The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

COVID cases in Pasco schools ‘manageable’

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Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning gave the Pasco School Board a briefing on the district’s response to COVID-19 during the board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

“I want to commend the vast majority of our students and staff who are doing the right thing,” he said. “From what I’ve seen and heard, our students and staff are wearing masks and social distancing when possible. People recognize that rules are in place to keep everyone safe and healthy, and the vast majority are being careful and respectful of those rules we put in place.

“The end result is this: Three weeks into the school year and we have certainly had some cases. We’ve been very transparent about that. Hop on our website and you can see all of the numbers, right there on our website.

“There has been an impact at several schools throughout the district. But, it has been manageable and our planning has paid off.

“Most students and staff are being conscientious and are being very disciplined about the quarantine requirements,” the superintendent said.

But, Browning added that he did not want to be dismissive of the impacts that COVID-19 has had on district schools.

Sixty-three students had tested positive and 1,475 had been told to quarantine for 14 days, as of Sept. 18. Also, 26 employees had tested positive and 153 employees had been told to quarantine.

During the school board meeting, Browning noted: “We’ve had some unusual cases where one student tested positive that resulted in dozens of students and staff being required to quarantine. In one school, one positive case resulted in 119 students and 10 staff members having to be quarantined.

“Those cases are unusual. On average for every positive case, 20 people are required to quarantine. That’s like sending a small classroom home, when a student tests positive.

“I know it’s inconvenient. I know it’s disappointing to be the students or the staff that want to be at school, or at work, but it’s also manageable,” the superintendent added.

As of Sept. 15, Browning said, 46 schools or departments had a positive case of a student or employee.

To help prevent the spread, Browning asked students and staff to continue to be conscientious, not only in school, but  after school, as well.

“That would go a long way to help us rid the spread of the virus in our schools and in our community,” Browning said.

Don Peace, president of United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), also talked about COVID-19’S impacts.

“As a district, we’re holding our own in this fight against COVID in our workplaces. USEP is pleased with the many protocols we have in place in this district to ensure student and employee safety — and has been outspoken toward that end,” Peace said.

“I would caution though that no amount of negotiation or precautions put in place serve as a guarantee against this illness,” Peace said, adding, “we all need to err on the side of caution, as we navigate this school year.”

Browning also talked about the district’s COVID Command Center, where county health department staff and school district nurses are working together to respond to COVID-19 concerns.

“They’ve offered tremendous support and guidance to our principals, as they have experienced cases at their schools,” Browning said.

“They have been busy. They have been put to the test, every day,” and in the superintendent’s opinion, they have passed, with flying colors.

“We have done a good job, with the management of COVID. The fight is not over yet.

“Masks need to be worn. We need to set the example,” Browning said.

He also talked about the district’s three testing sites, which are for students and district personnel, and are intended to provide quick testing and results. The sites are at Pasco Elementary School, the district office complex and Gulf Middle School. The tests will be given by appointment only.

School board members also offered some observations about the school year so far.

Board member Cynthia Armstrong said she’s been out and about, and has had conversations with parents who have been pleased with what their schools are doing.

“Their kids are glad to be back in school. They’re just glad that we offered the brick-and-mortar opportunity because they really felt that’s what their students needed, what their kids needed,” Armstrong said.

Board chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin said in addition to the district’s good planning, the positive attitude by students and staff have played an important role in responding to challenges presented by COVID-19.

“Overall, I think things have gone more smoothly than we anticipated,” Beaudoin said.

Pasco County Schools COVID cases
63 student cases (1,475 students impacted)
26 employee cases (153 employees impacted)*

* As of 11:30 p.m., Sept. 18

Published September 23, 2020

Local nonprofit group in danger of closing

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The Alzheimer’s Family Organization (AFO), which has been serving the Tampa Bay area for more than two decades, is in danger of closing, according to a news release from the organization.

The AFO provides free services to caregivers with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias, but now it’s in need of help itself.

The nonprofit relies almost entirely on fundraising as their source of income, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, fundraising has come to a halt.

The AFO had five major fundraisers set up for 2020 spread out over the eight-county service area: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Lake, Marion, and Sumter.

It held one fundraiser just days before the state shut down due to the pandemic, but had to cancel the other four.

To stretch the remaining funds, the brick-and-mortar office building in Spring Hill was closed to allow staff to continue to provide support to caregivers.

Based on current estimates, funding will be exhausted by Thanksgiving, the release says.

The organization hopes to raise the $200,000 it needs to sustain services until early summer of next year, with the hope that fundraising can resume.

