The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Health News 11/04/2020

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Donate Life license plate
Gov. Ron DeSantis has enacted into law HB1135, which authorizes the creation of a specialty license plate to promote the need for lifesaving organ and tissue donors.

The specialty plate was requested by Donate Life Florida, a nonprofit coalition of Florida’s organ, eye and tissue donor programs.

The legislation requires Donate Life Florida to presell 3,000 vouchers toward the purchase of a new license plate within a 24-month timeframe, before production can begin.

Donate Life Florida has launched a virtual campaign to bring awareness and promote the new specialty plate.

Sales of the vouchers started on Oct. 16. The cost of the specialty plate is $25, plus $8 in state and local fees.

Residents can schedule an appointment at their local tax collector or driver license office to purchase the voucher.

For information on the plate or to register to become an organ donor, visit DonateLifeFLorida.org.

Adolescent outpatient program
Medical Center of Trinity’s Behavioral Health Center has opened an Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, for ages 13 to 17.

The program includes 12 hours of therapeutic group activities per week on a variety of topics, including personal triggers, cravings, family issues and depression/anxiety.

It also offers:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Co-Occurring Diagnosis Therapy
  • Expressive Therapy
  • Educational Group Therapy
  • Medication Management
  • Family Systems Therapy

And, treatment for:

  • Psychiatric Disorders/Co-Occurring Disorders
  • Crisis Situations
  • Depression and/or Anxiety
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Grief/Loss Issues
  • Relational Conflict
  • Mood Swings
  • Inability to Sleep
  • Trouble Focusing or Completing Tasks
  • Difficulties at work/school

“With our new Outpatient Services for adolescents, we have more opportunities to ensure our community receives the care they need, when and where they need it,” said Kevin Sullivan, director of behavioral health services, in a Medical Center of Trinity news release.

“It is our hope that teenagers who are not sure which path to take, will choose the path to wellness,” Sullivan said.

For information, visit MedicalCenterTrinity.com.

Be a SHINE volunteer
The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program is a statewide volunteer program that offers seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers, free, unbiased counseling on Medicare, prescription drugs and other health insurance matters.

The SHINE SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) Program educates beneficiaries on how to protect, detect and report suspected Medicare fraud, waste and abuse.

Individual volunteers complete professional training by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the local Area Agency on Aging; serve the community by educating others on an individual basis and through outreach events; and, gain knowledge about Medicare to benefit themselves and loved ones.

In order to participate, a volunteer application and online orientation must be completed.

To learn more, call (727) 217-8111, or visit FloridaShine.org and click on the Join Our Team link.

Local officials continue mask mandates, urge social distancing

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Elected leaders in Pasco and Hillsborough counties are still requiring masks to be worn indoors in their counties, as rates of COVID-19 remain concerning.

Mike Napier, health officer for the Florida Department of Health – Pasco County, updated the Pasco County Commission on current local conditions during an Oct. 20 meeting.

“I wish I had better news. Our goal, when we talked last time was, ‘Let’s see what the data looks like and maybe we can make revisions,” Napier said.

Concerns about the rate of positivity cases in Pasco and Hillsborough counties have promoted local elected leaders to keep mask mandates in place. (Courtesy of Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)

In his update, that came 30 days after his last appearance, Napier told board members:

“We have 10,294 positive cases, as of yesterday (Oct. 19). That’s a 3.5% increase over the last seven days. That’s 358 new cases, just this past week.

“The total population infected was just under 2%, and we have a less than 1% (.04) population that has died. That’s 229 cases.

“The other point that we talk about is the seven-day rolling average of cases. Last month, when I was here, we had increased from 29 cases per day, on average for seven days, up to 49. As of today, we’re looking at 53 cases per day. That represented an 8.1% increase from last month when I came and spoke with you.

“The other part that’s a little bit alarming is our 14-day rolling average. That’s the percent of positive cases that we get each day. It has climbed from 3.2% to 4.5%. That represents a 40% increase in the number of positive cases, percentage-wise.”

“As of today, we have 227 deaths.

The county is not seeing a huge increase, but it is trending in the wrong direction, Napier said.

The gold standard would be about 1 case per 100,000 — which means Pasco County would have 5.5 case per day, Napier said. “We’ve got a ways to get there.”

