The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Pasco County ranks 25th on 2022 Florida Child Well-Being Index

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The results are in for the Florida Policy Institute’s 2022 Florida Child Well-Being Index, and Pasco County is ranked 25th out of the state’s 67 counties.

Hillsborough County ranked 18th.

Florida Policy Institute (FPI), which is the state’s KIDS COUNT partner, provides the index to measure performance across 16 indicators, in four major categories: economic well-being, education, health, and family and community.

Pasco ranked 23rd in economic well-being; 13th in education; 43rd in health; and 28th in family and community, according to the index.

The rankings for Hillsborough were: 12th in economic well-being; 28th in education; 13th in health; and 35th in family and community.

“These snapshots of Florida counties can help us pinpoint which areas of the state are in greatest need of resources,” Sadaf Knight, CEO of FPI, said in a release from the organization.

FPI is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing state policies and budgets that improve the economic mobility and quality of life for all Floridians.

“Fostering strong public schools, bolstering the state’s safety net, and investing in a Working Floridians Tax Rebate to help boost income for Sunshine State families are all ways to reduce county-to-county child well-being disparities. We look forward to working with lawmakers to prioritize Florida children in the upcoming legislative session,” Knight added.

According to the index, St. Johns, Seminole and Broward were ranked highest overall for child well-being, while Hendry, DeSoto and Madison were ranked lowest.

However, Hendry, DeSoto and Madison did see improved graduation rates and fewer children living in poverty, the index shows.

“Counties with higher rankings are generally well-resourced places, where families can afford to invest in things like high-quality child care, education, and other opportunities for their children,” according to the FPI news release.

“Counties with lower rankings are regions that have borne the brunt of the state’s disinvestment in public services and where people face historic barriers to economic opportunity,” the release added.

“We want to recognize counties that are making the investment in their children and communities. The ultimate purpose of the Child Well-Being Index is to inspire all counties to ensure that children are able to grow and thrive,” Norín Dollard, PhD, senior policy analyst and KIDS COUNT director at FPI, said in the release.

The rankings were developed using KIDS COUNT data.

KIDS COUNT is a registered trademark of The Annie E. Casey Foundation in the United States and/or other countries and is used with permission of the Foundation.

Published January 04, 2023

Health News 01/04/2023

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Jennifer Downing

New director named
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has named Jennifer Downing as its director of surgical services, according to a news release.

In the new position, Downing will lead teams in preoperative, anesthesia, surgery, postoperative, PACU (postanesthesia care unit) and ambulatory care.

Her responsibilities include monitoring quality of care and safety, and ensuring the hospital adheres to regulatory guidelines and established national standards, the release said.

Prior to her appointment at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, Downing was nurse manager in surgical services at BayCare’s Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor (2016-2022) and Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey (2011-2016).

Downing has more than 30 years of health care experience with BayCare including registered nurse experience in preoperative, PCAU, recovery and discharge, critical care and operating room. She also is a certified nurse of the operating room, in addition to having registered nurse credentials.

Her education includes a master’s in nursing from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio; a bachelor in science from Florida State University, and two associate degrees, one in nursing and another in science, both from St. Petersburg College.

Resolve to be healthier
The West Central Florida County Health Departments, including Hillsborough and Pasco counties, recommends these healthy resolutions for the new year, according to a news release:

  • Quit Smoking. Kicking the habit can lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. Free help is available at TobaccoFreeFlorida.com for tips, support and supplies.
  • Be More Active. Join a gym or work simple exercises into your day such as walking, playing with the kids, or riding a bicycle. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week, which can be broken into five 30-minute brisk walks. Visit CDC.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults for more guidance.
  • Eat Healthier. Add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet. There is no need to give up sweets and treats, but they should be saved for special occasions. Learn how to make a healthier plate by visiting CDC.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/eating_habits.html.
  • Visit Your Doctor. Use the new year as a time to reconnect and have a regular doctor checkup. Preventative maintenance is far less expensive than a trip to the hospital to treat an emergency. Call the local health department to see what resources may be available if you are uninsured or underinsured.
  • Get Vaccinated. Vaccines can help prevent illnesses such as tetanus, measles, polio, mumps and whooping cough, in addition to COVID-19 and the flu. Make sure vaccines are up to date.

For more information or questions, call your local health department: DOH Pasco at 727-619-0300 or DOH Hillsborough at 813-307-8000.

Photo calendar for sale

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‘Grand Ave Lights’ by Noriko Buckles (Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice)

Gulfside Hospice’s annual 15-month calendar is now for sale at all its thrift shop locations.

The calendar features photos taken exclusively in Pasco County to highlight the area that the organization serves and its communities.

