Health & Wellness

Dementia means "deprived of mind." It is not a disease itself, but a range of symptoms that characterize several diseases and conditions, all of which are identified by declining intellectual functioning that goes beyond normal aging. The decline is severe enough to interfere with the ability to perform routine day-to-day activities.

“Dad, who is this,” I asked pointing to a recent photo. “That’s you,” my father answered. “Who am I,” I asked. “You’re my daughter.” After what seemed like an eternity, my father looked at me with sheer sadness and pain. “I don’t know your name.” I took his hand. “It’s OK, Pop.”

"Your father tried to cut the grass this morning with his car. He thought it was the riding mower," my mother said. "Well," I replied, "at least he didn’t cut the grass too short." She laughed briefly, then began to cry. "It’s getting harder," she said. "I know mom . . . I know."

You and your mate don’t have to be separated by land or sea to feel like you’re in a long distance relationship. Sometimes even living in the same house can feel miles apart. Different work shifts, busy schedules and fatigue can separate you. When this happens, a simple technique called "romance telepathy" can go a long way to keep you and your mate feeling connected.

My first exposure to romance telepathy was serendipitous. My mom had died in 1995 and I was cleaning out her attic. I opened an old shoebox to discover over 100 letters my dad had written to her during World War II. In one of the letters, he suggested romance telepathy as a way to stay connected to her. Here is an excerpt from that letter:

"What can I do to protect myself from Alzheimer's?" is a tricky question to answer, since there is no “magic bullet” to prevent people from developing this devastating disease that affects approximately 4.5 million people in the U.S.

The standard response, based on current research, is: eat a healthy diet — lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low amounts of saturated fat — control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, exercise your body and brain, and cultivate a close network of friends and acquaintances.

A recent study comparing the long term effects of social, physical and cognitive activity in mice showed that cognitive activity was the best protector against developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the future. 

The inaugural Miracles Happen 5K Run/Walk on May 31 drew 400 participants who enjoyed the scenic route through Cleveland Heights from Beaumont School to Nighttown.

The event raised more than $55,000 to benefit the Diana Hyland Miracle Fund, whose mission is to advance research for recurrent breast cancer -- focusing on new theories, trials and treatments aimed at managing the cancer and extending lives. The goal of the Fund is to raise $1 million to partially establish an Endowed Chair in Metastatic Breast Cancer Research at University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center under the direction of Dr. Paula Silverman.

Cleveland boasts some of the strongest medical resources in the country but has thousands of residents who go without necessary medical treatment. Cleveland Heights resident Zac Ponsky is doing something to change that.

He is organizing many of the area's world-class physicians, dentists and optometrists to provide the uninsured and the underinsured with access to free health care on May 2 and 3 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds.

Walk+Roll, a fun event that encourages people to walk and bicycle in their daily lives, is coming to the Heights.  On Sunday, July 19, from 1 to 5 p.m., the City of Cleveland Heights will host its first Walk+Roll in Cain Park.

Do you dread winters in the Heights? Have you been sitting on the couch alone, shoveling in Doritos, while dodging invitations from friends? If you find yourself unusually unmotivated, eating and sleeping more and socializing less, you might be one of many affected with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Join us for an Open House on Oct. 23, 2008 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Please come see what sets Homewood Residence Rockefeller Gardens apart from the competition.  You will have the opportunity to meet the staff, visit with our residents, ask questions, and tour our beautiful community.

Complimentary refreshments will be served at 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Karlene or Angela at 216-321-6331.

The newly formed Cedar Hill Walking Club departs at 6:00 a.m. Mon-Fri. from Starbucks at Cedar and Fairmount and returns by 7:00 a.m. You'll get a great workout and still have plenty of time to get ready for the work day. There are numerous routes to choose from and they are all beautiful. Join us and start your day feeling great! One hour destination walks include University Circle (Wade Oval or Reflecting Pool), Case Western University Campus, Little Italy, Coventry, Shaker Square, Shaker Lakes, and many more, as yet, uncharted routes. Great opportunity to see fascinating sculptural art and amazing architecture as you get a wonderful aerobic workout. For more information, contact Tawny Ratner at tawnyratner@yahoo.com. or Michelle Anselmo at chicagofrogs@mac.com.