Health & Wellness

Mental health resource fair returns March 27

The Western Cuyahoga County Resource Fair will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 6-8 p.m., at the Don Umerley Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River. New this year will be a sensory area that will allow attendees to take a break, if needed.

With the Ohio General Assembly’s recent passage of bills requiring all public school students in grades kindergarten through third grade be screened for dyslexia this school year, families of children identified as at-risk will find a number of options for reading tutors, academic help and alternative schools at the fair.

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Volume 16, Issue 3, Posted 9:23 AM, 03.05.2024

The calming practice of self-compassion

We so often have compassion for everyone else: our children, our aging parents, our spouse, our co-workers, our friends and neighbors. But what about us? We matter too.

Self-compassion enables us to be warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate. It is not to our benefit to ignore our pain or beat ourselves down with self-criticism.

Self-compassion allows us to be understanding of who we are when things aren’t going so well. It gives us a chance to say, “It’s OK” and then move on.

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Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 9:27 AM, 03.05.2024

Weight training after age 50

Everyone knows exercise is important to maintain good health and most know that it is one of the keys to longevity. But with all of the options, how do you know what type of exercise is best? 

Certainly, different exercise trends have come and gone as our culture modernized, affording people less physical labor and more free time. The 1940s was characterized by jumping jacks and stretches. Then, in an apparent attempt to make exercise fun, the 1950s gave us the hula hoop.

The vibrating belt of the '60s (remember that one?) was a disappointing gimmick, but opened the door in the '70s through today to group exercise fads and gym memberships starting with Jazzercize, aerobics, step-aerobics onward to Tae Bo, Spinning, Cross-Fit and today’s popular HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts. Many of these exercises are great because they will combine strength training with cardio.

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Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 10:02 AM, 02.06.2024

Women's heart health

February is known as American Heart Month, and this year it is even more near and dear to my mission. As a nominee for the American Heart Association’s Women of Impact initiative, I am teaming up with women across the nation to increase awareness of women’s heart disease and raise money to improve research and education to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent cardiovascular disease in women.

February 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Association’s Go Red for Women movement, as well as the American Heart Association’s 100th anniversary. However, to this day, cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of women. In fact, in 2016, Ohio was ranked 13th in the U.S. for highest rates of death due to heart disease.

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Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 9:58 AM, 02.06.2024

Facts about menopause

It is well known that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, a lesser-known fact is that October is also World Menopause Awareness Month, as designated by the WHO in 2009.

We also celebrate World Menopause Day on Oct. 18. In this article, we'll explore the importance of menopause awareness and discuss how patients can best advocate for individualized menopause care for themselves.  

Menopause, though most commonly a natural event in every woman’s life, should she live long enough to experience it, can be associated with significant and burdensome symptoms. While some of these symptoms are well known, such as hot flashes and mood changes, menopause is also associated with multiple other symptoms and conditions.

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Volume 15, Issue 19, Posted 9:10 AM, 10.17.2023

Ohio company expanding operations in Westlake

Out of state operators and private equity firms have been buying up local nursing homes, leaving seniors with few options for quality care. In one effort to fight this trend, Foundations Health Solutions (FHS) has purchased The Greens of Westlake, soon to be renamed Crocker Pointe.

Says owner Brian Colleran, "Our commitment to exceptional customer service and the best clinical teams allows us to provide the FHS brand of top-notch senior care. Ohio, and specifically Westlake seniors deserve a private room in a beautiful, quality care center to rehab, or if needed, to call home."

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:51 AM, 10.03.2023

Become a Village Project volunteer

Village Project is excited to invite incoming freshmen and current high school students to volunteer at Village Project this summer. Combining the experience of adults and the energy of youth results in an explosion of contagious enthusiasm.

Village Project brings ordinary people together to make extraordinary differences. Volunteers are equipped, empowered and encouraged – reflecting the true strength of community.

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Volume 15, Issue 11, Posted 8:27 AM, 06.20.2023

Bay High Schools’ student-led mental health initiative

Bay High Senior, Norah Schlegel ‘23, co-started the BHS Mental Health Advisory Group alongside BHS grads, Annalise Johnson ‘21, Priya Goddard ‘21, Aliza Butchart ‘23, and BHS Principal Jason Martin. Currently the group is led by myself, Norah Schlegel ‘23, BHS Principal Jason Martin, and Athletic Director Matt Spellman, who also runs the Sources of Strength Group.