The calendar is a product of a photo contest that include 140 submissions of events, places, landmarks and wildlife.

This year’s cover features a special tribute to Gulfside’s patient-centered care, one of Gulfside’s three core values.

The cost of the calendar is $5, and all proceeds help to support Gulfside patient care and bereavement services.

All five Gulfside thrift shops are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For addresses and phone numbers, visit Gulfside.org.

Health News 12/14/2022

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‘Florida Snowman’ by Pat Manfredo (Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice)

Pasco photo calendar for sale
Gulfside Hospice’s annual 15-month calendar is now for sale at all its thrift shop locations.

The calendar features photos taken exclusively in Pasco County to highlight the area that the organization serves and its communities.

The calendar is a product of a photo contest that include 140 submissions of events, places, landmarks and wildlife.

This year’s cover features a special tribute to Gulfside’s patient-centered care, one of Gulfside’s three core values.

The cost of the calendar is $5, and all proceeds help to support Gulfside patient care and bereavement services.

All five Gulfside thrift shops are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For addresses and phone numbers, visit Gulfside.org.

Safe Haven license plates
The State of Florida has approved the A Safe Haven for Newborns specialty license plate, the revenue of which will help to fund the many programs Safe Haven offers to girls and women in distress.

The cost of a presale voucher by check is $33; by credit card, $34.03.

Upon meeting the presale quota of 3,000 vouchers, the tax collector’s office will send a voucher to the buyer to exchange for the specialty plate. The process can take two months to four months.

The new tag will be available at all vehicle registration offices across the state, once the quota is reached.

For information, visit ASafeHavenForNewborns.com/ways-to-help/licenseplate/.

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

An eye-opening tour
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club visited and took part in informational tours of Quantum Leap, a therapeutic riding facility in Odessa. The facility provides equine-assisted adaptive therapy for children and adults with physical and mental disabilities, wounded veterans, children with cancer and military service members. The farm currently is home to 12 horses, two donkeys and three goats, all of which are trained therapy animals. Carol Moore and Jan King present a check to two staff members/trainers at Quantum Leap. The woman’s club looks forward to supporting Quantum Leap in the future. Visit gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org OR its Facebook page, for more information.

New blood test for cancer
HCA Florida Trinity Hospital will implement a programmatic “liquid-first” biopsy approach to molecular testing of lung cancer patients as recommended by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, according to a news release.

One the most useful blood tests has been the assessment of PD-L1 status of lung cancer, which allows for better personalized therapy, the release said.

The integration of Circulogene, a novel liquid biopsy, with an only plasma PD-L1 RNA marker will help determine the best course of treatment in lung cancer patients.

“Adopting a liquid biopsy with a PD-L1 marker will help us determine which patients will benefit from immunotherapy,” said Dr. Mathew Ninan, thoracic surgeon and director of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Nodule Program at HCA Florida Healthcare, in the release.

“Should the liquid biopsy results reflect actionable or driver DNA mutations or RNA fusions, then patients can begin a personalized treatment plan with the goal of better outcomes and survival rates,” said Ninan.

Health News 12/07/2022

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(Courtesy of Linda Mitchell)

Serving the community, in more ways than one
The Little Women of Lutz recently visited the Ronald McDonald House on Davis Island to prepare a meal for the parents of children who are locally hospitalized. From left: Kate Frederick, Bridget Swenson, Ava Stiglic, advisors Nancy Branham and Pam Blumenthal, Katelynn Andrews, Ava Frederick, advisor Linda Mitchell, and Alyssa Mitchell. The club meets the second Tuesday of every month at the Lutz Community Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For information, email .

Safe Haven license plates
The State of Florida has approved the A Safe Haven for Newborns specialty license plate, the revenue of which will help to fund the many programs Safe Haven offers to girls and women in distress.

The cost of a presale voucher by check is $33; by credit card, $34.03.

Upon meeting the presale quota of 3,000 vouchers, the tax collector’s office will send a voucher to the buyer to exchange for the specialty plate. The process can take two months to four months.

The new tag will be available at all vehicle registration offices across the state, once the quota is reached.

For information, visit ASafeHavenForNewborns.com/ways-to-help/licenseplate/.

New dental office
Dental Care at Livingston Marketplace, 2701 E. County Line Road in Lutz, is expected to open at the end of the December, according to a news release.

Dr. Rachel Franz will offer dental services at this full-service, state-of-the-art family practice.

The dentist and her team will offer a variety of services including routine cleanings, simple fillings, and in-depth restorative and cosmetic services.

For more information, visit DentalCareAtLivingstonMarketplace.com.

