Smoking ban takes effect at hospital in 2008

Smoking ban takes effect at hospital in 2008

YOUNGSTOWN — Humility of Mary Health Partners (HMHP) has prohibited smoking or use of tobacco products by employees while on paid work time, beginning Tuesday. In addition, there is no smoking or use of smokeless tobacco products on any property owned, operated or maintained by HMHP, including sidewalks, driveways and parking lots surrounding all facilities.

HMHP operates the Regional Tobacco Treatment Center, a six-week program that includes nicotine replacement therapy and counseling with nationally certified smoking cessation counselors. In addition, Nicotine Anonymous support groups are held weekly at St. Elizabeth and St. Joseph health centers. Meetings are open to the public.

To assist employees, families and visitors to not smoke while at HMHP facilities, nicotine replacement therapy is available in the form of the nicotine patch in the gift shops at St. Elizabeth Health Center, St. Joseph Health Center and St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center.

Fitness center classes

YOUNGSTOWN — The Health, Fitness & Nutrition Center, 707 E. Midlothian Blvd., is offering two classes:

First aid/safety and CPR class for infant, child and adult certification on Jan. 12. Call (330) 788-4325 to register by Jan. 7. The cost is $75 per person.

Health cooking from 2 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 13. Call (330) 788-4325 to register by Jan. 9. The cost is $20 per person.

Medical assistants meet

POLAND — The Tri-County Chapter of Medical Assistants is meeting Wednesday, Jan. 2, at the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, at 7 p.m. The speaker’s topic is “Caring for the Terminally Ill Patient.” Call (330) 270-2833 for more information.

Gift guide

Hot flashes, night sweats, itchy skin — ah, the joy of menopause. It can easily disrupt sleep, so here’s your chance to score brownie points. Give a gift of Cooljamaz night wear or bedding products, founded by Cathy Schwartz and Carol Papkin of Weston, Fla. They’re designed with Optimer Dri-Release with Freshguard fabric, a blend of natural and synthetic fibers that draws moisture away from the skin and forces it to the surface of the garment, where is quickly evaporates. The boxer/tank set is $65. For other styles and products, visit www.cooljamaz.com.

Healthy reads

“Great Kids: Helping Your Baby and Child Develop the 10 Essential Qualities for a Healthy, Happy Life” ($22.95, Da Capo Lifelong Books) identifies traits including curiosity, perseverance and empathy, which parents can enable their children to master. Take engagement, for example. One way to encourage it is to broaden your child’s relationship beyond parents to peers of the same and opposite sex, other relatives and other adults.

Press play

Are you ready to tone? Pick a DVD: 10 Minute Solution’s “Tone Trouble Zones” or “Dance it off & Tone it up.” Both include a toning band so you can work your muscles with increased resistance. Time pressed? Split the routines into five separate workouts. Otherwise, go for a 50-minute workout to slim down as you sculpt your butt, abs and upper body. Both at www.amazon.com.

Is your pet overweight?

If you’re concerned about a pet’s weight, try this home exam:

“The first thing we do is we put our hand on the rib cage. If you can feel the ribs and not see them, then the dog is in ideal condition,” says Denver veterinarian Kevin Fitzgerald, of Animal Planet’s “Emergency Vets” and “E-Vet Interns.”

Then look down from above.

“Is there a waist behind the rib cage? Or is he a round fellow?”

You should see a waist from the side, also. This goes for cats, too.

“When we look from the side, are there visible rolls hanging? You see that in cats a lot.”