The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Mascot leads the way with safety precautions

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(Courtesy of Pratt Communications)

The Museum of Science and Industry, and the Tampa Bay Lightning continued their partnership with a recent virtual field trip led by Thunderbug, the Lightning mascot. Thunderbug took advantage of the high-tech UVZone Ozone + UVC shoe-sanitizing station at the museum to ‘score a goal for safety.’ The station can be used with any footwear or shoe cover.

 

AdventHealth expands cancer care in Pasco

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AdventHealth Wesley Chapel has unveiled a 24-bed, inpatient oncology unit, dedicated to the care of cancer patients.

The 13,000-square-foot unit has private rooms, to substantially decrease infection risks for cancer patients, according to a news release from the hospital chain.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel also unveiled two new state-of-the-art operating rooms, expanding the hospital’s ability to provide its clinical expertise in surgical care, the release says.

“Many of our cancer patients have had to travel outside Pasco County for the specialized care they need, and we’re excited to provide convenient access to that expert care right here in our community,” Erik Wangsness, president and CEO of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, said in the release.

The addition of the unit also allows the hospital to expand its workforce and hire more nurses, specifically for the care of cancer patients.

“AdventHealth has a vision to expand its footprint to provide trusted, innovative cancer care to many of our growing communities,” Elizabeth Hayden, director of oncology for AdventHealth West Florida Division, adds in the release. “Our greater strategy is to build on our connected network of care to provide cancer patients in all of our counties with the access to exceptional cancer care when they need us most.”

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is home to a number of surgical cancer services and screening opportunities for the community and survivorship programs geared toward patients who are post-treatment and in remission, the release says.

For more information, visit AdventHealth.com, or Facebook.com/AdventHealth.

Published March 10, 2021

Hospital ‘shines on’ during pandemic

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(Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel illuminated its building with the color blue, to honor the lives lost from COVID-19, and to remind people that ‘Hope Shines On.’ The lights also are in recognition of the perseverance of the hospitals’ team members and the community throughout the pandemic.

Health News 03/03/2021

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A pick-me-up for those in service
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club assembled 125 goodie bags filled with snacks and treats for the front-line workers serving the public at the University Mall COVID Vaccination Center.

Linda Mitchell, left, delivers snacks to nurse Corrie Pearson-Sailer, of Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)
A National Guardsman shows his appreciation with a thumbs-up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New director named
Gulfside Healthcare Services has named Eduardo Puntonet as its director of clinical services.

Eduardo Puntonet

In the new role, Puntonet will oversee the clinical nursing teams for the hospice division of the organization in Pasco County.

Puntonet graduated from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and then pursued graduate degrees in business administration, and nursing leadership and management.

“Having received outstanding hospice care in my own family, I know first-hand the meaningful difference that hospice care can make,” said Puntonet in a news release.

“That is why I feel an overwhelming responsibility to assure that every patient under Gulfside’s services receives the most adequate care, which meets the highest quality standards,” he said.

Dean speaks about vaccinations
The University of South Florida Dean of College of Pharmacy Dr. Kevin Sneed recently spoke during the Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.’s “Now You Know” virtual community forum.

Sneed spoke and answered questions on the COVID-19 vaccinations, to try to dispel some of the myths and skepticism the community may have in taking the vaccination, according to a news release.

Related topics included school-age children and the virus; children as possible carriers; side effects; and which vaccine to take.

“While there have been children who have been affected and died from the virus, overall children’s affection rate is lower than (adults),” Sneed said in the release.

On the vaccination side effects, Sneed said that fatigue and headaches are the main ones, and that few have had nausea, chills and fever.

“By and large, it’s not serious and most are gone within 24 hours,” Sneed said.

When discussing the different vaccines, he said that people should not “get caught up in the eye candy. It’s like comparing apples to oranges. It has proven to be 100% avoidance of death.”

Sneed said even if you get the shots, people must maintain CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations for social distancing and wearing a mask when social distancing is not possible.

