Health, Safety and Wellness Expo draws large crowd

Deputy Brian Noe of the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office demonstrates Project Lifesaver at the Health, Safety and Wellness Expo held Feb. 3 at Coshocton Elementary School. Project Lifesaver is used to locate people who may wander away from home due to Alzheimer’s, autism or other disabilities. Jen Jones | Beacon

COSHOCTON – The gym and cafeteria at Coshocton Elementary School were full on Feb. 3 for the annual Health, Safety and Wellness Expo sponsored by the Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce and the Coshocton Regional Medical Center.

More than 30 vendors offered a wide variety of information about health and safety issues, while the CRMC staff offered information about preventative testing, mental health issues and many other topics.

Deputy Brian Noe from the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office was explaining the use of Project Lifesaver. This international program has been in Coshocton since 2007 and is used to help locate people who may wander due to Alzheimer’s, autism, dementia and many other disorders. “If a family has a person who may leave home and not be able to find their way back, they can call the department and ask for either myself or Detective Wilt. We will meet with them to make sure their family member meets the criteria.” There is no cost to the family for this program.

“We will come to your home and give you a band with a sensor on it for your family member. Some people wear them around their wrists, while others wear them on their ankle. As soon as you notice the person missing, you call us and we come to track them.” Noe also said that families have a big sense of relief once their loved one has a band and can be located if they wander.

The Department of Job and Family Services booth offered information about elder abuse and how to report it. Anne Randles said, “If you suspect someone is being abused, you can call the main line of the DJFS (740-622-1020) and we will investigate.” Elder abuse is the intentional abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult (over 60 years of age). The most common types that are reported in Ohio include exploitation, neglect, self-neglect and abuse (physical, sexual and emotional).

Randles said, “In Coshocton, we investigate mostly self-neglect. This happens when the person wants to stay in their home as long as possible, but for various reasons can’t maintain their home like they once did. They may need help cleaning the home or with self-care. When we get a call, we can get local agencies involved so they can get the help they need and still remain in their home.”

Steve Copenhaver has been an occupational therapist with CRMC for 19 years. “I am a certified hand therapist so I work with people who have pain or numbness in their hands.” Copenhaver shared information about the large therapy department that is available. “We have physical, occupational, speech and aquatic therapy. We also have an audiologist and can do hearing screenings or help with hearing aids.”

“Our therapy pool seems to be the best kept secret. Many people don’t realize that aquatic therapy is available right here. The water is 92 degrees and anyone with a doctor’s referral is eligible for aquatic therapy,” said Niki Edmunds, PTA. Once a patient has a doctor referral, they will be evaluated at the 311 Building and a plan will be designed with specific goals for the therapy. An arthritis group also uses the pool throughout the day.

Edmunds also shared information about a fairly new technique that several of the therapists at the 311 Building are certified to perform. “It’s called the Graston Technique and we use it to detect and treat areas of scar tissue or adhesions in muscles that can cause pain.” This technique can be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, joint sprains, painful scars, plantar fasciitis and many others. “We use stainless steel instruments with a beveled edge to rub the patient’s skin to find the scar tissue. Once we find it, we use the same instruments to help break up the scar.”

The Graston Technique can decrease treatment and healing times and reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medications. “We have had a lot of success with this treatment and many people don’t realize it’s offered in our therapy department,” said Edmunds.

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