The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Health News 11/02/2022

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(Courtesy of Michael Detsafino)

Joining the fight against cancer
The Healthy Fit Kidz Foundation partnered with Emerge Trichology and Mercedes Benz of Wesley Chapel for the fourth annual Fight Cancer Run. About 300 participants on Oct. 22 joined the 5K run/walk and kids fun run/walk to raise cancer awareness. In addition to raising money, the primary goal of the event was to come together and support breast cancer survivors and those battling the disease.

Ready-to-feed formulas recalled
According to the Department of Health-Pasco County, Abbott has issued a news release voluntarily recalling certain lots of 2-fluid ounce/59 milliliter bottles of ready-to-feed (RTF) liquid formula products.

“These products are being recalled because a small percentage of bottles (less than 1%) in the recalled lots have bottle caps that may not have sealed completely, which could result in spoilage,” the Abbott release said.

The brands included in the recall are: Similac Pro-Total Comfort; Similac 360 Total Care; Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive – 2 ounce; Similac Special Care 24 – 2 ounce (iron or high protein); Similac Stage 1; Similac Water (sterilized); and Similac NeoSure – 2 ounce.

In addition to these formula products, Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution also has been recalled.

Those who use these products should visit Abbott’s website to view a list of impacted products or use the lot number checker online. It is important to verify the lot number on the bottom or the side of the bottle, as not all products are included in the recall.

If you have a recalled product, discontinue use of the product and contact Abbott customer service at 800-986-8540 for further instructions.

The health department notified current WIC (Women, Infants and Children) participants who may have been issued a recalled product to provide them with alternative options, the release said.

Medical education program
AdventHealth has been approved by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education to institute a Graduate Medical Education (GME) Internal Medicine residency program at the health system’s largest hospital in Tampa Bay, AdventHealth Tampa, according to a news release.

The GME residency program will allow medical graduates to achieve clinical expertise under the leadership of renowned physicians and surgeons leading the way in their specialties.

According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, there is a predicted physician shortfall that could reach 139,000 by the year 2033. Dr. Aftab Ahmad, founding program director fo the internal medicine residency program at AdventHealth Tampa, is eager to begin the work to help close the gap, the release said.

Residents in the internal medicine program will rotate through several hospital departments under the supervision of board-certified AdventHealth physicians at AdventHealth Tampa and AdventHealth Medical Group practices in Tampa.

The first residents in the program will be enrolled in July 2023.

There are plans to launch ob/gyn and general surgery residency programs, as well as cardiology and gastroenterology fellowship programs in the years to follow.

New doctor on staff
Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers, 15211 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville, has welcomed Dr. Frantz Francisque to its staff.

The doctor comes to the Advanced Cancer centers directly from completing his fellowship training in hematology and oncology at the University of Colorado in Denver.

Francisque completed his internal medicine residency at Presence Saint Joseph Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, and he did a one-year residency at Haiti State University Hospital in Port-Au-Prince.

He received his medical degree from the State University School of Medicine and Pharmacy in Port-Au-Prince, and is a member of the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians.

Health News 10/26/2022

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Enthusiastic support for cancer society
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has supported the annual American Cancer Society’s Making Strides walk at The Shops at Wiegrass through active participation and monetary donations. The ladies manned the welcome tent and the Little Women of Lutz passed out water bottles to the participating walkers. Debbie Cardona, along with her pup, took a break in the big pink chair and greeted onlookers. For information about the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

Hospital celebrates 10 years
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is celebrating a legacy of transforming health care in the community, for the past 10 years.

The original $150 million investment was the first hospital in Wesley Chapel and opened with 83 beds on Oct. 1, 2012, according to a news release.

Since opening, the hospital has invested more than $400 million in expansion and services to provide award-winning care to more than 800,000 patients, the release said.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has amassed national accolades over the years and has exceeded community milestones, including:

  • Achieving 14 consecutive Leapfrog “A” grades in patient safety
  • Performing over 56,000 surgeries
  • Delivering more than 5,000 babies
  • Providing more than $307 million in community benefit services

“It has been an honor to be a part of this truly remarkable team since the first day as we embarked on providing the highest quality of care to the Wesley Chapel community,” said Dawn Hicks-Waldron, chief nursing officer, in the release.

