The University of Toledo’s Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center is holding a free seminar to educate cancer patients about the latest lymphedema treatments available and provide advice for managing their symptoms.

“Lymphedema from Head to Toe” will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct., 24 at the Radisson Hotel located on The University of Toledo Health Science Campus. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Dana Cancer Center. Valet parking is available and refreshments will be provided.

Dr. Suzie Ehmann, clinical coordinator of the edema management program at Carolinas HealthCare System, will be the keynote speaker. For more than 13 years Dr. Ehmann has dedicated her practice to the evaluation and comprehensive treatment of patients with lymphatic disorders and chronic non-healing wounds.

Lymphedema is painful swelling due to a buildup of lymphatic fluid. It is common in cancer survivors who have had lymph nodes removed or radiation therapy as a part of their treatment plan. This painful condition occurs primarily in the extremities, but also can occur in other areas of the body, such as the face and chest.

“We will review the lymphatic system and how to look for the symptoms of lymphedema,” Ehmann said. “Many patients don’t realize that occasional swelling can be the start of a much bigger problem. If we address lymphedema at this stage, it is much more treatable and improves the quality of life for patients.”

“Often lymphedema is associated with breast cancer, but those who have head and neck cancers or melanoma can also experience lymphedema,” she said.

While there is no one-size-fits all solution, Ehmann says a comprehensive treatment plan including skin care, massage, compression and exercise helps improve the quality of life of many lymphedema patients.

“This is a rare opportunity for patients and professionals alike to hear from one of the nation’s leading lymphedema experts,” said Renee Schick, event organizer and manager of UTMC’s Survivor Shop. “Anyone with a condition that can lead to chronic swelling and those who care for lymphedema patients will benefit from her presentation.”

The University of Toledo is celebrating LGBTQA History Month with several events this October.

The Office of Multicultural Student Success, LGBTQA+ Initiatives and Spectrum UT are dedicated to serving the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and allied students.

“Celebrating honors the historic leaders of the LGBTQA+ community; celebrating offers an opportunity to highlight LGBTQA+ history and culture; celebrating creates awareness of the LGBTQA+ community for all people; and celebrating reminds us all that LGBTQA+ history is part of larger history,” said Danielle Stamper, graduate assistant in the Office of Multicultural Student Success.

“As an LGBTQA+ student at UT, the fact that The University of Toledo is celebrating LGBTQA History Month demonstrates that UT is continually striving to be an ally that welcomes, respects and celebrates its LGBTQA+ students.”

Listed by date, the events scheduled to increase awareness for LGBTQA History Month include:

Monday, Oct. 10

• “Self-Hatred Is Not Therapy,” a panel discussion on conversion therapy, 6:30 p.m., Law Center McQuade Law Auditorium.

Tuesday, Oct. 11

• All Love Photo Shoot, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Student Union Room 2500. Free professional shoot that will provide prints to all participants.
• Escucha Nuestras Voces/Hear Our Voices Panel, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Student Union Room 2582. Sponsored by LGBTQA+ and Latino initiatives, this event that is also part of Hispanic Heritage Month will feature Latinx individuals sharing their coming out stories.

Wednesday, Oct. 12

• “Queering Reproductive Alliance,” panel discussion presented by Spectrum and the UT Feminist Alliance, 6:30 p.m., Student Union Room 3020.

Friday, Oct. 14

• Toledo Pride Nite Glo 5K Run/Walk, 7 p.m., Ottawa Park. Preregister at http://toledopride.com.

Tuesday, Oct. 18

• Spectrum Hate Crimes Candlelight Vigil, 8 to 9 p.m., Student Union Steps.

Friday, Oct. 21

• Keynote Address and Performance by Mal Blum, singer-songwriter, 8 p.m., Student Union Ingman Room.

Wednesday, Oct. 26

• “It’s Not All Rainbows and Glitter,” discussion presented by the UT Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program, noon, Student Union Room 2579.
• Film Screening, “A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde,” 6:30 p.m., Student Union Room 3020. Learn about the life of the poet who wrote about sexuality, civil rights, family politics, nature, love and anger.

For more information and a full list of events, visit utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/omss/lgbtqa or call the UT Office of Multicultural Student Success at 419.530.2261.

The University of Toledo has received a competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to enhance efforts to prevent and address sexual assault and victimization on college campuses.

The UT Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness will use the $299,202 grant to create a coordinated community response team to develop prevention, education, and intervention policies and practices for sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

Kasey Tucker-Gail, left, and Megan Stewart

“Addressing victimization on college campuses is a national discussion right now and we want to be at the forefront of successfully addressing these issues and serve as an example to other universities on how to do it right by investing in education, prevention and intervention programming that are unique to a campus community,” said Dr. Kasey Tucker-Gail, associate professor of criminal justice and director of the Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness.