The Mental Health Advisory Group was started after the profound loss of fellow student, Sabrina DuPrey ‘22, in January 2021 and the swatting incident that occurred at Bay High School during the end of January 2021. Each year during Mental Health Awareness Month, which takes place in May, we host a variety of educational events and fundraisers to promote the advocation and education of mental health in the Bay Village community.

Each day during the designated Mental Health Awareness Week, we pick a mental or neurological condition to recognize and wear the color of awareness for the day. Alongside, we share information about the condition and coping mechanisms that work for not only that condition, but could universally work for anything.

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Volume 15, Issue 9, Posted 9:50 AM, 05.16.2023

Tai Chi group continues to meet at Knickerbocker

With the continued long-term leadership of Patricia Heinke, our group of 15-20 people, including a couple of people who live at the Knickerbocker Apartments in Bay Village, perform these beneficial exercises as they have done for up to 25 years. The group includes all ages, up to 89 years young; some have been regulars for all these years.

The group from Bay and other nearby cities meet at 10 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and enter Knickerbocker through the main doorway. The Knickerbocker is very welcoming. We start with the traditional Chi Gong exercises and do three sets of the Tai Chi short form. There is no payment for participation. Some stay for the long form. We are there about one hour. 

Many look forward to May and the warming weather to do the exercises at Huntington Park on Lake Road in Bay Village.

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Volume 14, Issue 5, Posted 10:31 AM, 03.01.2022

Mental illness recovery group meets at Bay Pres

Are you or a loved one living with ADHD, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum, bipolar disorder, dementia, major depression, personality disorders or schizophrenia?   

Healing Hearts and Minds is a faith-based recovery group experience to alleviate the stigma and encourage understanding of mental illness. It is a confidential group discussion of shared experiences to improve the understanding of mental illness and how it affects families. No diagnosis. No therapy.

In this support group all will receive loving understanding with the strictest confidentiality. A list of mental health resources in Northeast Ohio will be made available.

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Volume 13, Issue 21, Posted 10:23 AM, 11.02.2021

Farrell Foundation receives film grant

Methods to enhance communication between persons with dementia/Alzheimer’s and their care partners are the primary focus of the Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation in Westlake. This major goal of the foundation is the focus of a recent project grant they will be receiving from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC).

With a $6,415 grant the foundation will create a film series to illustrate methods to avoid conflict and anxiety within daily living, says co-founder and board member Dr. Charlie Farrell.

“In addition to care partners the series can be used for other segments in the community such as businesses, first responders, the medical field and faith communities. An innovative process based on improv, an approach in theatre, will be addressed in the film and can make a significant improvement in care.”

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Volume 13, Issue 19, Posted 10:00 AM, 10.05.2021

COVID-19 testing at Tri-C Westshore Campus on March 4

Drive-thru COVID-19 testing will be offered Thursday, March 4, at the Westshore Campus of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) through a partnership with Care Alliance Health Center. 

Testing begins at 11 a.m. each day. No testing will be done after 2 p.m. It is recommended that individuals arrive at least an hour before the site closes in order to get through the line. Testing is completed on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary.

The testing service is available to area residents as well as Tri-C students, faculty and staff. The program offers testing to individuals regardless of their symptom status, insurance status or ability to pay. Individuals will not be charged for the test.

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Volume 13, Issue 5, Posted 9:49 AM, 03.02.2021

COVID-19 testing at Tri-C's Westshore Campus on Feb. 4

Drive-thru COVID-19 testing will be offered Thursday, Feb. 4, at the Westshore Campus of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) through a partnership with Care Alliance Health Center. 

Testing begins at 11 a.m. No testing will be done after 2 p.m. It is recommended that individuals arrive at least an hour before the site closes in order to get through the line. Testing is completed on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary.

The testing service is available to area residents as well as Tri-C students, faculty and staff. The program offers testing to individuals regardless of their symptom status, insurance status or ability to pay. Individuals will not be charged for the test.

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Volume 13, Issue 3, Posted 10:13 AM, 02.02.2021

COVID-19 testing at Tri-C's Westshore Campus on Jan. 7

Drive-thru COVID-19 testing will be offered Thursday, Jan. 7, at the Westshore Campus of Cuyahoga Community College through a partnership with Care Alliance Health Center. 

Testing begins at 11 a.m. Individuals seeking tests must be in line by 2 p.m. Testing will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary.

