Health & Wellness

After serving North Coast Health since its inception - first as volunteer, then Head Nurse and eventually Executive Director for the past 20 years, Lee Elmore has retired from her post. Under Lee’s guidance, North Coast Health has transformed the access and provision of care to thousands of individuals and families in western greater Cleveland, and has been recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Home, Level 3, by National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA). 

It is with great confidence and excitement that North Coast Health welcomes Gina Gavlak as President and CEO of North Coast Health.

Gina brings 25 years of experience, dedication and desire to improve access to affordable health care, eliminate health disparities, improve health outcomes and change the trajectory of chronic disease. Gina also has an extensive fundraising, program development and advocacy background.

On Dec. 7, 1989, I gave birth to my identical twins. I held them in my arms and promised them that they would be known and remembered and that I would find the answers. Matthew Steven survived. Steven James passed away. The experience was absolutely devastating. 

My promise led me to start The Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation in Bay Village. It is crucial for women to get an ultrasound in the first trimester to identify multiples and then to determine whether there is one placenta or two. TTTS occurs when there is one placenta, extremely rarely with two, where the placenta randomly contains abnormal blood vessels connecting the circulations of the twins. The placenta sends too much blood to one baby, creating excessive amniotic fluid (as seen on ultrasound and felt by the mother), and too little blood to the other baby creating little to no amniotic fluid.

For the fourth consecutive year, North Coast Health is partnering with First Federal Lakewood to collect toiletries for our patients. Basic necessities, like toilet paper, toothbrushes and personal care items, can be expensive. North Coast Health is committed to provide not only top quality care to the medically underserved, but to be able to support basic care needs.

Needed items include the following: new toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, lotion, facial tissues and more. Travel-size products and full-size items are welcomed.

Modern dental implants are arguably one of the most significant advances in the history of dentistry. The engineering and design of the materials is constantly improving, and the technique of proper placement and healing gains scientific evidence every day. But what exactly are dental implants, and who is a candidate?

For now, most dental implants are a medical-grade titanium alloy “screw” or “post” that have the ability to integrate into the jawbone just like artificial knees, hips, etc. Once an implant is properly integrated, it can be used to support a single tooth. Multiple implants allow dentists to secure bridges, make dentures fit more comfortably and securely, or even to fasten a form of hybrid denture semi-permanently so it only needs to be taken out for professional cleaning.

No one at Arden Courts Westlake remembers how long they have been participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, however, one thing their whole staff does know is that for the past three years running they have been the No. 1 fundraiser in the healthcare division for the Cleveland Area Westside Walk! 

Both our staff and current and past families care so much, and they truly step it up every year. I am just amazed by the generosity and the support we receive. This year we raised around $10,000. It really has been a group effort. Staff designed our shirts, families and staff donated items for our garage sale, families (both current and past) donated to our team and we all walked together. I love walking out to the field to collect our award. I first became involved in the Walk because of my mom, who was a resident at AC Westlake many years before I worked here, now it’s important for so many more reasons.

Do you have questions about the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? Or questions on what insurance coverage may be available to you or your family? Did you apply last year, and have questions about re-enrollment?  

North Coast Health, a faith-based free and charitable medical clinic in Lakewood, offers application assistance. Certified application counselors are available to answer questions and assist with applications for Medicaid and Marketplace plans.

The results of teamwork and technology were clearly evidenced recently at St. John Medical Center when Westlake resident Amanda Van Schoor, 36, thanked her family and caregivers for saving her life after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Amanda’s life was celebrated at St. John Medical Center by her caregivers and Abiomed, makers of a miniature pump that can be threaded through an artery and placed inside the heart to help critically ill heart attack and heart failure patients by assisting the heart's main pumping chamber to drive blood through the body.

Last Feb. 7, Amanda’s husband, Nick, had found his unresponsive wife on the floor, called 911 and followed the dispatcher’s instructions to provide CPR. Westlake EMS responded quickly and delivered Amanda to the SJMC Emergency Room, where caregivers found blood flow to Amanda’s brain and other vital organs were being compromised.

North Coast Health hosted 275 guests at their signature fundraising event, Celebration of Caring, held on Sept. 3 at LaCentre. Through the gifts of event sponsors, donors, and other generous supporters, North Coast Health was able to raise over $125,000 to continue providing healthcare to the medically underserved, including almost $35,000 to expand the Behavioral Health Program, addressing the significant gap in mental health services.

North Coast Health’s signature annual fundraising gala, Celebration of Caring, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at LaCentre in Westlake.

The evening will feature a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dessert, awards presentation, a live auction and raffles. Honorary chair for the event is Mrs. Charles Rini, Sr. Event co-chairs are Wendy Kieding, Kathe Serbin and Carol Sterba. The evening’s goal is to raise $150,000, more than 10 percent of NCH’s annual operating budget, to continue to provide life-saving health care to the medically underserved in our community.