Should the AFO close, countless numbers of caregivers will lose vital support and services to help them successfully care for their loved ones, such as support groups, wanderer’s reunification, education, coaching and other needed services as they walk their journey of this disease.

To find out more or to donate, visit AlzheimersFamily.org, or call (352) 616-0170.

Published September 23, 2020

LifeLink thank-you

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LifeLink of Florida is celebrating National DMV Appreciation Week (Sept. 21 to Sept. 25) by thanking local motor vehicle departments (DMVs) and tax collector offices for their lifesaving work through organ, eye and tissue donor registration.

The week of appreciation was originally created in 2016 by Donate Life America to highlight driver license issuing offices and the employees who play an invaluable role in increasing the number of registered donors.

This year, the theme is “Lifesavers Like You!” and will focus on honoring lifesaving partners in donation.

Almost 90% of people who register to become donors do so when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license at local DMVs and tax collector offices, according to a LifeLink news release.

Last year, DMVs and tax collector offices across the state registered more than 546,691 Floridians as organ, eye and tissue donors, and together with organ recovering organizations have helped save more than 2,000 lives.

Registering as a donor can be done online at DonateLifeFlorida.org, or when getting or renewing a driver’s license.

Health News 09/16/2020

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Limited visitation resumes
BayCare Health System has resumed limited visitation at its hospitals, allowing most inpatients to have one visitor a day from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“Reductions in both COVID-19 hospitalizations and in the community’s decreasing infection rate has made it possible to provide visitor access,” said Glenn Waters, chief operating office for BayCare, in a hospital news release.

To ensure the safety of patients, visitors, team members and physicians, BayCare’s new policy continues to put a premium on infection control with these conditions:

  • Only visitors age 18 and older, who pass a COVID-19 screening, will be allowed entry, and must wear a mask during the entire visit.
  • Inpatients will be allowed one visitor per day, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., except as noted below.
  • Extended hours and provisions are allowed for pediatric, neonatal intensive care, labor and delivery, and mothers and newborns.
  • No visitors will be allowed for Behavioral Health or COVID-19 patients.
  • Patients arriving for surgeries and procedures will be allowed one visitor during pre-operation and recovery times.
  • Emergency Department patients, except for those presenting with respiratory symptoms, will be allowed one visitor once they are placed in their treatment room.
  • Special circumstances can be approved by hospital leadership on a case-by-case basis.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz is one of the hospitals where these visitation changes are in effect.

Sunrise of Pasco charity
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will be collecting donations in September to assist the Sunrise of Pasco County’s Domestic & Sexual Violence Center. The mission of Sunrise is to prevent domestic and sexual violence before it ever happens. If it does, Sunrise is dedicated to assisting victims to escape those conditions, and find safety and freedom in the community. In 2019 alone, over 13,600 individual shelter stays (overnights) were provided in Pasco County.

Sunrise is seeking donations specifically to increase the funding for its children’s programs, including school supplies, meals and recreational activities for kids in the shelter or outreach programs.

Cash donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County.

For information about Sunrise programs and services, email Vicki Wiggins, director of development, at .

For more about the charitable giving programs at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, call Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Parenting in a pandemic is challenging, pediatrician says

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Are my kids safe? Is it OK for them to attend school or should they be kept home to learn virtually? What if they get sick? What if I get sick? What if they want a playdate? How can we cope if it seems overwhelming?

Parenting already seemed daunting, but parenting during a pandemic? It’s filled with starts and stops, rapidly changing information, anxiety, guilt and exhaustion.

Maribelis Perez, a pediatrician at Premier Community HealthCare’s Dade City office, offered guidance regarding parenting during a pandemic. (Courtesy of Premier Community HealthCare)

Does that sound familiar to you? You’re not alone.

Maribelis Perez, a pediatrician at Premier Community HealthCare’s Dade City office, said parents, teachers and caregivers must focus on their physical and emotional health during these challenging times of COVID-19.

“As parents, it’s important to get educated about everything that is going on,’’ Perez said during a recent Zoom video teleconference with the public. “Pandemics aren’t new. They have happened before. But, this one has brought everything to our doors.

“Prevention is always going to be the key. We have always known that infectious diseases can be prevented by simple measures such as hand-washing. Think about just six months ago, how careless we were. Now, we are washing our hands like our lives depend on it.’’

Hand-washing is a tangible answer.

Perez said many parents are searching for solutions when it comes to emotional losses. That is more difficult to define.

“We all have been stressed and anxious,’’ Perez said. “This is all very challenging. We need to remind our children they’re not alone with these feelings. We need to normalize that feeling and validate it. We can provide reassurance and tell them how to be safe, but we can’t control everything.’’

