The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Health News 07/27/2022

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Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has announced that as of July 16, the three-digit dialing code 988 is available nationwide, to reach trained crisis conselors who can help in a mental health, substance abuse or suicidal crisis.

The new code will connect people to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), where accessible care and support is available for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress.

People also can dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

To learn more, visit Nami.org/988.

Best Maternity Hospital
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has been named one of Newsweek’s Best Maternity Hospitals for 2022, according to a news release.

This award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., which invited more than 10,000 medical professionals to participate in a survey. Only 350 winners were recognized on the list.

“We have some of the best health care workers in the Tampa Bay area. Our entire team is engaged and pride themselves on quality care, safety and patient experience for every patient we serve,” said Maria C. Boyd, director of The Baby Place at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, in the release.

“We know families have many choices for care when it comes to bringing precious life into this world and we are honored to be a part of their special moments,” said Boyd.

To learn more, visit AHWesleyChapel.com.

Fire Rescue award
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus achievement award for its commitment to offering rapid, research-based care to people experiencing the most severe form of heart attack, ultimately saving lives, according to a news release.

Mission: Lifeline is the American Heart Association’s national initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive conditions, such as severe heart attacks.

The program helps to reduce barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, starting from when 911 is called to EMS transport, and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge.

Optimal care for heart attack paients takes coordination between the individual hospital, EMS, and the health care system.

Pasco hospitals get top ratings

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recognized all AdventHealth hospitals in the greater Pasco County area for providing the highest quality care to patients, according to a news release of CMS hospital quality scores.

Since joining the AdventHealth network in 2018, AdventHealth Dade City has experienced a significant advancement, rising to a CMS four-star rated facility in just four years.

Additionally, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealthZephyrhills both maintained a CMS five-star rating for overall hospital quality and patient safety.

AdventHealth is committed to cinical excellence and providing the safest facilities for patients to receive care when they need it most, the release said.

Hospital names new officer

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Michael Irvin (Courtesy of HCA Healthcare West Florida)

HCA Healthcare West Florida has promoted Michael Irvin to chief executive officer (CEO) of HCA Florida Trinity Hospital, according to a news release.

Irvin has served as CEO of Palms of Pasadena Hospital since April 2020, leading the hospital through the pandemic and the HCA Florida Healthcare brand launch earlier this year.

In the new role, Irvin will oversee the operations of the 340-bed facility with an expansive array of services on five campuses in three counties — including the main campus in Trinity; HCA Florida Trinity West, New Port Richey; HCA Florida Lutz Emergency; HCA Florida Citrus Park Emergency, Hillsborough County; and HCA Florida Lake Tarpon Emergency, Pinellas County.

Services include obstetrics, neonatal intensive care, maternal fetal medicine, heart and vascular surgery, accredited community cancer program, lung nodule screening program, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, men’s health, mental health services, and neurosurgery.

Irvin earned his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Business Studies from Webber International University.

Prior experience includes serving as CEO at Bayfront Health Spring Hill; chief operating officer (COO) at Merit Health Wesley in Mississippi; assistant CEO at Medical Center Enterprise, Alabama; and physician practice administrator at Lake Wales Medical Center.

Health News 07/06/2022

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(Courtesy of AdventHealth)

Preventative screenings
AdventHealth Zephyrhills and Dade City teamed up with the Pasco County Department of Parks and Recreation to commemorate Juneteenth and hosted a community health event at the James Irvin Civic Center in Dade City.

AdventHealth in collaboration with Pioneer Medical Foundation provided free health screenings that included blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and body mass index (BMI) tests.

“We are deeply committed to improving and saving the lives of the most vulnerable whether, they’re in an AdventHealth hospital or out in the community,” said Andrea Vogel, director of quality and patient safety, in a news release.

“By offering these no-cost health screenings, we are making it easy for everyone to see a provider and identify chronic conditions before they become life-threatening diseases,” said Vogel.

Letissa Gueits Carbone (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Nursing scholarship awarded
Letissa Gueits Carbone, a team member at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North and part of BayCare’s student nursing program, is the recipient of a $2,500 nursing scholarship through the St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation and the Adcock Financial Group.

Carbone, from Wesley Chapel, is studying at St. Petersburg College to become a registered nurse.

She formerly worked in the hospital’s admitting and registration department, but now is in a nursing apprentice position, as she transitions into her nursing career.