The testing service is available to Tri-C students, faculty and staff, as well as community residents. The program offers testing to individuals regardless of their symptom status, insurance status or ability to pay. Individuals will not be charged for the test.

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Volume 13, Issue 1, Posted 9:43 AM, 01.05.2021

COVID-19 testing at Tri-C Westshore on Oct. 15

Drive-thru and walk-up COVID-19 testing will be offered Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Westshore Campus of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) through a partnership with Care Alliance Health Center. 

Testing will take place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is available to Tri-C students, faculty and staff, as well as community residents. Testing will rotate between Tri-C campuses every Thursday through Nov. 19. 

The program offers testing to individuals regardless of their symptom status, insurance status or ability to pay. Individuals will not be charged for the test.

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Volume 12, Issue 19, Posted 9:54 AM, 10.06.2020

Hospice of the Western Reserve to hold virtual 'Walk to Remember'

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted every organization in our community and Hospice of the Western Reserve is no exception. To protect everyone’s safety, the nonprofit agency made the difficult decision this year to replace Walk to Remember, its largest community fundraising event, with a virtual walk.

Now through June 14, families can go online and register to walk in their neighborhood or anywhere they choose to raise funds supporting HWR’s work, including special programs for hospice home care patients in the West Shore communities and at Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake. To register for Virtual Walk to Remember, visit hospicewr.org/wtr. The registration donation is $20.

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Volume 12, Issue 10, Posted 10:45 AM, 05.19.2020

Far West Center mental health services here to help with changes

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed daily life for all of us. Changes came quickly and many times without warning. Concerns for our health and the health of our loved ones, friends and community have added emotional pressures.

Stress, worry, anxiety and depression can overwhelm any of us at any time. It is very important to keep in mind that there is help and mental health services available in our community, in Westlake, at Far West Center.

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Volume 12, Issue 9, Posted 9:40 AM, 05.05.2020

Online fitness videos available on Westlake Rec webpage

Just because you have to stay indoors or simply cannot make it to the Westlake Rec Center or your local gym does not mean you have to miss out on a quality workout guided by knowledgeable instructors. 

The Recreation Department’s staff has compiled various workout videos online at www.cityofwestlake.org/764, focusing on cardio, strength training and circuit training featuring our staff and personal trainers.

Among the videos are several yoga instructional sessions – some geared specifically toward seniors – demonstrating low-impact exercises that can be performed in the comfort of your own home.

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Volume 12, Issue 8, Posted 9:00 AM, 04.21.2020

Compeer mentoring program gives teens sense of belonging

Far West Center, a nonprofit community mental health services agency, offers a Compeer mentoring program for youth ages 14-17. Far West Center has a successful ongoing Compeer Program, starting in 1989, for adults in recovery.  Compeer International was awarded a federal grant to promote nationwide mentoring for youth receiving mental health services. Far West Center, located in Building 4 on the UH St. John Medical Center Health Campus, is one of 12 Compeer affiliates to receive funding for a youth mentoring program.

Compeer is looking for caring adults that can offer 4 hours each month being a caring mentor for a teen, ages 14-17. Compeer provides training and continuous, one-to-one support to qualifying mentors. Compeer mentors serve to provide compassion, emotional support and a sense of acceptance for their teen mentor matches.

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Volume 12, Issue 8, Posted 9:01 AM, 04.21.2020

Memory care community receives iPad for live visits

Arden Courts Memory Care Community received a specially prepared iPad to help families and patients communicate during the COVID-19 visitor restrictions. The iPad, which is equipped with cellular capabilities and infection control covers, can be used for residents that do not have their own smart phone.

“The iPad will give us one more tool to help our residents and their family members communicate during this challenging time,” said Jeff Harris, Chief Information Officer. “We have included training for our staff on how to use FaceTime and other video chat solutions so that we can communicate with families no matter what device they are using.” The staff is also given instructions for infection control protocols between each use.

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Volume 12, Issue 8, Posted 9:03 AM, 04.21.2020

Westlake Rec offers yoga for warriors

Continuing its dedication to promote health and well-being, the Westlake Recreation Center is excited to be hosting YogaFit for Warriors yoga teacher training in April 2020. YogaFit, accredited by Yoga Alliance and International Association of Yoga Therapists, is committed to bringing the healing power of yoga to individuals and communities throughout the world.

