The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Team Member of the Year

By

(Courtesy of Tiffany Scalone)

The St. Joseph’s Hospital-North Imaging Services team congratulates Gabe Barreto, CT technologist, after he was named the 2018 Team Member of the Year. From left: Kari Jackson, Jackie Noonan, Jessica Reilly, Natasha Beckel, Lorraine Sargent, Gabe Barreto, Chris Blanchard, Maria Reynolds, Dr. Troy Woeste, Jennie Cusmano and Ann Ross-Compton. Barreto was recognized for his professional, knowledgeable and kind manner with patients, and for his dependability and hard work within the Imaging Services department.

Health News 03/06/2019

By

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

In support of healthy hearts
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club supports women’s cardiac health and promotes the education of the warning signs for heart attacks and strokes. The club turned out in the color red for each of its February meetings and gatherings, to symbolize this serious health issue, for women in particular. For information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Pilot program
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) is piloting a new program, Baby on Board, which allows exclusively breast-feeding mothers/employees of the department to bring their babies to work until the baby is 6 months old.

The program was introduced last year after DOH-Pasco received a Gold Level Florida Breast-feeding Friendly Employer Award.

DOH-Pasco also received the 2018 Gold Level Loving Support Award of Excellence for providing exemplary breast-feeding promotion and support activities.

The Baby on Board program complies with the Surgeon General’s 2011 Call to Action to Support Breast-feeding.

An internal survey revealed that the Baby on Board program was supported by 97.2 percent of the DOH-Pasco staff.

Summit addresses mental health challenges

By

Overcoming mental health and substance abuse issues in local communities seems a daunting undertaking — but offering a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on may be a good place to start.

At least that’s what a group of educators and faith-based leaders asserted at a recent mental health summit at Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco-Hernando State College hosted a mental health summit on Feb. 18 at its Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel. It featured a panel discussion between educators and faith leaders in the community. (Kevin Weiss)

The state college’s Bridging Faith and Mental Health Communities Summit brought together dozens of faith-based leaders, public and private clinical agencies, students, educators and community members. They discussed ongoing problems and solutions on topics such as depression, suicide and substance abuse, wellness and recovery.

A plenary panel discussion addressed those topics head-on.

University of South Florida philosophy and religious studies professor Garrett Potts tried to pinpoint the root of mental health issues.

He suggested that depression and addiction have been exacerbated because there’s “a crisis of meaning” and “a loss of hope” in society and culture today.

And, as a result, he said, people have turned to drugs and alcohol, as a coping mechanism.

The panelist advised that if you think someone may be suffering from substance abuse or a mental health crisis, empathy and guidance without judgement can go a long way.

“We have to be able to sort of lay our cards on the table and say, ‘Hey, I’m with you,’” Potts said.

“Try at all costs to avoid the shame cycle that our fellow addicts and sufferers are already stuck in. They don’t need any more shame than they’re already placing on themselves.”

He added, “A lot of times, what you hear with individuals who are struggling with suicide, is they’ve found themselves in a place where they’re isolated. Either something they’re struggling with is stigmatized to the point that they don’t feel loved, or they feel like no one around them cares about them or can help them.”

Another panelist, Dr. Eddie Williams, director of PHSC’s behavioral health department, pointed out those dealing with depression and suicide “often disengage from everybody” in their personal and social life, and in the workplace.

Williams underscored the importance of reaching out before a particular mental illness worsens.

A decreased functioning in everyday life and a general feeling of sadness are some warning signs to watch out for, he said.

“We need to make sure that person gets reconnected,” Williams said, “to let them know that they’re loved and understood.”

He added: “Don’t take no for an answer, if you start to see someone disengaging from life. Sometimes, it just takes that one act of courage and that could save someone’s life.”

Williams also observed those who’ve successfully recovered from substance abuse or mental illness must “give it back and try to help someone else reach that level of recovery.”