“We know that schools was one of the questions — what was going to be the impact of schools?

“I’ve got to give a shout-out to the school system. They’ve been great in working with the students and faculty and health department, in letting parents know as soon as we can about a positive case.

“I will tell you that the schools are not driving our case increases. They represent roughly 15% of our cases, which is what we had seen previously,” he said.

Students who have been exposed to someone positive must be isolated, which interrupts football practices and other things, as “life continues to go on,” he said.

“We understand that it’s disruptive, but we’re also trying to prevent the spread,” Napier said.

He said his staff is not finding spread within the schools themselves.

“Typically, what we’re finding is that a parent is sick and then the child is sick,” the health officer said.

“Our positivity rate is concerning. We were feeling pretty good when we were at 3%. We’re getting pretty close to 5% right now,” Napier said.

Commissioner Ron Oakley weighed in: “I think we should continue our masks,” he said, adding that he’d feel more comfortable doing away with the restriction when a vaccine becomes available.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey agreed with keeping the mask mandate: “I say, ‘Stay the course, still.”

She said she’d traveled to other parts of the country where restrictions were more extensive.

In some places, people are wearing a mask if they are outside their own homes, she said, noting she’d see people outside riding bicycles or on trails, wearing masks.

She doesn’t think Pasco’s ordinance is excessive.

Commission Mike Wells addressed Napier: “I’m assuming you’re telling us that you recommend us continue with the mask.”

Napier responded: “I don’t think anybody here is saying that masks are fun to use. Nobody enjoys using them. We understand that. It’s just a matter of the times that we’re in and the need to be able to do something to be able to prevent the spread of the disease.”

The mandate is being recommended throughout the region.

He said he spoke with his counterparts in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and the consensus was to keep the mask ordinance in each county in place.

“If I was standing here and the numbers had declined since my last presentation and we were starting to make good progress, then, all right, that might be a little bit different conversation. Right now, with what our numbers are demonstrating, I couldn’t suggest that the data says we should change course,” Napier said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano said the county should “strongly recommend” rather than mandate masks, and he made a motion to that effect.

Wells told Mariano: “I do agree with you commissioner; I just don’t think there are three other votes.”

Commission Chairman Mike Moore said his colleagues should consult with local hospital CEOs, frontline medical workers and epidemiologists to help inform their decisions

Mariano’s motion failed, for lack of a second, keeping Pasco’s mandate in place.

Meanwhile, in Hillsborough County, commissioners extended the requirement for face coverings inside of local business, with certain exceptions, until Oct. 29, according to a news release.

The board approves its emergency orders for a maximum of seven days at a time. (See HCFLGov.net/facecoverings, for more detail).

Commissioners also approved spending $4.5 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for a project at Tampa General Hospital to repurpose an existing stand-alone structure into a dedicated COVID-19 unit.

The $8.2 million unit will contain 59 fully equipped ICU beds and up to 45 surge-readiness beds. Under a three-year contract with TGH, the unit also will serve as an alternate care site during declared states of emergency, the release said.

COVID19 statistics, as of noon on Oct. 26
Pasco County: Positive cases: 10,556 residents and 81 non-residents; deaths: 236
Pasco County Schools: Positive cases: students, 197; staff, 78
Hillsborough County: Positive cases: 46,813 residents and 267 non-residents; deaths: 759
Hillsborough County Schools: Positive cases: students, 465; staff, 372
Florida: Positive cases: 782,013 cumulative; deaths: 16,429 residents and 203 non-resident
United States: Positive cases: 8,553,827; deaths: 224,221
Worldwide: Positive cases: 42,745,212; deaths: 1,150,961

Sources: Florida Department of Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; World Health Organization.

