The Aches, the Chills, the Pail Next to the Couch

Posted on February 21, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Understanding the flu can help you protect yourself and your family

By Brad Galvan, American Red Cross Communications Volunteer

Nothing can take a healthy person (or a family) down quicker than the flu. This year, hospitals have been filling up with patients who are suffering from the symptoms of the flu. The dreaded influenza (flu) bug is described by the Center for Disease Control as a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It’s primarily spread when people cough, sneeze or talk. We are all at risk, but children and the elderly are impacted the most.

Do your part to remain healthy and to keep others safe

Building Resilient Communities in Colombia January 2014

Jana Sweeny
receives her annual flu shot at a
mobile health brigade in La
Guajira, Colombia Photo credit: Roberto Brito de la Cuesta/American Red Cross

Physicians recommend the flu shot for everyone over six months old. Ideally, the vaccination is done prior to ‘flu season,’ but it’s never too late. The vaccination is meant to protect you from the common strains of influenza. Although encouraged (and sometimes required by some workplaces, including hospitals), it’s not perfect. So what else can you do?

Debra Fast, DO, an MDVIP-affiliated internist who practices in Wooster, Ohio, says, “Aside from the annual vaccine, the most important way to prevent flu is frequent hand washing with soap and water especially prior to eating and avoidance of hand shaking. Most studies regarding taking vitamins like high dose Vitamin C for prevention of colds and flu show no benefit. Instead, we know that eating well-balanced meals and sleeping seven to eight hours a night is a great way to rejuvenate and boost your immune system.”

You unfortunately caught it – what should you do?

If you begin to feel the symptoms of the flu, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. Some antiviral drugs can help shorten the duration and reduce the severity of the symptoms. You should also do your best to stay away from others, drink plenty of liquids and rest. Once you begin to feel better, replace toothbrushes and use disinfectant sprays on everyday objects such as cell phones, remotes, door knobs, etc., that you come into contact with.

You’ve avoided the flu. Hooray! How can you help those that aren’t so lucky?

This year’s flu has caused an influx of patients to be admitted to hospitals. Those patients can contract additional complications and could need the gift of your blood – consider donating to the American Red Cross. https://www.redcrossblood.org/

Celebrating a Red Cross Pioneer During Black History Month

Posted on February 19, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Christie Peters, External Communications Manager, Biomedical Services

Dr-Charles-Drew

During Black History Month this February, the Red Cross celebrates the legacy of blood-banking pioneer Dr. Charles Drew. Dr. Drew was an African-American surgeon who became the medical director of the first Red Cross blood bank in 1941. Drew’s research about the storage and shipment of blood plasma proved that blood could be stored for transfusions. During World War II, at the military’s request, Drew helped the Red Cross initiate a national blood program that collected 13.3 million pints of blood for use by the armed forces.

Donors of all blood types and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to give to help ensure blood and platelet donations reflect the diversity of the patients who rely on them. Certain blood types are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. Red blood cells carry markers called antigens on their surface that determine one’s blood type. There are more than 600 known antigens, and some are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. Blood must be matched very closely for patients with rare blood types or those who need repeated transfusions. Patients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone of a similar ethnicity.

Every day, volunteer blood and platelet donors across the country are needed to help save lives. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide. Eligible donors are urged to make an appointment to give now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

2018 H. Peter Burg Community Leadership Award to be Presented to Brian Moore on March 1

Posted on February 16, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Moore Brian 2011 Join us on March 1 at the Summit, Portage, and Medina Counties Chapter as we celebrate heroes at the 23rd annual Acts of Courage event!

One hero who will be honored is Brian J. Moore, who has built a lifetime of heroic actions through his contributions to many facets of the Greater Akron community. Brian will receive the 2018 H. Peter Burg Community Leadership Award which the Red Cross proudly presents each year to one or more individuals who best exemplify leadership in the community, compassion for its people and dedication to the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross. He was selected by a committee of past award recipients.

Brian has an enthusiastic spirit. He is a steadfast mentor, and committed friend, to everyone who knows him.

Born in Dunkirk, New York and after graduating magna cum laude from the State University of New York, Brian moved to the Akron area in 1981 to attend The University of Akron School of Law. He received his Juris Doctor cum laude in 1984. He is a shareholder with the 160 attorney law firm of Roetzel & Andress. He practices real estate and finance law and serves as Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s Akron Office. He has been listed in the “Best Lawyers in America” directory for Real Estate and Banking for over 12 consecutive years and has been recognized as a “Top 100-Ohio Super Lawyer.” Brian has served as Chairman of the Real Property Committee for the Akron Bar Association. He is also a member of the Real Estate Council of the Ohio State Bar Association.