Williams added: “You’ve got to have that support from people who’ve been in similar situations.”

Pastor Doug Zipperer, of Shady Hills’ United Methodist Church, called for more fellowship and outreach groups.

He mentioned organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous do a good job of bringing people together and helping each other, so they’re not fighting mental health and addiction battles alone.

Zipperer put it like this: “The words and encouragement and counsel of a real close friend is probably more lasting than hours of clinical counseling or the professional help of somebody they don’t trust.”

Another panelist, Taiwan Simmons, the co-founder of Inside Reach Ministries in Wesley Chapel, suggested there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to people struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse.

Offering care and affection to loved ones may not be enough, Simmons said.

Still, the panelist said there’s a responsibility to reach out to those dealing with those troubles — even in the face of getting rejected by that person.

“We have people who are hurting,” he said. “They need our prayer, they need our support, they need our attention, they need our encouragement.

“You have to be engaged and you have to empower not just yourself, but the people around you,” he said.

The panel also included Imam Hassan Sultan, CEO of the Muslim Connection; Ryan Morris, PHSC student government president; and, John Mitten, Hernando County commissioner and PHSC board trustee.

Along with the panel discussion, the event also included breakout sessions focused on suicide, and substance abuse awareness and prevention.

In addition to the state college, community partners involved in the summit included the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, BayCare Behavioral Health – Community Health Activation Team (CHAT), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Take Stock in Children, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center and Pasco Aware.

Published February 27, 2019

Heart defect doesn’t stop local teen

By

Samuel Mazzeo’s life changed forever, during a P.E. class at Cypress Creek Middle High.

He was playing football with classmates on the school’s field when, suddenly, he collapsed.

The teenager had gone into cardiac arrest.

School officials, luckily, were on hand to quickly come to his aid.

He was revived with CPR and a defibrillator. He received medical care at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

After months of recovery and an internal pacemaker, Mazzeo has been cleared to participate in shot put and discus events on Cypress Creek Middle High’s varsity track and field team. He previously participated on the school’s football, basketball and weightlifting teams. (Courtesy of Lona Mazzeo)

Mazzeo had been suffering from a rare, genetic heart disease called arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, or ARVD for short.

It occurs when the heart muscle of the right ventricle is replaced by fat or fibrous tissue, so the right ventricle is dilated and contracts poorly; the condition was never diagnosed during physicals or regular check-ups.

The condition weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood.

The scary episode happened on Feb. 23, 2018.

“I don’t remember anything at all,” said the 17-year-old Mazzeo. “I tell my stories from what my friends and my family and the doctors told me what happened.”

Family and friends recently celebrated the day’s one-year anniversary, which is now described as Mazzeo’s “first birthday.”

“It’s crazy to think that actually happened a year ago, but I’m still happy and lucky I’m still here,” Mazzeo said. “I’m starting to realize, ‘Wow, it’s already been a whole year since basically my life completely changed.’”

Mazzeo now has a pacemaker implanted into his chest.

He doesn’t look like someone with a heart condition.

The teen measures at 6-foot-5 and 240-plus pounds — packed into a sturdy, imposing frame.

Doctors told him he’s no longer able to play competitive sports, however.

Other strenuous forms of exercise are also off-limits — aside from brisk walks, light weight-training and the occasional swim.

The realization was humbling for a multi-sport athlete who participated on Cypress Creek’s football, basketball and weightlifting teams — and who had dreams of playing college football.

“It was a little tough at first,” Mazzeo said of the diagnosis and its limitations. “The first few months were rough, and I realized that football was no more. I honestly didn’t think that would ever happen to me. I’ve always been a healthy, active kid. I almost felt invincible, playing football…and then that happens and you’re just like, ‘Wow.’”

As months passed, Mazzeo learned to accept his new, altered lifestyle.

“I wouldn’t say I’m fine with it, but I’m not mad about it,” Mazzeo said. “I’m better now. It’s a lot easier to move on with.”