The title of most improved and winning senior center of the first “Bring It On” health challenge has been awarded to North Olmsted Senior Center, following the screenings of over 60 participants from the Westlake and North Olmsted centers. 

St. John Medical Center’s community outreach department launched this challenge, sponsored by O’Neill Healthcare, to improve the health of seniors. Health screenings were done at the kick-off event in early June and then again at the end of the six weeks.

A pap test is a screening test for cervical cancer. In the past, women were instructed to have one done every year as a way to detect abnormal cells at an early stage to help prevent cervical cancer. Over the past few years, there have been some changes to the cervical cancer screening guidelines. Unfortunately, these changes have led to a lot of confusion on the part of the patient regarding if and when a pap test was needed.

The current guidelines recommend testing women between the ages of 21-65 every three years. Routine screening is no longer recommended for women younger than 21, regardless of the age of first intercourse. Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections can be performed and contraceptive counseling can still be provided for younger women. Because vaginal cancer is very rare, most women who have had a hysterectomy with the removal of their cervix no longer require a pap test. Women over the age of 65 may stop the testing if they have had three negative paps in a row or have had a negative HPV test.

The Meal that Heals, a dining benefit now in its seventh year to benefit the patients of North Coast Health, a faith-based charitable clinic, will be held on Monday, July 6, at Players on Madison in Lakewood from 5 to 9 p.m.

Diners will enjoy a three-course meal featuring seasonal ingredients and innovative combinations prepared under the guidance of Chef Tony Romano.

The MetroHealth System is continuing its expansion into the western part of Cuyahoga County with a new location in Crocker Park. The Westlake Health Center will be located in an office space above Brio, located at 38 Main Street, Suite 300. MetroHealth’s established offices in Westlake, located at 24700 Center Ridge Road and 25200 Center Ridge Road, will merge into the new location.

Westside families now have close-to-home access to University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital at St. John Medical Center in Westlake.

Open April 1, Rainbow pediatric services at St. John Medical Center feature a child and family-friendly inpatient unit, diagnostic procedures for babies and children, and 24/7 pediatric emergency services.

The private practice of Floyd Trillis Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S., has joined the St. John Medical Group.

“I look forward to continuing to provide my patients with the most comprehensive and advanced care, building upon St. John Medical Group’s dedication to excellence,” says Dr. Trillis, who is accepting new patients and will continue to provide care to his established patients. His location and contact information remain unchanged. 


I have written a number of pieces over the years on the topic of multiple sclerosis, while always hoping I will never have to write another one. That day will come but until it does the need remains to make aware of this chronic disease of the central nervous system.

MS attacks nerve fibers leading to the destruction of the myelin that insulates the fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Myelin facilitates electromechanical transmissions between the brain, the spinal cord and the rest of the body – in over simplified layman’s term, MS causes short circuits in the nervous system disrupting whatever function is controlled by the affected nerve.

The Westshore Campus of Cuyahoga Community College will examine the immense power of the human spirit on Wednesday, April 1, at 7 p.m., as part of its “Year of the Brain” lecture series.

Scott Fedor will share his personal story of determination and resiliency during the program. A diving accident in 2009 left Fedor paralyzed from the neck down, but he has refused to let the devastating injury rob him of an active life.

Thursdays are terrific at Unity Spiritual Center of Westlake. From classes to workshops to concerts, it's all right here for your enjoyment and growth, at a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere.

Tired of sitting behind a desk for eight hours, feeling a need to move and stretch? Your back giving you trouble? Try something unique in Unity's Yoga for Healthy Backs and Bones class on Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m., $10 per class.

For the dancer inside of you that wants to express your freedom to move, try Chakradance – a practice for body and soul. It will free you and energize you. It's a powerful combination of spontaneous dance, guided imagery and music to promote calmness. Class is Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m, $20 per session.

Cleveland Clinic teamed up with the City of Bay Village and several community partners to offer a new community outreach and wellness program called “Be Fit in Bay.”

Part of Cleveland Clinic’s healthy communities initiative, the goal of the new program was to promote optimal health and wellness and positively impact the community through education and awareness. “Be Fit in Bay” was created as a result of the community health needs assessment, combining resources within the Bay Village community to target education, nutrition and physical activity.

We decorated, we baked, we shopped, we wrapped, we sung carols, we hosted our family parties, and we may have attended church services. We celebrated this wonderful season, both spiritually and secularly. But, sometimes everything was not quite as sparkly, festive or serene as it appeared. Why? Because someone we love is not healthy because of drug, alcohol and/or behavioral problems.

