The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Health News 01/13/2021

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Father Randall Meissen, Saint Leo University chaplain, blesses the beam before it is hoisted into place at the top of the school’s new 59,000-square-foot Wellness Center building. (Courtesy of Renee Gerstein, Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo Wellness Center
Saint Leo University marked a construction milestone with a topping-off ceremony for its new Wellness Center, according to a school news release.

The facility, on the west end of the campus by Lake Jovita, will create an environment for holistic health and well-being that integrates student recreation, fitness, health services, counseling services and campus ministry. The center is expected to be completed in the fall.

The bond-funded Wellness Center will feature:

  • Resort-style pool with two lap lanes, an area for volleyball and basketball, and a shallow area for lounging
  • Patio and pool deck with a 180-degree view of Lake Jovita
  • Fitness area with cardio equipment, free weights and machines, as well as a dance studio, yoga studio and cycling center, all with a variety of scheduled class programming
  • Health Services, University Ministry, Counseling & Prevention Services, and Recreation services
  • Multipurpose gymnasium with an indoor walking track that can be converted for a variety of events

• Café offering healthy food options, an outdoor poolside barbecue and seating area with a gas grill and fire pit

Vaccines for seniors
At this time, AdventHealth is not providing vaccines to the general public, including those age 65 and older, at any hospital, AdventHealth Centra Care or AdventHealth Medical Group practices, according to a Dec. 30 news release.

AdventHealth has vaccinated more than 4,000 West Florida team members to date. Vaccinations for frontline AdventHealth team members are underway at the hospital locations in Carrollwood, Connerton, Dade City, Lake Placid, North Pinellas, Ocala, Sebring, Tampa, Wauchula, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.

All information on vaccine distribution for the public will be posted online at CoronavirusVaccineFacts.com.

Those interested can go to CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com, to sign up for email updates on when vaccines will be available from AdventHealth.

Health News 01/06/2021

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Vaccines for seniors
At this time, AdventHealth is not providing vaccines to the general public, including those age 65 and older, at any hospital, AdventHealth Centra Care or AdventHealth Medical Group practices, according to a Dec. 30 news release.

AdventHealth has vaccinated more than 4,000 West Florida team members to date. Vaccinations for frontline AdventHealth team members are underway at the hospital locations in Carrollwood, Connerton, Dade City, Lake Placid, North Pinellas, Ocala, Sebring, Tampa, Wauchula, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.

All information on vaccine distribution for the public will be posted online at CoronavirusVaccineFacts.com.

Those interested can go to CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com, to sign up for email updates on when vaccines will be available from AdventHealth.

Credit union donation
Suncoast Credit Union will donate $550,000 to hunger and mental health organizations throughout Florida that have seen increased needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.

Food organizations across the state have been severely impacted by COVID-19. Organizations that will benefit from this round of funding include Meals of Hopes, United Food Bank of Plant City and the Harry Chapin Food Bank, all three of which have seen a 50% increase in demand this year.

The credit union will donate $385,000 to food organizations to combat the needs. The funds will enable the organizations to purchase food, help reduce operational costs, support in-school programs (hot breakfast and lunches, weekend meals), and fill emergency food pantries.

Mental health also has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and Suncoast will contribute $165,000 to 11 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) affiliates throughout Florida.

The donation is the second of its kind this year for Suncoast, following its $1 million donation to hunger, health care and educational organizations for COVID-19 relief efforts this past May.

Nurse manager honored
Kimberly Demers, nurse manager of the Emergency Department at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, has been honored with the Patriot Award from the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program.

The award recognizes Demers’ support of her employee’s participation in the National Guard and Reserve.

According to the ESGR website and a news release, the Patriot Award reflects an employer’s “….efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.”

Health and safety plan
Amalie Arena, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning, unveiled a comprehensive, world-class health and safety management plan, which features extensive measures aimed at reopening the facility in a responsible manner.