Published October 28, 2020

Health News 10/28/2020

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Embracing the needs of survivors
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club donated enough supplies to make two deliveries to the Sunrise of Pasco County Domestic Violence Shelter, for the benefit of the women and children residents. October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month and the woman’s club has long-supported this shelter. Included in the donations were personal and hygiene goods, children’s items, snacks and treats, sanitizers, club-made face masks for the kids, a check for $200, and a requested high chair. From left: Sabrina Scott, a shelter staff member and Nancy Swanton stand alongside the donations. For information on the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Safety tips for trick or treating
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers these steps to take when trick or treating:

  • Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters, and keep your distance. Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you. Indoors and outdoors, it is more likely someone can get or spread COVID-19 when in close contact with others for a long time.
  • Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
  • Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.
  • Wash hands before handling treats. Bring hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) with you and use it after touching objects or people. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats.
  • Wear a mask: Make your cloth mask part of your costume. A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. Do not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask, as it can make breathing more difficult. Masks should not be worn by children under the age of 2 or by anyone who has difficulty breathing.

For more information, visit CDC.gov/coronavirus.

Stroke center certification
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has received certification from DNV – GL Healthcare as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, recognizing the highest level of competence for treatment of serious stroke events.

The certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, and affirms that the medical center addresses the full spectrum of stroke care — diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education — and that the center establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.

Medical staff announced
Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers, opening soon at 15211 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville, has announced its medical staff:

  • Radiation oncologists: Dr. Clayton Elliott Alonso and Dr. Peter Zavitsanos
  • Hematologists and medical oncologists: Dr. Aaron Denson and Dr. D. Alan Kerr II
  • Nurse practitioners: Amy Morgan and Elizabeth Morgan

The 21,000-square-foot facility will include an infusion room, medical oncology, examination rooms, radiation oncology exam rooms, treatment vault, in-house full laboratory, and the latest in radiation oncology treatment systems and diagnostic equipment, including CT scan and mobile PET.

For information, call Toni Martin at (352) 616-0698 or .

Safety upgrade for ambulances
AdventHealth has deployed expanded use of Aeroclave in all of its ambulances and has acquired 10 units of the disinfecting system.

Aeroclave is an aerosol disinfectant that creates a fine, dry mist that covers the entire inside of the ambulance, providing decontamination for COVID-19 and other viruses, after each patients is transported to a facility.

AdventHealth West Florida Division ambulances are able to be disinfected and returned to service in less than 30 minutes.

Aeroclave reduces staff and patient exposure to viruses, such as COVID-19, and provides a faster turnaround process, which doesn’t delay patient care.

Published October 28, 2020

Pasco County’s COVID-19 cases surpass 10,000 mark

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As Pasco County’s COVID-19’s positive cases surpassed the 10,000-mark, local officials continue to consider their best responses to the threats.

The Pasco County Commission and the Pasco County School Board were both scheduled to take up the issue during their meetings on Oct. 20, which occurred after The Laker/Lutz News’ deadline.

Pasco County commissioners were expected to hear an update on local COVID-19 conditions, from the health officer for Department of Health-Pasco County, during the board’s morning session.

Efforts continue to come up with a vaccine to provide protection from COVID-19. The United States has recorded nearly 8.1 million positive cases and more than 218,000 deaths. (Courtesy of metrocreativeconnection.com)

During a September update, Mike Napier, the public health officer for Pasco County told the board he realized there was significant interest on when it would be appropriate to lift mask mandates and social distancing restrictions.

At that time, he told them the best time would be when a vaccine was available, or medication was available to treat it.

From a practical standpoint, though, he told commissioners that the positive cases would need to be lower — and he said he would report back in October.

Napier also told commissioners that he’s on regular conference calls with health officers and county officials around the region, and they were leaning toward trying to come up with a regional response to the issue of face coverings.

The idea is to come up with a consensus on the numbers and benchmarks to use, and to consult with academics to determine the approach, Napier said.

Presumably, the presentation at the board’s Oct. 20 meeting provided an update on those issues.

Meanwhile the Pasco County School Board was set to take up the issue of masks and other personal protective equipment during its afternoon workshop on Oct. 20.

Board members were expected to consider a proposed rule change that would require mask or face coverings for everyone on a school campus, through the end of the 2020-2021 school, in the interest of protecting the health and welfare of students, staff and visitors.

The proposed rule also calls for observing social distancing, washing hands frequently and using other personal protective equipment, as may be necessary.

The workshop session is a discussion only, the issue will come back for a formal vote at a later meeting.