Would you like to win $100,000? How about a two-year lease on a Volvo or Mazda? A Harley Davidson motorcycle? Or a Mediterranean cruise for two? These are just a few of the 40 incredible prizes offered through the 11th annual Straight from the Heart Raffle to benefit cardiovascular services at Fairview, Lakewood and Lutheran Hospitals.

Public discussions about dying are rare. However, a recent news story about Brittany Maynard, a young woman with brain cancer, has brought the taboo topic into the public eye. Maynard chose her time of death by taking medications prescribed by her doctor (a legal option in Oregon). The widely publicized case also points to a need for greater awareness about care options for patients with life-limiting illnesses.

The Westshore Campus of Cuyahoga Community College will focus on the aging brain at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, as part of its free lecture series, The Year of the Brain.

The program on “The Aging Brain: Keys to Maintaining Memory and Intellectual Vitality” features Dr. Dale Grubb. The lecture is free and open to the public, with no reservation required. The event will take place in the Westshore Campus Atrium, 31001 Clemens Road in Westlake.

Do you know that volunteering a little of your time can make a significant difference in the care and comfort of a person in hospice care? The volunteers of Life Choice Hospice in Westlake do. They share their time and talents with our patients, families and staff, supporting the Life Choice mission of "Inspiring Life."

More than touching the lives of others, volunteering will enhance the meaning and purpose of your life, too. By making such a vital difference to our patients, you will be fulfilled, experience personal growth and feel appreciated. As a hospice volunteer, you will surely receive as much as you give. Our volunteers often say that caring for our patients is both an honor and a privilege.

University Hospitals announced the addition of John J. Wolf, DO, to the health system’s medical staff. A doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Wolf brings more than 24 years of health care expertise to University Hospitals.

Dr. Wolf practices family medicine as part of Family Medicine Specialists in Westlake. He is clinical associate professor at Ohio University and has special interests in all aspects of family medicine, including preventive medicine, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Do you ever wonder whether or not your medicine is working for you? Are you on the right medicine at the correct dose? There is actually a simple, painless test that can give information to you and your doctor about how you metabolize medicine. The test will be available Friday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Westlake Center for Community Services, 29694 Center Ridge Road. Again, it is quick and painless and just involves a simple swab of the cheek. 

The test is covered 100 percent by traditional Medicare, Medicare HMO’s, TriCare and several other insurances. There are no copays or balance bill. Simply bring your Medicare/insurance card, a photo ID (such as driver’s license), and a list of all of the medications you take.  You must call 440-899-3544 to schedule an appointment time. The results of this test will then be sent to both you and your doctor.

Bay Village is launching a healthy community initiative, "Be Fit in Bay," starting with an 8-week fitness challenge. The challenge includes programs on health-related topics each Tuesday, Sept. 30 to Nov. 18, in the library at the Bay High School (Oct. 28 meets at the Dwyer Senior Center) at 7 p.m. followed by a walk with a health professional with gradually increasing mileage, and before-and-after screenings of cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index (for adults only).

Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants based on participation in walks, screenings and improvement in personal health numbers. Participants will receive a starting kit that includes a Cleveland Clinic wellness journal, pedometer and water bottle. Be Fit in Bay is open to adults who live or work in the city of Bay Village.

In this age where technology emerges at rapid pace there remains a baffling amount of misunderstanding about mental illness. The medical science related to diagnosing and treating mental illness is as extensive as the science related to treating diabetes or arthritis. The fact remains that even among educated people, mental illness is often seen as a fault and not a physical health affliction. Stigma about mental illness is predominant and implies that mental illness is a flaw of character. Stigma is harmful because it is an obstacle for many to receive psychiatric treatment and it directly stands in the way of social acceptance.

The Westshore Campus of Cuyahoga Community College will extend its “Year of the Brain” lecture series into fall semester given the success of the free program last year.

The educational series features brown bag lunch discussions at Westshore Campus and Corporate College West, both in Westlake, plus a pair of interactive evening lectures focusing on a variety of brain-related topics.

Tri-C Westshore's free lecture series, "The Year of the Brain," will offer the first of two evening lectures on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m., with an investigation into issues of addiction.

The program on “The Addicted Brain” features Dr. Stephen Sroka and Robert Garrity. The lecture is free and open to the public, with no reservation required. The event will take place in the Westshore Campus Atrium, 31001 Clemens Road in Westlake.

Sroka is a professor, author and consultant who has worked in schools around the world over the past three decades. He integrates cutting-edge research with realistic strategies for dealing with addiction.

Jazz up your home décor this fall with fabulous finds at the Hospice of the Western Reserve Warehouse Sale! The next sale is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 19, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hospice of the Western Reserve Headquarters, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland.

Whether it’s sprucing up a home, staging a property, locating a “like new” desk for a student, or finding a dining room table large enough for holiday gatherings, Hospice of the Western Reserve’s Warehouse Sale is the place to be to find gently used home furnishings, accents and accessory pieces – all priced at a fraction of their original retail prices!