Overdose deaths increase
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) is continuing its efforts to prevent opioid overdoses, which have increased in Pasco Cunty amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) reported a total of 1,491 overdoses in 2020, resulting in 268 deaths — an increase of 71% from 2019, according to a news release.

Pasco County in 2019 was awarded the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Overdose Data to Action Grant for $638,400, to assist in decreasing the opioid epidemic in the area.

Partnering with the PCSO and Pasco County Schools, DOH-Pasco hired an opioid epidemiologist as part of the Florida Epidemic Intelligence Service (FL-EIS) Fellowship Program to combat the epidemic.

The partnership has allowed the PCSO Behavioral Health Intervention Team, which partners with BayCare Behavioral Health, to connect individuals to treatment services.

Schools also are able to offer additional prevention education to students.

The partnership also has implemented the CDC’s Rx Awareness Campaign, which will be on billboards and bus wraps throughout the county, to increase knowledge and awareness.

In addition, DOH-Pasco, the PCSO and the Alliance for Substance Addiction Prevention (ASAP) are working to host a virtual information town hall on opioid misuse and provide education on medication safety measures.

Health News 02/24/2021

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Hospice donation exceeds $9,000
The Bay Area Bassmasters, a B.A.S.S. Nation “Buddy” Team Tournament Trail Bass Fishing Club, set a new record with its annual donation to Gulfside Hospice for $9,129.21.

From left: Tom Craigshead, Carla Armstrong, Pamela Hardy, Carol Mahoney and Tom Mahoney. (Courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services)

The funds were raised during the group’s 2020 fishing season through the Ina Mahoney Hospice Challenge, an annual tradition that began when Ina Mahoney passed away on Gulfside’s services in October 2009.

Afterward, the fishing club members rallied around Ina’s husband, Tom, president of the Bay Area Bassmasters, to start the challenge to raise money for Gulfside, as a way to say thank you for the care provided to Ina and the family.

To date, the Ina Mahoney Hospice Challenge donated more than $51,250 to Gulfside.

The club also hosts an annual fundraiser at its meeting each year in November, to raise additional funds through prize drawings.

For information about donating to Gulfside Hospice or the Bay Area Bassmasters, contact Carla Armstrong, director of philanthropy, at 727-845-5707.

 Resiliency Clinic
Veterans and active-duty military members who receive care from SOF (Shield of Faith) Missions’ Resiliency Project recently attended a Resiliency Clinic Program at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.

The five-day clinic focused on the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of each of the military warriors in attendance.

The participants also receive a one-week telemedicine follow-up, a 30-day re-evaluation, and a 90-day follow-up with SOF Missions Medical Director Dr. Marissa McCarthy.

Dr. McCarthy said in a news release that addressing the suicide epidemic within the veteran and active-duty community requires an intradisciplinary whole-health approach.

The warriors receive care from an array of medical experts, including cognitive, mental health, recreational, strength and conditioning, and spiritual fitness, as well as massage therapists, social reintegration coaches, a nutritionist and an acupuncturist.

The program also focuses on sleep hygiene and nutrition to improve overall brain health.

For more information on SOF and the Resiliency Project, visit SOFMissions.org.

Celebrating one life, saving another

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The day began with a festive feel.

Christine O’Connor, her husband Paul and their son Sean, of Lutz, had gone to an 80th birthday party for Christine’s mom.

Great care had been taken to ensure that Connie Kubiak’s milestone celebration on July 26 would be special.

A dozen people — mostly immediate family — were at the birthday gathering at Connie and Carl Kubiak’s home, in Tampa’s Dana Shores.

Paul O’Connor stands next to his brother-in-law, Chuck Kubiak. When Kubiak went into sudden cardiac arrest, O’Connor, an Eagle Scout, performed CPR — saving his brother-in-law’s life. (Courtesy of Christine O’ Connor)

The house was decked out with 80th birthday balloons, Christine and her sister-in-law Kelly Kubiak had catered the meal, and there were special cupcakes, too.