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

Top grade for Lutz hospital
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North received an A from the Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization that promotes patient safety. The hospital was ranked in Leapfrog’s Fall 2022 Hospital Safety Grades, according to a news release.

The nonprofit collects and analyzes data about infections, accidents, injuries and errors at nearly 3,000 general hospitals, and in the spring and fall it assigns letter grades ranging from A to F, and publicly releases those grades.

“At St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, the safety of our patients is always a top priority,” said Tom Garthwaite, president, in the release.

“Our teams work diligently every day to provide safe, quality care. Earning a Leapfrog A is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our medical staff and team members,” said Garthwaite.

For more information about Leapfrog, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Health News 11/30/2022

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Eugene and Norma Ymiolek donated eight TVs for treatment rooms at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

A gift for patients
Norma and Eugene Ymiolek, of Lutz, donated TVs for all eight infusion treatment rooms in the St. Joseph’s Hospital-North Outpatient Infusion Center. The donation was made through the St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation.

“This will provide a wonderful distraction to the many patients that spend hours receiving chemotherapy treatment,” said Michelle Mulvihill, St. Joseph’s Outpatient Infusion Center nurse manager, in a news release.

“We are extremely grateful to them,” said Mulvihill.

The Ymioleks have supported St. Joseph’s for years, including a naming gift to the hospital’s chapel.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is at 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz.

Narcan kits available
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) has announced the availability of free Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray kits, according to a press release.

This lifesaving medication could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state.

Naloxone is available to people who use drugs; people with a history of drug use; others at risk of experiencing an overdose; and friends, family members and others who may witness an overdose.

“We need new solutions to an old problem when it comes to substance abuse and addiction overdoses,” said Mike Napier, health officer for DOH-Pasco, in the release.

“Distributing Naloxone (Narcan) into our community is just one of the many ways Pasco County is combating this growing problem,” said Napier.

Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose by restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of its administration to the person who has overdosed.

The medication can be administered by a bystander (non-health care professional) before emergency medical assistance becomes available, but it is not meant to substitute professional medical care.

Individuals should call 911 immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected, before administering Naloxone.

Persons requesting a kit must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Individuals at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose
  • Caregivers who may witness an opioid overdose or others likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose

The Naloxone kits can be obtained at these health department clinics (no appointment necessary):

  • Dade City Clinic, 33845 15th St. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • New Port Richey Clinic, 10841 Little Road. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Wesley Chapel Clinic, 33845 State Road 54. Monday and Friday only, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Those using Naloxone will receive educational materials, referrals and connections for substance abuse intervention.

For more information, call 727-619-0300, Option 1.

Health News 11/23/2022

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

A potentially life-saving class
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club took the opportunity to participate in a CPR class sponsored by AdventHealth. Two community outreach AdventHealth staff members presented an informative video, while citing the statistics of saving lives using the “hands-only” CPR method, followed by a hands-on demonstration. AdventHealth generously provided practice mannequins to each member, as well as an instructional video, to teach and share with friends and families. This was an important class to prepare for should an emergency situation arise within one’s own home or in public, and could be lifesaving. Here, woman’s club member Barbara Booth practices her technique on a mannequin.

Narcan kits available
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) has announced the availability of free Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray kits, according to a press release.

This lifesaving medication could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state.

Naloxone is available to people who use drugs; people with a history of drug use; others at risk of experiencing an overdose; and friends, family members and others who may witness an overdose.

“We need new solutions to an old problem when it comes to substance abuse and addiction overdoses,” said Mike Napier, health officer for DOH-Pasco, in the release.

“Distributing Naloxone (Narcan) into our community is just one of the many ways Pasco County is combating this growing problem,” said Napier.

Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose by restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of its administration to the person who has overdosed.

The medication can be administered by a bystander (non-health care professional) before emergency medical assistance becomes available, but it is not meant to substitute professional medical care.

Individuals should call 911 immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected, before administering Naloxone.

Persons requesting a kit must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Individuals at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose
  • Caregivers who may witness an opioid overdose or others likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose

The Naloxone kits can be obtained at these health department clinics (no appointment necessary):

  • Dade City Clinic, 33845 15th St. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • New Port Richey Clinic, 10841 Little Road. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Wesley Chapel Clinic, 33845 State Road 54. Monday and Friday only, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Those using Naloxone will receive educational materials, referrals and connections for substance abuse intervention.

For more information, call 727-619-0300, Option 1.

The Lighthouse receives grant
The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind (LVIB) received a grant from the Suncoast Credit Union to help babies who are visually impaired learn the adapted skills needed to meet their unique developmental milestones, according to a news release.