The response team would include the UT Police Department, the Toledo Police Department, YWCA Hope Center and other University and expanded community partners working together to strengthen existing education and prevention programming and also the delivery of comprehensive strategies that help survivors heal.

“This is an aggressive community education initiative to encourage a culture that is comfortable talking about and identifying sexual and domestic violence so that we can better prevent and address these crimes that occur far too often on college campuses,” said Dr. Megan Stewart, assistant professor of criminal justice and the program coordinator for the project.

The grant will support training on sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking for members of the University community, the creation and implementation of a campus-wide bystander intervention program, and an awareness campaign with various activities and events throughout the school year to engage students.

The Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women awarded grants totaling $25 million to address this important issue. Only 45 institutions of higher education in the country received funding for these initiatives. This announcement was made at the conclusion of September as National Campus Safety Awareness Month

“Schools that individualize their response to sexual, dating and domestic violence are better able to meet the unique needs of their student populations, especially underserved groups,” OVW Principal Deputy Director Bea Hanson said. “Coordinated, comprehensive responses allow college communities to develop sustainable strategies to address these crimes.”

Media Coverage
13 ABC (October 6, 2016)

A week before Homecoming festivities begin, University of Toledo students will simulate the tragic, criminal consequences of drinking and driving.

The UT chapter of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity will host an event called the Mock Car Crash from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5 in the Student Union Auditorium.

“It’s an interactive experience to raise awareness of the risks and dangers of alcohol, as well as the consequences for family and friends when drinking leads to a car crash,” said Kiersten Kemmett, a sophomore studying pharmacy and member of Pi Beta Phi. “This is close to our hearts. One of our sorority sisters was hit and killed by a drunk driver 21 years ago. It is in her honor we host this event to encourage everyone in our region to drink responsibly. One bad decision can change so many lives forever.”

About 600 students will participate in a mock party that ultimately leads to a mock courtroom trial of the party’s host. Following the trial, Sylvania Municipal Judge Scott Ramey will speak, as well as the parents of Brian Hoeflinger, an 18-year-old Ottawa Hills High School senior who died three years ago in a drunk driving crash.

Students will then go outside to Centennial Mall for a candlelight vigil in front of a mock burial scene featuring a casket, which will be on display throughout the day.

The UT Division of Student Affairs is collaborating with the students to promote education and awareness through the Counseling Center’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Prevention Program.

“The mock party is a visual representation of potential real-life scenarios that can occur amongst college students when making impaired decisions while under the influence,” said Lindsay Tuttle, sexual assault and substance abuse prevention education coordinator. “It is important students understand the negative impact it can have on themselves, their support systems and their community.”

University of Toledo medical students will have the opportunity to personally thank the sponsors of their scholarship awards.

The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences will hold its annual Scholarship Awards Dinner Thursday, Oct. 6 in the Mahogany Room of the Radisson Hotel on Health Science Campus. A reception will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner and the awards program to follow.

“This event is one of the highlights of our year,” said Dr. Christopher Cooper, executive vice president for clinical affairs and dean of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences. “It provides an opportunity for our students to meet the sponsors of their scholarships and put a face to the individuals who have invested in their success.”

119 scholarships totaling $1,102,632 have been awarded to UT College of Medicine and Life Sciences students this fall.

“Medical students can expect to accumulate nearly $200,000 in educational costs,” Cooper said. “These scholarships help to reduce the indebtedness incurred by our students, and we are extremely grateful for the support in easing this financial burden.”

Fourth-year medical student Megan Mooney, who is the recipient of the UT and ProMedica Better Together Scholarship, will serve as the student speaker.

“Receiving this scholarship has helped me beyond words,” Mooney said. “Not only has it supported me financially and educationally, I feel like the sponsors of my scholarship have become part of my personal support system. It has inspired me to think about how I can pay it forward and serve others in the future.”

“Our students benefit tremendously from the generosity of our scholarship donors,” UT President Sharon L. Gaber said. “Their financial support means our students can continue their studies without bearing the full weight of their educational expenses and can focus on becoming the next generation of physicians. We express our heartfelt gratitude for their continued support.”

Any questions may be directed to the University Communications Office by calling (419) 530-2410 or via email at meghan.cunningham@utoledo.edu.

When the heart is no longer able to support the circulation of blood properly, both a patient’s quality of life and life expectancy diminishes. Heart failure patients can experience shortness of breath and fatigue, which can make everyday activities difficult.