For kids who are employing virtual learning at home, there is some control that parents can utilize, though.

“It’s unrealistic to think the kids are going to stare at their screens for hour after hour,’’ Perez said. “There must be some breaks and pauses. They have to be engaged in some activity and movement. Let them dance. Let them stretch. It’s always hard, depending on the setup at home, but there must be some form of down time.’’

Preparation is also important for at-home learning, Perez said.

“We’ve all been forced to rethink our daily lives,’’ Perez said. “None of us were necessarily prepared to turn our homes into classrooms. But, if your children are staying home to learn, it really helps to have a stimulating environment, whether it’s a small space or a large space.

“They must have the necessary tools for schoolwork without the distraction of televisions and other things. Ideally, they are not in their bedroom or in bed. Those two spaces should be separated. There must be a way to emphasize and prioritize the schoolwork.’’

For children returning to the school campus, there are different issues.

“Obviously, people with various conditions, such as respiratory illnesses and diabetes, may be at higher risk, not just (to) corona, but (to) other viruses, as well,’’ Perez said. “Conversations need to take place with health care providers, and it’s how you feel as a parent, as well.

“Schools have been working on solutions for about six months now. They are keeping kids 6 feet apart in the areas where they congregate. A lot are making use of their outdoor spaces. Face coverings and face shields are going to be really important. The hand-washing and using hand sanitizer is also very big. Most schools have escalated their cleaning. I think the proper precautions are being taken. But, of course, it’s still an individual choice for each family, and it’s not an easy choice.’’

Regardless of the school choice, Perez said it’s imperative to have healthy routines.

“Daily habits and daily routines are so important,’’ Perez said. “Set up the alarm clock to get the child moving. Have an hour a day where they’re walking outside. Get to bed early and get eight to nine hours of sleep.

“Don’t forget the eating habits. When kids are at home, it’s important not to overeat. Try to work on portion control. Drink water most of the time because we often confuse being thirsty for being hungry. Just do all you can to model healthy habits because they are so important in these times. And, know that when you’re feeling anxious or stressed, those are common feelings for everyone. Take a deep breath and know that we will all get through this,” Perez said.

By Joey Johnston

Published September 09, 2020

Health News 09/09/2020

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COVID-19 testing site
Hillsborough County opened its ninth public site for COVID-19 testing in the parking lot adjacent to the USF Health Therapy (MDT) building, at 3515 E. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.

The hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon.

There is no charge for the testing, and health insurance is not required.
Anyone who wants to be tested must register for an appointment in advance online at HCFLGov.net/COVIDTesting.

To make an appointment by phone, call (888) 513-6321 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The USF testing site is open to all Hillsborough County residents.

In addition to drive-thru testing, this location will accommodate people who arrive on foot or by bicycle.

Star volunteers
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has named its Star Award volunteers for the second quarter.

  • Frank Cianci has accumulated 2,700 hours and more than 15 years of volunteer service as a courier.
  • Charles Roe has been volunteering as a courier for more than eight years with 2,700-plus hours of service.
  • Mary Ellen Yost has volunteered four years in the Volunteer Office, accumulating more than 5,000 hours of service.

“These outstanding volunteers have shown exceptional service with our patients, visitors and staff and have gone above and beyond therefore deserving of this award,” said Donna Owen, director of Volunteers and Pastoral Care, in a hospital news release.

Sunrise of Pasco charity
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will be collecting donations in September to assist the Sunrise of Pasco County’s Domestic & Sexual Violence Center. The mission of Sunrise is to prevent domestic and sexual violence before it ever happens. If it does, Sunrise is dedicated to assisting victims to escape those conditions, and find safety and freedom in the community. In 2019 alone, over 13,600 individual shelter stays (overnights) were provided in Pasco County.

Sunrise is seeking donations specifically to increase the funding for its children’s programs, including school supplies, meals and recreational activities for kids in the shelter or outreach programs.

Cash donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County.

For information about Sunrise programs and services, email Vicki Wiggins, director of development, at .

For more about the charitable giving programs at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, call Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Gold winner
Wesley Chapel Chiropractic is the Gold winner in the 2020 Best of the Best People’s Choice Awards, presented by the Tampa Bay Times.

In the Tampa Bay region, more than 115,000 votes were cast to determine the leading businesses in more than 180 categories.

The companies received nominations from the public earlier this year. The top three vote-getters won a spot on the 2020 Best of the Best list.

For a complete list of the 2020 Best of the Best in Tampa Bay, visit TampaBay.com/best.