Carbone has been with BayCare for five years, and previously worked in food and nutrition services at St. Joseph’s Hospital’s main campus in Tampa before coming to the Lutz hospital about 2 1/2 years ago to work as a registrar.

She was surprised with the scholarship check presentation in front of team members and colleagues.

“I had that deer in the headlights look on my face when it happened,” Carbone said, in a news release. “I had no clue.

“I really didn’t know how much it (the scholarship) was going to be for. That really wasn’t the point when I applied for it,” Carbone said.

She said the scholarship will help out as she balances working, going to school, and raising two children.

Bucs Babies party
Three of the newest Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Luke Goedeke, Rachaad White and JoJo Ozougwu — joined more than a thousand attendees at the AdventHealth Training Center for the annual AdventHealth Bucs Babies birthday party.

AdventHealth babies born in the hospital system’s West Florida Division are eligible to be a Bucs baby.

Traditionally, the birthday party is to celebrate when a new “recruit” turns 1, but this year’s celebration included all recruits since the program’s inception.

The afternoon was filled with games, music, face painting, and gifts for the little recruits and their families.

AdventHealth is the exclusive hospital of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Health News 06/29/2022

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Dr. Christopher Bucciarelli (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

New leader named
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has named Dr. Christopher Bucciarelli its new vice president (VP) and chief medical officer (CMO).

Dr. Bucciarelli also has been the CMO at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South in Riverview since August, and will continue in that role.

He succeeds Dr. Mark Vaaler, who has been the Lutz hospital’s VP/CMO since its opening in February 2010 and who currently is the first CMO of BayCare Hospital-Wesley Chapel, scheduled to open in 2023.

Dr. Bucciarelli will assist St. Joseph’s Hospital-North doctors in providing safe, effective medical care.

His responsibilities include training new physicians on the hospital’s policies and keeping staff current on health regulations. He also will provide clinical oversight to physicians, ensure regulatory compliance and evaluate quality of services.

Dr. Bucciarelli in addition will represent the hospital at BayCare and community meetings.

Medicare celebrates 57 years
July marks the 57th anniversary of Medicare, when Congress created Medicare in 1965 as Title XVIII of the Social Security Act under then President Lyndon Johnson, according to a news release.

Medicare became effective July 1, 1966, and is the nation’s most extensive health insurance program covering nearly 50 million Americans, the release said.

If you are eligible for Medicare at age 65, your initial enrollment period begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after that birthday.

The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, operated through the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, offers specially trained volunteers to assist with Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance questions.

SHINE also provides one-on-one counseling and information.

The program’s Senior Medicare Patrols empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers, to prevent, detect and report health care fraud, errors and abuse, through outreach, counseling and education.

Individuals can schedule appointments at designated SHINE counseling sites or arrange to speak with a trained counselor by calling 800-963-5337.

For a list of SHINE counseling sites and upcoming enrollment events, visit FloridaShine.org.

A loving start for babies

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From left: AdventHealth Executive Director Megan Miller, Coalition Executive Director Dr. Steve Knobl and Coalition Early Literacy Specialist Sherri Sabadishin. (Courtesy of Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties Inc.)

The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties extended its new early literacy program for parent and child, Loving Start, in East Pasco County with AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

The coalition selected the book “Cuddle” by Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie Lsoviskis, which is part of Free Spirit Publishing’s Happy Healthy Baby Series.

The collection of publications assists new mothers in their quest to establish language and relationships from the moment their child is born.

AdventHealth Zephyrhills received 600 copies of “Cuddle,” which will be distributed as part of the hospital’s Birth Day Experience for new moms.

Take precautions now, to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses

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West Central Florida county health departments are emphasizing the importance for Florida’s residents and visitors to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases.

The department also encourages the public to remain diligent in preventative measures, such as “Drain and Cover,” according to a Department of Health (DOH)-Pasco County news release.

The DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including the West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, Malaria, and Dengue, the release said.

A human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Hillsborough County. Health officials urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. (File)

The health department offers these tips, in the fight against illnesses.

Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying

  • Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, and other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
  • Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots, pans, or other items that aren’t being used.
  • Empty birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and chlorinate appropriately. Empty plastic swimming pools.

Cover skin with clothing or repellent

  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
  • Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellent according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, and IR3535 are effective. Some repellents are not suitable for children. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

To determine which repellent is right for you, use the U.S. Environmental Agency’s search tool at cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/#searchform, for skin-applied repellent products.