Brian served as the 2001 volunteer tournament chair for the NEC Invitational – World Golf Championships (now known as the Bridgestone Invitational) and is a Past-President of the Executive Committee of Northern Ohio Golf Charities. He currently is Vice Chair of the Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation Board. He serves on a number of other community boards including, Downtown Akron Partnership (Former Board Chair and Current Executive Committee Member), Blue Coats (Current Board Chair), Summit Choral Society (Vice Chair), and Music for the Western Reserve. He is also a past chairman of Portage Country Club. His other past board service includes United Way (Past Campaign Chair), Akron Bar Association, Red Cross of Summit, Portage, and Medina Counties (Past Chairman of the Board), Greenleaf Family Center (Past Chairman of the Board), Leadership Akron Alumni Association (Past President), the Akron Civic Theater and the Akron Jaycees (Past President). He is president of Leadership Akron Class 10. In 2015, Brian was honored with the 2015 David Lieberth Community Vision Award by Leadership Akron. He is a cantor and choir member at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He lives in Copley with his wife, Diana, and their children, Ben and Leah.

A limited number of tickets remain. To purchase tickets visit www.redcross.org/acts18.

Be My Valentine – I Could Save Your Life!

Posted on February 13, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Rena Large, Volunteer, Citizen CPR Leader

With Valentine’s Day approaching, who isn’t thinking about people they love and the things we do to show them we care?

Maybe it’s not exactly what you had in mind, but one thing I do for the people I love is staying up to date on my CPR and First Aid certification. In my earlier years it was sometimes a requirement – as a babysitter, a camp counselor, a life guard – and later it seemed like a good idea as someone who cared for friends and family members and likes to be prepared for anything.

Graphic provided by Doug Bardwell/American Red Cross Volunteer

Speaking of hearts…We all probably know someone who has had a cardiac emergency (maybe even witnessed it happen). Most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes, and CPR – especially if performed in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest – can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. That’s one of the reasons I love Citizen CPR – a free non-certification program that teaches untrained bystanders to perform hands-only compressions, a simple skill that can keep vital blood and oxygen flowing in a cardiac emergency until trained responders arrive. Performing hands-only compressions is easy to remember and doesn’t require mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths or certification (something that deters some people) – all it requires is willingness to act!

Volunteer Citizen CPR Instructor Rena Large teaches MetroHealth employees lifesaving skills. Photo credit: Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross

Being a volunteer Citizen CPR instructor in my community is one of the most rewarding things I do. Sometimes people are nervous about the idea – I always hear stories of people witnessing someone having a heart attack at a family reunion or work event and being afraid they will do something wrong if they try to help. Giving them the opportunity to see the skill and practice it takes the mystery away and gives people the confidence that they can do this in an emergency. It means so much to me that I know and can teach others how to save a life. If you aren’t CPR certified, take a moment to learn how to do hands-only compressions; or think about offering a Citizen CPR event in your community or workplace. It might be the most important gift you give this Valentine’s Day and all year long.

Keeping Olympians Safe – And You, Too

Posted on February 9, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Doug Bardwell, American Red Cross volunteer

The Olympics are kicking off today and you know the tagline – “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” Luckily for the Olympians, if they suffer the agony of a bad fall, a broken bone, a concussion or worse; there are at least 80 Olympic physicians to attend to them.

Interestingly enough, the doctors that get picked for the Olympics all had to go through multiple “tryouts” themselves to get there – all done under stressful settings – to see how well they could function working with the world’s best athletes.

But we aren’t in PyeongChang anymore, Dorothy

First Aid for Cleveland

It’s safe to say the Olympic athletes will be well taken care of; but, your friends and your family aren’t in PyeongChang. All around our country, our children, spouses and ourselves are participating in sports where we can easily get injured. So, who’s going to take care of us when there’s no doctor in sight.

Sure, calling 911 is the best thing to do immediately, but during that response time, you could often be doing more to alleviate suffering, to stabilize an injury, or to prevent further harm. You could do that, provided you knew some first aid basics.

Okay, but how?

A well-stocked first aid kit is always a great start – one at home and one for your car. Hopefully, that would have all you need to clean a wound and to stop the bleeding.

