The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

07/02/2016 – Independence Day celebration

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Connerton in Land O’ Lakes will celebrate Independence Day on July 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with free games, a live disc jockey, food trucks, local crafters, free bounce houses, Build-A-Buddy, live music by GottagrooveBand, and fireworks sponsored by Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano. Register by June 30 at Connerton.com/event-signup/ for a chance to win a $250 gift card.

Health News 05/22/2016

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(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)
(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)

Phillip Betz is nurse of the year
Phillip Betz, a Florida Hospital Zephyrhills ICU (Intensive Care Unit) nurse was named Nurse of the Year in an awards ceremony during national Nurses Appreciation Week. Betz was selected by hospital management from among 291 nurses at the hospital. After graduating from Polk State College in 1997, Betz started in the ICU at a Lakeland hospital and joined Florida Hospital Zephyrhills nine years ago. Betz accepts the Nurse of the Year award from Gwen Alonso (left), the hospital’s chief nursing officer, and Monica Wills, administrative director of patient care services.

Genetic cancer testing
The Intrinsic Wellness Center, 2808 Windguard Circle, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel, will now offer genetic cancer testing, designed to inform and help oncologists devise a personalized treatment plan for patients. The test can detect early signs of developing cancer, monitor existing cancers, and create individual profiles showing which cancer drugs and natural substances can be used to achieve the best treatment outcome.

The clinic also offers functional medicine, weight loss, chiropractic care and gluten sensitivity support.

For information, call (813) 549-3551, or visit IntrinsicWellnessClinic.com.

Alternate blood-thinning meds
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, is the first hospital in Pasco County to offer an implant that can help reduce the risk of stroke in some patients with atrial fibrillation.

The hospital’s heart institute team recently performed the first implant of Boston Scientific’s Watchman Left Atrial Appendage Closure Implant, a small, flexible wire and mesh system that when inserted into the heart via a catheter placed in the groin, closes off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage. This is where blood can pool and clots most often form. These clots are believed to cause the majority of strokes in people with nonvalvular AFib.

The Watchman offers a nondrug alternative, and over time, patients may be able to stop such blood thinners as soon as 45 days from the date of the implant.

Gulfside receives $3,350 donation
Members of Bay Area Bassmasters presented a donation check in the amount of $3,350 to Gulfside Hospice. The donation was from the group’s annual Ina Mahoney Hospice Challenge.

The club started the annual challenge in 2010 to raise money for Gulfside as a way to say thank you for the care provided to Ina Mahoney, the wife of Tom Mahoney, president of Bay Area Bassmasters.

Since the challenge began, more than $18,000 has been donated to Gulfside Hospice in support of patient care and bereavement services in Pasco County.

 

Atrial fibrillation and stroke

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Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point will host a lecture called “Watchman: What Everyone Should Know About Atrial Fibrillation & Stroke” on June 23 at the Silverthorn Country Club, 4550 Golf Club Lane in Spring Hill. The guest speaker will be Dr. Luis Annoni who will discuss the new procedure to reduce the risk of stroke from atrial fibrillation, leading to the elimination of blood thinners. Registration starts at 5 p.m., followed by a complimentary dinner at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. Reservations are required. For information, call (727) 869-5498.

Healthy eating movie

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Florida Hospital Zephyrhills’ CREATION Health Wellness Center, 38233 Daughtery Road in Zephyrhills, will show the film “Forks Over Knives” on June 23 at 1 p.m., and at 6 p.m. The movie examines the claim that most degenerative diseases can be controlled or even reversed by rejecting animal-based products and processed foods. There will be a discussion after the film. Admission is free. Healthy popcorn will be available for purchase. Reservations are required. For information, call (813) 779-6476.

Medicare 101

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The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will host a SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) representative on June 23 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., to help adults understand Medicare options. For information, call (352) 567-3576.

Alzheimer’s caregiver learning

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The Alzheimer’s Family Organization will host a caregiver learning event at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, on June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The guest speakers will be Jill Smith, assistant director for clinical research at the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute; Ruth Anne Ristow, gerontologist; and attorney Matthew Barry from The Nature Coast Law Offices of Gregory Gay. The cost includes a continental breakfast and lunch, and is $10 for AFO members and $15 for non-members. To register, call (727) 848-8888.

Grief workshops

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Gulfside Hospice will host a Creative Grieving Workshop for those coping with the loss of a loved one. This experiential workshop uses a variety of mediums to express and work through grief. There will be music, coloring and meditation. The workshop will be on June 24 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care, 5760 Dean Dairy Road in Zephyrhills. For information or to RSVP, call Tiffany Kring at (727) 247-7510.

Dade City trail jam

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The Dade City Youth Council, sponsored by Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and Wicked Awesome Racing, will host the Dade City Trail Jam on June 25 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Hardy Trail in Dade City. The event is a celebration of movement for families and the community, to promote health and fitness.

There will be a kids’ bike course, kids’ drawing area, yoga classes, a run/walk, dog walking, bike repair demonstration, Silver Sneakers workout for seniors, three bike rides designed for various fitness levels, Zumba, a boot camp workout with a drill sergeant, and more.

There also will be a disc jockey rocking the workouts, the bloodmobile and bicycle helmet giveaways. Other prizes and activities may pop up.

Guests should wear workout clothes. Admission is free for all activities.

For information, email the Dade City Youth Council at .

Caring for cancer

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Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville, will host a caring for cancer support group meeting on June 28 at 12:30 p.m., for anyone dealing with cancer, cancer survivors, family members and caregivers. Participants will be provided with educational material about cancer and cancer treatment. Registration is requested. For information, call (352) 597-6333.