The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

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

‘Twindemic’ is new challenge now

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With the flu season approaching and the COVID-19 pandemic persisting, there’s already a catchy term to describe what could happen during the winter months.

“Twindemic.’’

The flu and COVID-19? What can you do to fight back? The local medical community offers a clear initial strategy. Get your annual flu shot — now.

Tim Hendrix is medical director for all AdventHealth Centra Care locations, including the Wesley Chapel facility. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

Tim Hendrix, medical director for all AdventHealth Centra Care locations (including the Wesley Chapel facility), said flu season officially begins Nov. 1, but the public should move urgently.

“We will start seeing cases in October,’’ Hendrix said. “If you look at the pattern historically, the reportable cases start creeping up in October. If you get to Thanksgiving and you haven’t gotten your flu shot, it’s too late. You really need to focus on now. Now is the time before the cases increase.

“Basically, you’re dealing with two epidemics. Our concern is overwhelming capacity at the hospitals and doctor’s offices with both COVID patients and flu patients. Every year, flu puts a strain on our system. We know that, and we’re prepared for that surge. But, now we have two different viruses to deal with, and it can put an even bigger drain on the system and make a lot more people sick,” Hendrix said.

Mark Vaaler, chief medical director of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, said he’s also worried about an overtaxed medical system.

“If we have a bad flu season and another peak of COVID, if they happen at the same time, we certainly could face a real shortage of beds,’’ Vaaler said. “With our policy of quarantining and sending people home and the potential shortage of health care workers, even if we have beds available, the other concern is having enough workers to staff those beds.

“The best thing we can do is continue our social distancing and masking. That should help for the flu and COVID. I’m hopeful people will not forget the lessons we have learned, because those practices will mitigate both illnesses. And, of course, you need to get that flu shot as soon as possible,’’ Vaaler said.

In a normal year, anywhere from 30% to 50% of Americans get flu shots from doctor’s offices, medical centers or retail pharmacies. Hendrix and Vaaler agree that this year’s percentage needs to increase exponentially.

With the heavy attention given to COVID, flu shot awareness could be at an all-time high. There’s good news from the Southern Hemisphere, where Australia has reported a lighter flu season during its winter months. And that is partially due to COVID precautions. But, it shouldn’t prompt a false sense of security.

Mark Vaaler is chief medical director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

“I never try to predict a flu season,’’ Hendrix said. “This season will be more variable. We got through the (COVID) surge in April, then Memorial Day hit, and I never thought we’d be where we are now with the number of cases that we’re seeing.

“We cannot model ourselves after Australia or South Africa and hope to have the same type of low flu seasons. Our behaviors are different. Our school years are different. We’re trying to open our schools back up and get our kids back in school,” he said. “Those factors will affect how the flu season looks.’’

Vaaler said he thinks the rise of COVID has been a great advocate for flu shot awareness.

“All the talk about COVID will not go away until we get a vaccine, so hopefully people will realize the only way to control the flu is to get the vaccine,’’ Vaaler said. “As far as completely preventing you from getting the flu, it’s not 100% effective as most people know. But, if you had the vaccine, it still mitigates the severity of the flu. There’s absolutely no reason not to get the flu vaccine.

“Oh, there’s inherent skepticism we as Americans have. Some people just don’t like being told what to do or how to do it. I haven’t seen that talk dissipate. There are always people who say they took the vaccine and still got the flu or they claim they got the flu from the vaccine itself. Those things are not true. The vaccine has great value and never more than in the year like we are currently experiencing.’’

This flu season might be confusing
Hendrix and Vaaler said the Twindemic year could have new twists. What if someone catches the flu and COVID-19 at the same time? What if they get sick and aren’t certain about which virus was contracted?

It can be confusing because the flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms. The most obvious signs of differentiation are COVID’s tendency to prompt lack of smell and lack of taste, along with heightened aching and fatigue.

“We know co-infection can happen,’’ Hendrix said. “When COVID-19 started (roughly in February), we started seeing people with COVID and influenza. Those people got through it OK, but having two different viruses is never a good thing. The risk of complications is higher with co-infections, and it’s another reason to get a flu shot.’’

“The scary thing about it is you can get both of them,’’ Vaaler said. “You can also get one, get better, then get the other. And, the most serious part is it adversely affects our most vulnerable populations. This is absolutely the year we need to push for everyone to get their flu shot. By getting as many people vaccinated as possible, it can really help the situation.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published September 30, 2020

Health News 09/30/2020

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Dr. Erika van Doorn

Trauma director appointed
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has appointed Dr. Erika van Doorn as the trauma medical director for the hospital’s Level II Trauma Center.

Prior to joining Bayonet Point as a trauma surgeon in 2019, van Doorn spent 14 years as a surgical specialist in several Texas hospitals, including Medical Center Plano, a 603-bed Level I Trauma Center.