“Our commitment to creating a five-star, patient-focused consumer experience for everyone who enters our doors remains steadfast as we embark on the next 10 years,” Hicks-Waldron said.

Enhanced technology
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz now offers patients an enhanced colonoscopy screening with the help of an innovative technology. This technology, called GI Genius intelligent endoscopy, uses artificial intelligence to help physicians detect polyps — a powerful new ally in the fight against colorectal cancer, according to a news release.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer diagnosed in the U.S., with almost 150,000 new cases every year, the release said.

The module uses advanced artificial intelligence software to highlight suspicious polyps visually and in real-time, serving as the gastroenterologist’s second observer.

The images are processed using advanced algorithms that can identify and mark abnormalities consistent with polyps, including small flat polyps that might otherwise go undetected by the human eye.

St. Joseph’s-North was the first among the 15 BayCare hospitals to offer this module for colonoscopies.

For more information on BayCare cancer screenings, including colonoscopies, visit BayCare.org/honor-screenings.

Health News 10/19/2022

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(Courtesy of Linda Mitchell)

A little encouragement goes a long way
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Little Women of Lutz participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event at The Shops at Wiregrass. The girls acted as cheerleaders along the 2-mile course, encouraging runners and walkers. Taking part were Katelynn Andrews, Ava Frederick, Fleur VanBurren, Kate Frederick, Jasmin Doering and Alyssa Mitchell. The Little Women group is sponsored by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club and meets the second Tuesday of each month, at the Lutz Community Center, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For information, call Linda Mitchell at 813-389-2910.

OneBlood urges donations
Efforts are underway to replenish Florida’s blood supply following Hurricane Ian.

“Blood donors are urgently needed. If you are eligible to donate blood, we are asking that you please visit a OneBlood donor center or Big Red Bus blood drive as soon as possible,” said Susan Forbes, senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations, in a news release.

All blood types are needed and there is an increased need for O Negative and O Positive donors, as well as platelet donors.

“A sustained donor response is crucial. We are in the midst of an evolving disaster situation that will continue to impact our operations, our team members and blood donors for the foreseeable future. Blood donation is an easy way people can help during this challenging time,” said Forbes.

As a proactive measure, OneBlood also is arranging for shipments of blood to be brought in to Florida by blood centers from around the country to assist with emergent and near-term needs caused by the storm.

To find a donor center or Big Red Bus drive near you, visit OneBlood.org.

For a list of locations where blood donations have been suspended, visit OneBlood.org/lp/hurricane-closures.stml.

New catheterization lab
AdventHealth Tampa announced a $2 million investment in advanced heart care utilizing the most recent GE Allia technology for catheterization procedures, according to a news release.

According to GE, the technology is the first of its kind in Tampa for heart and vascular procedures, one of only three locations in the state of Florida, and one of only 15 in the United States, the release said.

Additionally, the catheterization lab control room is powered by a monitoring unit from Carrot Medical that is only found in two other locations in the U.S.

This updated monitoring system allows for all monitoring to happen on one large screen, integrating into one system.

In addition to heart and vascular procedures, the lab is adaptable for neurological procedures that also require vascular care.

More than $1.3 million of the project was funded by the AdventHealth Tampa Foundation Pepin Heart Institute fund.

Health News 10/12/2022

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From left: Tommy Inzina, president and CEO of Baycare Health System; Kimberly Ramos, director of benefits at The Mosaic Company; and Carrie Zeisse, Tampa Bay Thrives CEO. (Courtesy of Florida Alliance for Healthcare Value)

Healthcare Hero named
The Florida Alliance for Healthcare Value has named Tommy Inzina, president and chief executive officer of BayCare Health System, the Dr. Jack Mahoney Healthcare Hero, according to a news release.

Inzina was recognized as a community health champion in helping to establish Tampa Bay Thrives, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes the community to strengthen behavioral health outcomes for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, with a focus on improving early intervention, access, and awareness.

