Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Permanent makeup comes to Wesley Chapel

December 11, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Valerie Rudmin, owner of Everlasting Beauty, has been a permanent makeup specialist for 26 years. She first heard about permanent makeup when Michael Jackson had permanent eyeliner applied. She thought, what a great idea! That inspired her to become a permanent makeup artist to help those in need, especially women without eyebrows.

She immediately enrolled in one of the only schools in the United States offering permanent makeup and began offering it as a service through the hair salon she owned in Chicago.

Her first client was herself. “I wanted to show my clients what I was talking about, rather than trying to explain it, no one knew what this was” says Valerie. “That way, they could see the results first-hand.” Her business took off from there.

In 1990, she moved to Florida. Shortly after that, she met a doctor in Hernando County, who asked her to come to work in his office. Her reputation grew, and she began working with cosmetic surgeons at the Clearwater Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

After attending a conference 16 years ago in North Carolina, she was invited to open a studio in Des Moines, Iowa. Every couple of months, she flies there to work with clients who’ve booked appointments from all over the U.S.

“I always wanted to work closer to home,” says Valerie. “A friend found a studio that’s just a few minutes from my home, so I opened a studio in Wesley Chapel in January (2013) adding to my other locations.”

Valerie currently has over 30 certifications in permanent makeup. Her education is ongoing. “I’m always interested in learning something new,” says Valerie. “In 1992, I took some time off to study with master tattoo artist Big Joe in New York. He was the best in the industry and a really interesting character.”

The majority of her work comes from referrals. “People need to know who’s working on their face,” says Valerie. “There are things that should not be done, mistakes that can cause irreversible damage. A tattoo artist with a couple of classes in permanent makeup is probably not the wisest choice.”

Valerie’s studio is a safe and sterile environment that’s been licensed and inspected by the State of Florida Health Department. She uses the best topical anesthetic and knows how to apply them so her clients don’t feel anything while she’s working on them. Most work is completed in a single visit lasting a little over one hour. Clients leave her office with no swelling, bleeding or bruising, just makeup that wont wash off.

Valerie is a Lifetime Member of The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP.org). She also remodels scars, including chemo port scars, creates the 3D areola on “our beautiful breast cancer survivors”, as well as eyebrows, eyeliner and lip liner. She also has her own skin care product line. She works by appointment only. Call her at (727) 460-3847 to set up an appointment.

“I can take 10 years off your face simply by doing your eyebrows,” says Valerie. “It feels good to wakeup with makeup.”

Valerie Rudmin can be reached at (727) 460-3847, or by email at .

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

‘Barley Claus’ is coming to town

December 11, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Move over Santa. There’s a new jolly elf in town.

That’s the message the folks at East-West Animal Hospital in Lutz are trying to get out as the date draws near for “A Very Barley Christmas Party.”

Barley and his ‘mom,’ Lea Murray, will make an appearance at ‘A Very Barley Christmas Party’ Dec. 14. (Photo courtesy of Lea Murray)

The holiday-themed celebration is a fundraiser with a twist. Proceeds will benefit a variety of animal rescue groups, including Second Chance Boxer Rescue, Kitty City and the National Opossum Society. Instead of a visit from St. Nick, attendees can meet “Barley Claus,” an opossum that’s become quite a local celebrity since he was rescued and nursed back to health nearly two years ago.

Barley was involved in a car accident as a baby. That accident killed his mother and siblings, explained hospital spokesman Dennis Costantino. With some tender, loving care from East-West’s staff and his new “mom,” Lea Murray, Barley survived.

Since his rescue, Barley has become the hospital’s mascot of sorts, but more importantly he’s “an ambassador for these very misunderstood animals,” Costantino said. While some people think opossums are mean and others brand them nuisances, Costantino said those perceptions are false.

“They are very solitary and quiet,” he said.

Opossums tend to avoid people and only hiss when they’re cornered and scared. They don’t carry rabies, but they do play an important role in Florida’s ecosystem.

“They’re basically the garbage men,” surviving off carrion and bugs, Costantino explained.

Opossums are highly resistant to poisonous snake and spider bites, and tend to keep areas where they live free of such pests as roaches, Costantino said.