The local government boards are considering these issues at a time when Pasco County reported 10,238 positive cases and 224 deaths, as of the latest information available on the morning of Oct. 19.

Pasco’s public school district reported 170 student cases and 68 staff cases, requiring 3,225 students and 338 staff members to be quarantined, as of the same time.

Also, Hillsborough County reported 45,290 positive cases and 751 deaths, and its public school district reported 741 cases, including 337 staff cases and 404 students.

Meanwhile, the number of positive cases across Florida stood at 756,727 cases, with 747,183 being Florida residents. The death count stood at 16,021 resident deaths and 201 non-residents, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Nationally, nearly 8.1 million positive cases have been reported, with 218,511 deaths recorded, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Wear a mask
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you wear a mask in public settings, when you are around other people and not able to maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet.

  • Wear masks with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19.
  • Wear the mask over your nose and mouth, and secure it under your chin.
  • Masks should be worn by people age 2 and older.
  • Masks should not be worn by children younger than 2, by people who have trouble breathing, or people who cannot remove the mask without assistance.
  • Do not wear masks intended for health care workers, for example, N95 respirators.
  • CDC does not recommend the use of gaiters or face shields. Evaluation of these face covers is ongoing, but effectiveness is unknown at this time.

The CDC also recommends you choose masks made of two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric. Be sure your mask completely covers you nose and mouth. Be sure that your mask fits snuggly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps.

The best prevention is to avoid exposure.
Older adults and people with underlying conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, are at greater risk of a severe illness from COVID-19

Reduce your risk of becoming infected by wearing a mask, staying socially distant and frequently washing hands your hands with soap and water.

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Published October 21, 2020

Health News 10/21/2020

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Safety tips for trick or treating
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers these steps to take when trick or treating:

  • Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters, and keep your distance. Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you. Indoors and outdoors, it is more likely someone can get or spread COVID-19 when in close contact with others for a long time.
  • Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
  • Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.
  • Wash hands before handling treats. Bring hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) with you and use it after touching objects or people. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats.
  • Wear a mask: Make your cloth mask part of your costume. A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. Do not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask, as it can make breathing more difficult. Masks should not be worn by children under the age of 2 or by anyone who has difficulty breathing.

For more information, visit CDC.gov/coronavirus.

Hospital earns platinum recognition
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has earned platinum-level recognition for its work and dedication in support of organ, eye and tissue donation and public health, while serving on the front lines against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Between October 2019 and April 2020, Bayonet Point participated in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration’s Workplace Partnership for Life program.

The program challenged hospitals and health care organizations to team up with local organ procurement organizations, in this area LifeLink of Florida, to “let life bloom” by educating hospital staff, patients, visitors and surrounding communities about the critical need for organ, eye and tissue donation, and by offering the opportunity to register as a donor.

Bayonet Point worked with LifeLink of Florida, and during the campaign cycle was able to procure 151 donor registrations.

For information about the hospital campaign, visit OrganDonor.gov/hospitals.

For more on how to become an organ donor, visit DonateLifeFlorida.org.

Lutz makes fit city list
BarBend.com, a strength training resource and news outlet, has compiled a comprehensive list of the top fittest cities across Florida, according to a news release.

BarBend used data backed by studies based on a variety of factors that was combined to create an overall fitness score out of 100 for each city on the list.

Fitness factors in the study include exercise opportunities, access to healthy food, air pollution, drinking water violations, physical inactivity, obesity and smoking, among others.

Lutz emerged in the 264th position with an overall fitness score of 75.25.

The town was found to have a high rate of exercise opportunities at 920 (per 1,000 people), which suggests that the surrounding environment can play a key role in determining people’s fitness level.

Residents who live in neighborhoods with access to grocery stores where fresh fruit and vegetables are offered are more likely to have healthier diets.

The climate of Florida also creates a backdrop for outdoor pursuits, such as scenic trails and walks along the coast.

Additionally, Lutz was found to have comparatively low levels of air pollution, and low rates of physical inactivity, obesity and smoking.

To see the full list of Florida cities, visit BarBend.com/fit-cities-florida/.

Women’s services expanded
AdventHealth has signed an agreement to acquire Tampa Bay’s leading provider of comprehensive women’s services, Exodus Women’s Center, and its affiliated entities, according to an AdventHealth news release.