For more information or questions, contact your county health department. DOH-Pasco can be reached at 727-619-0300.

Published June 15, 2022

NAMI Pasco raises more than $34,000

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The pups of NAMI Walks Your Way Pasco show off their tutus on walk day. From left: Casey, Pixie and Bailey. (Courtesy of Timothy Proulx)

NAMI Pasco hosted its first ever NAMI Walks Your Way Pasco, in May. Although the event was virtual, key sponsors and NAMI supporters met in person, to stream the kickoff live to Facebook.

David Snyder was the master of ceremonies and Debbie L. Proulx, NAMI’s executive director, explained the way the funds will be used, and thanked the sponsors and key supporters.

A total of 184 registered walkers and 23 teams took part, according to a news release.

NAMI Pasco is not funded by its national organization. It will use the $34,349 raised to continue to offer its free support groups, education classes, and health and wellness coaching, said Proulx, the release.

She said it’s a boost to participants in NAMI’S free programs to witness the community’s support, and said it can help them feel less alone.

She noted that many who joined in, or donated, did so in honor of a loved one who is no longer here because of suicide. Those suicides that may have been prevented if they had been connected with services offered through NAMI, Proulx said, in the release.

Timothy squared: Timothy Proulx Sr., with NAMI Pasco’s therapy dog Timothy Proulx Jr. (Courtesy of Debbie Proulx)
Two participants ‘walked their way’ while skydiving for the NAMI Walks Your Way Pasco event. (Courtesy of Debbie Proulx)
These sponsors share a selfie, during the NAMI Walks event. Bottom: Sandra Wright, left, and Molina Xiomara Rivera. Top: Erik Gooden, left, and Eddie Williams. (Courtesy of Debbie Proulx)

Health News 06/08/2022

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Alyssa Smith, AdventHealth community health liaison, trained Rotary Club members on how to perform hands-only CPR. (COURTESY OF ADVENTHEALTH WEST FLORIDA DIVISION)

CPR CAN HELP SAVE LIVES

AdventHealth is getting “hands on” to help Pasco County save lives.

Alyssa Smith, AdventHealth community health liaison, spent a day training members of the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel on how to perform hands-only CPR.

According to the American Heart Association, about 90 percent of people suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

Hands-only CPR can be as effective in the

first few minutes as conventional CPR for cardiac arrest at home, at work, or in public, and if performed immediately, can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.

AdventHealth’s ongoing hands-only CPR training is part of the hospital’s commitment to not only care for the community when they are sick, but also to keep them well.

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION

AdventHealth Zephyrhills will host a free child- birth and newborn care class on June 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at AdventHealth Wellness Center.

The guest speaker will be Natalie Farrell, registered nurse and childbirth educator.

For information and to register, call 877-534- 3108, or visit AHZephyrhills.com.

MEDICARE FRAUD

Fraud costs Medicare an estimated $60 billion per year, and costs its beneficiaries in time, stress, their medical identities, and even their health. It costs families, friends and caregivers in worry and lost work when helping their loved ones recover from falling victim to Medicare fraud, according to an AAAPP (Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas) news release.

Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones by joining the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and its partners for the first-ever Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, June 5 to June 11, in conjunction with the SMP program’s 25th anniversary.

The week kicked off on June 5, or “6-5,” be- cause most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old.

Senior Medicare Patrol helps to educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers to prevent, detect and report health care fraud, errors and abuse, through out- reach, counseling and education.

An SMP can answer questions, concerns or complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues. To volunteer for the program, contact Geralyn Fortney at 727-570-9696, ext. 234, or .

MEDICARE SESSIONS

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas.

Volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions, through one-on- one counseling and information. Services are free, unbiased and confidential.

Upcoming Zoom sessions are scheduled for:

• June 15 at 10 a.m.: Medical Financial Assistance

• June 15 at noon: Lunch & Learn, Medicare Part C Advantage Plans

• June 21 at noon: Lunch & Learn, Medicare Long Term Care

• June 22 at 10 a.m.: Medicare Part C Advantage Plans

• June 22 at noon: Lunch & Learn, Medicare Part D Drug Plan

• June 29 at 10 a.m.: Medicare Basics

• June 29 at noon: Lunch & Learn, Medicare Financial Assistance

For more information and access to meetings, please contact Geralyn Fortney at , or call 727-570-9696, ext. 234.