They’re also quite photogenic — or at least Barley is. That’s why the locally famous marsupial plans to pay a visit to the hospital’s celebration dressed as “Barley Claus.” Attendees can get their holiday pictures taken with him during the event for a donation to the animal rescue groups.

Proceeds from the photos and chance drawings will be split among numerous rescue groups, explained Jade Sceusa, the hospital’s office manager. Fifty percent will go directly to the opossum society, while the other half will benefit a host of other groups.

Although the celebration is meant for fun, it does have a serious purpose.

“We wanted to do more for the species,” Sceusa said. “We are so passionate about rescue.”

Why has Barley become such a celebrity?

“Everyone has just fallen in love with Barley,” Sceusa said. “He’s the cutest little guy.”

A Very Barley Christmas Party takes place Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at East-West Animal Hospital, 1524 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The event features food from Uptown Pizza & Subs, Panera Bread, Publix and The Breakfast Nook.

There will also be a variety of local vendors present, goodie bags given away and opossum fans can pick up their Barley calendars and T-shirts.

For more information, visit www.EastWestAnimalHospital.com.

By Sherri Lonon

A whole body approach to health care

December 11, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Dr. Brandon DelleChiaie, a chiropractic physician at the Florida Wellness and Rehab Center in Zephyrhills, offers his clients a holistic approach to wellness. “We attack every condition with a whole-body approach,” says Dr. Brandon. “This is the foundation for the way we practice medicine.”

Florida Wellness and Rehab is a multidisciplinary company providing patients with a one-stop place for health care. “The difference between us and a family doctor’s office is that we do it all in-house,” says Dr. Brandon. “Our patients love this convenience.”

They have a primary care physician on-site providing the same services as your family doctor. In addition, they provide chiropractic care, physical therapy and massage therapy. “This is the direction medicine is going,” says Dr. Brandon. “Medicine is a need for care. We treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of a particular problem.”

During his youth, he felt the aches, pains and injuries of an aspiring athlete. He learned firsthand how chiropractic care out-performed traditional medicine and allowed him to heal and get back in the game quicker.

But it was an auto accident in college that proved to him that a holistic approach was more effective at reducing pain and solving problems than traditional medicine. He was studying pre-med at Florida State University, and then chose to attend chiropractic school over medical school.

Dr. Brandon graduated from the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2010. Palmer College was the first school offering chiropractic care. It’s over 100 years old. It was also the first school to offer a course of study in physical therapy to treat physical pain and provide a formal path to recovery.

Dr. Brandon was born and raised in Dade City. He is active in sports and is keenly aware of the importance of exercise and proper nutrition for the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.

A holist approach to medicine looks at the whole person. Dr. Brandon takes the time to get to know every one of his patients. Treatments provided at Florida Wellness and Rehab are focused on adding to the fullness of your life, rather than trying to simply remove a symptom.

“The holistic approach to medicine is the next big thing,” says Dr. Brandon. “We see the whole person that walked into our office. We want them to walk out our door with much more than a prescription. We want them to live an optimal life, a full and healthy life in every way possible.”

Walk-ins are welcome at Florida Wellness and Rehab. They take every major medical insurance and have very affordable rates. They treat the whole family, from childhood through senior adulthood.

Florida Wellness and Rehab is located at 6751 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills, across the street from Pin Chasers. They can be reached at (813) 715-2935, or at FloridaWell.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Food pantry ‘blessed’ to provide for those in need

December 4, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The big red building on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard might not fetch more than a causal glance from some passersby, but many who step through the doors say it’s a place where blessings are granted regularly.

The nonprofit food pantry located just south of Ehren Cutoff has been helping feed area families in need since 1987. Although not always situated in its current 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., home, the agency has grown through the years to meet the needs of the community.

Mike Head packs grocery bags for clients of Christian Social Services. (Photo by Sherri Lonon)

Holding true to its Christian roots, the pantry has very few rules for those who receive assistance. Individuals or families in need just need to stop by during regular hours to receive emergency food staples. Help is given on an honor system, explained Jacquie Petet, the agency’s executive director.

While tons of food goes out of the agency’s doors each month to hundreds of families in need, Petet said the community always steps up to make sure the food doesn’t run out.

“We are blessed,” she said, noting that 12 area churches and their congregations assist in keeping the pantry’s shelves stocked. Area residents also lend a hand by donating nonperishable food items, money and extras, such as presents for children during the holidays and backpacks at back-to-school time.