The agreement includes the purchase, or lease, of all 12 medical office locations in Hillsborough and Polk Counties, as well as an administrative office.

Clinical operations under AdventHealth are expected to begin in early 2021, and once final, all Exodus Women’s Center clinical locations will become part of the AdventHealth West Florida Division.

The West Florida Division continues to grow its network of care in response to the needs of the communities it serves.

The division also recently announced its partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center to expand cancer services in Wesley Chapel, and opened an outpatient imaging center and expanded physician locations in Brandon.

In addition, the AdventHealth West Florida Division network of care includes 10 hospitals, four freestanding emergency rooms, one long-term care facility, urgent care centers, express care clinics, mobile mammography services, hundreds of physician practices and a clinically integrated network.

Exodus Women’s Center has provided the community with women’s health care services since 1992, and specializes in low and high-risk obstetrics, gynecology, fertility, pediatric and adolescent gynecology, and menopause.

Health News 10/14/2020

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Community supports the Lighthouse
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices collected donations totaling $4,007.43, in support of the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired & Blind.

From left: Janet Oroz, Carlton Francis, Katrina Koscielniak, Sharlo Ward, Samantha Bisconti and Tammy Dziedzic, staff of tax collector’s Land O’ Lakes branch; and Jonathan Fister, CEO of the Lighthouse. (Courtesy of Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office)

The Lighthouse’s mission is to educate, empower and employ people who are visually impaired and blind. The organization’s services are provided at no cost to program participants, and all donations received help to provide more services to more people in need.

“We are so grateful for the support of the Pasco Tax Collector during these uncertain times,” Jonathan Fister, CEO of the Lighthouse, said in a news release.

“Thank you for serving the Lighthouse and for being a champion in the community,” Fister commented.

Fasano said, in the release, “The need for vision services is something we tend to think about only if we have a personal connection to the issue. That is what makes our Charity of the Month program so wonderful. We are able to help individuals who often are not thought of in the day-to-day bustle of life, especially during a time when COVID consumes so much of our waking moments.”

For information on the charitable programs, contact Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

For more on the Lighthouse, call Patricia Porter, director of grants, donations and media, at (813) 713-2492.

Taking care of veterans
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s club delivered a check in the amount of $1,625 to Operation Patriot officers Ken Escobio and Sharon Richmond, to be used for the benefit of the residents of the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes.

The funds are earmarked for the veteran residents’ personal needs and treats, which are not covered by their modest pensions.

Operation Patriot will distribute the funds to the veterans.

For information on the woman’s club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.com.

Pasco experiencing recent spike of overdoses

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Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has reported a record-setting spike in drug overdoses.

A lethal dose of the painkilling opioid Fentanyl is 2 milligrams, almost imperceptible, but the PCSO Narcotics Unit removed 435,000 lethal doses of the drug from the county’s streets during a six-week period.

The story doesn’t stop there.

Even a 2-milligram dose of the painkilling opioid Fentanyl, although almost imperceptible, can be fatal. After a recent uptick in overdoses, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized rehabilitation solutions. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

Aided by a federal grant, the PCSO has established a Behavioral Health Intervention Team, which helps citizens with mental-health issues or substance-abuse problems. Members of the 16-person team contact overdose survivors within 48 hours of the incident, then connect them with community rehabilitation partners such as BayCare.

According to Sheriff’s Office records, Pasco County overdoses reached an all-time monthly high of 167 (37 fatal) in May, then maintained a steady pace in June (146, 18 fatal); July (140, nine fatal); and August (147, 24 fatal).

From 2017-2019, the largest overdose total in any month was 89.

In 2020, there were startling overdose upticks in May (297% increase), June (239% increase), July (204% increase) and August (234% increase), compared to the average of those month’s totals in the previous three years.

But, to Pasco County Sheriff’s Capt. Toni Roach, the key number is 49. Those are the people who have been placed under the care of a substance-abuse program because of the intervention team’s work.

“I know that doesn’t seem like a large number, but we’re running at about a 25% commitment into a program (after intervention),’’ Roach said. “That’s (49) people I know who aren’t going to potentially overdose and die in our community. That’s because the detective has been able to engage them and help them get appointments with behavioral health providers.

