Mary Rathman

A representative from Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders will be at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon, to answer questions regarding Medicare. SHINE is a statewide, volunteer-based program that offers free Medicare and health insurance education, counseling and assistance to people with Medicare, and their families and caregivers. For information, call the library at (813) 929-1214.

The Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida will have a battery giveaway on Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon at its New Port Richey office, 4443 Rowan Road. The free hearing aid batteries will be in the most common sizes of 10, 13, 312 and 675, while supplies last. For information, call (727) 834-5479.

The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will have a “Chatterboxes” support group meeting Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. for individuals with communication deficits. The group aims to assist individuals suffering from communication deficits as a result of a cerebral vascular accident or other neurological disorder. Caregivers and spouses are encouraged to attend. For information, call (727) 834-4445.

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., will host a “Bingo and Peach Cobbler Social” on Dec. 10 at 2 p.m., in its CREATION Café. There will be bingo, homemade peach cobbler, and a presentation on wellness by Casio Jones, Wellness Center director. Admission is free. Reservations are required. For information, call (877) 534-3108.

Florida Cancer Affiliates, 3611 Little Road in Trinity, will have a general cancer support group meeting Dec. 9 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Participants will receive educational material about cancer and cancer treatment. Anyone who has been touched by cancer can attend. Refreshments will be served. Reservations are required. For information, call (727) 808-4818.

Oak Hill Hospital will present “Shoulders, Knees, Arthritis & Spinal Conditions” on Dec. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Plantation on Crystal River, 9301 W. Fort Island Trail in Crystal River. Dr. Matthew Ragsdell, board certified orthopedic surgeon, and Dr. Juan Raposo, board certified orthopedic spine surgeon, will discuss both surgical and non-surgical options in treating bone and joint diseases and issues, as well as preventative measures. There will be a question-and-answer session. A complimentary dinner will be served. Admission is free. Reservations are required. For information, call (352) 597-6333.

Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care will host a community event Dec. 8 at 2 p.m., at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St. The focus will be on how to avoid the blues and have some fun during the holiday season. Light refreshments will be served. For information or to RSVP, call Jennifer Chianella at (727) 992-8984

Access Health Care, 5382 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will offer a lecture on “Complications and Risk Management in Diabetes” on Dec 7 at 1 p.m. Reservations are required. For information, call (352) 597-7249.

Moffitt Cancer Center and Premier Community Healthcare will present “I Take Care of Myself,” a colorectal cancer awareness program, on Dec. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Zephyrhills Library, 5346 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills. Guest speakers will be Linda Paige, senior community health worker with Moffitt; Taiwo Talabi, senior health educator with Moffitt; and Jose Rodriguez, patient education and community specialist with Premier. There will be refreshments and giveaways. To RSVP, call (352) 518-2000, ext. 9331, or email .

The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer a childbirth super-prep class on Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is a one-day accelerated/refresher course. Admission is free. Reservations are required. For information, call (727) 834-5630.