Christine had spent hours painstakingly putting together a power point presentation — showcasing her mom’s life —timed to a soundtrack of Jimmy Buffet tunes.

“That was really moving for my mom,” Christine said.

It had been a great day, and the party was wrapping up — with immediate family members saying their goodbyes.

Christine was chatting with her brother, Chuck Kubiak, when suddenly he said he felt lightheaded, and he fell into a recliner.

She thought he’d passed out. She tried to get a response, but couldn’t stir him.

“Then, all of a sudden, his color changed. I turned to Paul and I said, ‘He is not breathing.’”

When Paul heard that, he said, “I said to myself, ‘It’s go time.’

“I yelled over to my niece (Brooke Kubiak) to call 911,” Paul said.

He asked his nephew, Brian Kubiak, to go get his keychain. That’s where Paul always keeps a CPR face shield.

“I went to the other side of Chuck,” Paul said. ““I checked his carotid (artery) for a pulse. No pulse.”

Paul, Christine and her brother Craig Kubiak laid Chuck out on the floor.

“I started CPR on him, between CPR compressions and mouth-to-mouth, went back and forth about three times,” Paul said.

As he was doing mouth-to-mouth, he turned Chuck’s head and could hear gurgling.

“He started aspirating a little bit,” Paul said.

“I just flipped him up on the side. He was breathing, but it was very labored,” Paul said.

“Probably the whole scenario was around 5 minutes or so, 5-7 minutes,” Paul added, referring to when he began CPR and when emergency responders arrived.

Chuck was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital’s main campus in Tampa, where he received care and a defibrillator was installed in his chest. He was discharged nearly a week later.

Since then, Chuck has had visits with his cardiologist and had a return trip to the hospital because of blood clots. He remains on medication and said his prognosis is good.

Paul, who is an Eagle Scout, said his Scout training prepared him to do what needed to be done.

He recently received a Medal of Merit award from Boy Scouts of America.

“When it happens, it happens really, really quickly. You have to be prepared for it,” Paul said, in a video taken during the medal presentation in a Lutz Troop 12 ceremony.

“As that gurney went out the front door, he was breathing. I did my job,” Paul said.

“It’s an honor, but then again, I’m an Eagle Scout. I was doing what I was trained to do,” Paul added, after receiving the award from Troop 12 Scoutmaster Paul Evans.

Paul and Christine are both leaders in Troop 12 and their son, Sean, is a Life Scout — preparing to seek the rank of Eagle Scout — in the same troop.

Christine’s family is both deeply impressed and enormously grateful for Paul’s actions.

“It was very surreal, very surreal,” Christine said.

Chuck, who lives in Wesley Chapel, was at the party with his 20-year-old twins, Spencer and Mackenzie. His wife, Lavon, couldn’t attend because the family’s dog was not doing well.

Paul O’Connor, left, stands with Troop 12 Scoutmaster Paul Evans, after an awards ceremony where O’Connor was honored for using CPR skills he learned in scouting to save the life of his brother-in-law, Chuck Kubiak.

Chuck knows how lucky he is to be alive.

“I had what’s called a sudden cardiac arrest. It’s 95% fatal, from what I understand,” he said.

“I was fortunate to be in the right place, at the right time, when it happened, that’s for sure,” Chuck added, because Paul was there and knew what to do.

“It’s important that people not only know CPR, but that they do it correctly, because it makes a big difference, I think, in the outcome,” said Chuck, who learned his cardiac arrest was caused by an enlarged heart, possibly the result of a virus.

In the right place, at the right time
After nearly dying, Chuck said, he’s more aware of the fragile nature of life.

“It just shows you how quick life can come and go,” Chuck said. “Once I went down, it was like the off-switch was hit.”

The experience has made him reflect about how he spends time.

“Life goes by so fast — try to slow down a little,” Chuck said, noting that his brush with death has served to remind him “not be so driven to just work, work, work.”

