Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Ohioans urged to check on well-being of others
COLUMBUS
Ohioans are urged to check on the well-being of older loved ones, friends and neighbors before, during and after severe winter conditions to ensure that they are okay and have the resources needed to remain safe and healthy.
“Older adults are at increased risk for complications from conditions including snow, ice, bitter cold. Factors like age-related changes and medication side effects can intensify the impact,” said Beverley Laubert, interim director of the Ohio Department of Aging.
Confusion, disorientation and irritability can be symptoms of conditions such as dehydration, stress and fatigue. If someone appears ill or is injured, call 9-1-1 immediately.
All Ohioans should have a winter preparedness plan that enables them to remain in place for three days if they become unable to leave their homes because of weather conditions. Each household should have an emergency kit that contains, at a minimum, a battery operated radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a loud whistle or bell, food you can open and prepare easily, water (one gallon per person per day), extra blankets and a first aid kit.
Also, older adults should consider having a backup supply of daily medicines and the means to store them properly; ready access to rations; ready access to medical equipment and assistive devices, such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, lifts, and oxygen tanks; spare batteries and non-powered options; a safe place to go if it becomes unsafe to stay in your home such as public shelter, friend’s or neighbor’s house, and a plan for getting there; and instructions for rescue personnel to help you relocate safely and quickly in an emergency.
For information, call 1-866-243-5678 or visit online at www.aging.ohio.gov.
Pediatric cardiologist
AKRON
Meagan Peek, MD, has joined Akron Children’s Hospital’s Heart Center in Boardman as a pediatric cardiologist. She received her medical degree from the University of Louisville in Louisville, Ky., where she also completed her residency in pediatrics. She completed a fellowship in pediatric cardiology at Washington University in St. Louis.
Peek is board certified in pediatrics and board eligible in pediatric cardiology. She has a special clinical interest in fetal echocardiography. She lives in Poland with her husband.
One of the 30 most influential leaders
AKRON
Sarah Friebert, M.D., founder and director of Akron Children’s Hospital’s Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center (HFPPCC), has been named one of the 30 most influential leaders in hospice and palliative medicine, the medical specialty focused on relieving suffering and improving quality of life for people with serious illnesses.
In celebration of 30 years serving the profession, the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine asked its 5,000 members to nominate whom they think are the leaders – or Visionaries – in the field and then asked members to vote for the top 10 among the 142 nominated. Friebert is one of 30 physicians, nurses and researchers recognized by their peers for the important role she played in advancing the medical specialty of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Achieve your ideal weight workshop
BOARDMAN
A three-hour “How to Achieve Your Ideal Weight for Life Workshop” is offered by Dr. Ted Suzelis, N.D., at the Ohio Naturopathic Wellness Center, 755 Boardman-Canfield Road, Suite D3, Southbridge West Complex, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
The cost is $49 and additional options are available. For information on this workshop or to register, call 330-729-1350 or visit online at OhioND.com.