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Health notes

MERCY HEALTH OFFERS DIABETES INFORMATION: November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. It can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other health problems if not controlled. People who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes can lower their risk if they make healthy changes. Examples of healthy changes include eating healthy, getting more physical activity, and losing weight. The path to understanding diabetes starts here at Mercy Health. For Diabetes Educational classes call 330-480-2676, for physical activity call the Stepping Out Program 330-480-8659.

To support your physical health Mercy Health invites you to take one of its Stepping Out classes. Virtual classes are available, along with classes at various locations. Visit www.facebook.com/Steppingoutyoungstown or www.mercy.com/-/media/mercy/youngstown/stepping-out-calendar for the Stepping Out schedule.

SUGGESTIONS FOR ALZHEIMER’S HELP: For people on a regular routine, the end of daylight saving time was a noticeable change. Sunset arrives one hour earlier, so it is darker in the evening.

Sundowning, also known as late-day confusion, occurs in some Alzheimer’s patients, meaning that their confusion or agitation could be worse in the late afternoon or evening hours. Some known factors that cause sundowning are end-of-day exhaustion (both mental and physical) and an upset in the “internal body clock,” causing a biological mix-up between day and night.

Caregivers may need a plan to help their loved one get accustomed to darkness arriving earlier. Experts recommend scheduling out-of-home activities in the morning and keeping the home well-lit in the evening hours.

Experts also say night time restlessness typically peaks in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s, and then diminishes as the disease progresses. Scientists don’t completely understand why sleep disturbances occur with Alzheimer’s disease, which is a fatal brain disease that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed. As with changes in memory and behavior, sleep changes somehow result from the impact of Alzheimer’s on the brain.

Research indicates that up to 45 percent of people with dementia may have sleep problems. Many people with Alzheimer’s wake up more often and stay awake longer during the night. Those who cannot sleep may wander, be unable to lie still, or yell or call out, disrupting the sleep of their caregivers. Experts estimate that in late stages of Alzheimer’s, individuals spend about 40 percent of their time in bed at night awake and a significant part of their daytime sleeping. For sleep issues due primarily to Alzheimer’s disease, most experts encourage the use of non-drug measures, rather than medication.

Here are some tips if a person is awake and upset at nighttime: approach him or her in a calm manner; find out if there is something he or she needs; gently remind him or her of the time; avoid arguing; offer reassurance that everything is all right; don’t use physical restraint. If the person needs to pace, allow this to continue under your supervision.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

TCMHRB MEETINGS: The monthly calendar for the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board, 4076 Youngstown Road SE, Suite 201, Warren, is:

November 2020

• ASAP Education Subcommittee meeting, 10 a.m. Wednesday. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89126826999?pwd=M1FOOTR5d2xieDY0NlJCS3F6WVdVQT09

Meeting ID: 891 2682 6999

Passcode: 316191

Or Dial In: 312- 626-6799 or 929-205-6099 US

• Addiction and Mental Health Program Committee, 4:30 p.m. Thursday. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86012491789?pwd=bnVnKzJzaEdld2p1dm5VYnFHeVFvQT09

Meeting ID: 860 1249 1789

Password: 237435

Or Dial In: 929-205-6099 or 312-626-6799

• Trauma Informed System of Care, 3 p.m. Nov. 9. Join: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/977661877

You can also dial in using your phone: United States: +1-571-317-3122; with Access Code: 977-661-877

• ASAP Info Subcommittee, 10 a.m. Nov. 10.Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84707876165?pwd=MzVKYVBNZHZaZXUzK1VCMitWcUh1Zz09

Meeting ID: 847 0787 6165

Passcode: 794715

Or Dial in: 312-626-6799 or 929-205-6099

• Trumbull County Suicide Prevention Coalition, 3 p.m. Nov. 10. Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/94667056483?pwd=a0R3Z3VUQXdEbjMrOHNwcDc2MlJyUT09

Meeting ID: 946 6705 6483

Passcode: SPC

Or Dial in: 646-558-8656

• Budget & Finance Meeting, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 10. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84334261689?pwd=Q0p6V0kyWm1zTTVMMU4wbFJRNFdsUT09

Meeting ID: 843 3426 1689

Passcode: 992222

Or Dial In: 312-626-6799 or 929-205 6099

• Closed Nov. 11, Veteran’s Day. Please call 211 if you have a behavioral health need

• Core Provider Meeting, 9 a.m. Nov. 13. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82122622902? pwd=allyTXBTNUJTRWF3NWl GT3B2ck5BUT09

Meeting ID: 821 2262 2902

Password: 666988

Or Dial In: 312-626-6799 or 929-205-6099

• ASAP Coalition, 9:30 a.m. Nov. 17. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88199791176?pwd=MHRl VDZBOG1Dc3pLekdCaGg1 UFQxdz09

Meeting ID: 881 9979 1176

Passcode: 017584

Or Dial In: 312-626-6799 or 929-205-6099

• Board of Directors Meeting, 4:30 p.m. Nov. 17. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84415236213?pwd=b0hYT3Mzb3FBOUtFZThkYVJiYytoZz09

Meeting ID: 844 1523 6213

Password: 761562

Or Dial In: 312-626-6799 or 929-205-6099

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