The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Federal government offers free COVID tests through the mail

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As questions persist over whether the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is peaking, or already has, leading to a decline in infections — President Joe Biden has announced a new federal program that provides four free COVID-19 tests per household.

Tests are available for every residential address in the United States, including U.S. Territories and overseas military and diplomatic addresses (APO/FPO/DPO), according to the government’s website.

To order the tests, go to COVIDTESTS.gov.

To place an order, all you need is your name and residential address. No ID, credit card, or health insurance information is required. You also may share your email address to get updates on your order.

All tests distributed as part of this program are FDA-authorized at-home rapid antigen tests, and instructions will be provided on how to use them.

The website also provides information on when you should use the tests.

It reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you take an at-home test:

  • If you begin having COVID-⁠19 symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell
  • (Or) At least five days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID-⁠19
  • (Or) When you’re going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-⁠19 vaccines

Those who don’t have access to the internet or need additional support placing an order, can call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

Tests were scheduled to begin shipping the week of Jan. 24.

Meanwhile, according to a CDC interpretive summary for Jan. 21, the current seven-day moving average of daily new cases across the nation was 744,616, a decrease of 5% compared with the previous seven-day moving average of 783,922.

A total of 68,671,563 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the U.S., as of Jan. 19, the report says.

“Currently two variants, Omicron and Delta, are classified as Variants of Concern (VOC) in the United States,” the summary says.

The national proportion of Omicron, as of Jan. 15, was put at 99.5%  with 0.5% for Delta.

As of Jan. 19, a total of 856,288 COVID-19 deaths has been reported in the United States.

Florida’s community transmission rate is considered high, according to the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker.

The number of cases in Florida, according to the seven-day rolling average, was 262,773, with a positivity rate exceeding 25%. The seven-day rolling average for new hospital admissions was 1,863 and the number of deaths, 75.

In Hillsborough County, the seven-day change, showed 18,267 cases, a positivity rate exceeding 26%; there were 1,297 new hospital admissions and 12 deaths.

In Pasco County, the seven-day change, showed 7,098 cases, with a positivity rate exceeding 30%; There were 332 new hospital admissions and 10 deaths.

Meanwhile, Pasco County Schools’ report for Jan. 21, 2022 showed the district had 223 student cases and 26 staff cases, bringing the year’s total to 9,582 student cases and 1,842 staff cases.

In Hillsborough County Schools, there were 122 staff cases and 393 student cases, reported on Jan. 21. During this school year, the district has reported cases involving 3,981 staff members and 18,993 students.

Want to order four free COVID tests?
Every residential household is eligible to order four free COVID tests, being provided for through the federal government. Order the free tests at COVIDTESTS.gov.

Published January 26, 2022

Health News 01/26/2022

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Dr. Rodrigo Torres (Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

Doctor of the Day
Dr. Rodrigo Torres, chief medical officer for AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth, served as Doctor of the Day for the opening of the 2022 Florida Legislative Session.

“I am extending my appreciation to Wilton Simpson, the president of the Florida Senate, for inviting me to take part in the 2022 Florida Legislative Session, as the Doctor of the Day,” said Dr. Rodrigo Torres, in a news release

“I am grateful to be part of the AdventHealth West Florida Division, which remains focused on pioneering innovation and being the source of vital information for all the communites we serve,” he added.

Doctor of the Day was founded in the 1960s by a former Florida House member, Rep. Walter Sackett, M.D., from Miami, who encouraged the Florida Medical Association to bring a physician to Tallahassee.

The program delivers a vital professional service to the members of the Florida Legislature and all legislative employees.

Blood donor milestone
Larry Jasper, of Spring Hill, has joined the ranks of less than 50 Floridians who have reached the 125-gallon blood donor milestone since blood banking began during the Second World War, according to a news release. Jasper reached the milestone at OneBlood’s Spring Hill donor center.

After 30 years of service in the Army, most of those years in Special Forces, Jasper retired in 1997. In 1999, he became a whole blood donor in New Jersey, and soon after was asked to donate platelets.