A few things eased the transition.

Though unable to don a helmet and pads ever again, Mazzeo was able to be involved with the Cypress Creek varsity football team in another capacity — as a student assistant coach.

It’s a role he grew to embrace.

“As the season went on and progressed, I found out that I loved to coach,” Mazzeo said. “It’s something that’s really rewarding to see the progress from the start of the season to the end of the season, just watching the guys improve and watching them get wins.”

Mazzeo has even been asked to return next season as a paid assistant, once he graduates high school.

He sees it as a possible future career path.

“I do miss playing football a lot, especially during the last past season, but getting the opportunity to coach was something that I never would’ve expected to happen,” Mazzeo said. “It was a good opportunity to do and, obviously it still kept me close with the team and close with everybody.”

Mazzeo found a niche in another sport, also.

He recently was cleared by his cardiologist to participate on the school’s varsity track and field team as a shot put and discus thrower; the movements were deemed low-impact enough for someone with a pacemaker.

Given his size and strength, Mazzeo has shown to be a natural at both.

At a recent quad meet, he placed sixth overall in shot put (10.55 meters) and ninth overall in discus (25.77 meters), respectively.

“I’m happy I was cleared to do shot and discus,” said Mazzeo.

Besides his continued involvement in sports, Mazzeo also is working to raise awareness about heart health throughout school.

He encourages his classmates to get heart screenings and to understand the importance of learning CPR.

“I think it’s good to get screened, to get tested for just anything in general,” Mazzeo said. “Even if you’re an athlete, you never know.”

Meantime, Mazzeo remains thankful the incident took place at school.

He sometimes reflects he could’ve been any place alone when his heart stopped.

“I’m very fortunate that it happened in the right place, with the right people around to help me,” Mazzeo said. “Because I work out at home, I work out at the gym, usually there’s no one with me or there’s no medical devices around, so I’m very lucky and fortunate it happened here at school.”

Published February 27, 2019

Stepping into another’s shoes

By

‘Blind’ diners enter the Silverthorn Country Club during the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind’s fifth annual Dining in the Dark event. The event raises funds for services and helps to increase the public’s understanding of vision impairment. More than 120 guests wore blindfolds while eating the first course of their meal, to experience how difficult it can be to use a fork without the aid of vision. Some diners had no idea what they were eating. The mission of the Lighthouse is to provide people with visual impairments the skills needed to achieve maximum independence. For information, visit LVIB.org, or call (727) 815-0303.

(Courtesy of Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind)

New CEO named

By

Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind has named Jonathan Fister as CEO.

Fister joins the Lighthouse after founding the Keystone Non-Profit Management Group, and serving as its president and CEO for more than 35 years.

He also has been president and CEO of the National Association of Blind Children for the past 11 years, and served as president of several organizations that advocate for the visually impaired and blind, including the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind, Pennsylvania Industries for the Blind & Handicapped, and Mercer County Human Services Council.

Fister also was named Mercer County Business Person of the Year 2000-2001, received the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind Meritorious Service Award 2002, and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Pennsylvania Senate Citation 2018.

For information about Lighthouse services and clients, visit LVIB.org.

TouchPoint Medical’s headquarters to open in 2020

By

Construction began last week on TouchPoint Medical Inc.’s global headquarters on South Branch Boulevard in The Preserve, a new residential community off State Road 54, west of the Suncoast Parkway.

Brian McNeill, president and CEO of TouchPoint — the parent company of TouchPoint Medical Inc. — offered remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony at TouchPoint Medical’s new global headquarters in Land O’ Lakes. (B.C. Manion)

The 142,000-square-foot facility in Land O’ Lakes is expected to be completed during 2020. The company will bring a total of 228 jobs to Pasco County, including 116 new jobs and other positions transferred from several locations.

The project represents more than $23 million in capital investment in Pasco County, according to officials with Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., the agency that seeks to attract new businesses and strengthen existing ones to bolster the county’s economy.