“We’ve created a path, giving these overdose subjects a golden ticket, getting them to the head of the line for services. These overdose subjects, they overdose, they almost die and they want help. “The overall effects of withdrawal and addiction manifest themselves within the first 24 hours. That’s why it’s crucial to get to them before they use again. If we get them into services quickly and reduce the withdrawal effects, they’re going to be more successful in staying,” she said.

Sometimes, it’s difficult to follow through, though.

Roach said the intervention team has worked with approximately 1,000 overdose follow-up assignments in the last year. About one-third of the subjects couldn’t be located, potentially because they were homeless, transient or intentionally avoiding authorities.

For subjects who are located, about half of them are interested in services. Most of the time, Roach said, they don’t know where to start.

“We have that hard conversation and tell them, ‘This is your rock bottom, and we’re here to help you,’” Roach said. “We help take away all the excuses. We do all the legwork and take people to their first appointment. If the process is intimidating or they don’t have transportation, we get them that help.’’

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, that help has been needed more than ever.

“We definitely saw an increase in the overdose numbers and there were multiple potential reasons,’’ Roach said. “Some of it was stimulus related. When the stimulus checks came out, some people partied like it was 1999. The substance abuse community relies heavily on peer support and interaction. So when we stopped meeting in person, churches closed and things went online, it wasn’t the same as having that human interaction.

“The whole aspect of social isolation has been a huge part of the pandemic and overall mental health. No doubt, isolation has played into it in a very big way,” she said.

Fentanyl also plays into it in a very big way. It’s the drug of concern for local officials.

“It’s extremely cheap and it’s extremely addictive because of its potency level,’’ Roach said. “It creates a bigger problem for us. The things that seemed more benign by comparison, such as marijuana, can now overdose and kill you because it’s now laced with something that is very fatal and highly toxic. It throws our entire community into a new playing field.’’

But, the intervention team continues to make headway.

“We’ve had a lot of great wins during this process,’’ Roach said. “As time goes on and we learn more and more, I think it will be even more effective.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published October 07, 2020

Health News 10/07/2020

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Health Library
Due to the temporary suspension of all classes, BayCare offers a Health Library online for those interested in finding health and wellness resources, and medical information.

The library includes a variety of topics for a variety of reasons, such as: Drug Interaction Checker; Vitamins, Herbs and Supplements; HealthNav; and, a Health Encyclopedia that contains information on thousands of conditions and treatments.

Podcasts and quizzes also can be found through the library link.

The information provided in the library is “not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice,” according to BayCare’s website.

For information, visit BayCare.org/health-library.

Rapid COVID testing
AdventHealth Centra Care has doubled its weekly rapid testing capacity for COVID-19.

The rapid antigen test is run in-house, with results back in 15 minutes.

The tests are now available at Centra Care locations.

The increase in testing capacity will allow Centra Care to conduct more than 20,000 tests per week, which averages to about 100 tests per day, at select locations.

Anyone who wants to be tested should make an online reservation, at Centracare.adventhealth.com/urgent-care/covid-19-testing, to be evaluated by a Centra Care provider.

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

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

Individuals can choose to trade in a regular license plate for the “End Breast Cancer” specialty tag, with an automobile registration renewal.

Customers also can purchase the tag for newly registered vehicles, or use the voluntary check-off box on their registration form and donate directly.

All five tax collector office locations also will accept cash donations on behalf of the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation.

For information, contact Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Temporary visitor policy
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, has instituted a Temporary Visitor Policy, in order to protect patients, visitors, physicians and caregivers from the spread of the coronavirus.

Visiting hours are from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

  • Inpatient Units: One visitor per patient is permitted. No visitors will be allowed in the Coronavirus Units.
  • Emergency Room: One visitor per patient in the ER.
  • Patients Undergoing Procedures: One visitor allowed per patient. Visitor must remain in the designated waiting area. If the patient is admitted, the visitor can visit with the patient after the patient is admitted to a room.
  • Anyone younger than the age of 18 will not be considered for visitation, unless they are the parent of a hospitalized child.
  • Hospital cafeteria: Visitors are not allowed.