In recognition of the organization’s work, it has become one of the first in professional sports to earn dual certification from both the International WELL Building Institute and the Global Biorisk Advisory Council for excellence in COVID-19 safety preparedness and protocols, according to a news release.

Amalie has addressed several key areas, including cleaning and sanitization processes and procedures; emergency preparedness programs; health service resources; and, air and water quality management, technology and innovation.

The efforts have been part of a comprehensive overall plan, devised in conjunction with local health care and government officials, to ensure a safe and healthy reopening of the facility for fans and staff.

Following a controlled query entry into the arena, fans will notice increased measures to promote physical distancing, including at all gates, concessions and restrooms.

Concession and retail stands will be cashless and contactless, with plexiglass barriers.

A total of 220 wall and freestanding hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the facility, and team members will increase the frequency of cleaning and sanitation in all areas being used, with an emphasis on seats, handrails and bathrooms.

Other safety measures include:

  • Extensive signage
  • Physical distancing measures
  • Ultraviolet disinfectant lights above handrails at escalator locations
  • Elevator occupancy limit
  • Mobile ticketing
  • Cashless, contactless parking lots
  • Face covering (over the nose and mouth) requirement in all the areas of the arena, except when eating or drinking

Two campaigns, “Wear Your Mask” and “How We Play It Safe” have been established to help protect fans.

Gulfside fundraisers
Due to the current pandemic, the third annual Charity Casino Night to benefit Gulfside Hospice has been rescheduled to Jan. 30, at the Heritage Springs Golf & Country Club in Trinity.

All proceeds will provide patient care and bereavement support in Pasco County through Gulfside.

For tickets and sponsorship information, visit CharityCasinoNight.org.

Also, due to the ongoing health and safety challenges, Gulfside postponed The Candace Glewen Charity Fashion Show, originally scheduled for Dec. 3.

The fundraiser was to bring people together in honor of Candace Glewen, a longtime board member of Gulfside Hospice until her recent passing, and to support the patients and families served by Gulfside.

Instead of a winter-themed fashion show, the event will now feature the latest 2021 spring looks on May 4, at Spartan Manor in New Port Richey.

Health News 12/30/2021

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(Courtesy of Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office)

Helping to fund research and education
The five offices of Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano partnered with the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation to help raise funds and awareness of breast cancer, its symptoms and treatment. The tax collector’s offices promoted the sale of the foundation’s “End Breast Cancer” specialty tag and accepted voluntary check-off donations on automobile registrations.

Twenty-three license plates were sold, and combined with cash donations, a total of $9,018.97 was raised to help ‘end the suffering caused by breast cancer,’ according to a news release.

Day of service
The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club took part in a day of service to shower love, respect and kindness upon persons with disabilities or special needs in the community.

The club members made 15 ‘fidget’ lap quilts for Alzheimer’s patients and donated them to Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care.

An ‘A’ for patient safety
AdventHealth West Florida Division once again has earned the highest marks possible for patient safety and quality. It is the only health care system in the Greater Tampa Bay area to achieve all As from Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit health care ratings organization, according to a news release.

  • AdventHealth Carrollwood: 11th consecutive A
  • AdventHealth Dade City: first A (hospital acquired in 2018)
  • AdventHealth North Pinellas: 15th consecutive A
  • AdventHealth Sebring: sixth consecutive A
  • AdventHealth Tampa: sixth consecutive A
  • AdventHealth Wesley Chapel: 11th consecutive A
  • AdventHealth Zephyrhills: sixth consecutive A

AdventHealth North Pinellas, AdventHealth Sebring and AdventHealth Zephyrhills also were recognized as Top General Hospitals.

Premier adds dental clinic space

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Premier Community Health Care Group Inc., will share clinic space with the Florida Department of Health in New Port Richey, and will provide dental services to insured and uninsured children throughout Pasco County.

The Pasco County Commission approved a lease agreement between the county and the health care agency at its Nov. 17 meeting.