Christian Social Services also is partially self-supporting thanks to an onsite thrift store that’s open to the public.

Even though support for the mission is strong, Petet said additional help is always welcomed and needed. The last few years especially have been difficult with the economy down and donations to regular food drives, such as the postal carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger drive, down with it.

Before the economy turned a few years ago, the postal drive brought enough food into the pantry to handle demand for months. That’s no longer the case, Petet said.

“The last few years, it’s been substantially down,” she said.

There are many ways area residents can help out, said Llurah Utt, a longtime volunteer at Christian Social Services. Not only can they donate food, money or even items for the thrift store, but volunteers are always needed as well.

“We always welcome people that want to volunteer,” Utt said.

Christian Social Services operates its pantry and community thrift store with the help of three full-time employees — including Petet — and two part-time workers. About 20 volunteers fill in the gaps to make sure shelves are stocked, items are sorted, and bags of food are prepared for those in need.

“Our volunteers are a hundred times better than most people’s employees,” Petet said.

Employee Mike Head said the agency has been a godsend to his family and he’s been “blessed” to help others in return. Head began working at Christian Social Services several years ago after he was laid off from a full-time cable installer job.

While Mike now works at the agency, his wife Bobbi and two children, Bianka, 8, and Bryan, 10, are often at his side volunteering to help other families facing difficult times.

“It’s nice to be able to instill that,” Head said of giving back.

Christian Social Services’ pantry and thrift store are open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit CSS-HelpingHands.org, or call (813) 995-0088.

— Sherri Lonon

Professional Racing comes to local UPS store

December 4, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Carl Lunderstadt and his wife Robin Bonanno, owners of The UPS Store at 23110 State Road 54, at Collier Parkway, are taking their store to a whole new level of customer service and support. They have owned the store since Oct. 5th.

“The first week we took over the store we saw a woman struggling to carry a bunch of packages into the store,” says Carl. “We ran right out and helped her. Now we tell our customers to be sure and ask us for help. We’re happy to come to the car and help them.”

Robin is a professional race car driver, and Carl is her crew chief. Robin brings personality and enthusiasm to a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Robin has now dedicated her racing career to racing for a national children’s charity called The Dream Factory. Sponsors are welcome.

Robin is also a sought-after motivational speaker for local business and charitable organizations. She’s particularly proud of her work with children experiencing behavioral problems which focuses on trying to keep them out of juvenile reform institutions.

Robin has a business background. She’s owned a fish and tackle manufacturing company, was a business manager for Anchor Glass, and managed a national pest control company. She’s also a licensed pilot, musician, race car driver, racing instructor, and a professional ski instructor.

Robin and Carl admit to having a lot of hobbies. They’re avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and restore antique cars in their spare time. “Life is an adventure,” says Robin. “We want to have a good time with everything we do.”

Over the years, Carl has owned a dozen different companies. He was president of a Florida mining operation, co-founder of regional bank, chairman of the Florida Economic Development Commission, president of a family crisis center, co-founder of a biblically-based graphic novel company (Kingstone Media Group), and is the recipient of a number of community service awards.

Carl is also Robin’s racing crew chief, a racing instructor, and a professional ski instructor. Together they bring a great deal of professional expertise and commitment to the UPS Store.

This UPS store also does printing. “We want to be known as a printer that does shipping,” says Carl. “We’re looking to become a printing hub for all of the local businesses. Our store is newly expanded so we have the room and the equipment.”

The store also has office supplies and stationery. “We also provide notary services and fax services at very reasonable prices,” says Robin. “Our biggest selling item is postage stamps. Customers pay a little more for the stamps but they save on gas and time driving to the post office. It’s a convenience thing.”

Carl and Robin will be serving coffee and cookies during the holidays. Stop on by and say hello. And be sure to watch for their grand opening after the holidays. During the grand opening, Robin will have her race car on display and will be signing autographs.

The UPS Store is located at 23110 State Road 54 at Collier Parkway, in the Willow Bend Shopping Center. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Mayoral candidates take bribes, give back to charity

November 27, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Sherri Lonon

It’s not every day that politicians give kickbacks from their campaign coffers rather than get them from shady types hoping to get a favor or two during a victor’s time in office.