Jasper moved to Florida in 2004 and continued to donate platelets regularly.

He was the first donor when OneBlood opened its new center in Spring Hill earlier this year.

His 125-gallon donor milestone equates to 1,000 pints.

Generally, healthy people age 16 and older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood.

All donors receive a wellness checkup of blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, cholesterol screening, and a surprise gift.

To learn more, visit OneBlood.org, or call 1-888-936-6283.

Beware of COVID-19 testing scams

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The Florida Department of Health-Pasco County has issued a warning for consumers to be on the lookout for COVID-19 testing scams.

In a news release, health department officials note: “Now more than ever, residents should rely on trusted sources of information for access to COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and future monoclonal antibody treatment locations in Pasco County. As demand for testing increases, so does the risk for potential scams.

“Residents are urged to be on the lookout for fraudulent COVID-19 products and practices, especially as it pertains to testing. Further, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seen unauthorized fraudulent test kits for COVID-19 being sold online,” the news release says.

Here are some helpful hints:

  • Rely on trusted sources of information for COVID-19 testing and locations
  • Check to make sure a COVID-19 testing location is legitimate

Be cautious about:

  • Unexpected phone calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies
  • Offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing on social media sites
  • Purchasing at-home testing kits from street vendors
  • Offers from individuals going door-to-door selling at-home testing kits
  • Links that seem questionable or are from unverified sources offering COVID-19 testing options.

Complaints about fraudulent activity related to COVID-19 testing can be reported to the State of Florida Attorney General at MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1-866-966-7226.

Complaints regarding laboratories associated with COVID-19 testing sites can be reported to the Agency for Health Care Administration by emailing .

If you suspect COVID-19 health care fraud, report it immediately to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General online at Tips.hhs.gov, or call 1-800-447-8477.

If you suspect illegal activity relating to FDA-regulated products, including fraudulent COVID-19 treatments, vaccines and tests, report it to the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations at AccessData.FDA.gov/Scripts/Email/OC/OCI/Contact.cfm.

Pasco County COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites:

TESTING
Gulf View Square Mall, 9409 U.S. 19, in Port Richey, seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit bit.ly/PascoCOVIDtesting for more information.

VACCINATIONS
COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the days listed below at these DOH-Pasco Clinics:

  • Tuesday and Thursday at 10841 Little Road, in New Port Richey
  • Monday and Friday at 13941 15th St., in Dade City

FREE AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS
Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com.

 

Published January 19, 2022

Health News 01/19/2022

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

New doctor for BayCare
Dr. Yasmeen Hashimie has joined BayCare Medical Group and is affiliated with St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road, in Lutz. Dr. Hashimie is board certified in internal medicine, and specializes in general hematology and oncology. She speaks Hindi, and her clinical practice emphasizes patient and family centered care. Dr. Hashimie is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, the American Medical Women’s Association, the American College of Physicians, the American Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Association and the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

Medicare enrollment
The annual Medicare Advantage (MA) OEP runs Jan. 1 to March 31 each year, which allows individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan as of Jan. 1 to make a one-time election to another MA plan or return to Original Medicare and a standalone Medicare Part D plan (PDP).

This enrollment period does not allow for Part D changes for individuals enrolled in Original Medicare.

To find out more about the Medicare Special Enrollment periods and how to change a plan, call SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) at 727-217-8111.

Visitation policy
AdventHealth’s West Florida Division hospitals are again restricting visitation to one visitor per day, in an effort to keep the community safe and limit the spread of COVID-19, according to a news release.

Visitation restrictions began on Jan. 17, for Tampa Bay hospital locations only.

These hospitals include: AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Dade City; AdventHealth North Pinellas; AdventHealth Tampa; AdventHealth Wesley Chapel; and AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

Masks are required for anyone in the listed AdventHealth hospitals, regardless of vaccination status.

Visitors are encouraged to review each hospital’s website for more information.

Survey collaboration
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties and local not-for-profit hospitals are joining efforts as the All4HealthFL Collaborative, to conduct a comprehensive surey to understand the needs of the communities so they can be addressed, according to a news release.