North Coast Health’s signature annual fundraising gala, Celebration of Caring, will be held on Thursday, Aug. 28, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at LaCentre in Westlake.

The evening will feature a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dessert, awards presentation, a live auction and raffles. Honorary chairs for the event are Chris and Sandy Haas. Event co-chairs are Wendy Kieding, Kathe Serbin, and Carol Sterba. The evening’s goal is to raise $150,000, more than 10 percent of NCH’s annual operating budget, to continue to provide life-saving health care to the medically underserved in our community.

For the 16th consecutive year, Hospice of the Western Reserve will host Together We Can, a children’s bereavement day camp, at Red Oak Camp in Kirtland. This year’s camp is scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 5-7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The camp is open to children across Greater Cleveland, and offers support and healing in a beautiful, natural environment.

Activities are led by trained professionals who are experienced in working with children and grief. Cost for the camp is $25 per camper; scholarships are available. Space is limited and registration is required by July 10.  For more information and to receive a registration packet, call Karen Hatfield at 216-486-6042.

Have you ever been accused of having “selective hearing”? Do you find that you are asking people to repeat themselves more often? Did you grow up listening to loud music, and worse yet – loud music from headphones? Have you consistently worn ear protection while mowing the lawn and operating noisy equipment?

Many things can be responsible for hearing loss. If you are concerned that your hearing or a loved one’s hearing has changed, find out with a free hearing test over the phone.

The National Hearing Test is a screening tool available for people to find out if they have a hearing problem. The test, which was developed with funding from the National Institutes of Health, normally costs $8 but is free through the month of June.

This year marks the 97th anniversary of the Annual Women’s Welsh Clubs of America National Convention. The Welsh Home in Rocky River will be host to all Welsh clubs in the U.S. on June 18. The facility staff will showcase the pride and joy of goodness and the caring culture of the organization. 

We invite the residents of Bay Village, Westlake, Rocky River, Lakewood, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, and surrounding communities to experience the culture of the Welsh traditions on June 18 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Appetizers and refreshments will be served on the front porch overlooking the pond.

Oftentimes our loved ones with dementia loose their ability to communicate with us the way they once did. This can make visiting difficult, since social visits consist of conversation. Below are some ideas you can try that don't have to involve a lot of talking.

The Power of Touch: Humans are programmed to be caring and compassionate. We are made to give and receive touch. Studies show that touch increases endorphins in our brains.  Gently rubbing your loved one's shoulders or holding her hand can bring comfort and security to someone with dementia. Just knowing that you are there and that you care is sometimes makes all the difference in their life.

Mayor Dennis Clough proclaimed May as Better Hearing and Speech Month in Westlake at a presentation at City Hall on April 10. He was joined by six speech-language pathologists from the Westlake community as well as Sarah Rintamaki from Connecting for Kids, who gathered with the mayor to raise awareness about communication disorders.

With 8 to 9 percent of young children suffering from speech disorders, May’s Better Hearing and Speech Month is the perfect time for parents to learn how to recognize the early signs of these disorders. Parents are encouraged to educate themselves through the Identify the Signs campaign, a national effort of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The campaign is designed to combat an overall lack of awareness about communication disorders – a major barrier to treatment for the more than 40 million Americans who suffer.

On Tuesday, May 6, 6:45 p.m. at Bay Middle School, parents and students alike will have the opportunity to learn and participate in discussions regarding adolescent drug use and what it means to families. The program, “LET’S TALK ABOUT IT,” is designed to encourage both parents and students to dialogue and also give them the tools on how to address drugs in the community and teen drug use.

Featured speakers Judge Donna Congeni Fitzsimmons from the Rocky River Municipal Court and Detective Kevin Krolkowski from the Bay Village Police Department will share with parents what they see on a daily basis and provide tips on what parents can do. Jennifer Tulli from Recovery Resources will also meet with students and hold an open discussion session.

Are you at your wit’s end? There is help and hope available! Families Anonymous is a free 12-step program that is designed for family members who have a loved one who has alcohol, drug and/or behavioral problems. We are happy to inform you that there are two meeting sites in the neighborhood. Our newest location is at CrossPointe Community Church, 1800 Columbia Road, Westlake, at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday evenings. Hope Christian Church, 32625 Detroit Road in Avon, has been hosting meetings at 7 p.m. on Thursdays for the past six years.

Making the decision to place a loved one in a memory care community may be the most difficult decision anyone ever has to make.  However, the time may come when a family member may no longer safely manage their care alone or with a caregiver.

Many times, families wait to look at placement options when behaviors such as wandering, aggression and delusions become more than they can handle. When this time comes, it’s important to have done premeditated research so you and your loved have a plan of action.