Cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio and a blood glucose level. A registered nurse will promptly discuss results with clients.
        The screening schedule includes:
        • Wood County Senior Center, 140 South Grove St., Bowling Green – Tuesday, March 25, and Thursday, March 27, 9-11 a.m.
        • Perrysburg Area Senior Center, 140 W. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg, Friday, March 14, 9-11 a.m.
        To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-367-4935 or 419-353-5661 and ask for the Social Services Department.
 
Ask the Expert
        Mercy Health’s ongoing “Ask the Expert” series continues March 20 when Leah Adams, National Kidney Foundation program director will share information on how to protect your kidneys. The talk is being presented in observance of National Kidney Month.
        The one-hour monthly sessions are offered on the third Thursday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. via Zoom. To join, participants can call 646-931-3860 or Zoom meeting ID: 975 5220 8436. There is no need to pre-register.