“Every child deserves a fulfilling educational experience and we want to do what we can to make that a reality. Developing life skills is so important, as they are a fundamental part of life,” said Cindy Helton, executive director, Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, in the release.

“Supporting LVIB is a natural fit for Suncoast, as we both share the similar goal of promoting the education, health, and well-being of children in our communities,” said Helton.

Since its inception in 1990, the Suncoast Foundation has raised and donated more than $36 million to help provide a better future for the children of the community.

Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, 2 cents is donated to the foundation to support local initiates, like LVIB.

For more information on The Lighthouse, visit LVIB.org/programs/childrens-program.

Florida monitoring above average cases of RSV

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The Florida Department of Health (Department) is monitoring an above average number of cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Florida communities, according to a news release.

This common respiratory virus may cause a higher number of pediatric emergency department visits compared to previous years, the release says.

RSV is an infection of the lungs and respiratory tract with symptoms similar to a common cold. Mild case symptoms can include congested or runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing, and headache. In severe cases, RSV symptoms may include fever, cough, wheezing, rapid or difficulty breathing, or bluish skin color.

The health department recommends these steps to help protect yourself and others from respiratory illness:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Stay home if you are sick and keep children home if they are sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
    Infants are the most affected by RSV.

Symptoms of severe cases in infants are short, shallow, and rapid breathing, struggling to breathe, cough, poor feeding, unusual tiredness, or irritability, the release says.

Most children and adults recover in one to two weeks, although some might have repeated wheezing. Severe or life-threatening infection requiring a hospital stay may occur in premature infants or in anyone who has chronic heart or lung problems.

For more information, please visit the Florida Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Published November 16, 2022

Health News 11/16/2022

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Joanne McCarn, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North director of patient services (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Hospital receives redesignation
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz this year was redesignated as a Pathway to Excellence Program through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, following its previous designation from 2017 to 2021. The current redesignation is good through 2026, according to a news release.

The program recognizes health care organizations for positive proactive environments where nurses excel, nursing leadership fosters a collaborative culture, and hospital policies reflect nursing input where patients and nurse safety come first.

“This (designation) is important in the nursing profession because nurses have to have their voices heard. It’s an opportunity for nurses to bring up areas they want to improve and ways to improve. We work together as a team to move forward toward those objectives,” said Joanne McCarn, director of patient services, in the release.

The director oversees nursing personnel at the hospital, and leads and evaluates the nursing team, and helps to set nursing objectives and long-term goals.

“The designation is important for patients to know that their nurses are their advocates,” said McCarn.

(Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

New pre-op unit aims for a smoother transition
AdventHealth Dade City has unveiled its new 4,500-square-foot pre-operative (pre-op) unit. The space has doubled in size and features eight private bays to substantially decrease infection risks for patients, and provide families with a calm environment before surgery. Clinical teams have direct access from the pre-op to the operating room, which contributes to a smoother flow of patient transport.

 

Health News 11/09/2022

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A member of one of Gulfside Hospice’s grief support groups takes part in a painting workshop, to help ease the pain of their loss. (Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice)

A creative outlet for grief
The bereavement services team at Gulfside Hospice hosted a painting workshop for those in the organization’s grief support groups, as another outlet for them to channel their pain and understand their emotions.

During the workshop, the group followed along with an instructional video and created their own masterpiece on canvas, as they worked through their emotions and grief.

“We find that giving people outlets to create where there is loss is very helpful. They get to put beauty back into their world,” said Lynda Woodring, manager of caregiver support and bereavement services at Gulfside, in a news release.

“They enjoy the socialization that happens in these settings also, as it allows them to meet new friends and talk with people experiencing similar situations,” said Woodring.

Other hands-on workshops are planned, including a Holiday Grief Workshop where participants can make an ornament in memory of their loved ones.

For more information about bereavement services or upcoming workshops, call 727-845-5707.

Take Back Day a success
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for a Prescription Take Back Day on Oct. 29.

Citizens dropped off their unused and expired medication to be disposed of properly and kept out of the wrong hands.

PSO members and volunteers collected approximately 394 pounds of medications.

For future DEA Prescription Take Back Days and other PSO community news, follow PSO on social media, or visit News.PascoSheriff.com.

Sunrise Shelter fundraiser
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club hosted a fundraiser to benefit the Sunrise Shelter of Pasco County, a domestic violence facility that has long provided free emergency shelter and services to women and children in need of protection.

The club has supported this facility for many years and particularly during October, which is designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The women were proud to present a donation of $1,000 to the shelter’s mission, as well as a truckload of handbags filled with personal hygiene and other needed items for the women and children in residence.