The 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey for the four-county region is now open online until Feb. 28, and anyone in the community can answer the survey (participation is anonymous).

The survey contains questions relating to access to health care, mental health, food insecurity, and overeall health and well-being.

Results from the survey will help inform efforts by all members of the All4HealthFL Collaborative to improve community health.
To take the survey, visit bit.ly/healthsurvey2022.

Omicron cases continue to soar across United States

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Cancellations are starting to occur more frequently, as COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the United States.

Health care experts say the surge is being driven by the Omicron variant of the virus.

An interpretive analysis published on The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website estimates that Omicron may account for approximately 95% of cases.

There were 5,705,264 new cases reported across the U.S. on Jan. 5, more than doubling the January 2021 peak, according to a CDC report.

“The entire country is now experiencing high levels of community transmission. Hospitalizations are also on the rise,” the CDC report says.

Based on current knowledge about the Omicron variant, the CDC recently updated its quarantine and isolation recommendations for the public.

Those coming into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should quarantine if they are in one of these groups:

  • Age 18 or older and have completed the primary series of recommended vaccine, but have not received a recommended booster shot when eligible
  • Have received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (completing the primary series) over two months ago and have not received a recommended booster shot
  • Are not vaccinated or have not completed a primary vaccine series

The CDC also says that those confirmed or suspected of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should stay home and isolate from other people for at least five full days.

They also should wear a well-fitting mask when around others at home and in public for an additional five days.

Testing may be used to help determine when to end your isolation period, the CDC says.

As of Jan. 5, the current seven-day moving average of daily new cases (586,391) increased 85.7% compared with the previous seven-day moving average (315,851).

A total of 57,898,239 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the United States as of Jan. 5, according to the CDC.

Health experts are advising those who need to be tested to go to a local pharmacy, an urgent care center or a public testing site — not to a hospital emergency room.

Hillsborough County has three free COVID-19 testing sites, they are located at:

  • Hillsborough County Community College Brandon campus, 10451 Nancy Watkins Drive, in Tampa. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily for residents who want to receive free COVID-19 testing. This is a drive-thru site, and no appointments are needed.
  • Progress Village Park, 8701 Progress Blvd., in Tampa. This is a walk-up COVID-19 testing site open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. No appointments are needed.
  • West Tampa Community Resource Center, 2103 N. Rome Ave., in Tampa. This is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. It is a walk-up site that offers free COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, Pfizer pediatric vaccines, booster shots for those who are eligible, and monoclonal antibody therapy treatment. No appointments are needed for most of the services, but residents wanting monoclonal antibody therapy treatment must make an appointment. They can make an appointment at PatientPortalFl.com.

Children ages 5 to 11 who are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian can receive the COVID-19 Pfizer pediatric vaccine at the West Tampa Community Resource Center site. The child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to verbally confirm the child’s age.

For all services, proof of medical insurance is recommended and should be presented at the time of the visit. People without medical insurance will still be tested, vaccinated, or receive monoclonal antibody therapy treatment for free.

Meanwhile, according to a report by The Center Square, an online news outlet, Florida’s Republican Congressional delegation has entered into the state’s ongoing rift with the Biden administration over access to monoclonal antibody drugs.

The state’s two senators and 11 of its congressional members sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra arguing the administration’s distribution policy regarding the monoclonal antibody therapy “continues to be shortsighted and burdensome on states and health care providers.”

Their letter comes after Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo accused the Biden administration of “actively preventing the effective distribution of monoclonal antibody treatments in the U.S.,” according to The Center Square report.

The Center Square also reported that Florida seniors who live in assisted-living facilities and nursing homes will receive 1 million rapid COVID-19 tests in an effort by the state to prioritize safety for those at high risk to serious illness.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the distribution during a visit at the Rehabilitation Center of the Palm Beaches, where he met with leaders in the senior care industry.

When to seek emergency medical attention
If you experience any of these signs, or someone you know is showing these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray or blue color skin, lips or nail beds, depending on skin tone.