BayCare, a great place to work
BayCare Health System has been named one of the top companies in the United States by Great Place to Work and People magazine, for supporting team members and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BayCare ranked No. 6 for its critical role in responding to COVID-19 and how it impacted the community and team members. The ranking is based on survey feedback from more than 4.7 million employees across the country.

BayCare was one of the first health systems in West Central Florida to launch multiple drive-thru testing sites across the region, testing about 50,000 patients for COVID-19 since mid-March, according to a BayCare news release.

And, BayCare pioneered an online screening tool, launched a nurse triage hotline and provided extensive information through a dedicated website.

Walking toward better health

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Pasco County Extension has kicked off a virtual 10-week walking program to promote good health through physical activity.

The program, planned by UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension encourages people to start taking steps to improve their health.

The 10-week program calls for those taking part to walk 30 minutes a day, wherever they choose, while tracking their progress for accountability and support through a virtual community, according to a Pasco County news release.

All are welcome.

The benefits of walking are known. It reduces the risk of heart disease and some cancers, improves blood pressure, blood sugar levels, energy, mood and more, the release says.

The virtual walking program will run from Sept. 14 through Nov. 22. An optional virtual kick-off event is set for Sept. 11 at noon.

Register by Sept. 8, at tinyurl.com/lwffall2020.

The program registration fee is $14.99 per person, and all ages are welcome.  Sign up with friends as a team or individually, or request to be assigned to a team.

For more information, contact Shari Bresin at (352) 518-0156 or .

Published September 02, 2020

Wildfire smoke can be a health risk

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Wildfire smoke can irritate lungs, cause inflammation, affect the immune system, and make a person prone to lung infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

These are flames from a wildfire in Starkey Park that happened on May 6, 2017. Experts say extra preparation is needed to protect yourself and loved ones from wildfire smoke, during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. (File)

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, preparing for possible wildfires might be a little different this year.

The CDC is encouraging people to learn how wildfire smoke can affect you and your loved ones during the pandemic, and to learn what to do for protection.

Masks that are used to slow the spread of COVID-19 will offer little protection against wildfire smoke because the masks do not catch small, harmful particles in the smoke that can damage a person’s health.

The N95 respirators can provide protection from wildfire smoke, but might be in short supply as front line health care workers use them during the pandemic.

Here are some tips offered by the CDC to prepare for wildfires and smoke.

  • Limit outdoor exercise or choose lower-intensity activities to reduce smoke exposure.
  • Create a cleaner air space at home by using a portable air cleaner. Never leave a do-it-yourself box fan filtration unit unattended. Use air conditioners, heat pumps, fans and window shades to keep the cleaner air space cool on hot days. Avoid activities that create more indoor air pollution, such as frying foods, sweeping, vacuuming and using gas-powered appliances.
  • Talk with a health care provider about how to protect yourself against smoke. Stock up on medications taken routinely.
  • Have disaster supplies delivered. If delivery is not possible, take recommended precautions to protect yourself and others while running errands.
  • Have a family disaster plan in place for potential evacuation. If necessary, check for pet-friendly shelters. Seek out cleaner air shelters and cleaner air spaces to move to.

The CDC also recommends that people know the difference between symptoms from smoke exposure and symptoms from COVID-19. If you have difficulty breathing or chest pain, immediately call 911 or the nearest emergency facility.

Those most at risk from the harmful health effects of wildfire smoke are: Children age 18 and younger; adults age 65 and older; pregnant women; people with chronic health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, asthma and diabetes; outdoor workers; people who have lower socioeconomic status, including homelessness or limited access to medical care; and, people who are immunocompromised or take drugs that suppress the immune system.

For more details on wildfire smoke and health, visit CDC.gov/air/wildfire-smoke/default.htm or tinyurl.com/y2j7kbky.

Published September 02, 2020

Health News 09/02/2020

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Front line workers added
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an emotional and physical toll on nurses, respiratory therapists and others serving communities at this time, and AdventHealth is committed to focusing on whole-person health for patients, team members and the community it serves. According to an AdventHealth news release, 46 nurses and respiratory therapists arrived from Colorado-based Centura Health (a partner of AdventHealth) and FEMA.

The nurses and therapists are serving at AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Tampa and AdventHealth North Pinellas.

The extra help is not the result of a staffing shortage, but it is AdventHealth’s way to help its own teams rest and renew with their families.

AdventHealth Carrollwood received 11 nurses and three respiratory therapists.

AdventHealth Tampa received 27 nurses and two respiratory therapists.

Three nurses joined AdventHealth North Pinellas.

Screening center designation
The Medical Center of Trinity has been designated a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

The designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.