She completed her general surgery residency and surgical critical care fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Dr. van Doorn is board certified in general surgery and surgery critical care.

New staff
Dr. Sanjay Jain has joined BayCare Medical Group, specializing in family medicine, and will provide continuity of care to geriatric patients, adults and children.

Dr. Jain is proficient with minor office procedures, including skin biopsies, excisions, joint injections and cryotherapy.

He also is certified in advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support and basic life support.

The physician earned his Doctor of Medicine from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the State University of New York in Buffalo, New York.

He completed a family medicine residency with AdventHealth in Winter Park.

In addition to his medical education, Dr. Jain has a graduate degree in business administration also from the State University of New York.

The doctor will practice at 17512 Dona Michelle Drive, Suite 5, in Tampa, and is accepting patients age 5 and older.

Reaching out to seniors during COVID-19

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If nothing else, COVID-19 has forced people to adapt — and to think of new ways of getting things done.

Hillsborough County’s Aging Services has been doing just that — through a telephonic program that is currently replacing personal visits to the department’s senior centers.

Soon, the department hopes to switch to virtual Zoom meetings to share programs with seniors, but until it does, it will continue using a call-in system.

Frances Duran Brea, a general manager with Nutrition & Wellness for Hillsborough County’s senior centers, shares her knowledge with seniors calling into Hillsborough County’s virtual wellness program, which is conducted through a conference call. The sessions are expected to be presented virtually on Zoom, soon. The county offers an assortment of virtual programs. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

“We’ve been closed since mid-March because of COVID-19, unfortunately,” said Frances Duran Brea, general manager with nutrition and wellness for the department of aging services’ senior centers.

The pandemic has been especially difficult for the elderly because they are in the age group considered to be at greatest risk for serious health consequences from the virus.

Because of that, those over age 60 are advised to limit their contact with others — which has the effect of being socially isolating.

“It’s definitely impacted them hard,” Duran Brea said, referring to the county’s older population.

“A lot of them live alone,” she said. And, even those who live with family members often must stay home while others come and go.

“Their families are afraid to take them out,” Duran Brea explained.

The call-in system gives the county a way to stay connected with seniors.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the program is offered in English, from 11:45 a.m. to 12: 45 p.m.

Then, it is offered again in Spanish, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Participants call (888) 585-9008, then punch in the Conference ID number, which is 784132094#.

“We do many of the programs we did at the centers. We have nutrition presentations with our registered dieticians,” Duran Brea said. “I usually do the health segments, the safety segments, and we have specialized activities staff who do a variety of programming.

“We’ve tried everything. We have drawing classes. We have some community partners who help us facilitate some of the programming. Reminiscing musical programs.

“We have a variety of health and wellness programs, around the seven dimensions of wellness,” she said.

Those seven dimensions are physical, mental, emotional, social, environmental, intellectual and spiritual.

Calls include a nutrition presentation and a health segment, and the rest of the hour consists of programming that varies, Duran Brea said. In essence, the programming is part educational, part fun.

Community partners help them find out about resources that are available, or provide useful information, she added.

Using the new mode of delivering services has had its share of obstacles, Duran Brea said.

Some elderly find that it’s challenging to call in.

They complain: “It’s too many numbers,” she said, and some forget to punch in the #symbol at the end of the Conference ID number.

Some people likely don’t know the program is available, she added.

The program will be shifting to a Zoom format soon, which will mean seniors will need to adapt to that change, Duran Brea said.

“Right now, we’re recruiting a lot of volunteers to give one-on-one assistance to some of the seniors that are requesting that — to set up the Zoom,” she said.

Those volunteers will call to give the seniors step-by-step instructions, she explained.

In addition to the countywide Tuesday and Thursday programs, individual senior sites throughout the county also offer call-in programs.

So, seniors can call those centers to take part in their virtual wellness program.

The Lutz Senior Center offers its program on Wednesday and Friday. The program is offered in  English, 11 a.m. to noon, and in Spanish, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

To participate, call (888) 585-9008, conference room 448-371-556#.

Want to help?
Volunteer opportunities include, but aren’t limited to: Senior centers and dining center, adult day care centers, gardening, arts and crafts, food service, fitness, special events, music, literature, administrative. To find out more, contact the volunteer coordinator at (813) 853-1067 or .

Need help?
For general information about services, call (813) 272-5250.

Want to connect?
Countywide call-in program, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The program is offered in English, from 11:45 a.m. to 12: 45 p.m.; it is offered in Spanish, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
To participate, call (888)585-9008, Conference ID: 784132094#.

Lutz Senior Center, Wednesdays and Fridays; English, 11 a.m. to noon; Spanish, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Call (888) 585-9008, conference room 448-371-556#.

Published September 23, 2020

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.