Officials from TouchPoint Medical and its parent company, elected leaders, TouchPoint employees and members of the community celebrated the groundbreaking on Feb. 6.

It was a blue sky kind of day, with speeches filled with enthusiasm — regarding the promise and potential that the new project represents.

When TouchPoint Medical Inc. began working with Pasco County officials, it discovered it shared many common values, said Pascal Testeil, the company’s president.

Brian McNeill, president and CEO of TouchPoint Inc., the parent company of TouchPoint Medical, told the crowd that as a private company the focus is “on doing what’s right for the long-term of the business. And, we look to create value over a long period of time.

“The investment that we’re making here in Pasco, Florida, is an example of our long-term commitment to our business, to our people, and to the communities in which we work and live,” McNeill said.

“I think this moment clearly demonstrates the power of aligning shared interests of private and public resources to create something new and exciting,” he added.

Pascal Testeil, president of TouchPoint Medical, said the company began looking for a location about a year ago, to enable its growth and expansion.

When it began working with the Pasco Economic Development Council’s staff and Pasco County, “we quickly discovered that we shared common values, such as growth, diversity, passion for creating value for customers and a strong sense of community.

“For all of those reasons, we were convinced that our new home should be here, in Pasco County,” Testeil said. “We want to be a contribution to the local economy,” he added.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells said he was pleased to see such a strong turnout of TouchPoint Medical employees at the groundbreaking ceremony, at the site where the company will have its new global headquarters.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells marveled at TouchPoint’s commitment to its employees, and at the sizable presence of TouchPoint team members at the event.

The commissioner added: “We are very excited to bring more jobs and economic growth to Pasco County. The new jobs coming to the county will range from product development, business services, customer and technical support, as well as manufacturing.”

Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco EDC, said “this land represents a great foundation to do business. It’s a wonderful location in the middle of the fastest-growing market in the United States, the southeast U.S.

“The foundation here is also strengthened by the community leaders and elected officials,” Cronin said.

The economic development leader also pledged a continuing partnership with the company.

Company and local officials fling shovels of sand to mark the groundbreaking for TouchPoint Medical Inc.’s global headquarters. It is expected to create 116 new jobs in Pasco County.

“We thank you for making the decision to move here,” Cronin said. “We are here for the long-run. We want to see you grow and prosper.”

TouchPoint Medical incentives
The Pasco County Commission previously approved $1.7 million in incentives to attract TouchPoint Medical Inc., to Pasco County.

The packages includes:

  • About $464,000 to be paid over eight years in return for providing new jobs
  • Up to $150,000 in payments or credits for permitting fees
  • An estimated $980,000 in property tax rebates over 10 years
  • $100,000 in reimbursable employee training costs

TouchPoint Medical will partner with AmSkills as part of training and recruitment.

AmSkills is an initiative that helps high school students, adults and veterans learn manufacturing job skills.

Published February 13, 2019

BayCare continues quest for Wesley Chapel hospital

By

BayCare Health Systems is pushing forward in its quest to open a new hospital in Wesley Chapel, despite a challenge filed by AdventHealth’s hospitals in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

Speaking on BayCare’s behalf, Todd Jones recently outlined the health care system’s plans for a 60-bed hospital that would be built on a 111-acre site at the northeast quadrant of Interstate 75 and Overpass Road.

He shared BayCare’s vision for the hospital with about 120 businessmen and businesswomen at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast, at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel.

BayCare wants to put a new hospital along the I-75 corridor because of the dramatic population growth, and an increased demand for health services, said Jones, who is vice president of ambulatory experience and operations for BayCare Health System.

Todd Jones, vice president of ambulatory experience and operations for BayCare Health System, outlined the provider’s vision for a new hospital in Wesley Chapel during a breakfast meeting of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. (B.C. Manion)

“Anytime you have population growth, there is going to be an increased demand for health services,” he said.

