HeaLtH Health Notes

Mercy Health Community

Nurses are available at select TLCPL locations from 11 am –1 pm The Mercy Health staff provide free flu shots, blood pressure readings, blood sugar numbers and weight screenings. No appointment is needed. All services are first-come, first-served. Check www.toledolibrary.org/ health to find the branch locations and day-of-the-week information to meet the Mercy Health Community Nurses.

McLaren St. Luke’s is hosting a Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the McLaren St. Luke’s Auditorium to help educate people on heart disease. With Speaker Dr. Dale Levy, attendees will learn why heart disease is the leading cause of death for most people in the U.S. Dr. Levy will explain the symptoms, risk factors, treatment options and steps to protect your heart in the future. There is no fee to attend and a light lunch will be provided, but space is limited. For more information, visit www.mclaren.org. https://www.mclaren.org/main/events/heart-diseaselunch-and-learn-41901

The Toledo Metroparks is hosting a Tai Chi for Beginners class on Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 4 pm to 5 pm at the Brookwood Center at Swan Creek Preserve. Come and connect with your natural energy as you learn the Tai Chi flow. This class is beginner-oriented, so people can participate either standing or sitting. Be advised that you should wear loose clothing that you feel comfortable moving around in, and tennis shoes. To register, visit the Toledo Metroparks Facebook event, or call 419-407-9810.

Since 2008, Sincera has provided palliative care to more than 5,800 people in our community. Through partnerships with area hospitals, cancer centers and physician offices, the program addresses the needs of patients with serious, chronic illnesses who are continuing to seek treatment.

Among the most common patient concerns that the Sincera team addresses are pain, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, sleep loss, constipation, anxiety and depression. The team also facilitates in-depth conversations about disease progression, treatment options and goals of care.

57-year old Leneata McCoy is grateful for the interventions and guidance she has received from the Sincera palliative care team over the past year. “I prayed for help and truly believe that God sent these amazing people to me,” she shares.

Life changed for Leneata five years ago when her husband passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Shortly after that Leneata’s younger sister and mother were both diagnosed with breast cancer. Then, in May 2021 she was diagnosed with breast cancer as well. “Cancer is scary,” says Leneata. “I am lucky that my son is a nurse at UTMC and told me to ask my doctor about palliative care right away.”

Her oncologist referred her to Sincera who joined Leneata’s care team and immediately went to work addressing her physical pain, numbness and tingling as well as emotional and spiritual concerns.

Unfortunately, Leneata was let go from her job for missing too much work due to her cancer treatment. Losing her job, meant also losing her health insurance. “The Sincera social worker was so helpful to me,” she shares. “She addressed my anxiety and emotional stress, and also helped me secure financial resources so I could pay my bills, continue my cancer treatments and follow through with a planned surgery.”

Following a double mastectomy, Leneata experienced some pain and numbness. “I called Sincera and the nurse made recommendations to adjust my medications,” she explains. “I just love every member of the Sincera team and I am grateful for their excellent service that has supported me and improved my quality of life.”

Sincera’s services are provided in hospitals, patient’s homes or at our consultation office within Hospice of Northwest Ohio’s Toledo Center. The services are covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information about the program or for help seeking a referral from your physician, call 419931-3440

Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Or, visit sinceracare.org.