GREATER AKRON — Chest compressions alone, or Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), can save lives and can be used to help an adult who suddenly collapses, according to a new American Heart Association (AHA) scientific statement.

The statement, from the AHA’s Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) committee, is published in “Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.”

Hands-Only CPR is a potentially lifesaving option to be used by people not trained in conventional CPR or those who are unsure of their ability to give the combination of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing it requires, according to the AHA.

“Bystanders who witness the sudden collapse of an adult should immediately call 9-1-1 and start what we call Hands-Only CPR,” said Michael Sayre, M.D., chair of the statement writing committee and associate professor in the Ohio State University Department of Emergency Medicine in Columbus. “This involves providing high-quality chest compressions by pushing hard and fast in the middle of the victim’s chest, without stopping until emergency medical services (EMS) responders arrive.”

The American Red Cross issued a statement supporting “Compression-Only CPR” in some cases.

The American Red Cross Advisory Council on First Aid, Aquatics, Safety and Preparedness developed its Advisory Statement on Compression-Only CPR in May 2007.

Per the advisory statement, the Red Cross recognizes that Compression-Only CPR is an acceptable alternative for those who are unwilling, unable, untrained or are no longer able to perform full CPR and, in some cases, the preferred method for bystanders who witness an adult suddenly collapse.

Hands-Only CPR should not be used for infants or children, for adults whose cardiac arrest is from respiratory causes (like drug overdose or near-drowning) or for an unwitnessed cardiac arrest. In those cases, the victim would benefit most from the combination of chest compressions and breaths in conventional CPR.

More information on CPR training can be found at ameri canheart.org/handsonlycpr.

Functional Medicine office opens in Akron

WEST AKRON — The Cleveland Institute of Functional Medicine has announced the opening of its Akron location.

Julieann Flynn, N.D., a naturopath and functional medicine practitioner, will be accepting new patients at One Park West Blvd. Suite 210, located off White Pond Drive at Interstate 77.

The practice, which specializes in addressing the underlying causes of disease and using natural means to treat illness, will have an introductory meeting tonight, April 10, at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public and will give people a chance to learn more about this approach to health.

For more information, call (440) 338-6344.

Summa’s Geriatric Fellowship Program receives accreditation

AKRON — Summa Health System’s Geriatric Medicine Fellowship program has been accredited by the American College of Graduate Medical Education.

The fellowship program, which will begin in July, will train doctors to become leaders in the field of geriatrics through one year of clinical training and specialized education focused specifically on the medical care of older adults.

Medical students studying to become geriatricians must first complete a residency program in either internal medicine or family practice, according to Summa officials. Fellowship training is advanced training beyond residency training in a concentrated area of patient care. 

According to Summa officials, during each rotation, two fellows will have the opportunity to use Summa’s seniors programs, such as the Acute Care for Elders unit, the Center for Senior Health, the gero-psychiatric unit and other clinical programs, as the “teaching classroom” sites.

According to Summa officials, the “baby boomer” generation is aging and the country is facing a shortage of geriatricians. In 2005, there was only one geriatrician for every 5,000 Americans age 65 and older. The American Geriatrics Society estimates that at least 36,000 geriatricians will be needed in the next 20 years.

“With the growing aging population, we’re facing a vast need for young people to become geriatricians,” said Dr. Kyle Allen, chief of the division of geriatric medicine and medical director of post-acute and senior services at Summa Health System. “As they live longer, baby boomers are rapidly placing demands on the health-care system.”

In addition to the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship, Summa also offers a Palliative Care Fellowship program, which includes training in both hospice and palliative medicine. The palliative care fellows work closely with Summa’s geriatricians, advanced practice nurses and social workers enabling them to understand the aging process, complexity of illnesses and the importance of coordinated care. For more information, visit www.summahealth.org.

Conference to highlight genetic, molecular therapies

DOWNTOWN AKRON — The Akron General McDowell Cancer Center will host a symposium for medical professionals titled “Innovations in Genetic and Molecular Therapy for Breast Cancer” May 7 from noon to 5 p.m. in Akron General’s Eva P. Craig Conference Center.

Experts presenting at the symposium will address topics that relate to the role genetics and molecular therapy play in the treatment of breast cancer.

The conference will feature:

• Dr. Eleftherios Mamounas, medical director of Aultman Health Foundation Cancer Center and associate professor of surgery at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine;
• Dr. Norman Wolmark, medical director of Allegheny General Hospital Breast Center and professor and chairman of the Department of Human Oncology at Drexel University School of Medicine;
• Dr. Pat Whitworth, director of the Nashville Breast Center and clinical associate professor of surgery at Vanderbilt University; and
• Dr. Adam Brufsky, director of the University of Pittsburgh Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center and associate division chief of the Department of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

For additional information, contact Ginger Brake at (330) 344-6861 or via e-mail at gbrake@agmc.org.

Registration now open for Hope Walk

DOWNTOWN AKRON — Team and individual registrations are now open for the Stewart’s Caring Place Hope Walk & Reunion Picnic. In its second year, this family-friendly event will include a 2-mile and 3-mile charity walk, picnic, live music and children’s games and activities.

The event will take place May 24 at Lock 3 Park. All proceeds from the Hope Walk will benefit local families touched by cancer, thanks to the following sponsors: Benjamin & Trevorrow Inc., JUZO, North Akron Savings Bank, Primerica, Lucky Shoes, New Balance, Quinnessential Solutions Ltd., Lighthouse Promotions, CF Bank, Keathley Advertising and WONE, WAKR and WQMX.

For online registration, go to www.stewartscaringplace.org and click on the Hope Walk link, which will allow participants to register as an individual, start a team or join an existing team.

For those who do not have access to the Internet, Hope Walk & Reunion Picnic brochures can be found at Stewart’s Caring Place. For details, call (330) 836-1772.