BREAST-FEEDING BASICS

AdventHealth Zephyrhills will offer a class on breast-feeding basics on June 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at AdventHealth Wellness Center Zephyrhills.

The guest speaker will be registered nurse Janna Hardiman.

For information or to register, call 877-534- 3108, or visit AHZephyrhills.com.

CARDIAC SURGERY RANKING

HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital has ranked No. 3 in Florida for Cardiac Surgery, according to a new analysis released by Healthgrades, a resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems.

For state ranking, Healthgrades evaluated clinical performance for nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide focusing on eight key specialties across a mix of chronic, urgent, and planned clinical areas, a news release said.

“Being recognized as a top Cardiac Surgery hospital in Florida is a huge honor for our team at Bayonet Point Hospital,” said CEO, Gina Temple, in the release.

“I’m extremely proud of our Cardiac Surgical Team, and all of our caregivers who support our multiple Cardiac Programs,” said Temple.

Hospitals recognized as among the top ranked in their state by Healthgrades are providing patients with measurably superior clinical outcomes.

Access to quality information can inform and empower consumers in their decision-making process, and direct them to the best care.

Consumers can visit Healthgrades.com, to learn more on how Healthgrades measures hospital quality.

MEN’S HEALTH SEMINAR

A free talk on men’s health will be presented on June 16 at 2 p.m., at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center, 6585 Simons Road in Zephyrhills.

The guest speakers will be Dr. Matthew Moralle, Dr. Patrick Guthrie, Dr. Jason Abdallah and Dr.FarhanRehman.

Register online at AHZephyrhills.com, or call 877-534-3108.

KNEE REPLACEMENTS

A free health talk on knee replacements will be presented on June 29 at noon, at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center, 6585 Simons Road in Zephyrhills.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Gerald “Trey” Alexander.

Register online at AHZephyrhills.com, or call 877-534-3108.

Health News 06/01/2022

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The Structural Heart Team and physicians at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital celebrate the completion of their 100th Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER). (Courtesy of HCA Healthcare)

A hospital milestone
HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital’s Structural Heart Team, and Dr. Keshav Ramireddy and Dr. Rami Akel recently completed their 100th Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER), according to a news release.

TEER is an innovative procedure that has significally reduced the risk of heart failure in the patients who have undergone the treatment, the release said.

As technology and experience has grown, recent studies have demonstrated excellent outcomes after the TEER procedure and proven efficacy in reducing the mitral valve regurgitation.

In TEER, a clipping device is used. This is a minimally invasive approach through the femoral vein to treat the leakage of the mitral valve without having to conduct open-heart surgery.

After transcatheter valve repair, patients typically recover in the hospital and go home the next day.

HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital is one of only four programs in the Tampa area to have completed 100 TEER procedures, the release said.

31Hospital achieve an ‘A’
All AdventHealth hospital locations in Highlands, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties have achieved an “A” patient safety grade by the Leapfrog Group, according to a news release.

The safety grade is awarded based on a hospital’s performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections, and other harms to patients in their care.

AdventHealth implemented and enhanced several division-wide processes to keep patients safe, including elevating best practices in bar code scanning as a safety net to assure that the right patient receives the right medication every time. This effort is just one of many initiatives in place to ensure patient safety.

The hospitals in the West Florida Division to receive an “A” include: AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Lake Placid, AdventHealth North Pinellas, AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

Enhanced mental health help
Through a partnership with AdventHealth, BayCare, Tampa General Hospital, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, and USF Health, and supported by the Hillsborough County Commission, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, and Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation, Tampa Bay Thrives announced new access points for individuals seeking short-term appointments for their mental health, according to a news release.

The Let’s Talk line, launched last year, provides the first step in helping callers figure out what support they might need for their mental health.

This new extension to service now has several additional options to connect directly to help. This includes:

  • short-term telehealth bridge counseling for individuals facing long wait times to get into their first appointment. This service is provided by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and the University of South Florida Department of Psychiatry.
  • an appointment at one of 10 local AdventHealth Express Care at Walgreens locations, where a staff member will assess needs and provide referral to a telehealth counselor for additional support
  • a referral to a licensed counselor at Tampa General’s Urgent Care powered by Fast Track on Water Street in Tampa, to help navigate next steps
  • a connection to a licensed clinical social worker at Northside Behavioral Health Center who will provide in-person help to pave the path to feeling better

All of these options are available by calling Let’s Talk at 844-YOU-OKAY. The confidential support for mental health is free and available 24/7.