For information, visit BayonetPointHospital.com.

 

Pasco County retains masks, for now

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After a briefing from the director of the county’s health department, the Pasco County Commission has decided to continue its mask mandate — at least for now.

Mike Napier, director of the Pasco County office of the Florida Department of Health, told commissioners at their Sept. 21 meeting that positive COVID-19 cases had been trending in the wrong direction recently.

“I wish I had better news as far as what our cases have been over the last several weeks,” Napier said. “We’ve started to see some increased number of cases,” Napier said.

Mike Napier, director of the Pasco County office of the Florida Department of Health (File)

Pasco County’s cumulative number of cases he told commissioners was 8,834 cases, as of Sept. 21, the health director reported.

“The concern here really is, we were doing pretty well back in the early part of September, averaging about 3%, as a rolling average on our positivity. Last week, it was the first time in almost a month that we got almost a 6% positivity rate and we had 1,300 cases.

“The number that should be a little bit alarming to you is that in this past week, we’ve had a 61% increase in cases in the last seven days. So, we’re headed in the wrong direction at this point,” Napier said.

“At the low mark, the county was averaging 29 cases a day — to where we are today, where we’re averaging almost 50 day, and that’s over a two-week period,” Napier said.

“I know that schools were a big question.

“We had a total of 79 students and 26 staff that have tested positive, for 105 total cases (as of Sept. 18),” he said.

“There’s a lot of criteria that goes into the determination of whether or a not a student has to be excluded or not,” Napier said.

Out of the nearly 1,400 exposures at school, there are 857 students and staff currently quarantined, but also 542 people have been released, Napier said.

The public health officer said he knows there’s a lot of interest on when it would be appropriate to lift mask mandates and social distancing restrictions.

“From public health standpoint, I have to tell you, when we have a vaccine or when we have medication to treat COVID,” Napier said. From a practical standpoint, the number of positive cases needs to be lower. “We’re at 49 averaging a day.”

“We’re trending higher in our positivity rate. We were at 3%, we’re at 4% right now. That 1% does matter,” Napier said.

He said he’s on regular conference calls with health officers and county officials around the region.

“We’re all getting the same questions, right? We’re all trying to come up with that answer.

“We are looking at a regional approach for face coverings,” Napier said.

They’re trying to reach a consensus on the numbers and benchmarks to use.

“We’re actually looking to the academics, to be able to come up with something from a regional standpoint. We know that we have a community that moves from Pasco to Pinellas, and from Pinellas into Pasco. Hernando. Hillsborough — all of those counties.”

Initially, the increase in cases stemmed from the virus spreading within families, the public health official said. But now, there’s community spread.

Labor Day could have affected the spread. It’s too early to tell whether the recent opening of bars has had an impact,  he added.

COVID-19 remains a threat
“The pandemic is not over. I understand that face coverings are inconvenient and uncomfortable, however, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association continue to support the use of face coverings to reduce the exposure of COVID-19,” Napier said.

He continued: “Just as recently as last week, the CDC director Robert Redfield said, “The best defense that we currently have against this virus are the important mitigation efforts of wearing a mask, washing your hands, social distancing and being careful around crowds.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley said most of the people he’s heard from favor continuing the requirement for masks.

“I’d say that 80% to 85% of the citizens think it’s too early to remove masks, which is good to hear because I think they realize that it’s not over, and they still need to be taking precautions,” Oakley said.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles said steps that have been taken to reduce the spread have been working.

“The county has seen a decrease of about 72%, in its seven-day rolling average, from its peak,” Biles said.

Commissioner Mike Wells said he’s not a big fan of wearing a mask. But, he added: “I wear a mask when I have to. It could possibly save lives.”

At the same time, he has empathy for business owners who are trying to impose the mandate.

“I’ve seen businesses get in arguments with folks. It’s just tough,” Wells said. “I’ve been in WaWa, people yelling. I’ve been in Walmart. I’ve been in Target. Folks yelling. ‘You’ve got to wear a mask. You’ve got the wrong mask,’” Wells said.

But, Wells told Napier that he respects him, and added: “I support it (the mask mandate) until you tell us otherwise.”

Napier said if the numbers were trending down, he would be in a different position.

