(From Dr. Bill Kose with Blanchard Valley Health System)

Colon cancer is very treatable when detected early, but not enough people get screened for it regularly. At Blanchard Valley Health System, we encourage people not to forget this important aspect of caring for themselves and their health.

The recommended screening age has been reduced to 45 years old for individuals who have no symptoms. People with a family history of colon cancer may want to talk to their doctor about possibly getting screened at an earlier age. People living with other gastrointestinal illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease or ulcerative colitis, may also be at higher risk and might benefit from getting screened at an earlier age. If you have any questions about whether you should be screened, talk to your primary care provider.

The recommended screening age of 45, which was previously 50, has been lowered because more younger adults are being diagnosed with colon cancer.

People younger than 45 do get colon cancer, too, although not as often. Regardless of your age, it’s a good idea to get checked if you experience symptoms, such as bleeding or a change in bowel habits.

Colonoscopies are the most effective way of screening for colon cancer. People may delay a colonoscopy for many reasons, but the most common is the preparation. The bowel must be completely cleaned out prior to the colonoscopy. This is a day-long process.

However, if you have heard stories of people who had really difficult colonoscopy experiences in the past, keep in mind that things have changed. The preparation process itself, while still uncomfortable, is more tolerable than it used to be.

Anesthesia, too, is very different. You will be fully sedated and should not be awake or aware at all during the colonoscopy itself. However, you should wake up fairly quickly afterward, without the same level of grogginess that patients experienced in the past. You will still need someone to drive you home, but otherwise, you should be able to go about normal activities later that day.

If you’ve never had a colonoscopy before, the process may cause some anxiety if you don’t know what to expect. Be sure to ask your healthcare team any questions ahead of time. They want you to get screened and to be well prepared.

A colonoscopy is considered the “gold standard” of screening for colon cancer. It can have its drawbacks, however. For some people, taking a day off of work for the preparation may not be feasible, for example.

So, while it is considered the best test, we encourage you to seek out other types of testing if you are unable or choose not to get a colonoscopy. Home screening tests can look for microscopic traces of blood in the stool or changes in DNA that might indicate cancer or precancerous polyps. While both false negatives and false positives are possible, these tests are generally considered effective. They can be done at home and do not require preparation or any anesthesia.

A healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk of colon cancer, just as is the case with many other illnesses. Be sure to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and consume plenty of fiber. Additionally, we urge people to get exercise and generally take good care of themselves. This will go a long way toward protecting not only your colon but your entire body.

William Kose, MD, JD

Vice President of Special Projects,

Blanchard Valley Health System

Hearthside Food Solutions, which has a facility in McComb, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

According to Food Business News, the bankruptcy filing will allow Hearthside’s parent company, H-Food Holdings, to eliminate more than $1.9 billion of debt and acquire $200 million in new capital.

“With strong support from our key financial partners and other important stakeholders, we look forward to moving through this process swiftly and positioning Hearthside for significant long-term growth,” said Darlene Nicosia, Chief Executive Officer of Hearthside.

“With the significant Court approvals received yesterday, we move forward well-equipped to operate in a business-as-usual manner during our cases as we continue delivering the best-in-class products and services our customers expect.”

Hearthside intends to move through its cases in an efficient manner and expects to emerge from Chapter 11 in the first quarter of 2025.

(From the University of Findlay)

The University of Findlay’s “Fridays at Findlay” executive lecture series walks on the wild side December 13 with a presentation by Jeff Sailer, president/CEO of the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium.

His presentation, “Leadership in Challenging Times: Continuing to Make the Toledo Zoo a Premier Zoo,” is open to the public and will take place in the Winebrenner Building, TLB Auditorium on the UF campus. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for a breakfast buffet with the presentation from 7:50 to 9 a.m.

The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium was voted the “Best Zoo in the Country” by USA Today. From polar bears to red pandas, and baby elephants to electric eels, it is home to more than 16,000 animals representing 680 species.

During Sailer’s 12 years of leadership, the zoo has grown to welcome an average of 1 million guests each year, and several historic buildings have been renovated, including the Aquarium, ProMedica Museum of Natural History, and the Lodge.