A knowledge of different type injuries is the next step. Fortunately, there’s a free app for that. The American Red Cross First Aid app is available for either iPhone or Android. It not only has a quickly searchable list of accidents, there is also additional reading and quizzes to check your skills. apps

Better yet, check your local Red Cross office for upcoming First Aid classes offered throughout the area. The Red Cross trains more than 9 million people each year, and it’s always best to learn from a certified instructor.

If you are already a trained medical professional, and you have the skills, please consider volunteering to teach one of the classes.

Generosity Flows From Their Veins

Posted on February 7, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Blood Drive at Landerhaven draws hundreds of donors on a winter’s day in Northeast Ohio

The annual “Give from the Heart” blood drive at Landerhaven near Cleveland resulted in the donation of 528 units of blood, thanks to the generous donors who braved snow and cold to give the gift of life.

One of those donors was Michelle Polinko, the Regional Development Officer for the American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region.

“Giving blood isn’t always easy or convenient, but it’s always the right thing to do,” she said, as Collections Technician Willie Muse worked with good humor to ensure Michelle’s experience was positive. DVXfoKJWAAI51Wl (3)

Also adding to the positive vibe was the food provided by Executive Caterers.

The donations of blood could not have come at a more crucial time, as the Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage. Ongoing winter weather has more than doubled the number of canceled Red Cross blood drives, resulting in the blood and platelet donation shortfall. Blood donations are critically needed so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they need.

To schedule an appointment for a future blood donation, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Globetrotters Thrill Fans in Wooster, Youngstown, Canton and Cleveland

Posted on February 6, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Ambassadors of Goodwill live up to their name, designating Red Cross as official charity

Photo credit: Mary Williams/American Red Cross

The Original Harlem Globetrotters are appearing in more than 250 cities during their 2017-2018 tour, and fortunately, four cities in Northeast Ohio were among them.

Fans got to see the the high-flying team play in Cleveland, Canton, Youngstown and Wooster after they kicked-off their North American tour in December.

The American Red Cross is the official charity of the Globetrotters, and during many of the games, fans got the chance to help provide critical funding for disaster relief, as Red Cross volunteers went out into the crowd to “Pass the Bucket.”

Donations made at Globetrotters games will help the Red Cross assist residents in local communities when they experience a disaster, like a home fire. Our disaster workers, most of them volunteers, respond to about 64,000 disasters a year – the vast majority of them home fires.

The partnership between the Globetrotters and the Red Cross is part of the team’s “Great Assist” initiative. They pledge to spread 100 million smiles over the next 10 years with smiles, sportsmanship and service.

See more photos of Red Cross volunteers enjoying the Globetrotters and passing the bucket by clicking here.

Home Fire Prevention Tips, Inspired by the TV Show “This Is Us”

Posted on February 5, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By: Sue Wilson Cordle, Volunteer Leader and Board Member

Last night was a big night for NBC. And if you think it’s because the underdog Eagles upset the Patriots you’d only be partially right. It was the devastating loss after the game that has so many of us reeling. Jack Pearson, the loving, perfect-with-all-his-flaws husband and father died on NBC’s series This is Us.

If you aren’t familiar with the show, it is a brilliantly written series about the Pearson family, told in a creative style of flashbacks from the parents and the kids’ youth, to the present day.

The generational story of Jack, his wife Rebecca and their 3 kids- triplets Kate, Randall and Kevin and how they discover deeper meaning in their present day lives after loss and tragedy is inspiring and compelling. Successful businessman and father Randall searches for information about his biological parents. Kate finds love and self-acceptance while battling obesity. Kevin pursues a more meaningful career, and battles his own demons which brings some difficult choices. Viewers have known from the beginning that Jack dies at some point while the kids were teenagers, but the dramatic episode aired last night after the big game, exposed the circumstances; that Jack died from a heart attack caused by the prolonged smoke exposure he suffered after saving his family from a home fire.

The fire started when a slow cooker with a faulty switch overheated and sparked. The Pearson home was old, with old wiring. The spark quickly turned into an electrical fire which spread rapidly to engulf the entire home. The smoke alarm did not sound because the batteries were dead. In fact, in previous episodes the fact that the Pearson’s kept forgetting to replace the batteries in the smoke alarms in the house was a set-up and hinted at how Jack’s death might unfold.