As it stands now, he told board members he wouldn’t lift the requirement before getting another update, which is expected in October.

Published September 30, 2020

Becoming more mindful about eating

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Many people say that eating healthy during the holidays is impossible: There are just too many opportunities to give in to temptation.

There’s the leftover Halloween candy.

There’s the turkey dinner and all of the fixins’ — that can add up to 4,500 calories for the average person — including appetizers, drinks and dessert.

Just like the environment of your neighborhood can play a role in your health (living near a grocery store, a park, etc.), so does the environment in your kitchen. Surround yourself with healthy options. (Courtesy of Alisa Boderick, Extension intern)

And, then, of course, there’s the Thanksgiving leftovers.

Plus, there are Christmas goodies throughout most of December, and, of course, New Year’s Eve parties, too.

It can be hard to stick to a healthy eating routine.

This year has been particularly challenging because being stuck at home — to learn and work —  has created too many opportunities to indulge. The added stress also fuels cravings.

Mainstream media has given a name to the recent weight gain many have experienced. It’s called the “Quarantine 15.”

So, here are some changes that you can make now that will help you not only with the “Quarantine 15,” but also will set you up for year-round success.

Practice mindful eating, not mindless eating. Mindless eating means you have little awareness of what you’re consuming. Mindful eating, on the other hand, means putting your full attention into what you are eating — when you eat, there’s no TV, no browsing on an electronic device, no online shopping, working, reading or other activities.

When you are fully aware of what you are eating, you are more likely to eat healthier food and eat healthy portions.

The author of the book “Mindful Eating” says that we make about 250 food decisions every day, not just on what we’re going to eat, but where we’re going to eat — on the couch or at the kitchen table? We also decide if we’re going to eat out of a bowl or a bag. We decide how much we’re going eat, one serving or two. We also decide whether we will be eating alone or with someone else. And, we’ll decide when we are going to eat.

Are you being mindful of these decisions?

Pay attention to your daily environment. Are you surrounded by highly processed food? Is your kitchen table welcoming or cluttered?  Do you have a structured eating routine, or is your routine just mindlessly eating sweet or salty convenience snacks at your work desk?

Set yourself up for success. Here are some simple steps to help:

  • Be a wise consumer: If you don’t put junk food in your shopping cart, it won’t end up in your house. Remove all junk food you currently have at home.
  • Stay hydrated. The part of the brain that signals thirst and hunger is similar, and it’s easy to confuse them. Your body may just want water instead of a snack. Stay away from sugary beverages.
  • Give your stomach 20 minutes to communicate to your brain that you’re full. Don’t have second servings or dessert right away because there’s a chance the first serving was satisfying enough if you give yourself time to recognize this.
  • Eat slower. Put down your fork/spoon/sandwich as you chew (both hands should be free) instead of having the next bite ready to go before you even finished the one you’re on.
  • If you’re on the go, take snacks with you. Keep a snack in your bag to avoid the impulse of fast food and vending machines.
  • Keep your snack nutrient-packed: Think nuts, fruits and veggies.
  • Mindless snacking may cause excess weight gain, so eat during breaks instead of while you work or watch TV
  • Portion out snacks: Pour a handful into a bowl and put the bag away. Wait the 20 minutes and you’ll likely realize that you’re full.
  • When at a holiday gathering, have just two or three bites of dessert and eat slowly. You’ll realize that’s all you need to satisfy your sweet tooth while indulging with friends and family.
  • At home, surround yourself with healthy options and make healthy decisions. And, once it’s safe to do so, surround yourself with family and friends, and indulge in a healthy amount of the occasional treat. Just a few bites will go far.

By Shari Bresin

Alisa Boderick, Pasco County Extension intern, contributed to this column.

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Almond cranberry trail mix
Recipe courtesy of Alisa Boderick, Extension intern

Make this trail mix at home and portion it into baggies.

Ingredients:
2 cups whole unsalted almonds
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup raisins

Directions:
Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix.
Pour ¼ cup into a plastic bag for an on-the-go snack.
You also can add options such as pumpkin seeds or whole grain cereal.

Source: Alisa Boderick, Pasco County Extension intern

Published September 30, 2020