In lieu of rent, commissioners will require an annual report each Oct. 1 detailing the number of children served. Premier Community Health Care also will pay $421 a month as its share of utilities.

The lease expires on Dec. 31, 2021. However, there are three one-year options to extend the lease.

The clinic is located in Building A, 10841 Little Road, in New Port Richey.

County commissioners agreed to the lease at the request of health department officials “to ensure dental services continue for school-age children throughout the county,” according to agenda documents.

Published December 23, 2020

Health officials recommend against traveling at the holidays

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As the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths continue to rise, health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are recommending against travel during the Christmas holidays.

Travelers and employees at Tampa International Airport are wearing masks because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Courtesy of Tampa International Airport)

The CDC’s website warns: “Travel can increase your chance of spreading and getting COVID-19.”

It also advises: “Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.”

CDC health experts also note that even if you and your travel companions, including children, feel well and are not exhibiting symptoms, you can still spread COVID-19 to family, friends and community after travel.

“If you have a known exposure to COVID-19, you should delay travel, quarantine yourself from other people, get tested, and monitor your health,” the website advises.

If you do decide to travel, be sure to take these steps during your trip to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, the CDC recommends:

  • Check travel restrictions before you go
  • Get your flu shot before you travel
  • Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer
  • Do not travel if you or your travel companions are sick
  • Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs, such as airports and stations
  • Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet apart, about two arm-lengths, from anyone who is not from your travel group
  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
  • Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Traveling by air?
Here is some information that will prove useful to those traveling through Tampa International Airport:

  • Masks are required for all employees, passengers and visitors at Tampa International Airport. The airport will provide masks to passengers, if necessary, which can be found at the information kiosk, in the main terminal. Masks are available for purchase at the airport’s newsstands. Masks should be worn over your mouth and nose at all times, except for when you are eating or drinking.
  • There are social distancing stickers and markers throughout the airport, to keep passengers and employees at a safe distance from one another. Blocked seating exists at all gates, and there are plexiglass shields where passengers may interact with employees. Try to observe the CDC’s recommended 6 feet of social distance. As a point of reference, 6 feet is about the length of two rolling carryon bags.
  • Wash/sanitize your hands frequently. There are plenty of sinks and soap, and also strategically placed hand sanitizing stations throughout the airport. Hand sanitizer and wipes also can be purchased at newsstands, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to carry up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in carry-on luggage.
  • Go touchless. Use mobile boarding passes, fill a reusable bottle at water bottle-filling stations, and use touchless payment at shops and restaurants. All of the airport’s shops, restaurants and kiosks accept credits cards, and some allow you to swipe your card in front of sensors to pay without ever pressing a button. If you do have to exchange cards or cash with an employee, be sure to wash or sanitize your hands immediately after.
  • Carry on your luggage when possible; that limits the number of hands touching bags. It also allows passengers to bypass baggage claims areas, and streamlines your journey from curbside to the gate, and back.
  • Arrive early. For domestic flights, plan on arriving at least two hours early; for international flights, plan on arriving at least three hours early. That’s especially important, to avoid congestion at TSA checkpoints.

Traveling by car? These tips from AAA’s newsroom may prove useful:

  • Plan ahead: Check with state and local authorities where you are, along your route, and at your planned destination to learn about local circumstances and any restrictions that may be in place.
  • Follow public health guidance. Also, be sure to pack face masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and a thermometer to help protect and monitor your health. Also pack water and extra snacks to reduce the need to stop along your trip.
  • Before any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions they are taking to protect guests. Ask about social distancing protocols, such as capacity reductions in common spaces, hotel staff requirements to wear masks at all times and if all amenities are available, such as restaurant dining.
  • Car rentals – If renting a car, ask what has been done to clean the vehicle. For extra peace of mind, use disinfecting wipes to wipe down door handles, steering wheels, shifters and control panels.

