St. Elizabeth makes top safety list

St. Elizabeth makes top safety list

YOUNGSTOWN

SafeCare Group has placed St. Elizabeth Health Center on its 100 SafeCare Hospitals list, ranking the hospital among the 100 top health-care organizations in the nation. Hospitals do not apply for this award, and the 100 hospitals included on the list do not pay to market this honor.

The selection process involved analysis of publicly available data collected by the United States government from more than 4,500 acute-care organizations. The ranking is based on more than 30 key measures covering the aims of excellence in health care: quality, patient safety and efficiency of care.

Hospitals included among the 100 SafeCare Hospitals had the lowest risk-adjusted rates of complications in medical and surgical care and in-hospital mortality rates; the lowest rates of in-hospital infections, surgical infections and readmission rates; lowest overutilization of radiation tests; and the highest care processes patient satisfaction scores.

Alzheimer’s series

CANFIELD

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter is offering a five-session “Living with Alzheimer’s” educational series on the second Monday each month beginning Jan. 13, 2014.

Before attending the program, presented at Canfield United Methodist Church, 27 S. Broad St., and designed to address the needs of persons in the early stages of memory loss and their care partners, participants must preregister by calling Carolyn Lake at 1-800-272-3900.

Session topics include: Understanding Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss; effective communication and telling others about the diagnosis; coping with changes and making health and legal decisions; daily strategies, and safety issues and resources for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Grants for fitness

YOUNGSTOWN

The William Swanston Charitable Fund is inviting 2014 requests for competitive grants to fund projects that would impact nutrition and physical fitness for children at risk in Mahoning and Trumbull counties, with a focus on ages birth through middle school and pregnant women.

Applicants must submit a letter of inquiry (LOI) on or before 5 p.m. Friday. For information and funding guidelines, call the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley at 330-743-5555.

Tips for stress

BETHESDA, MD.

The American Occupational Therapy Association offers tips for reducing holiday-related stress and depression.

Offer to hold a casual gathering at your place.

Ask for help when preparing meals, buying gifts, or entertaining.

Baking, scrapbooking, and other activities may prevent the onset of depression.

Maintain healthy habits and routines.

Engage in activities that have true meaning and perpetuate happiness.

Recognize signs of stress and practice stress management strategies.

Curb spending. The holidays prompt many to spend more than they can afford.

Practice patience: The holidays are not likely to change the attitudes of relatives and friends who may be critical from time to time.

If you feel left out, offer to help a local organization, a neighbor or a friend.

Emphasize the spirit of giving rather than the amount.

Laughter and humor can help one cope with stress, pain, or sadness.