“We want to recruit new primary care and specialty providers to the community.

“One of things that’s frustrating for patients — and this is the thing that affects your health — is when you can’t gain access to the care that you need in some way.”

Beyond recruiting the professionals to work at the hospital, there will be a ripple effect — with providers opening up offices nearby, Jones predicted.

BayCare also wants to provide additional services that would not be based at the hospital, Jones added.

BayCare also plans to do community outreach, and to provide wellness and education activities, Jones said.

It plans to partner with education providers to help provide a path forward for both high school and college students, Jones added.

The construction of the hospital is expected to create 300 jobs, and once it becomes fully operational, BayCare anticipates needing about 300 team members, Jones said.

The proposed services at the hospital include:

  • Emergency services for adults and children
  • Intensive care unit
  • Obstetrical care services
  • Diagnostic lab imaging
  • Physical rehabilitation
  • Behavioral support services

Jones told the audience, people often want to know: “What’s it going to look like? How’s it going to function?”

It will be similar in appearance to BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, which opened in Riverview in 2015. That hospital used the template from St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, which opened in Lutz in 2010.

“We will use the same architects,” Jones said, using whatever was learned during the St. Joseph’s Hospital-South project, much like that project used what was learned at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

“The goal is, you  always want to improve upon yourself,” he said.

It typically takes about three years from the time a hospital is approved, until the physical structure is operating.

The hospital has received preliminary approval from the state for a Certificate of Need, but that has been challenged, so the process will take some time to work through.

BayCare has received word that a hearing is scheduled Aug. 13 through Aug. 22, according to Tiffany Scalone, media relations coordinator for St. Joseph’s Hospitals.

Jones told the North Tampa Bay Chamber crowd: “We will work through the process for the Certificate of Need. We anticipate it will be resolved by October.”

BayCare understands the value of the state Certificate of Need process, Jones said, noting it is intended “to protect the community, so that you don’t overbuild services and you do something the community actually can afford.

“We support that process. We feel like it challenges us to make sure that all of the things that we thought through actually do support the community,” Jones said.

Beyond its plans for the hospital, BayCare also anticipates bringing in some other services.

“We feel like we can get to the community faster with some of the diagnostic services that are needed in the community,” he said. “We’re looking at another location for our outpatient services. Right now, the things that we have identified immediately are around laboratory and imaging, and also urgent care.”

Licia Tavalaiccio, a real estate broker who lives in the area, said she’s excited about the prospect of the hospital coming into the area.

But, she noted: “My concern is traffic. Do we have a plan?””

Jones said the hospital will reach out in the community to involve them, as the hospital planning progresses.

“We would like you to participate. We want you to have input,” Jones said, noting that community participation also extends to helping to identify the community’s needs.

“We try to provide service for the patients where they need it,” Jones said. “We come to you.”

Published February 13, 2019

Making sense of choices available in senior care

By

As a generation of Floridians transition into retirement age, they and their families may have questions regarding what senior care facilities have to offer.

Keystone Place at Terra Bella is providing information to help the public find those answers.

The Land O’ Lakes senior living facility had several open house sessions in January to explain the different levels of care available in senior homes.

Keystone Place at Terra Bella is making efforts to educate the public on the lifestyle of senior care facilities. The Land O’ Lakes center opened in May 2018. (Brian Fernandes)

“In general, we did the topic for what is assisted living; what is memory care; [and] what are the benefits,” explained Arlana Guckenberger, community relations and sales director at Keystone Place.

Many people do not understand the distinctions between different levels of care, she said.

Independent living for seniors refers to elderly people who are self-sufficient and have few or no cognitive impairments.

They tend to be seniors who are on the younger end of the spectrum, and simply don’t want the responsibilities of owning a home, Guckenberger said.

Assisted living facilities cater to residents who are somewhat independent, but have physical limitations that may require help with grooming, dressing or getting around.

