The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The specialists at Vein911 are experts in vein problems

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Vein911 is a medical practice specializing only in medical and cosmetic vein care and is staffed with a physician who is clinically trained in vascular and interventional radiology.

Dr. Chris Pittman
Dr. Chris Pittman

“There are a lot of practitioner’s treating veins, but not a lot of them are doing it with a high degree of quality,” says Dr. Chris Pittman, medical director of Vein911.

“This is an outpatient procedure and there is much less scrutiny than if a patient was being treated in a hospital,” said Dr. Pittman. “And because it is not a surgical disease, seeing a surgeon is no guarantee of a great outcome. Vein care is truly a buyer beware situation.”

Vein care begins with ultrasound imaging because vein disorders aren’t always visible. Doctors use ultrasound images to accurately determine the cause and source of the problem and to formulate a personalized treatment plan.

Fortunately for patients at Vein911, Dr. Pittman is an imaging expert who has more than 20 years experience performing minimally invasive, image guided surgery.

“There’s no vein disease that we can’t treat,” says Dr. Pittman. “And we’re proud to report that we’ve never had a patient who didn’t feel better afterward. In fact, 20 percent of our new patients were previously treated for vein disease, and came to us to get their treatment done right.”

Dr. Pittman is triple board-certified in diagnostic radiology (ultrasound), vascular and interventional radiology, and venous and lymphatic medicine. Diagnostic radiologists are experts at performing and interpreting ultrasound exams. Interventional radiologists use ultrasound images to perform minimally invasive, non-surgical procedures to treat diseases anywhere in the body.

Dr. Pittman and the other medical specialists at Vein911 treat vein dis- ease with the most minimally invasive techniques possible. They use ultrasound images to guide tiny instruments inside the body, which allows them to correct vein problems with little or no discomfort, using no scalpels and requiring no stitches. These procedures minimize pain, reduce the chance of infection and speed recovery time. Most treatments are completed in less than 45 minutes and patients are back to their normal routine without restrictions on their activities.

A patient’s initial consultation and ultrasound are covered by insurance, as are most treatments. This is true even with people who think their only problem is visible spider veins that they want treated for cosmetic reasons.

“Typically spider veins are a result of deeper problems,” said Dr. Pittman. “There’s no reason to live with spider veins — three 30-minute treatments are all it takes to get rid of them in most patients.”

Vein911 is the first medical prac- tice in America to offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee of spider vein treatment results. “We’re that confident.” says Dr. Pittman.

Vein911 has three locations: 3000 Medical Park Drive in Tampa; 2716 West Virginia Ave., in Tampa; and 13005 U.S. 301 in Riverview.

They can be reached at (813) 501-2346, or at Vein911.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

A dentist with a multi-cultural perspective

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Dr. Daniel Hwang (Dr. Dan) graduated from the prestigious Columbia University School of Dental Medicine in 1991. After operating a number of successful dental offices in New York City, he relocated to Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel 11 years ago to provide his three children with the very best tennis instruction.

Dr. Dan opened Pasco Dental eight years ago. Owing to the loyalty and referrals by his patients, he doubled his office space earlier this year. He now has 3,000 square feet of office and treatment space dedicated to the highest quality service for his patients.

PascoCentalCloser111414Patients are not just a mouth full of teeth to Dr. Dan. He takes the time to get to know his patients in order to provide them with dental solutions that fit their lifestyle and expectations. In other words, he’s not going to try to talk anyone into something that isn’t affordable or necessary.

Dentistry is a family affair. His brother is a dentist in New Jersey. His eldest son will be attending dental school after he graduates next year.

“Dentistry is not just a job,” says Dr. Dan. “I’ve been practicing for 23 years and I’m still learning about new techniques, materials and equipment.” He’s very interested in advancing his knowledge and expertise in order to deliver the very best treatment to his patients.

He emigrated to the United States from Korea at the age of six. His wife is originally from Thailand. This multicultural perspective gives him a greater ability to accommodate patients from other nationalities. Rest assured, he speaks perfect English.

“My patients receive total care under one roof,” says Dr. Dan. “I’m the only dentist in this office. Every day I strive to reduce costs, time and pain for my patients. If they need a treatment that I can’t provide, then it’s likely no other dentist can either.”

One treatment he’s been receiving a lot of requests for is described as gummy smile correction, when a person’s smile reveals their gums. This is especially embarrassing for young females. A new non-invasive treatment, called the Lipstat procedure, takes about 45 minutes to correct this problem with minimal discomfort and downtime for the patient.

Another request he’s been taking care of regularly comes from senior citizens wearing dentures. Over time, the dentures become loose making it difficult to eat a variety of foods. Dr. Dan is able to provide dental implants that totally stabilize the dentures enabling the wearer to eat anything they

like without discomfort. The Consumer’s Research Council of America has recognized Dr. Dan as one of America’s top dentists from 2009 through 2014.