YogaFit for Warriors was created by Shaye Molendyke, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, in order to help veterans and first responders combat the devastating effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury. This training equips individuals, and those who work with them, with the necessary tools for integrating yoga into one’s healing process. YogaFit trainings combine expert knowledge with scientific research to maximize the efficacy of positive outcomes for the students, trainees, and teachers with whom they work.

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Volume 12, Issue 4, Posted 10:04 AM, 02.18.2020

Understanding the placebo effect

Before addressing the topic of placebo effect, I would like to begin by explaining the initials following my name, so readers will know the credentials of the person addressing this topic. In Ohio, nurses who hold a master's or doctorate degree and are licensed as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists and clinical nurse specialists are considered Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) and are licensed to treat clients and prescribe medications within their specialities. In my case, I treat adults with mental health concerns.

I chose the subject of the placebo effect because it has been an interest of mine for at least the past 10 years. To get FDA approval for a new medication, trials are conducted usually comparing the new chemical compound with a "fake" pill that looks exactly the same. The participants in the study do not know if they are getting the new medicine or a tablet with no active ingredient.

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Volume 11, Issue 24, Posted 10:20 AM, 12.17.2019

Tai Chi practice group moves inside

Beautiful Huntington Park is the venue for the Tai Chi practice group, where they do exercises benefitting all parts of the body. As a bonus in the fall, there are golden colors in the trees and the ever-changing deep blue Lake Erie. However the chilly weather will soon turn colder.

As of Nov. 4, the group meets at 10 a.m. at Unity Spiritual Center, 23855 Detroit Road, Westlake on Monday, Wednesday and Friday until spring. The practice group has been led by Patricia Heinke for over 25 years; there is no charge and no membership application. Just come to enjoy exercise and a community of interest.

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Volume 11, Issue 22, Posted 9:34 AM, 11.19.2019

Flowers celebrate positive approach to dementia care

On the grounds of the Carolyn L. Farrell at the Center for Artful Living in Westlake are six large garden flowers. Each represents the Foundation’s mission and celebration of care for individuals affected by dementia. The Farrell Foundation was created in 2011 and serves the community with a variety of arts enrichment programs at its Detroit Road location along with community outreach in Cleveland, Parma and Beachwood.

The large, three-dimensional flowers were created to raise awareness of dementia and its impact on society, families and the community. The Foundation stresses and supports a positive approach for dementia care. The flowers are a beautiful statement and were the vision of artist and Westlake resident Lee Ann Eyre.

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Volume 11, Issue 20, Posted 9:26 AM, 10.15.2019

Medical marijuana: What you should know

The Westlake Garden Club welcomes Dr. Dvora Nelson, M.D., co-founder of the Lakewood Medical Clinic, who will discuss Ohio’s newly implemented medical marijuana program. Join us for this free program at Westlake Porter Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 7-8:30 p.m.

Dr. Nelson appeared on Ideastream’s "The Sound of Ideas" this past July to shed light on how medical cannabis can alleviate suffering from a range of severe and chronic conditions. She touched on the importance of working with your state-approved doctor who will evaluate your eligibility. Because there are many strains of cannabis, it is important to make sure the product you get is tailored to your disease or condition for the best possible outcome.

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Volume 11, Issue 19, Posted 9:14 AM, 10.01.2019

Mental illness & teenagers: Starting the conversation

Mental health problems are not uncommon among teenagers. However, despite 20% of youth experiencing a diagnosable mental illness, the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that only half of those suffering ever seek treatment.

There are many reasons why a young person may not seek medical help for mental illness – shame being a large factor. It is safe to assume, though, that someone with a broken bone wouldn’t get embarrassed to get medical help. I mean, can you think of the last time a student broke their leg, and the gym teacher said, “You’re fine. Just ignore it and run!” I can’t. Why? Well, this all comes down to one detrimental factor: mental illness is still very stigmatized.

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Volume 11, Issue 18, Posted 9:09 AM, 09.17.2019

Fresh air, exercise, lake views

A Tai Chi practice group meets at Huntington Beach in Bay Village, just west of the water tower and ice cream shop, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. Pat Heinke leads the group first in an opening exercise, a break, then the Wu style Tai Chi often called Qigong, the short form (24 steps); another break and then some people stay for the long form (108 steps).

Many of the participants have taken some formal classes before, but experience is not necessary to participate in the Huntington Beach sessions.