Published December 16, 2020

Mask mandates continue in Pasco and Hillsborough

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At one point, it appeared that Pasco County might be on the verge of dropping its mask mandate — but that looks unlikely for at least the foreseeable future.

“When I stood before you in September, we were looking at 29 cases a day. We’re up to 207 cases,” Mike Napier, the health officer for the Florida Department of Health — Pasco County told Pasco County commissioners at their Dec. 8 meeting.

(File)

“Back in September, when we were looking at 29 cases per day, that was considered a very low case rate. However, we’ve gone in the wrong direction.

“We’re now in the environment where we have what is considered a high case rate, and no end in sight at the moment,” Napier continued.

“Pasco County has the highest positivity rate in the region.

“At 200 cases a day, we could double our total cases from 16,000 to 32,000 in the next three months, if we don’t do anything else. That’s startling. That means 400 cases a day, instead of 200 cases a day.

“We’re not seeing any indicators that these rates will slow until the vaccine is widely available in the spring.

“The recommendation at this point is to continue the emphasis of the importance of social distancing, hand hygiene and face covering,” the public health officer said.

Napier shared some statistics and trends with the board.

“As of this morning, we’ve had 16,544 positive cases. Something that’s a little bit startling is that 9.5% of those total cases — 1,578 — happened in the last seven days. So, we are seeing a spike in numbers,” the public health officer said.

“Our 14-day rolling average is up from 5% to almost 10%, so we’ve seen a similar doubling in numbers in positivity rate, as well,” Napier continued.

The county also had 305 deaths related to COVID so far, with a slight increase in the number of deaths occurring during the previous three-week period, Napier said.

“Many of us were concerned back in late June, early July about our cases and our percent positive. We’re surpassing that now.

“Our positivity rate is not equal to what we had during the spike, but has been consistently above 10%.

“Most people are being tested, therefore we’re getting more numbers,” he said. “The concern that I have, honestly, is that we’re getting to the maximum of our ability to test people, currently, to diagnose people with COVID.”

He also told board members the increasing number of cases do not appear to be tied to students being back in school.

“We are seeing very limited transmission within the school system,” the Pasco health officer added. “It’s really when the kids go home to their parents, and activities after school.”

Napier said he understands COVID fatigue: “People are just over it at this point.” But he added that vigilance to health protocols remains necessary to reduce potential spread.

Hillsborough County’s state of local emergency enacted in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has been extended until at least Dec. 17. The county also has extended its mask mandate to at least that date.

The Hillsborough County Commission is expected to discuss its local emergency declaration on Dec. 16.

Hillsborough survey on vaccines
Hillsborough County is conducting an opinion survey to find out how residents feel about the forthcoming COVID-19 vaccines and to understand what obstacles the community might have to taking a vaccine.

The anonymous survey, offered in English and Spanish, is designed to help County leadership understand respondents’ attitudes and trepidations about the COVID-19 vaccines, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

The survey is intended to help county leaders better plan and execute distribution logistics and campaigns to maximize the number of residents who choose to get vaccinated.

Visit HCFLGov.net/COVIDVaccine to participate in the survey. To participate by text, text “vaccine” to 73224 or “Vacuna” to 73224 to participate in Spanish.

COVID-19 Cases (As of 8 a.m., Dec. 14)
United States: 15,932,116 cases; 296,818 deaths
Florida: 1,125,931 cases, 19,866 deaths
Pasco County: 17,628 cases; 318 deaths
Hillsborough County: 64,967 cases; 986 deaths

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Florida Department of Health

Published December 16, 2020

Health News 12/16/2020

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Free face coverings
Hillsborough County began on Dec. 10 to provide free, reusable cloth face coverings to residents at two dozen libraries.

In addition, the county is offering operators of small businesses the ability to request a one-time quantity of 100 face coverings, while supplies last.

The mandate that face coverings must be worn in indoor locations of businesses, with certain exceptions, remains in effect.