There are others who need around-the-clock assistance.

“The memory care community is designed for people with Alzheimer’s [disease] or certain forms of dementia, who being out in a larger population is too much stimulus for them,” Guckenberger said.

While individuals vary, residents with dementia can be agitated by loud noises and other stimuli.

A dining hall is not only a place to eat meals, but to socialize and play games with fellow residents at senior care facilities.

They also are prone to wander off in states of confusion.

In memory care units, residents have free range to move about the community, but for their safety, are secured from leaving the premises.

A physician evaluation can determine the type of residency that works best, Guckenberger said.

Those suffering from cognitive declines may be eligible for assisted living, rather than memory care units, she said.

Others, who are recuperating from severe body trauma, may be placed in skilled nursing facilities, she added.

Admission can be a result of incidents, such as falls or strokes, and are Intended to be short-term.

In some instances, a case manager, along with a physician, may decide that an individual is not able to live alone.

When that occurs, the individual may be referred to an assisted-living facility for long-term care.

Some facilities offer a single type of care, but others, such as Keystone Place, offer independent-living, assisted living and memory care residents.

Helping people to understand the different types and levels of care can help dispel the notion that seniors are stuck in a bed at these facilities, Guckenberger said.

Offering various daily options can help residents remain physically active and agile.

And, besides sharing meals in the dining room, residents congregate for other kinds of gatherings, too.

Movies theaters are one of the amenities that can be found at some senior care living facilities. Keeping residents engaged in daily activities is considered important in senior care circles.

Many facilities have a “Happy Hour” to promote opportunities to enjoy refreshments, listen to music and socialize.

At some senior living facilities, current residents serve as ‘ambassadors’ — welcoming newcomers, showing them around and introducing them to other residents, to help them feel at  home.

Making arts and crafts is another avenue — allowing residents to be productive and showcase their creative works.

At Keystone Place, the warm outdoor pool is a big hit, Guckenberger said, noting, “we’ve found that aqua-fitness is huge.”

There are also field trips, where residents can visit museums, malls or restaurants.

In addition to knowing what types of residencies, care and amenities are available, it’s also important to check into the financial aspects of senior living, Guckenberger said.

At the open houses, Keystone addressed not only insurance plans, but also encouraged seniors to compare expenses related to living at home versus those from living at a senior care facility.

While Medicaid and Social Security may help offset costs, there is still other coverage available – especially for former military.

For instance, there’s an Aid and Assistance benefit available to veterans and their spouses that many are unaware of, Guckenberger said.

Through the Elder Resource Benefits Consulting program, those who have served in the military may be eligible for financial assistance, if they meet certain criteria.

There’s a growing need for these types of living facilities, Guckenberger said.

Keystone Place opened last May, and its independent living section already has a waiting list.

Two upcoming open house sessions are scheduled at Keystone Place, 2200 Livingston Road in Land O’ Lakes, to help people gain a greater understanding of interacting with individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease.

Those sessions are set for Feb. 27 and March 6, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Lunch will be provided and guests are encouraged to RSVP.

Reservations can be made at (813) 388-2121 or online at KeystonePlaceAtTerraBella.com/RSVP.

Published February 13, 2019

Medical staff elections announced

By

Dr. George Giannakopoulos

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has announced the results of its medical staff elections for a two-year term, 2019 to 2020.

The following individuals were elected to serve on the Medical Executive Committee by members of the hospital’s medical staff:

  • General Staff: Dr. George Giannakopoulos, chief of staff; Dr. Keshav Remireddy, vice chief of staff; and Dr. Chirag Patel, secretary/treasurer
  • Department of Medicine: Dr. Jose Pascual, chairman; Dr. Mrunal Shah, vice chairman; and Dr. L. Venu, member-at-large
  • Department of Surgery: Dr. Craig Bennett, chairman; Dr. Kevin Spires, vice chairman; and Dr. Arthur Verga, member-at-large