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Volume 11, Issue 12, Posted 9:41 AM, 06.18.2019

West Shore residents invited to walk in memory of loved ones

Residents of Westlake, Bay Village and the surrounding West Shore communities are invited to walk in memory of loved ones while benefiting Hospice of the Western Reserve. Walk to Remember will be held at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on Sunday, June 9. A variety of family-friendly entertainment is planned, including team photos and walk T-shirts, raffles, crafts for kids, face painting, live music and more.

Registration is $25 for adults and $12 for children under age 12. A special family rate is also available. Register online at hospicewr.org/WTR, or contact Monica Cowans at 216-383-3714, or mcowans@hospicewr.org.

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Volume 11, Issue 11, Posted 10:31 AM, 05.21.2019

June is Aphasia Awareness Month

Aphasia is a language disorder resulting from an injury to the brain, such as stroke or head trauma. People with Aphasia experience varying degrees of communication difficulties. Symptoms may include having difficulty speaking – a person may have trouble finding the word they want to say; speak with many pauses or verbal repetitions such as “um…um…um”; omit smaller words such as “the” and “of”; or put words in the wrong order.

In addition, people with Aphasia may have trouble understanding what is being said to them. They may have difficulty understanding longer sentences and conversations and find it challenging to follow fast speech. Added complications include problems identifying letters, numbers, words, objects or pictures and difficulty following directions. Aphasia makes it very difficult for someone to be able to read or write, furthering limiting the ability to communicate.

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Volume 11, Issue 11, Posted 10:21 AM, 06.04.2019

Free sports physicals offered June 8

The experts at UH Sports Medicine and UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital are holding a sports physical event at UH St. John Medical Center in Westlake on Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event – which will occur in the hospital’s outpatient surgery wing – is free and open to all students aged 13 and older who are required to receive a physical before starting a school-sanctioned program.

The sports physicals are multifaceted exams for school athletes, including vision, musculoskeletal and cardiac risk assessments. They do not replace an annual well check-up with a pediatrician.

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Volume 11, Issue 10, Posted 10:22 AM, 05.21.2019

Memory loss can be prevented starting now

Finally, we are starting to hear good news about the treatment of memory loss. It can be prevented. It is not a hopeless situation and a normal or expected part of aging.

Research and results are giving us hope to fight and prevent cognitive decline. According to the Chief Scientific Wellness Officer for Kemper Cognitive Wellness, Dr. Nate Bergman, the key is knowing and getting ahead of it early. In fact, the younger we start the better.

According to the CDC, 60% of adults fear memory loss. We fear memory loss than more than we fear loss of physical abilities. One reason for this, is the unfortunate perception that this decline is untreatable, inevitable and hopeless.

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Volume 11, Issue 9, Posted 2:15 PM, 05.06.2019

Bassett students learn to bake healthy recipes

Action for Healthy Kids, in partnership with ALDI, awarded Bassett Elementary a grant to create an event aimed at mobilizing school professionals, families and communities to take actions that lead to healthy eating, physical activity and healthier schools where kids thrive. The Bassett PTA designed, coordinated, and empowered the inaugural Bassett Baking Blast, which took place on April 18.

Mayor Dennis Clough, principal Jim Sanfilippo, head chef Linda Martin, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, ALDI volunteers, AFHK Midwestern Regional Manager Ashley Green, parents, and of course the students of Bassett Elementary baked and enjoyed 19 unique recipes. All chefs were awarded business cards for their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the project.

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Volume 11, Issue 9, Posted 2:15 PM, 05.06.2019

Lillian the Therapy Turkey

Humans need to connect with other living beings. Fulfilling this need is strongly tied to health and happiness. Connection and social interaction far exceed wealth and success as measures of happiness according to numerous studies.    

Conversely, chronic illness and even early mortality are strongly linked to loneliness. Even homelessness in the long run is found to be more about a lack of people than a lack of money. Connectivity is the main purpose of senior and community centers.

Pet therapy, among other things, is also about connection. Hospital patients experience measurable benefits from spending time petting a therapy dog, for instance. Connecting with animals helps people take a mental break from their problems and enjoy companionship in the here and now. The concept is simple, but no less powerful. The other side of connecting is that it also feels good to take care of another living being, and play a role in their well-being.