Residents can pick up two of the reusable face coverings and can request face coverings for immediate family members not present. Distribution hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Face coverings will be distributed from the lobby of these local libraries, while supplies last:

  • Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., in Carrollwood
  • New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., New Tampa

Curbside pickup only will be available at these locations:

  • Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road in Odessa
  • Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road

For more locations and information, visit tinyurl.com/yy3t9es4.

New radiotherapy system
Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers has acquired and will install a VitalBeam radiotherapy system for treating cancer and other conditions with image-guided radiotherapy, according to a news release.

VitalBeam, from Varian Medical Systems, delivers powerful cancer treatments with pinpoint accuracy and precision. It “integrates imaging and treatment technologies within a sophisticated architecture that makes it possible to deliver image-guided treatments very quickly, opening the door to new possibilities for the treatment of lung, breast, prostate, head and neck, as well as other cancers that are treatable with radiotherapy,” the release said.

“With VitalBeam, we can select the optimal treatment for every type of cancer,” said Dr. Clayton Alonso, radiation oncology. “This is a breakthrough that enables us to offer a wider spectrum of advanced radiotherapy treatment options to more patients. It represents a bit step forward in our ability to help people fight cancer.”

Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers soon will be open at 15211 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville, east of the Suncoast Parkway on State Road 50.

Gulfside fundraisers
Due to the current pandemic, the third annual Charity Casino Night to benefit Gulfside Hospice has been rescheduled to Jan. 30, at the Heritage Springs Golf & Country Club in Trinity.

All proceeds will provide patient care and bereavement support in Pasco County through Gulfside.

For tickets and sponsorship information, visit CharityCasinoNight.org.

Also, due to the ongoing health and safety challenges, Gulfside postponed The Candace Glewen Charity Fashion Show, originally scheduled for Dec. 3.

The fundraiser was to bring people together in honor of Candace Glewen, a longtime board member of Gulfside Hospice until her recent passing, and to support the patients and families served by Gulfside.

Instead of a winter-themed fashion show, the event will now feature the latest 2021 spring looks on May 4, at Spartan Manor in New Port Richey.

For information about the event, visit GulfsideFashionShow.org, or contact Leesa Fryer, fundraising and event planning specialist, at 727-845-5707 or .

BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel is taking shape

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A ceremonial groundbreaking was held last week for the new BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, under construction at 4501 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

The Dec. 2 event was dubbed “ceremonial” —  because crews already are working hard to build the 318,000-square-foot facility that is scheduled to open in early 2023.

While the sounds of construction work served as a backdrop, officials offered remarks about the project. It is being built on land the hospital chain acquired in 2008.

This rendering shows what BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel will look like when it opens in 2023. (Courtesy of BayCare)

Mindful that the “groundbreaking” milestone was being celebrated during the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the gathering was kept small. Guests, were bundled up because of brisk weather. They wore masks, and the seating was spaced out to encourage social distancing.

BayCare Chairman of the Board Eric Obeck, reflected on some of the challenges posed by COVID-19, while addressing the audience.

“While 2020 has been an unprecedented year for health care that has called for tough decisions and creative solutions, we are grateful to celebrate the long-term goals that brought us to this moment,” Obeck said.

“I’m proud to be part of an organization that keeps setting the pace, even as we react to the coronavirus impact on our daily business,” the health care official continued.

From left: Glenn Waters, BayCare executive vice president and chief operating officer; Eric Obeck, BayCare chairman of the board; Mike Moore, Pasco County Commission chair; Hope Kennedy, North Tampa Bay Chamber president and CEO; and, Becky Schulkowski, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel operations director, fling a shovel of dirt.

“Over the past few months, we have canceled and restarted elective procedures and visiting hours. We have offered our team members early retirement and managed to retain our workforce of nearly 30,000 team members without furloughs or layoffs,” he said.

BayCare also has continued its plans to expand its hospitals in St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor and Clearwater, even while building the first hospital to bear the BayCare name, Obeck said.