Dr. Dan provides all dental services, including deep cleaning and the latest braces, under one roof with state-of-the-art equipment and a dedicated, caring staff. His office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Evening hours are available on Wednesday between noon and 7 p.m.

Pasco Dental is located at 29450 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. They can be reached at PascoDental.net, or at (813) 907-6600.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Two locals semifinalists in national contest

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Zach and Catie Tomasello are among 25 semifinalists in the Uncle Ben’s Beginners Cooking Video Contest.

Five grand prizes will be awarded in the contest, with each winner receiving a $15,000 check for his or her family and a $30,000 cafeteria makeover for his or her school.

Catie attends Pine View Middle School, and Zach attends Pine View Elementary School.

To quality, each of the 25 finalists submitted videos of themselves and their families preparing a rice-based dish, and talking about their experience of cooking together. Between now and Nov. 26, individuals can visit UncleBens.com to vote for one of the 25 finalists’ cooking video.

A quarter of the contestants’ final score will be decided by online votes. The rest will be based on personality, creativity, and healthy ingredients of the recipe.

Voters are allowed to vote once per day per IP address.

Pasco County under freeze watch Tuesday night

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Temperatures are expected to hit freezing levels overnight for parts of Pasco County, prompting the National Weather Service to warn residents to take the appropriate precautions.

It is the first freeze of 2014, and will affect not only inland Pasco, but significant portions of Levy and Citrus counties, according to an alert by the weather service. Those places could see a hard freeze with temperatures expected to drop into the mid-20s.

The watch is in effect from late Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning. Temperatures are expected between 28 and 32 degrees, lasting three to four hours. Such conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.

The weather service suggests people protect not only crops, but other planets, pets and pipes from prolonged exposure to sub-freezing temperatures.

 

Severe thunderstorm warning, tornado watch for Pasco

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The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Central Florida, including Pasco County, until 2:30 p.m.

Meteorologists in the Ruskin office detected a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph, according to the alert. The storms were located along a line extending from 14 miles northwest of Crystal River, to 35 miles west of Holiday.

The storms are moving east at 50 mph, and already have caused widespread damage across Levy County, weather officials said.

The alert affects areas locally like Spring Hill, Dade City and Zephyrhills.

Anyone in the storm’s path is advised to prepare immediately for damaging winds, destructive hail, and deadly lightning. People outside should most to a shelter, officials said, preferably inside a strong building, but away from windows.

The entire area remains under a tornado watch until 8 p.m.

 

Finding a deal on gasoline? It’s only going to get cheaper

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Since the end of September, the price of gas has plummeted in states across the country, including 41 cents per gallon in Florida alone.

And it’s not stopping anytime soon.

“Gas prices are plunging in-line with the falling price of oil, declining demand, and pumps selling winter blend fuel, which is cheaper to produce,” said AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins, in a release. “Gas prices should only get cheaper through the rest of the year.”

Even the national gas price is taking a hit, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration dropping its forecast from $3.38 per gallon in 2015, to $2.94 instead. The national average in 2013 was $3.49, and despite the current drop in price, has averaged $3.45 so far this year.

“The change in EIA’s forecast this month shows just how volatile gas prices can be,” Jenkins said. “Motorists can expect low gas prices to linger through early 2015, but they will likely climb above $3 a gallon in the spring.”

That’s because gas prices typically rise about 40 cents in the spring because of oil refinery maintenance, increased demand, and the switch to the more expensive summer blend fuel.

The shale boom continues to push the price of oil downward, with a barrel selling for $75.82 on Friday — down $2.83 from the week before.

A gallon of unleaded gasoline in Florida Sunday was down 3 cents from a week ago, and 32 cents from a month ago. The price is 35 cents cheaper per gallon than what it was a year ago.

Two gas stations just off State Road 52 reported the cheapest gas in Land O’ Lakes, according to GasBuddy.com, with a posted price of $2.73 per gallon on Sunday. The most expensive was found at the Sunoco station on Land O’ Lakes and Causeway boulevards, at $2.89.

The Sam’s Club on State Road 56 was slightly cheaper with prices at $2.72, while the cash price at a Citgo on State Road 54 and Boyette Road was the priciest in Wesley Chapel at $2.89.

Gas prices in Lutz ranged from $2.74 at three different stations, to $2.94 at a Shell station on North Dale Mabry Highway and Van Dyke Road.

The cheapest gas in Zephyrhills was reported at $2.72 at two different stations, while the most expensive was said to be $2.89 at a Citgo at Gall Boulevard and Chancey Road. Dade City prices ranged from $2.69 at D&D on U.S. 98 and U.S. 301, to $2.85 at the Citgo station at Lock and 21st streets.