That was exactly the case, however, Nov. 20 when the two candidates in the Wesley Chapel Honorary Mayor’s Race doled out donations to three local charities. While the candidates did, in fact, buy their way into the positions they’ll assume on Jan. 1, there wasn’t anything “shady” going on.

The honorary mayor’s race is staged annually by the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce as a way to raise awareness about the organization and its members while garnering money for its efforts and charities in the community. Candidates in the highly unofficial event buy their way into office by earning “votes,” which are actually cash donations, similar to the annual Lutz Guv’na race. A portion of the money they raise in the mayoral race goes back to charities of their choosing.

“It gives us an opportunity to provide a figurehead to Wesley Chapel” for ribbon cuttings and other events, explained chamber president Jeff Novotny. It also delivers “benefits on many levels” for the community and chamber.

This year’s race had two candidates and two winners — Cathy Bickham bought her way to the “mayor’s office” and Mary Ann Yaney gets the honor of serving as Wesley Chapel’s deputy mayor in 2014. Bickham and Yaney collected $637 for their charities of choice while running for office.

Bickham, who is a market strategist for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, donated proceeds from her campaign to Support the Troops, a Wesley Chapel-based nonprofit that sends care packages to soldiers serving overseas. Yaney, the assistant vice president of Central Bank in Wesley Chapel, donated her share to Tampa Leads & Philanthropy and the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club.

Both women say they got involved in the race to have fun, give back to the community and raise awareness for their businesses and the chamber.

While running takes a lot of work, Yaney recommends the challenge to other area businesspeople.

“If you want to work for your community and you want a way to get more” public relations, it’s a great opportunity, she said.

Bickham is no stranger to the mayor’s race. She’s worked on the campaigns of others in the past, so she knew what she was getting into, she said.

“I truly love Wesley Chapel,” she said. “I really care about the people and the prosperity of the town.”

For more information about the chamber, visit it online at WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Experiencing the sites and sounds of Georgia

November 13, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Lee Heffelfinger

We have certainly survived the summer heat and the daily summer rains. It really made the flowers beautiful and the grass cutting was a weekly job, or I should say every five days a clipping was due.

Russ and I, along with Joe and Ann Casey, motored to the Oktoberfest festivities in Helen, Ga. We did a lot of visiting local landmarks such as Babyland General, home of the original, and still going strong, Cabbage Patch Dolls and all their accessories. We got to see firsthand how the Cabbage Babies are born. Everyone should see this at least once, and I think it’s about the 14th time we have seen it.

We visited the gourd place where they grow all the different kinds and shapes of gourds, clean and dry them, and design everything imaginable, from dessert dishes to candle holders to musical instruments.

The day we spent in Dahlonega, Ga., was great. We ate our noon meal at the Smith House, a Gold Rush-days boardinghouse, and saw the gold mine shaft that started the gold rush craze way back before the gold rush in California of 1850.

We tramped through at least 15 antique shops, and Ann did find a few missing pieces to a set of dishes she had.

On the way back to Helen, we stopped at three different wineries, and by the time we got to the Oktoberfest, where we unwound with a beer garden brewski and tried our version of the chicken dance, listened to the genuine German polkas, and smelled the fresh wurst and sauerkraut. We were glad to get out in the fresh air and walk back to our motel.

What a wonderful vacation that was. If only Helen was not so far from Zephyrhills.

The attendance for our coffee and doughnut social was strong all summer, certainly not back to full capacity, but picking up. Hosts for October were Janet Clarks, Richard and Dea-Ann Burgess, Al and Deanie Bennett, Sy and Mabel Budzinski, John Raab, and Russ and myself.

We’ve had our share of bad luck. Madeline Macomber had a bad fall with surgeries and bruising to her face. John Phillips had surgery on his legs. And his daughter, Judy, has been here from Belfast, Maine, to help take care of him.

John’s son, John Jr., also is spending some time with his father. Vernita Perdue is struggling with chemo for multiple myeloma and kidney problems. Hopefully she will be able to come to her home here for the winter since we are so much closer to medical facilities here.

We lost several of our members: Sally Cavanaugh, Rosemary Leibrook and Harold Palmer. Our sincere sympathy to their spouses and families.