In order to receive the distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in computed tomography in the chest module, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. Also required are procedures in place for follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs.
The ACR, founded in 1924, uses its resources to make imaging and radiation therapy safe, effective and accessible to those who need it. Its 36,000 members include radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, interventional radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians.
For information about the designation, visit ACR.org/Quality-Safety/Lung-Cancer-Screening-Center.

New technology for breast imaging
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has added state-of-the-art 3D technology to its breast imaging services. In July, the hospital began using the Selenia Dimensions 6000 imaging system to produce high-resolution mammograms.

The new technology usually takes one picture instead of several. Imaging also can be done from a sitting or standing position, instead of lying prone on their stomach, face downward.

The Selenia also can perform biopsies.
Another enhanced feature is that the Selenia can compare images side by side, from year to year.
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North Breast Services offers MRI, biopsy, ultrasound and mammography.

A prescription or referral is not needed for a screening mammogram, if you are over the age of 40.
To learn more, visit BayCareBreastHealth.org.

Gulfside tribute
For three years, the Charity Fashion Show benefiting Gulfside Hospice has raised money for the nonprofit, through fun and fashion. This year, the event has a new name.

As a tribute to long-time board member Candace Glewen, who recently passed away, Gulfside’s board of directors has decided to rename the annual event in her honor. The Candace Glewen Charity Fashion Show is currently scheduled for Dec. 3, and will continue the tradition of fashionably raising funds for hospice patients.

“The fashion shows had a special place in Candace’s heart, and she loved to attend them with her closest family and friends,” said Linda Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside. “She was influential in creating and growing this event to fuel her passion of raising funds in support of Gulfside Hospice.”

The past two fundraisers were sold-out events, and the Philanthropy Team at Gulfside expects this year to be the same.

For information on the event and ways to support it, visit GulfsideFashionShow.org, or contact Leesa Fryer at (727) 845-5707 or .

Medical scribe program
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is offering a Medical Scribe Professional Training certificate program for health care and non-health care individuals.

A medical scribe assists physicians with electronic health records (EHR), maximizing workflow efficiency and productivity so that physicians can focus on providing the best possible patient care. Medical scribes can earn from $10 per hour to $16 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Those in the health care field may complete PHSC’s self-paced, online program in as little as two months. Individuals with no health care experience can learn medical fundamentals and specific scribe skills, and can complete the program in four months or less.

The PHSC medical scribe program awards a certificate of completion and prepares students to sit for the national Medical Scribe Certification Exam (MSCE) through the American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group.

To enroll, or for information about the program, email , or call (727) 816-3213.

Pasco trending down on COVID-19 cases

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Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles gave the Pasco County Commission a brief update on the status of COVID-19 in the county, during the board’s Aug. 19 meeting.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles recently briefed the Pasco County Commission on the latest information relating to COVID-19 cases in the county. (File)

Biles passed along information he had just received from Mike Napier, director of Pasco County’s office of the Florida Department of Health.

The county administrator said Pasco reported 39 cases of COVID-19 and three deaths on Aug. 18.

“Our seven-day running average is about 50 (new cases a day), right now,” Biles said. He also noted the county’s positivity rate was under 5% for two days in a row.

“The positivity rate is going down. That means that people are distancing; where they can’t distance, they’re wearing masks or other protective gear to help minimize the transmission of the disease, one to the other,” Biles said.

“We’re trending down. That’s positive. We’re still not to where we were in April/May. It’s going to take a while,” Bile said.

However, the administrator added: “Once we go to in-person school, starting Monday (Aug. 24), assuming that still happens, odds are that’s going to creep back up for a little while, until it settles back down.”

That, Biles noted, is “just the nature of gathering people in groups again.

“Ultimately, where we would like to be is in the mid- to low-20s, on a new cases per day basis. That’s probably sustainable, long-term, because I think this is going to be with us for a while.

“Today, we’re in the low-50s. Cut that in half. Get through the school start and see what happens with that,” Biles said.

He said the declining cases are a good sign, he said.

“What it is showing, from a county perspective, is that the residents and people here are taking it seriously. They are maintaining distancing, in general, and where they can’t, they’re wearing masks or shields — or whatever they’re doing,” Biles said.

“This isn’t going to go away. I think we’re still at least six months out from a vaccine. So, we’re going to still have to continue watching it,” Biles said.

But, there is one silver lining, the county administrator said: “The same things that prevent and inhibit transmission of this are the same things that prevent and inhibit the transmission of flu and cold, and all of the other nasty things that happen in the winter.”

The upcoming flu season should have a reduced number of cases, Biles said.

Published August 26, 2020