The University of Toledo Medical Center will hold a free symposium to discuss the symptoms of heart failure, share the latest treatment options available and identify community resources available for patients.

“Navigating Heart Failure” will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11 in Room 1000A of the Collier Building on The University of Toledo Health Science Campus.

“We wanted to reach out to our community to help heart failure patients better understand their condition and the resources available to them,” said Connie Mueller, lead LVAD coordinator for UTMC and event co-organizer.

According to the American Heart Association, nearly six million Americans are living with heart failure, with more than half of them between the ages of 35 and 74. One in five people will develop the disease in their lifetime.

“People shouldn’t think of heart failure as a disease of the elderly. Young people also need to be aware of the symptoms of heart failure,” said Dr. George Moukarbel, medical director of the heart failure and LVAD programs at UTMC. “Potential warning signs are shortness of breath, increased heart rate, unusual fatigue and swelling in the extremities. The symptoms can be mild at first and often younger patients ignore or dismiss these early symptoms.”

A number of conditions can lead to the development of heart failure, including diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea and high blood pressure. Moukarbel said it is important for patients to discuss their risk of developing heart failure with their physician.

“Heart failure is a life-threatening condition with no cure, but there are treatment options available to manage symptoms and prevent further heart damage,” he said. “Medications and simple lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the disease.”

Patients with advanced or end-stage heart failure have several treatment options available to them, including a surgically implanted pump called a left ventricular assist device, or LVAD. It is attached to the heart to help it pump more blood with less work.

“We have met with patients who were told their only remaining option was hospice care, but were able to receive an LVAD implant and are doing well today,” said Margaret Commet, operations supervisor of UTMC’s cardiovascular unit and event co-organizer. “It is important that heart failure patients understand that advanced treatments can give them more time and improve their quality of life.”

With his heart functioning at only 10 percent, Byron Clark was given only six months to live in early 2015.

“I decided to get the LVAD implant at that time because I didn’t think six months was long enough to wait on the transplant list,” said Clark, who had the LVAD implanted at UTMC. “It did take some adjustments to learn to live with the implant, but it gave me time until a donor was found 16 months later.”

“For patients like Byron, the LVAD is a bridge to transplantation,” said Dr. Mark Bonnell, UTMC cardiothoracic surgeon and director of the LVAD program. “Others who are not eligible for a transplant can still see a substantial improvement in quality of life from LVAD as a permanent solution. The LVAD has added not only years but quality to their lives which is indeed the central purpose of this technology.”

More than 18,000 patients worldwide and 39 patients at UTMC have received implantation of the LVAD device.

“I definitely recommend having the LVAD implant and the doctors at UTMC,” Clark said. “It gave me extra time and I feel great today. My new heart is functioning well and I look forward to working in the yard and traveling.”

Clark and his wife have established the Having a Heart for a Heart Foundation to educate and guide families through the LVAD to transplant process and provide financial support for patients.

“We were blessed to have good insurance, but we know others who have lost everything trying to manage the financial burden of these surgeries,” said Debbie Clark, foundation president. “We wanted to do something to give back and help others who need to travel this journey.”

Dr. Moukarbel and Dr. Bonnell will speak at the “Navigating Heart Failure” event, along with patients who will share their experiences in living with heart failure. Vendors and educational booths will be available, including information about cardiac rehab, smoking cessation, respiratory therapy and proper nutrition.

Preregistration is required. Call 419.383.5150 by Thursday, Oct. 6 to register. Nurses can earn one continuing education credit for attending.

To promote healthy living in northwest Ohio, University of Toledo Health will hold a free Wellness Expo 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 at Glendale Medical East, 3333 Glendale Ave., Toledo.

Local health experts will present information on a variety of topics including the effects of physical activity in the prevention of diabetes, how stress and depression play a role in cardiac disease, care for expectant mothers and Lucas County Health assessment data.

Attendees will have access to free health screenings including blood glucose, blood pressure, lung capacity and HIV testing. Flu shots also will be administered at the event.

“We want to empower individuals in northwest Ohio to take charge of their own wellness and are pleased to provide this opportunity to share important health information to the members of our community,” said Dr. Johnnie Early, event organizer and dean of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Vendors will share information about smoking cessation, managing blood pressure, preparing healthy meals, asthma control and heart health. Representatives from Life Connection of Northwest Ohio, the American Heart Association, Lucas County Children Services and other community resource organizations will also be on hand to share information about their services.

Visit http://uthealth.utoledo.edu/webforms/health-expo.html or call 419.383.1904 to pre-register.