Sheriff’s Office to help schools prepare for tragedy

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The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is offering a four-hour training program to administrators and staff members at area schools in December, with the hopes of curbing some of the violence and safety issues at other schools around the nation.

The Dec. 15 event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, 13651 Hays Road in Spring Hill. It will include discussion of topics like the emergency management cycle, multi-hazard planning for schools, threat and vulnerability assessments, crime prevention through environmental design, mass notification concepts, grant resources, and facilitating drills and exercises.

The first line of defense for schools is effective and purposeful planning, the sheriff’s office said in a release. The idea is to help schools develop their own emergency response plans, and identify vulnerabilities that school leaders can eliminate to help lessen the risk to students.

The cost of the training is free, and is open to “anyone involved in the safety and care of our students,” according to a sheriff’s office flier.

Those interested in taking part can register by sending an email with names of those attending, the institution name, and a contact phone number to Cpl. Donald Fly at .

 

 

Foreclosures falling in Florida

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For far too long, Florida led the nation when it came to residential foreclosures. But no more.

Maryland saw its foreclosure filings explode in October by 30 percent compared to the previous year, and its 5,943 properties in limbo made it the worst in the nation, pushing Florida to No. 2.

Yet, one in every 444 properties are in foreclosure, according to Florida Realtors and RealtyTrac. That is down 2 percent from September, and 25 percent from a year ago — and it did mark the 15th consecutive month Florida had a year-to-year decrease.

The Tampa area is down 23 percent from a year ago, but it was still the third highest metropolitan foreclosure rate in the country with one in every 395 properties facing a filing. Miami was the worst for cities with a population of 200,000 or more, jumping 11 percent from the previous month, but down 27 percent from a year ago.

Orlando was just behind with one in every 394 housing units in foreclosure. Other areas in Florida also made the national list including Jacksonville at fourth, Cape Coral-Fort Myers at sixth, Lakeland at eighth, and Pensacola at 10th.

Some of the drops in foreclosure came from a bump in auction activity, with Orlando up 23 percent in auctions, while other places like Cape Coral-Fort Myers were as high as 170 percent.

 

Medical information new target of cyber hackers

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The Hillsborough County Consumer Protection Agency is advising residents to be extra vigilant with their medical information.

Cyber attacks have been occurring for years, but attacks targeting health care information are expected to rise due to the value of medical information becoming 10 times more than credit card information on the black market, according to a release.

Cyber criminals reportedly receive $20 for health insurance information, compared to $1 or $2 for credit card numbers. Some experts have said the value of someone’s medical identity can even be as high as 50 times that of a person’s financial identity because it doesn’t perish like a credit card number that can be cancelled.

Security loopholes at hospitals, health care providers and pharmaceutical companies have made it much easier than in the past for these attackers to be successful, especially when the attackers are improving their methods, officials said. Some criminals use the information to impersonate patients with diseases in order to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances, in addition to financial fraud.

Victims often are unaware for months or years that their information has been compromised. Attackers will attempt to use someone’s identity for medical care or services, and the damage can generate changes to health records that can be difficult to correct.

The World Privacy Forum offers these preventive steps:

  • Closely monitor any “explanation of benefits” sent by a public or private health insurer. Be on the lookout for service charges, office visits, or medical equipment not received or purchased.
  • Each year, request a listing of benefits paid from health insurers. Watch for changes to billing addresses and phone numbers.
  • Request copies of current medical files from each health care provider. Consider making the request each time there is a doctor visit.
  • Correct erroneous and false information in a file.
  • If someone is a victim of medical identity theft, file a police report. It may be needed for health care providers and insurance companies.
  • Keep an eye on credit reports. Remove bad records from a credit file by filing a police report and sending it to the collection agency.

For more information, call (813) 903-3430, or visit WorldPrivacyForum.org.

Pasco starts replacing bus benches

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Pasco County Public Transportation has started the process of notifying bus riders that bus benches at stops throughout unincorporated Pasco County are being removed and replaced.

Metropolitan Systems Inc. will do the work, removing all the old benches by Nov. 30, according to a release. In their place, new benches will be installed that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. They also are expected to improve safety, security and accessibility for PCPT riders, officials said.

Bus shelters will not be impacted during this transition, and riders can call PCPT to determine where the closest shelter is to them.

“There may be some inconvenience from some of our riders,” said PCPT director Mike Carroll, in a release. “The new benches will be more accessible and convenient for those with disabilities. Unfortunately, in some cases, benches will have to be removed where the benches cannot comply with federal regulations.”

Once the benches are removed, it will take up to 90 days for the company to get necessary permits, and to start work. However, new benches should be in place by the end of spring.

For more information, visit RidePCPT.com, or call (813) 235-6073.