“It has been my privilege, as CEO of the region’s largest not-for-profit provider, to help put a spotlight on mental health and to help bring people together to address what our community needs,” said Inzina in the release.

“Together, we can make a real difference,” said Inzina.

OneBlood urges donations
Efforts are underway to replenish Florida’s blood supply following Hurricane Ian.

“Blood donors are urgently needed. If you are eligible to donate blood, we are asking that you please visit a OneBlood donor center or Big Red Bus blood drive as soon as possible,” said Susan Forbes, senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations, in a news release.

All blood types are needed and there is an increased need for O Negative and O Positive donors, as well as platelet donors.

“A sustained donor response is crucial. We are in the midst of an evolving disaster situation that will continue to impact our operations, our team members and blood donors for the foreseeable future. Blood donation is an easy way people can help durig this challenging time,” said Forbes.

As a proactive measure, OneBlood also is arranging for shipments of blood to be brought in to Forida by blood centers from around the country to assist with emergent and near-term needs caused by the storm.

To find a donor center or Big Red Bus drive near you, visit OneBlood.org.

For a list of locations where blood donations have been suspended, visit OneBlood.org/lp/hurricane-closures.stml.

Health News 10/05/2022

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(Courtesy of BayCare Health System)

Lutz hospital receives award
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz achieved a Healthy People 2030 goal for low-risk cesarean sections. Healthy People 2030 is a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiative that sets data-driven national objectives to improve health and well-being over the next decade. The hospital was one of 26 in Florida to receive the award for reducing unnecessary c-sections. From left: Michele Velasquez; Kelly Howard; FDOH (Florida Department of Health) official Dr. Ulyee Choe; OB/GYN physician Dr. Jessica Greer; FDOH state surgeon general Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo; St. Joseph’s Hospital-North president Tom Garthwaite; Julie VanLaningham; Kathleen Webster; and Teresa Hampton. Velasquez, Howard, VanLaningham, Webster and Hampton are team members in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s Labor & Delivery and Women’s Services departments.

Mammograms are important
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz is encouraging women to make an appointment for a mammogram.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among American women, according to a news release.

Getting a mammogram screening is the best way to detect breast cancer early, the release said.

“It is so important to get routine breast screening mammorgrams because it allows us to detect cancer at its earliest stages,” said Dr. Diane Durgan in the release.

“This in turn offers the best chance of survival for breast cancer when it is caught and treated early,” said Durgan.

For information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and mammogram appointments, visit ItsInOurHands.org.

Breast Cancer Foundation
The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation will be the featured charity at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office for the month of October.

The foundation’s main objectives are to advocate on behalf of patients, educate the public on all aspects of breast cancer, and to provide funds for research seeking new treatments and ultimately a cure for breast cancer.

“We are proud to once again team up with the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation to help shine a spotlight on the needs of breast cancer patients and their families,” said Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano in a news release.

“The funds our office raises will contribute toward the advancement of research, new treatments, and direct support for breast cancer patients,” said Fasano.

Donations will be collected at all tax collector office locations, which can be found at PascoTaxes.com.

For details regarding the promotion, call Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179.

New doctors added
The Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) has announced the addition of three surgeons to its team: Dr. Craig S. Radnay, Dr. James J. Creighton III and Dr. Christopher Flanagan.

Radnay is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports and rescontructive foot and ankle surgery, as well as sports medicine and arthritic disorders of the knee.

Creighton is board eligible by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He did two fellowships to specialize in upper extremity surgery, and cares for all upper extremity conditions.

Flanagan completed an Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship with the FOI. He specializes in the delivery of complex fracture care, as well as the management of the after-effects associated with traumatic injury. The doctor also performs academic research to develop the next generation of patient care techniques.

Flu season is here

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The Florida Department of Health is encouraging residents to get a flu shot for the 2022-2023 flu season, according to a news release.

The vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, including pregnant women. Individuals who are most at risk of severe illness from the flu are young children, pregnant women, people with cetain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, and people age 65 years and older, the release said.

It takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protection against the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reminds everyone that it is safe to receive a flu vaccine at the same time a COVID-19 vaccine is given.

Each of the Tampa Bay area county health departments, and most pharmacies and primary care physician offices offer flu shots.

For information about the flu and to find locations to get the seasonal vaccine, visit FluFreeFlorida.com.

Here are healthy habits to help prevent the flu:

  • Wash your hands, to help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illness. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to help prevent those around you from getting sick. Clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in the home, school or office.
  • Contain the virus, too, and stay home when you are sick.

Health News 09/21/2022

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Dr. Christopher Bucciarelli

Board member named
Dr. Christopher Bucciarelli, chief medical officer at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, was named to the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Governance Board, whose members provide fiduciary oversight, set strategic direction and ensure the Y is executing its cause-driven purpose to strengthen the community. The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA has 15 locations in Hillsborough and Pasco counties, including Carrollwood, Dade City, New Tampa and Zephyrhills.

Cyberbullying & social media
Congressman Gus Bilirakis met with several local teens who serve as leaders of the organization STAND in Pasco County, according to a news release.

The lawmaker reached out for input about the teens’ experiences with cyberbullying, social media, and the impact that use has had on their mental health and the mental health of their peers.

Cybercrime against children is a substancial and growing concern.

“These students are remarkable. They’re committed to making a positive impact on the lives of others through advocacy and engagement,” said Bilirakis in the release.

“Unfortunately, many of them report having experienced negative impacts to their mental health as a result of their online activities and cyberbullying. ..They reported incidence of bullying, harassment, and even blackmail via social media platforms, with no remedy or recourse available to them,” said Bilirakis.

The feedback that was given aligns with reports recently heard from Pasco County law enforcement leaders.

Bilirakis has filed the Cooperating Among Police, Tech, and Users to Resist Exploitation (or CAPTURE), which already has received a legislative hearing in the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcomittee, the release said.

“Too often we’ve seen bad actors utilize social media platforms to facilitate crime by luring and exploiting children and other vulnerable populations,” said Bilirakis. “We must hold them accountable for doing better.”

Grant applications sought
The American Lung Association has announced the start of its 2023-2024 research awards and grants cycle, according to a news release.

The organization is accepting research grant applications from researchers in Florida and across the nation with the potential to improve prevention, detection and treatment options for all lung diseases, including lung cancer.

Research projects funded by the Lung Association are carefully selected through rigorous scientific review, and awardees represent the investigation of a wide range of complex issues to reduce the suffering and burden of lung disease.

“Here in Tampa and across the state, we have wonderful search institutions and leading-edge researchers,” said Steven Riddle, executive director for the American Lung Association in Tampa, in the release.

“The Lung Association is committed to supporting the best scientific minds to help develop solutions to alleviate the burden of lung disease. We encourage innovative researchers in Tampa to apply for these grants,” said Riddle.

Current available research funding opportunities, according to the release, are:

  • COVID-19 & Respiratory Virus Research Award: $100,000 per year for up to two years
  • Lung Cancer Discovery Award: $100,000 per year for up to two years
  • Allergic Respiratory Diseases Award: $75,000 per year for up to two years
  • Innovation Award: $75,000 per year for up to two years
  • Catalyst Award: $50,000 per year for up to two years
  • Public Policy Research Award: $50,000 per year for up to two years
  • Dalsemer Award: $50,000 per year for up to two years.

For detailed information about the active research funding opportunities, visit Lung.org/awards.

Brain aneurysm awareness

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The Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation has announced that Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued a proclamation declaring September as Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month in the state of Florida, according to a news release.

A sudden severe headache is a common warning sign that someone may be suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm. Other signs include dilated pupils, blurred vision, pain behind the eye, weakness and numbness, and difficulty speaking.

Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, family history of brain aneurysm, age 40 and older, female, person of color, and drug use (particularly cocaine).

According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, approximately one in 50 people has an unruptured brain aneurysm. Every 18 minutes, a brain aneurysm ruptures, and when it does, death or lifelong disabilities often result, the release said.

“Awareness is the beginning of prevention,” said Olivia Hobbit, president and founder of the foundation, in the release.