Sailer has faced a variety of challenges and has persevered through them to make the Toledo Zoo a well-known place of international research and conservation as well as further its reputation as a popular destination place for family outings.

Sponsored by Premier Bank, the Fridays at Findlay lecture series encourages continued educational opportunities for members of the community, the campus, and alumni.

Register online by December 12 at www.findlay.edu/FridaysAtFindlay or call University Advancement at 419-434-5334 for more information. The fee is $12 for adults and $6 for students.

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is urging drivers to buckle up, never drive impaired and always follow traffic laws ahead of what is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year. As those local to Ohio, as well as visitors, travel throughout the state over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, troopers will have an enhanced presence in an effort to promote and enforce safe driving.

Troopers will be highly visible and cracking down on impaired drivers and those failing to wear a safety belt from Wednesday, November 27 at midnight through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 1.

“As we enter the busy holiday travel season, I urge all Ohioans to be safe and smart while behind the wheel,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “All drivers have the opportunity to prevent senseless tragedies by driving responsibly, wearing a seat belt, and remaining focused on the road.”

Many Thanksgiving celebrations involve alcohol, which increases the possibility of impaired driving. During last year’s Thanksgiving reporting period, which ran from November 22 through 26, there were 12 fatal crashes in which 13 people were killed. Within the same reporting period, five crashes and six fatalities involved alcohol and/or drugs. Of the nine fatalities in which safety belts were available, two were unbelted. Two pedestrians and two motorcyclists were killed during this time frame.

“As we gather this Thanksgiving, we want everyone to enjoy a safe holiday,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “By designating a sober driver, staying focused on the road and ensuring everyone is properly wearing a safety belt, you’re not just protecting yourself – you’re helping to save lives.”

The Patrol also made 326 arrests for impaired driving.

Motorists are encouraged to safely call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity or stranded motorists on Ohio roadways.

(ONN) – As state lawmakers debate a bill that would require public schools to allow release time for religious programming, a new church has entered the conversation.

The Satanic Temple posted on Facebook that it is establishing a program at Edgewood Elementary School in Marysville next month.

The post indicated the “HAIL” program or “Hellions Academy for Independent Learning” will offer off-campus, religious instruction, good works in the community, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

House Bill 445 is currently in the Ohio House Primary and Secondary Education Committee and would require school districts to allow optional religious release.

The bill’s sponsor, Republican State Representative Gary Click said the Satanic Temple is attempting to scare legislators away from adopting the bill.

(From the Findlay Police Department)

The Findlay Police Department is participating in the 13th annual Lights for Lives safety campaign, which is being hosted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and focuses on saving lives over the upcoming holiday season.

“Lights for Lives” is a multiagency, multijurisdictional, cooperative enforcement campaign focused on officers activating their overhead LIGHTS and stopping as many vehicles as possible to save as many LIVES as possible.

The hope is that over a short period of time, if we all work together to send a message to the motorists of Northwest Ohio, our efforts will last through the holiday season.

“Lights for Lives” will run from November 25th at 1800 hours until November 27th at 0600 hours. During this enforcement period, officers from all law enforcement agencies in Northwest Ohio will be focusing on stopping cars and enforcing all traffic laws.

The focus for the Findlay Police Department will be on safety belt enforcement, impaired driving enforcement, speeding, failure to yield violations, traffic signal violations, as well as distracted driving enforcement.

(From the Tiffin Police Department)

Facebook Friends,

We are asking for assistance in identifying the male shown in these stills from store video footage.

He is involved in a theft investigation from Walmart.

If you recognize this individual, please reach out to Ofc. Perry at 419-447-2323 or via email at cmperry@tiffinohio.gov.

Thank you for helping us keep our community honest and safe!

(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Norwalk Post is investigating a one vehicle fatal traffic crash that was reported on November 25, 2024 at approximately 11:54 AM. The crash occurred on Township Road 154 and Township Road 101, Jackson Township, Seneca County.