Glenn Waters, executive vice president and chief operating officer of BayCare, offered some project details.

“Our 86-bed general community hospital will provide medical/surgical care, emergency care, cardiac care, surgical care – including general surgery, orthopedics, urology and gastroenterology – imaging, and outreach lab services.

“Beyond the ‘beds’ and the ‘services’ we provide, we will hire about 220 team members to be the heart and soul of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel,” he added.

Waters noted that the nearly 30,000 people who work across the BayCare system, make it a great place to work.

The year 2020 was the third consecutive year that BayCare was named one of Fortune’s 100 best companies to work for anywhere in the country, Waters added.

BayCare Chairman of the Board Eric Obeck offers remarks during a Dec. 2 ceremonial groundbreaking for BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel.

He also cited recognition for the hospital’s quality of care.

“According to IBM Watson, we are in the top 20% of high-performing health systems across the country,” Waters said.

The event also included a reflection from Father Aloysius Ezenwata, a director of mission with BayCare. He read a selection from scripture, offered some commentary and shared a prayer.

In part, Ezenwata said, “In building this BayCare Hospital in Wesley Chapel, we are continuing to live out our mission, which is to ‘Improve the health of all we serve through community-owned services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care.’”

He added: “Today we continue to build on the legacy of the founders of BayCare Health System, to care for our community, to be our sisters’ and our brothers’ keeper.”

At the conclusion of the official remarks, Waters and Obeck joined Becky Schulkowski, BayCare’s operations director, Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore and North Tampa Bay Chamber President and CEO Hope Kennedy, to fling a ceremonial shovel of dirt.

BayCare is building its new hospital just down the road from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, a hospital that opened in 2012. It already has undergone an expansion and added new services to meet the high-growth area’s burgeoning health care demands.

Published December 09, 2020

Public asked to do more to help in COVID-19 battle

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Increasing COVID-19 cases in Tampa Bay has prompted the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties to urge members to help fight the spread.

Those officials are asking the public to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during quarantine or isolation.

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others, says a news release issued by the health department.

Quarantine can help prevent the spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms.
People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 need to quarantine. In addition, if someone has been tested but unaware of exposure, they should remain in quarantine until they receive a negative result, the news release says.

People in quarantine, including those who feel sick and/or are waiting for test results, should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department.
The Tampa Bay health departments shared the CDC’s guidance.

Close contact means:

  • You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more
    • You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
    • You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them)
    • You shared eating or drinking utensils
    • They sneezed, coughed or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
    During quarantine:
  • Stay home for at least 14 days (check current guidance) after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.
    • Watch for fever (100.4F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
    • If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.
    Isolation is used to separate people who are infected with COVID-19 from those who are not.

People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. 
In the home, if you are sick or infected:

• Monitor symptoms.
• Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible.
• Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
• Avoid contact with other members of the household and pets.
• Don’t share personal household items, such as cups, towels and utensils.
• Wear a mask when around other people, if possible.

If you live with someone with COVID-19:

• Try to stay at least 6 feet away from the sick person.
• If you have to share space, make sure the room has good air flow.
• Open the window to increase air circulation.
• Improve ventilation to help remove respiratory droplets from the air.
• Avoid having unnecessary visitors.
If you are caring for someone with COVID-19 at home or in a non-health care setting:
• The person who is sick should eat (or be fed) in their room, if possible.
• Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water: handle any dishes, cups/glasses or silverware used by the person who is sick with gloves. Wash them with soap and hot water or in a dishwasher.
• Clean hands after taking off gloves or handling used items.
• Do not share dishes, cups/glasses, silverware, towels, bedding, or electronics (like a cellphone) with the person who is sick.
• The person who is sick should wear a mask when they are around other people (Masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is not able to remove the covering without help.)
• The caregiver should put on a mask and ask the sick person to put on a mask before entering the room.
• Wear gloves when you touch or have contact with the sick person’s blood, stool or body fluids, such as saliva, mucus, vomit and urine. Throw out gloves into a lined trash can and wash your hands right away.
• Practice everyday preventive actions to keep from getting sick: wash your hands often; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and, frequently clean and disinfect surfaces.
• Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces and items every day: This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks and electronics.