To learn more about brain aneurysms and the foundation, or to donate, visit TrinityHoblit.org.

Health News 09/07/2022

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Matthew Johnston, chief operating officer (COO), HCA Florida Trinity Hospital (Courtesy of HCA Florida Trinity Hospital)

Chief operating officer named
HCA Florida Trinity Hospital has announced the addition of Matthew Johnston as chief operating officer (COO). Johnston will oversee daily operations with direct supervision of the hospital’s essential departments, according to a news release.

Johnston comes from The Medical Center of Aurora, an HCA system in Colorado, where he was vice president of operations and chief staffing officer. His executive leader responsibilities included rehabilitation services, respiratory therapy, laboratory, wound care, facilities, construction, environmental services, food services, security and guest services with more than 500 caregivers across five campuses, including a Level II trauma center, behavioral health and wellness facility, a boutique surgery hospital and a free-standing rehabilitation facility, the release said.

He joined HCA in 2012 as an administrative resident, and quickly rose through a variety of positions and responsibilities within the Colorado hospitals.

Johnston joined HCA Florida Trinity Hospital on Aug. 15 of this year.

Orthopaedic Institute adds staff
The Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) announced the addition of Dr. Karen Derr and Dr. Thomas S. Stang to its practice, as it continues to grow across Florida, according to a news release.

Dr. Derr cares for all conditions of the spine and extremities. Her special interests include the non-surgical management and rehabilitation of intervertebral disc-related conditions, such as disc degeneration, disc bulging and disc herniation syndromes.

As a trauma osteopathic orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Stang takes a holistic approach to patient care, recognizing that all body parts/systems are interconnected, and that the musculoskeletal system is fundamental to well-being and the quality of life.

For information, visit FloridaOrtho.com, or all 813-978-9700.

Health News 08/31/2022

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AdventHealth’s innovative self-serve pharmacy kiosks will make it easier for patients to access medication faster. (Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

AdventHealth adds pharmacy kiosks
AdventHealth has added SpotRx pharmacy kiosks, to make it convenient and more accessible for patients to fill prescriptions before leaving the doctor’s office.

The kiosks will provide acute and chronic medications, over-the-counter products, as well as creams, ointments, eye drops and test strips. The stations will not house controlled substances such as diazepam or oxycodone.

Patients insert a prescription receipt, and the kiosk dispenses the medication.

The SpotRx pharmacy kiosk currently is available at AdventHealth Care Pavilion Westchase in Hillsborough County, and another one will be installed later this year at AdventHealth Care Pavilion Heathbrook in Marion County.

With the SpotRx embedded pharmacy model, home delivery also is available.

AdventHealth Care Pavilion patients will receive:

  • Convenience of immediate access to prescriptions
  • Free contactlesss next-day home delivery for all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
  • Instant access to SpotRx pharmacists via kiosk or phone
  • Coordinated care between clinic provider and the pharmacy ensuring quality of patient care
  • Follow-up care calls from a local SpotRx pharmacist after receiving the prescription

State-of-the-art clinic
Tampa General Hospital has opened a new TGH Urgent Care at 13531 State Road 54 in Odessa, according to a news release.

This state-of-the-art clinic, featuring five exam rooms, will provide urgent care for patients ages 3 months and older.

Common illnesses and injuries treated at the new Trinity at Starkey Ranch TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track include: cough; sore throat; ear infections; eye problems; colds and fevers; skin rashes; simple factures; nausea and other stomach issues; and urinary tract infections.

“Additionally, we offer school and sports physicals, laboratory testing including for COVID-19 and the flu, and a number of diagnostic procedures from X-rays to EKGs,” said Dr. Daron Diecidue, chief executive officer, in the release.

“Testing, diagnosis and treatment can all be done in one location,” said Dr. Diecidue.

Occupational health services also are available and include pre-employment screenings, employment physicals and assessments for workers’ compensation injuries.

The Urgent Care will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Walk-in appointments are available; however, a FastPass reservation is recommended.

For information, visit FastTrackUrgentCare.com, or call 813-925-1903.