ProMedica president to lead Alzheimer’s Walk
The Toledo Regional edition of the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 8 in downtown Toledo will be led by Angela Brandt, president of ProMedica Senior Care. One of the year’s largest fundraisers for the Alzheimer’s Association, all funds raised by walkers go toward the efforts aimed at caring for and supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s, as well as research concerning the disease. The event starts at 9am at Promenade Park, 400 Water St. For more information or to register to walk or volunteer, please visit act.alz.org.
Mental Health Lifeline shortens to 988
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) has been functioning since 2005, but after 17 years the service is making some necessary changes. Recent legislation has changed the 11-digit number to just three— 988— making it easier to memorize and quicker to call in mental health emergencies. Launched in 2005, the Lifeline’s 200+ crisis centers have connected trained counselors to callers in mental health emergencies like depression, substance abuse, or thoughts of suicide.
Roll up your cuff
Keep an eye on your health and get your blood pressure checked as part of the Franciscan Care Center Blood Pressure Clinic, held at the Sylvania Senior Center on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month. It’s recommended that older adults regularly have their blood pressure tested, as a rise in blood pressure can be a sign of larger underlying issues. Clinics are held from 11am-1pm at 7140 Sylvania Ave. in Sylvania. For more information about the Sylvania Senior Center, visit sylvaniaseniorcenterorg.
Making it easier to hear
A new rule announced by the FDA means that buying a hearing aid may soon be easier and cheaper for patients with mild-to-moderate hearing issues. In August, the new FDA rule established an “over-the-counter” classification of hearing aid that allows users to buy one directly from stores without a medical exam or fitting adjustment. The rule is expected to lower the cost of hearing aids and make them more accessible for consumers who need them, though patients who require a device that helps with more severe hearing problems will still need a prescription. The rule takes effect in mid-October.