Stephen J. Hoover, age 64, of Fostoria, Ohio was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Trail Blazer west bound on Township Road 154. Mr. Hoover failed to yield to a stop sign at Township Road 101, traveled through the intersection and ran off the west edge of Township Road 101. Mr. Hoover’s vehicle went airborne, struck a yard and then a ditch. Mr. Hoover was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash and suffered fatal injuries.

It is unknown if alcohol and/ or drugs were a factor in the crash and the crash remains under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Seneca County Sheriffs Office, Kansas Fire Department, Seneca County Coroners Office and John’s Towing.

(From Blanchard Valley Health System)

Blanchard Valley Health System is pleased to announce it has received Level 7 achievement for the Acute survey selection in Digital Health Most Wired Survey results from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME).

“At BVHS, we have numerous support departments who do work behind the scenes to support our clinical staff,” praised Myron D. Lewis, president and chief executive officer. “Part of overall care for those we serve is ensuring our patients’ information is secure and protected. I applaud our support teams for the extraordinary work they do every day.”

This coveted honor reflects results from the 2024 data collection period. Among the nearly 48,000 facilities represented, BVHS ranked above peers in categories like analytics and data management, population health, infrastructure, and patient engagement. The survey evaluates the adoption, integration, and impact of technologies across healthcare organizations, from early-stage adopters to industry leaders.

John Fenton, director of information services for BVHS, noted that security is a continual priority.

“Cybersecurity is a concern in any field, but healthcare organizations need to be particularly cognizant of the risk,” Fenton said. “Patient health information is particularly valuable to hackers, and we take the responsibility of protecting this sensitive information very seriously. Just as patients need to feel sure that their medical care is safe, they also need to feel confident that their information is protected.”

Along with infrastructure, security, and administrative/supply chain, survey categories included analytics/data management, interoperability/population health, patient engagement, clinical quality and safety, and innovation.

Fenton said applying for the award also meant BVHS associates needed to document these processes, and one reason the organization wanted to apply was that documentation also helps them gain insight into where they might continue to grow as they set future goals.

“Achieving CHIME Digital Health Most Wired recognition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to deliver exceptional care,” said Gulshan Mehta, chief digital and information officer for BVHS. “This honor reflects the dedication of our teams in embracing digital innovation to enhance patient outcomes, streamline operations, and ensure our community receives the highest standard of healthcare. However, this is just one milestone in our journey. We remain focused on continuously advancing our capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our patients, providers, and staff.”

Amid escalating challenges posed by growing cybersecurity threats, evolving care models, staffing shortages, and budget constraints, the call for revolutionizing healthcare through technology is moving forward rapidly. The Digital Health Most Wired survey and recognition program is a comprehensive “Digital Health Check-up” for healthcare organizations worldwide.

The next 30 years will bring profound changes driven by emerging technologies. Advancements in digital health – facilitated by fully interoperable data, artificial intelligence, and secure platforms – are expected to significantly transform the care landscape. A strategic roadmap will be essential to navigate these changes.

As success in digital health increasingly determines the quality of patient care, the scope of the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired survey reflects the progress of leading healthcare providers as they reinvent healthcare for a new century. This remarkable achievement stretches beyond information technology and reflects an organization’s commitment to improving healthcare by advancing digital health strategies.

“The CHIME Award encompasses everything from supply chain to digital analytics to innovation,” Fenton said. “It’s about how we create a digital front door for our patients, and receiving this award reflects the dedication of associates across the health system.”

For more information on BVHS, please visit bvhealthsystem.org.

(From Findlay City Schools)

We are incredibly proud to share the impact of our community, staff, and students through Turkeys for Trojans.

Thanks to the support and enthusiasm of Taylor Automotive Family and Great Scot Community Markets, 100 Thanksgiving meals were prepared, packaged, and delivered this morning to families & students of Findlay High School for a bit of joy and warmth over the holiday.

This is *double* the number of meals from last year, and it’s already been dreamed of to try for 200 next Thanksgiving.

What a community we have here, to wrap our families in love and support, even outside the walls of our school buildings.

Thank you, Findlay.