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

COVID-19 statistics
Statistics from Jan. 9:
Pasco County: Community transmission rate, High; Cases, 6,247; positivity rate: 30.05%.
Hillsborough County: Community transmission rate, High; Cases: 22,110; 30.2% positivity rate.
Florida: Community transmission, High; cases: 410,713; positivity, 25-plus%

Statistics from Jan. 7:
Pasco County Schools: 196 student cases; total of 6,793 student cases for the school year
Pasco County Schools: 31 employee cases; total of 1,273 employee cases for the school year
Hillsborough County Schools: 2,398 employees cases for the year; 12,751 student cases for the year

Note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises everyone in Pasco County and Hillsborough County to wear a mask in public, indoor settings.

Sources: Pasco County Schools, Hillsborough County Schools and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Published January 12, 2022

Pasco Health director receives accolade

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Mike Napier

Mike Napier, health officer for the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County, has been named “Pasco County Public Servant of the Year,” by the West Pasco Board of Realtors.

The annual award is bestowed to an individual whose public service actions go above and beyond, according to a news release.

In choosing Napier, the West Pasco Board of Realtors said: “During the past 20 months, Mr. Napier has guided the Health Department in Pasco County through the COVID-19 pandemic in exemplary and tireless fashion. The health department provided essential information and services to the community regarding COVID-19 resources and aided businesses as they navigated through COVID protocols. Mr. Napier worked very closely with the Pasco School District and the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners to provide updates and partner with officials to provide COVID-19 testing and vaccines to county and school staff and students.”

The health department leader’s actions were credited with helping businesses and schools remain open.

The West Pasco Board of Realtors has more than 1,500 members and is the largest trade organization in Pasco County.

Published January 12, 2022

Physician of the Year

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

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has named Dr. Lindell Busciglio its 2021 Physician of the Year.

Dr. Busciglio is board certified in internal medicine (infectious disease).

She was nominated by the hospital’s Infection Prevention Department for her support and knowledge during the COVID pandemic.

“She has been our pillar of support and wealth of knowledge for the Infection Prevention Department, nursing, physicians, patients and family members,” the Infection Prevention Department wrote in Dr. Busciglio’s nomination documents, according to a news release.

“During her rounds on nursing units, she has taken her time to answer questions from nursing teams, to help them have a better understanding of the disease.”

In addition, according to the Infection Prevention Department, Dr. Busciglio is an expert source on COVID testing, vaccinations and administering vaccinations. She was available around the clock by phone.

Dr. Busciglio also spent countless hours with patients and families, with words of encouragement, comfort and sometimes sympathy.

“I have thought that St. Joe’s North has played an excellent role during the pandemic,” Dr. Busciglio said, in the release. “It’s been a difficult time for all of us. The nursing staff, support staff and Infection Prevention has done a tremendous job during a time we’ve never faced before. It is a pleasure for me to be here.”

Raising funds and awareness

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Staff and management from the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office present a $10,000 check to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. (Courtesy of Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office)

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices partnered with the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation to help raise funds and the awareness of breast cancer, its symptoms and treatments, according to a news release.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Florida (excluding skin cancer), and is estimated that about 12,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, the release says.

The tax collector’s offices promoted the sale of the “End Breast Cancer” specialty license plates, as well as the voluntary check-off donations on automobile registrations.

The 23 license plates that were sold combined with cash donations totaled $10,000 to help “end suffering caused by breast cancer,” the release says.

“It is a great honor to work with the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation each year to assist in raising awareness of the needs of breast cancer patients, educate the public on the importance of early detection and to help fund organizations that are working to find better treatments and ultimately a cure,” said Fasano, in the release.

Fasano was grateful that the community once again supported its efforts to help find a way to end a disease that afflicts so many.

For information about the foundation, visit FloridaBreastCancer.org, or call Cathy Cruz, marketing communications manager, at 305-631-2134.

Omicron variant is spreading rapidly

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The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been spreading rapidly and nearly every state had been touched by it as of Dec. 20 when The Laker/Lutz News went to press.