Christine said she’s happy that they were still at the party when Chuck needed help.

“Why did it happen that way? There’s a reason for everything.

“We could have been gone. We typically leave early on Sunday nights. And we could have left already. Or, Chuck could have been in the car with the kids.

“I’m just grateful that everybody was in the right place at the right moment, and my brother is here with us today,” Christine said.

For his part, Paul hopes more people will receive training to become certified in CPR.

“I’ve been through CPR training a number of times,” Paul said.

“Now, I’m a big proponent for the troop. Even the folks that I work with.

“It can really hit close to home,” Paul said.

Published February 17, 2021

Efforts continue to speed, simplify vaccine rollout

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National and local news reports show images of long lines of vehicles waiting to obtain COVID-19 vaccinations, as efforts continue to improve the process for signing up for the shots, and to speed the production and distribution of the vaccines.

President Joe Biden last week announced that the United States signed a final contract for 100 million more Moderna and 100 million more Pfizer vaccines. The news came during a Feb. 11 speech at the National Institutes of Health.

Biden also said that 100 million doses that were promised by the end of June now will be delivered by the end of May, and that the country is on track to have enough supply for 300 million shots by the end of July.

A public-private partnership has been launched, as well, with vaccinations being distributed through 21 national pharmacy partners and networks of independent pharmacies representing over 40,000 pharmacy locations across the country. The effort is part of a national strategy to expand equitable access to the vaccines. (More information is available at CDC.gov/covid19)

Participating chains nationwide include Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Publix, Costco and Winn-Dixie. To find participating local pharmacies, check those companies’ websites.

The retail pharmacy efforts are in addition to ongoing distributions coordinated through local public health departments.

So far, based on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order, COVID-19 vaccinations are limited to long-term care facility residents and staff; individuals age 65 and older; and, health care personnel with direct patient contact.

Hospital providers also may vaccinate persons deemed extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.

Pasco County seniors can register through the Pasco County health department’s portal.

They also can register through participating private pharmacies.

In Hillsborough County, seniors can pre-register for the state’s portal and reserve their space in line. The state will contact them once it is their turn for a vaccine. Additionally, they can register through participating private pharmacies.

Florida has no county residency requirement, so individuals can attempt to secure an appointment through any of these options.

Despite increased supplies and more vaccination options, Pasco County commissioners said they continue to hear from constituents who are frustrated about not being able to get registered for a shot.

At their Feb. 9 meeting, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey told her colleagues: “I am concerned and want to be sure that we’re doing all we can, that our senior citizens who don’t have access to computers and aren’t computer savvy, are able to figure out how to get on. I’m hearing this over and over again.”

She thinks the county needs to do more to help.

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed. He’d like to see a system that would allow people to sign up and be put on a waiting list, and then to be notified when a vaccine becomes available.

That would be better, he said, “even if you’re going to be (number) 135,000 — as opposed to not getting in the system.”

Starkey reiterated her concerns: “The queue is the queue. I’m just saying, some people don’t know how to get in the queue.”

County Administrator Dan Biles noted there is a telephone number that people can call to make appointments.

Starkey responded: “I know, but it’s really hard to get through.

Biles observed: “You have 100,000 people trying to get 1,000 shots. It’s going to be hard to get through right now.”

Meanwhile, across the country, 52.9 million COVID-19 vaccines have been distributed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number of COVID-19 cases nationally stood at more than 27.4 million, as of Feb. 14, and there has been a downward trend in cases for the past 30 days. The death toll for COVID-19 related cases stood at 482,536.

In Florida, the total number of positive cases exceeded 1.82 million, and there were 28,779 resident deaths, as of Feb. 14, according to data recorded on the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard.

The figures stood at 31,348 positive resident cases in Pasco County, and 642 deaths; and at 105,531 positive resident cases and 1,397 deaths in Hillsborough County.