There has been some PR fallout for the company that makes Crock Pots, and NBC and the company itself has since been assuring people of the product’s safety- but the episode serves as a reminder and a public service announcement for all of us to unplug (not just turn off) our small appliances in our homes- from toasters in the kitchen to curling irons in the bathroom.

The Red Cross responds to hundreds of thousand of home fires nationally and has a number of reminders for basic fire prevention tips for your home:

Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.
Smoking materials are the leading cause of residential fire deaths in the United States. If you smoke, take precautions: Smoke outside; choose fire-safe cigarettes; never smoke in bed, when drowsy or medicated, or if anyone in the home is using oxygen.
If you do smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays and douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before disposal.
Talk to children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.
Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Never leave a burning candle unattended, even for a minute.
Unplug small appliances when not in use.

The Red Cross also has these 7 Ways to Prepare for a Home Fire

Install the right number of smoke alarms. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.
Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire“ to alert everyone that they must get out.
Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

For more information on preparedness resources from the Red Cross click here.

Disaster Relief Takes Flight

Posted on February 2, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By: Debbie Chitester, Disaster Program Manager Summit, Portage, and Medina Counties

A few months ago an email came across my computer asking if I would be interested in partnering with the National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM High School. Curious, I asked for more information. The computer science class conducts problem based learning. The problem they were trying to solve was delivering disaster relief to people in hard-to-reach areas, a real world issue that they had seen on TV due to the 2017 hurricanes. They were starting to work with drones in the class and the teaching staff wanted a real world scenario so learners could relate the problem/solution process to something in real life.

Jorge Cropped

At first I was unsure if this was something we could do, but I was inspired by a photo of our Regional COO, Jorge Martinez, hiking up the side of a mud covered hill in Puerto Rico to get water to a family following Hurricane Maria.

A task just perfect for a drone! I agreed, and was scheduled to talk to the class about Disaster Cycle Services, what we do, and how we deliver service.

On a cold January day, I presented the “problem” to the learners. I showed photos of Emergency Response Vehicles, clients walking through knee deep water to get to supplies, and Red Cross volunteers on one side of a river while the clients were on the other with no easy way to get supplies to them. The learners were interested in the services we provide and asked good questions. The coach (their term for the teacher) and I expressed the need and how this can save lives. The problem demonstrated that drones could be used for more than having fun with friends, and could actually make a difference.

Their task was to create a flight plan, write code for the drone and write an essay about the experience.

On January 31, the class presented their projects. The learners were ready to fly their drones and demonstrate how they could deliver supplies to multiple locations. The gymnasium was set with three “landing depots”, the closer to center the better and the more points received. The points represented the numbers of lives saved at each landing depot. (They also received “style points” if they performed a flip between depots.) Each team had the opportunity for 2 “flights”.

That morning I was excited as I witnessed amazing young adults using math, geometry and trigonometry to program their flights, and loving what they were doing!

As I sat on the sidelines watching and encouraging the learners, I overheard one say to his teammate, who was upset by their results, “well we did not get the center, but we still saved lives.”

I thought he was being sarcastic, so I looked over at him. But no, it showed on their faces that they truly understood why they were doing this.

While some teams were more successful than others with their flights, every single team tried their hardest and learned that technology can save lives.

This partnership is something that was a first for both of us, and I look forward to solving other “problems” with them in the future.

To view a short video of a flight, visit https://twitter.com/NIHFHS/status/958742381557420032.

Give From the Heart Turns 20

Posted on February 1, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Landerhaven Blood Drive Comes Amidst Critical Shortage, Urgent Need for Donations

By Christy Peters, External Communications Manager, Biomedical Services

The American Red Cross is partnering with Executive Caterers at Landerhaven for the 20th annual Give from the Heart Blood Drive. The blood drive is Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Drive in Mayfield Heights.

Photo Credit: Mary Williams/American Red Cross

The Give from the Heart Blood Drive is a lifesaving tradition in northeast Ohio. In the past 19 years, the event has collected more than 12,200 units of blood for local patients. All presenting donors will receive gifts from blood drive sponsors, while supplies last, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the drive. Donors will also enjoy gourmet food for breakfast, lunch or dinner, courtesy of Executive Caterers.

This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage. Ongoing winter weather has more than doubled the number of canceled Red Cross blood drives and the resulting blood and platelet donation shortfall since earlier this month. Blood donations are critically needed now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they need. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in.

To schedule an appointment for this special event, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit rcblood.org/appt and enter code: Landerhaven or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region