Harold Palmer’s family had a memorial service at the Faith Baptist Church for him, and his wife Bessie was brought from the rehab center where she is recuperating. Also in attendance were his four children: Denise, Roy, Mary and Kathy, all from western New York. A luncheon was served at our clubhouse for those that wanted to honor his memory.

Harold was a helper with so many projects during his 20-plus years as a resident of our park. He helped with shuffleboard, card games, coffee and doughnuts, and served on the board of directors. We are going to miss seeing him riding his lawn tractor down the street as he was heading to mow the many lawns, during the heat of the summer for the people from the north, even though he was having health problems and advancing age.

Our bus trips are once again on the go. We’re looking forward to our trip to Branson, Mo., for nine days of music, shows and entertainment. We will be there at the time you are reading this.

On Dec. 7, we go to the Early Bird Dinner Theater in Clearwater to enjoy “Boeing Boeing,” and Dec. 17-18, we go to Fort Lauderdale to enjoy the Christmas lights along the Jungle Queen Cruise route. Plus we can’t miss going to a casino, or two.

What a great way to participate in the holiday excitement. If you want to go along, call me at (813) 780-1012.

Good hauntings at Grand Horizons for Halloween week

November 13, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Helene Rubenstein

As more and more people return to Grand Horizons, so many activities seem to start up once again.

We just returned from Connecticut, and we find more new neighbors to get to know and to socialize with. Yes, our community is certainly growing in leaps and bounds.

On Oct. 26, there was a pancake breakfast in the community center hosted by Terry and Mim Gardner. I spoke to Mim and she mentioned that about 65 people attended this breakfast, which had good food, much laughter and loads of friendship.

Mim also went on to say that Paul and Norma Oi, David and Joyce Billig, and Rosemary Semian helped out with the serving and cooking. They did have a drawing and there were two winners who went home with a smile.

In addition to this, Chuck Carlson volunteered to help out in future pancake breakfasts.

So you see, there are always people to help out in any way that they are asked for. There is a definite pride within our community.

Bob and Sandi Blais portrayed a German couple and earned honors as the best-dressed couple at a Halloween potluck on Oct. 31. (Photo by Marty Rubenstein)

On Oct. 31, we had a Halloween potluck party at the community center hosted by Robbie Lockard. She had loads of help but “special” thanks go out to Ken and Barb Holzapfel, and Ron and Joyce Bell.

There were many more helpers who pitched in to make this party a success and there were about 90-95 people. There was a variety of music by Gary Wilcox.

It was difficult to pick out the best costume as all the witches, goblins, ghosts, and a variety of other costumes, were out in full force. A prize was awarded for the best costume and, let me tell you, it was one tough decision. I didn’t envy the judges.

Best costume for a woman was Marie Paolantonio who was dressed as the merry widow, while Ernie Rice won for best male costume as he dressed as Columbo. Finally, the best-dressed couple was Bob and Sandi Blais dressed as a German Oktoberfest man and woman.

On Nov. 1, there were 77 people who filled the community center for the first “egg n’ bag” of the season. We all had a fun time, and like last year, the eggs were fantastic and the potatoes were delicious.

Then, on Nov. 2, there was a fashion show sponsored by Bon Worth and hosted by Kathy Cribbs. I can just see Kathy, along with a group of women, getting ready to model their clothes. Behind the stage, I am sure you would find hectic moments and so much talking.

I spoke to Kathy and she told me that she got six models and they donned three outfits each. A terrific job was done by one and all. They also had door prizes won by some lucky people. After the show, they served some cookies and coffee.

Let us not forget the Nov. 16 yard sale at each individual house. In addition to this, there will be a book sale, bake sale, and lunch will be served at the community center. Who knows, you may be able to find the exact trinket that you have been looking for, so please circle the date on your calendar and come and see.

They fly the friendly skies to help those in need

November 13, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Sherri Lonon

Two local residents were nominated for pilot of the year honors for their dedication to the nonprofit that flies missions of mercy throughout the Southeast.

John Hanselman and David Trilling are on a mission to give back to others in need.

As pilots for Angel Flight Southeast, Trilling of Lutz and Hanselman of Odessa, give their time and donate their personal aircraft and fuel to take patients in need of medical care to appointments. Whether it’s transporting a child to another state for cancer treatments or flying a transplant organ from a donor hospital to a patient in need, Hanselman and Trilling stand ready to answer calls for help when they arise.