COVID-19 vaccinations
To register:

In Pasco County: Go to PatientPortalFl.com to complete an account with CDR Maguire Health & Medical for upcoming appointments, or call 1-844-770-8548. New appointments open up every Sunday at 2 p.m., for the following week, and are typically filled within minutes.

In Hillsborough County: Call 866-200-3896, TTY 844-251-5532, or visit MyVaccine.fl.gov.

National Retail Pharmacy Program: Some retail pharmacies also are participating in a public-private partnership to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Check the website of  individual retail pharmacies to find out more.

For the most recent COVID-19 vaccination information, check with your local health department websites.

Published February 17, 2021

Hospital adds another noteworthy award

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Hospitalists (doctors caring for hospitalized patients) at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North celebrate the Florida Stroke Registry honor. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has earned an award from the Florida Stroke Registry for its ability to rapidly determine the severity and possible location of a stroke.

The hospital received the Stroke Registry’s Certificate of Achievement “for the successful achievement of Most Completeness for NIHSS,” according to a news release.

The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is an assessment tool and quantitative measure used in stroke care.

The Stroke Registry also notified the hospital that it ranked as the best among 121 Florida Stroke Registry hospitals that submitted “Most Completeness” data. The data was compared from 2018 to 2019.

The registry’s aim is to improve quality of care and health outcomes in stroke through partnerships, research, intervention and policy advocacy.

The Stroke Registry award was St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s second award in 2020 for the treatment of strokes and heart attacks.

Last year, the hospital received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline STEMI Receiving Award for meeting and exceeding specific standards of performance for quick and appropriate treatment of patients suffering heart attacks.

Beware of COVID-19 vaccine scammers

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Hillsborough County officials are warning people to be aware of scammers trying to prey on people’s desire to get vaccinated for the coronavirus.

Scammers often gravitate toward products and services in high demand, and COVID-19 vaccines are no exception, a county news release says.

In recent weeks, scammers have been using the phone, the internet and social media to try to obtain money or financial or personal information, offering a coveted appointment for a vaccination as bait.

Sometimes the aim is access to a Social Security or credit card number; other scams download malware if the victim clicks on a link. Sometimes, the scam is so effective the victim shows up for a vaccination appointment that doesn’t exist, the release adds.

Hillsborough County’s Office of Emergency Management reminds people that vaccinations are free and those making vaccination appointments will never ask for payment, credit card information or a Social Security number.

A COVID-19 Consumer Alert issued by the Florida Attorney General’s Office offers information and tips for people who are approached by someone seeking to take advantage of them.

See something suspicious? Report possible scams to the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1-866-9NO-SCAM or by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.

You also can contact Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services.

Published February 10, 2021

Health News 02/10/2021

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New appointment
Premier Community HealthCare has announced that Jennifer Lineburg has joined its executive team as chief human resources officer.

Jennifer Lineburg

Lineburg joins Premier from Raymond James in St. Petersburg, where she served as a human resources director, a position in which she supported internal client groups and coached leaders on organizational design and effectiveness.

As the new chief officer, Lineburg has extensive experience with selection processes, employee relations, conflict resolution, training and development, coaching teams and individuals for success, and improving human resources processes.

She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Florida, and a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Walden University.

“I was instantly drawn to the mission and dedication of this organization,” said Lineburg, in a news release. “I look forward to continuing the good work of talent acquisition and creating a culture of excellence and engagement for all Premier employees.”

Premier Community HealthCare opened its doors in 1979, and now has more than 200 employees among 12 locations in Pasco and Hernando counties.

The employees care for approximately 37,000 patients each year.

For information, visit PremierHC.org.

Oncology staff moves
Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers has announced that its radiation oncology staff has moved to 15211 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville, just east of the Suncoast Parkway on State Road 50.

These providers are seeing and treating all patients at the new location:

  • Dr. Clayton Alonso, radiation oncology
  • Dr. Peter Zavitsanos, radiation oncology
  • Dr. Aaron Denson, hematology oncology

For information, visit ACTCHealth.com.