The Florida Department of Health encourages individuals to discuss any questions or concerns with their primary care provider.

For more information to help prevent household spread of COVID-19, go to CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/index.html.

For more information on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, visit CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.

For general information on COVID-19 in Florida, visit FloridaHealth.gov/covid-19, email , or call 866-779-6121.

Published December 09, 2020

Health News 12/09/2020

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World AIDS Day
The global observance of World AIDS Day is Dec. 1. This year the theme was “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact.”

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) recognized World AIDS Day with free testing at its New Port Richey office.

In 2019, there were 119,689 people living with HIV in Florida, according to a DOH-Pasco news release. More than half of the 4,584 new diagnoses were for people between the ages of 20 and 39.

Florida is a national leader in HIV testing, and the FDOH has made great strides in prevention, early identification and treatment.

To reach the goal of zero new HIV transmissions and reduced HIV-related deaths, FDOH focuses on these four key strategies:

  • Implementing routine screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, especially among high-risk populations
  • Providing immediate access to treatment for the newly diagnosed, as well as retaining HIV-positive persons in the care system, with the ultimate goal of getting HIV-positive persons to an undetectable viral load
  • Improving and promoting the use of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) medication and nPEP (non-occupational post exposure prophylaxis) as prevention strategies to reduce the risk of contracting HIV
  • Increasing community outreach and awareness about HIV, high-risk behaviors and the importance of knowing one’s status

For information on services offered by DOH-Pasco, call 727-861-5260, ext. 0901, in New Port Richey, or 352-521-1450, ext. 6118, 6100 or 6119, in Dade City.

Donating to others’ needs
GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members Dee Knerr and Debbie Cardona delivered a large supply of clothing, hygiene items, socks, slippers and other items to Amilcat Care Home in Lutz.

The women also secured and donated a walker that was needed by one of the residents.

For information on the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Gulfside fundraisers
Due to the current pandemic, the third annual Charity Casino Night to benefit Gulfside Hospice has been rescheduled to Jan. 30, at the Heritage Springs Golf & Country Club in Trinity.

All proceeds will provide patient care and bereavement support in Pasco County through Gulfside.

For tickets and sponsorship information, visit CharityCasinoNight.org.

Also, due to the ongoing health and safety challenges, Gulfside postponed The Candace Glewen Charity Fashion Show, originally scheduled for Dec. 3.

The fundraiser was to bring people together in honor of Candace Glewen, a longtime board member of Gulfside Hospice until her recent passing, and to support the patients and families served by Gulfside.

Instead of a winter-themed fashion show, the event will now feature the latest 2021 spring looks on May 4, at Spartan Manor in New Port Richey.

For information about the event, visit GulfsideFashionShow.org, or contact Leesa Fryer, fundraising and event planning specialist, at 727-845-5707 or .

Elder abuse in Florida
The personal-finance website WalletHub reported its 2020 States with the Best Elder-Abuse Protections, according to a news release.

To determine which states fight the hardest against elder abuse, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 16 key metrics.

The data set ranges from “elder-abuse, gross-neglect and exploitation complaints” to “financial elder-abuse laws.”

Here are the Elder-Abuse Protections in Florida, rating 1 for Best and 25 for Average (*per resident aged 65 and older):

  • Third: Elder-Abuse, Gross-Neglect and Exploitation Complaints*
  • Fourth: Nursing Homes Quality
  • 27th: Total Expenditures on Elder-Abuse Prevention*
  • 30th: Number of Certified Volunteer Ombudsmen*
  • 51st: Total Long-Term Care Ombudsman-Program Funding*
  • 51st: Number of Eldercare Organizations & Services*

For a full report, visit WalletHub.com.