For their efforts, Angel Flight Southeast has nominated both Hanselman and Trilling for its pilot of the year award. The award is the highest honor Angel Flight bestows on its volunteer pilots.

Angel Flight Southeast is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that serves Florida. Through a network of about 650 volunteer pilots, the agency helps those who are unable to take commercial flights — whether for financial or medical reasons — get to their appointments within the state, or in other states. It’s part of the Air Charity Network, which logs more than 22,000 missions annually, according to Angel Flight’s website.

Trilling won pilot of the year during a ceremony Sunday night, while Hanselman received the “Above & Beyond” award, given to pilots who not only volunteer their time, planes and fuel for Angel Flight missions, but also work to raise awareness for the charity, and will often help with fundraising.

Hanselman and Trilling both say they are honored by the nominations and wins, but admit they don’t take to the skies in hopes of earning awards.

“Most pilots just absolutely love to fly, and they love to fly with purpose,” said Hanselman, who has been flying for Angel Flight for about a year.

Hanselman first learned about the organization in the 1980s while he was working on his pilot’s license. He promised himself if he was ever in a position to take part, he would.

When Hanselman retired and sold his stake in a business, he bought a Cessna 206h and kept that promise to himself. His first flight for the nonprofit was a year ago.

For Hanselman, being a part of such a “noble enterprise” is reward enough.

“I enjoy flying, and at the same time, it’s giving back,” he said.

Trilling’s motivations are similar.

“After five years of flying, earning ratings and certificates, I wanted to use the acquired flying skills to do interesting flying as well as give back to the community,” he said.

Trilling learned how to fly after working 35 years in the food research and development arena.

“After retiring, I consulted and learned how to fly, always having been interested in planes and the magic of flight,” he said.

Now a flight instructor and volunteer with Angel Flight, Trilling uses his personal plane, a Mooney, to conduct missions of mercy.

As for the nomination, Trilling is honored, but says that “all of the pilots who contribute their time and planes for this purpose are pilots of the year.”

For more information about Angel Flight, visit the nonprofit online at www.AngelFlightSE.org.

From paramedic to foot and ankle physician

November 13, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Dr. William Trabulsi, a family foot and ankle care physician, wants your feet to be happy. Your feet are the foundation of the body. A sore, cut or bruise can adversely affect your ankles, knees or hips, especially if you’re changing the way you walk to keep the pressure off the problem. Minor issues can turn into major problems later on if they’re not taken care of quickly.

“Foot pain is an indication that something is wrong,” says Dr. Trabulsi. “Just like the dentist, everyone needs regular preventative checkups to avoid complications that can lead to significant problems later on especially if you’re diabetic.

Children are particularly at risk for foot problems. The bones in the child’s foot aren’t fully formed until about the age of eighteen. If a child has flat feet, it is much easier to treat at a younger age. As the bones fuse, the problem may be permanent requiring more aggressive treatment.

November is national diabetes month. “Diabetes throws off the immune system and makes it harder for healing to occur,” says Dr. Trabulsi. “Diabetes can cause a condition called neuropathy which is nerve damage causing lack of sensation.” Diabetes is a leading cause of nontraumatic lower limb amputations.

The smaller blood vessels in the feet and legs are susceptible to blood circulation issues. People with diabetes or coronary heart problems need to pay particular attention to their feet. Keeping the weight off is also a big issue, especially for diabetics.

Dr. Trabulsi provides foot and ankle care for children through senior adults. He has been providing this service to the area for eight years now. He and his family reside in Land O’ Lakes.

He graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2002. After completing his residency in 2004, he moved to Florida to be near his wife’s family. He’s originally a resident of New York City and still has family living there. He and his wife have been married for 20 years. In his spare time he enjoys playing golf.

Podiatry is Dr. Trabulsi’s second career. Before this he was a paramedic. “I wanted to further my medical career and podiatry seemed like a good fit,” says Dr. Trabulsi. “I saw a definite need for this type of care.”

Dr. Trabulsi has office hours on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. He can usually get people in the same day and has good rates for those without insurance. He has good rapport with local primary care physicians and is affiliated with Florida Hospital Tampa.

He is located at Greystone Professional park, 19013 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz. He can be reached at (813) 406-4806.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.