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Volume 11, Issue 6, Posted 10:10 AM, 03.19.2019

MS Awareness Month in Ohio

Ohio ranks among the states with the highest incidence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the country. So, each year we are asked in various ways in March, including this article, to be aware of this often-misdiagnosed, often-disabling disease.

While these awareness weeks or months help (even if it’s only one person) it seems the most effective awareness of a disease comes when a celebrity is diagnosed with it. An, actress Selma Blair, is the latest well-known person to announce that she has MS.

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Volume 11, Issue 6, Posted 10:10 AM, 03.19.2019

Free community CPR certification classes offered

The City of Westlake Fire Department has teamed up with St. John Medical Center and University Hospitals Community Outreach to offer free CPR training for local community members. These classes are open to adults but not limited to Westlake residents.

Participants will learn HeartSaver CPR/AED for adult, child and infant. The certification from the American Heart Association will be sent as an e-card to those who complete the class.

“Becoming trained in CPR can mean the difference between life and death in certain medical emergencies,” said Rich Mecklenburg, an instructor for University Hospitals.

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 9:52 AM, 02.05.2019

Gaining mental flexibility

Have you ever heard the expression, “Don’t let your mind run away with you”? This is a common phrase, but what does it mean exactly? Before we can answer that, I think it is important to define the word "mind."

The dictionary tells us the mind is "the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought." As you can see, the mind is complex, which can make it tricky when it comes to “not letting it run away with us.”

Being a mother of three, working and going to school, my to-do list can be endless. I have often found myself waking up at 1, 2, or 3 o’clock in the morning and not being able to go back to sleep. Maybe you can relate.

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 10:09 AM, 01.22.2019

Adult programs starting at the Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center in Westlake

Are you aware that stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States? Approximately one-third of strokes result in aphasia which is a language impairment that can affect speaking, understanding, reading or writing. The National Aphasia Association estimates that there are 2,000,000 people in the USA living with aphasia.

Aphasia is always due to injury to the brain – most commonly from a stroke, particularly in older individuals. But brain injuries resulting in aphasia may also arise from head trauma, brain tumors or from infections. If you are one of the more than 750,000 people in the United States who have a stroke each year, you or your family should not have to face aphasia alone. Knowing there are others in your community in the same situation can make a world of difference.

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Volume 11, Issue 1, Posted 9:52 AM, 01.08.2019

Work: a way of life – or in the way of life?

“I’m trapped in a spider web of endless work/stress and I have lost my sense of balance – is work my only life?" a career counseling client once said to me.

Too many American adults are struggling with work demands that are overwhelming, endless, and limit the full development of adult life.

We seem to have come full circle since 1998, when my counseling staff at InfoPLACE, the adult career planning program at the Cuyahoga County Public Library, began to counsel adults struggling with work/life balance. We researched and wrote the first edition of ABLE (Adult Balanced Life Enhancement) and began to use it widely in workshops and individual appointments. Since then, and several editions later, ABLE is a vital element of my career counseling with a broad range of clients.

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Volume 11, Issue 1, Posted 9:51 AM, 01.08.2019

Brookdale Westlake Village embraces fitness and social connections

The independent living residents of Brookdale Westlake Village stretch into the New Year with a daily dose of fitness. A line in the classic song that we all ring in our New Year singing, "Auld Lang Syne," says “And there’s a hand my trusty friend, and give me a hand o’thine!” Our residents realize the importance of social connection and the benefits it pays on physical health and psychological well-being.

The feeling of being connected, having that support system, a feeling of belonging, a purposeful day which ignites a cooperative spirit and blossoms an empathetic nature is all part of the path. This path in turn supports good health, strengthens the heart, brings forth a joyful mind and increases longevity. The residents are proud to share with you the power of exercising in a group setting as it is a contagious and energizes the entire being.

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Volume 11, Issue 1, Posted 9:48 AM, 01.08.2019

Flex your memory muscle

Many individuals throughout various stages of life recognize the importance of regular physical exercise to maintain health and physical function. Wellness services, fitness centers, parks and senior centers offer physical activities and fitness experiences on a routine basis.

Cognitive fitness or exercising one's thinking abilities is another important aspect of healthy routines that one should consider. Cognitive decline may be described as one of the biggest fears of our aging population. Prevention of cognitive decline can occur through modifying lifestyle habits as well as a concerted, focused plan of cognitive stimulation.

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Volume 11, Issue 1, Posted 9:50 AM, 01.08.2019