It has not yet been determined how dangerous Omicron is, and despite its rapid spread, the Delta virus remained the main variant circulating in the United States as of early this week, according to experts from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.

Omicron was first detected in specimens collected on Nov. 11 in Botswana and on Nov. 14 in South Africa, according to the CDC’s website. The first confirmed Omicron case in the United States was detected on Dec. 1.

An interpretive posting on the CDC’s website said: “We don’t yet know how easily it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, or how well available vaccines and medications work against it.”

Meanwhile, the rapid spread and uncertainty of Omicron’s impacts have hit at the height of the holiday travel season.

In a Dec. 14 posting, AAA predicted that more than 109 million people would travel 50 miles or more between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 — a 34% increase from 2020.

AAA attributed the uptick in travel to the fact that so many Americans had to cancel getaways and get-togethers last year because of the pandemic and are making up for lost time this holiday season.

“That dramatic bounce-back — 27.7 million more people traveling — will bring this year’s numbers to 92% of 2019 levels. Airlines will see a 184% increase from last year,” according to AAA’s projections.

It is not yet known whether news of Omicron’s rapid spread will put a damper on holiday travel plans.

For those flying during the holidays, the Tampa International Airport reminds passengers that face masks are required in the airport.

The airport’s website also advises passengers to arrive two hours early.

Travelers should use carry-on luggage and mobile boarding passes to limit touchpoints, the TIA website advises.

While the pandemic’s impact on holiday plans has not yet played out, COVID-19 infections already have had an impact in the worlds of entertainment and professional sports.

The Radio City Rockettes canceled the remainder of its Christmas Spectacular “due to increasing challenges from the pandemic,” according to a Dec. 17 posting on its website.

There was no live audience at Saturday Night Live, and the NBA, NFL and NHL have postponed games.

Overall, the United States recently surpassed 50 million COVID-19 cases and 800,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to the CDC.

Florida reported 35,720 cases in the seven-day period ending Dec. 18, according to figures reported by the CDC.

Stay safe
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends these steps to reduce the chance of a COVID-19 infection:

  • Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can. If you’re eligible for a booster shot, get one now.
  • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth when in indoor public places.
  • Whenever possible, stay 6 feet apart from people who don’t live with you.
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
  • Consider self-testing before indoor gatherings. If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t go.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water; use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

Published December 22, 2021

Health News 12/22/2021

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New initiative for senior safety
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco Pinellas (AAAPP), a nonprofit focused on coordinating services to keep seniors healthy and independent, announced a community program in collaboration with Ring, to support senior safety in Pasco and Pinellas counties, according to a news release.

Ring, whose mission is to make neighborhoods safer, is donating 1,000 Ring video doorbells, including free installation and a Ring Protect subscription, to local residents age 60 and older throughout Pasco and Pinellas, as defined by AAAPP.

“Now that so many of the seniors we serve live independentlly, it’s increasingly important to ensure that they’re safe at home,” said Ann Marie Winer, AAAPP executive director, in the release.

Congressman Gus Bilirakis stated, in the release, “We have an obligation to support vulnerable members of our community and help protect them. This exciting collaboration harnesses the technology available in the private sector and the existing infrastructure of an effective senior advocacy organization to help seniors and support AAAPP’s comprehensive initiatives.

“Seniors using this product can feel more comfortable at home or when someone comes to their door, which inherently contributes to safety.”

Those interested in receiving a donated Ring device can apply online, at CommunityPrograms.ring.com/pascopinellas.

Doctor joins Unity VIP
Unity VIP Health Care has welcomed Dr. Evelyn E. Castillo Delgado, to its practice at 1180 Mariner Blvd., in Spring Hill.

Dr. Delgado comes to Unity VIP with more than 30 years of experience as a family physician in evaluating and managing patients.

She received her medical degree from Universidad Central del Este in San Pedro, Dominican Republic.

She completed her residency at Hospital Universitario Ramon Ruiz Arnau Hospital in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and an internship at Hospital de Areia de Aqmacao.

For information, call 352-652-4080.