The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Health News 03/06/2024

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St. Joseph’s Hospital-North labor and delivery and women’s services nurse manager Kelly Howard (in white lab coat) with MOMS Club of Odessa members and their kids. From left: Grayson Portillo, Kristin Portillo, Hailey Owen holding Addison Owen, Kelly Howard, Elise Owen, Jona McCance and Runy Safcik. (Courtesy of Martin Bahl/St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

MOMS Club ‘delivers’
The MOMS Club of Odessa, a chapter of the nonprofit International Moms Club, donated gift bags to new moms giving birth at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

“MOMS Club is mothers supporting mothers,” said Hailey Owen, member of the Odessa group, who presented the bags to Kelly Howard, nurse manager of labor and delivery and women’s services units at the hospital, in a news release.

“The goody bags include the basics and some items that are nice to have that you might not think about until someone gives them to you,” said Owen.

Items included a journal, lip balm, makeup remover, hair ties, gift cards, facial tissues, ultra-healing lotion, a skin-strengthening mask and a congratulations card.

Event raises over $22,000 for hospice
For more than a decade, motorcycle riders have been coming together to raise funds for Gulfside Hospice and support patients in need and their families. During the 12th annual Hittin’ the Road for Hospice, the crowd raised just over $22,000 for the nonprofit, according to a news release.

Nearly 150 riders attended the motorcycle poker run on Feb. 10, starting at Harley-Davidson New Port Richey and ending with a celebration at Zephyrhills Moose Lodge 2276, with several stops along the way.

Several motorcycle clubs worked to raise money before the event in competition for the “Wings & Wheels Award” given to the top fundraising team. Ultimately, the Golden Eagles Motorcycle Club took home the trophy for the seventh year in a row by raising a record-breaking $4,000.

“We are very grateful for the caring generosity of the biker community and their support of Hittin’ the Road for Hospice these last 12 years,” Carla Armstrong, director of philanthropy, said in the release.

“Because of their incredible support, more than $200,000 has been raised since this event first began, and all of that has helped provide hospice care and bereavement services right here in our local community,” said Armstrong.

All event proceeds benefit Gulfside Hospice and provide hospice care and resources for patients and families in Pasco County, regardless of their ability to pay.

For more information, contact Marissa Hartley, fundraising and event planning manager, at 727-845-5707 or .

 

New garden to help families heal

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Pasco Kids First joined members of the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, local community leaders and members of the Professionals of Landscaping to commemorate the completion of a new Resiliency Garden with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Pasco Kids First is a 501(c) charity devoted to child advocacy and protection, to help keep kids safe, strengthen families through empowerment and enhance the community by preventing child abuse and healing children from trauma.

The garden, at 7344 Little Road in New Port Richey, was created and underwritten by 12 professional landscape companies that donated their time and resources to create the area, according to a news release.

Recognizing a need in the community, the group tapped into the talent of its members to transform an area of dirt and old palm trees into a garden outfitted with a rock path, bench seating and a water feature.

“A once vacant side lot of our office is now a beautiful and therapeutic setting for trauma survivors to begin or continue their healing journey. We cannot thank Professionals of Landscaping enough,” said Mike Trepper, president and CEO of Pasco Kids First, in the release.

To learn more about the charity, visit PascoKidsFirst.org, email , or call 727-845-8080.

Published February 28, 2024

Community leaders, members of Professionals of Landscaping and the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and Pasco Kids First commemorate the new Resiliency Garden with a ribbon-cutting. (Courtesy of Leslie Farrell/Farrell Communications)
The Resiliency Garden offers a therapeutic place to help trauma survivors through their healing journey.

Bricks of Hope campaign

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A rendering of the future home for A Safe Haven for Newborns. (Courtesy of A Safe Haven for Newborns)

The Gloria M. Silverio Foundation 501c(3) dba A Safe Haven for Newborns has assisted more than 6,000 young women in their time of crisis; and has saved 391 newborns from the danger of abandonment, according to a news release.

In order to continue expanding the services and reach the women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy, the organization plans to buy an existing structure or plot of land in 2024, in Miami.

The vision for the new home is to have a permanent, functional space where Safe Haven personnel will continue to grow the programs and create new projects, offer more services, grow the outreach program and increase awareness, as well as a dedicated space to house the 24/7 confidential multilingual referral helpline operators.

Plans also call for a thrift store of baby items and a designated rental space with a separate entrance.

The Bricks of Hope Capitol Building Campaign’s goal is to raise $1 million.

For more information or to be part of the mission to end infant abandonment, visit https://asafehavenfornewborns.com/building-fund-campaign/.

Health News 02/21/2024

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This is a rendering of a patient room at the new Hospice Care Center in New Port Richey. (Courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services)

Gulfside opens new care center
With 35 years in service in Pasco County, Gulfside Healthcare Services has announced the groundbreaking of its new Hospice Care Center in New Port Richey. The ceremony marked the beginning of construction and the hospice care center is expected to open its doors in January 2025, according to a Gulfside blog.

The new facility will feature 24-hour patient care, unrestricted visitation hours and 24 private home-like rooms. The cost of care is entirely covered by insurance, ensuring no financial burden for patients, the website says.

Types of care provided include:

  • Compassionate health care providers in a calming environment, without the stress-inducing sounds that can be heard in a hospital
  • Clinical care for complex pain control and symptom management
  • Weaning of non-invasive ventilation
  • Short-term ventilation support
  • Completion of antibiotics
  • Respite care when caregivers needs some time to rest while their loved ones receive care
  • Medication management, titration of medication for maximum comfort for the loved one

To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/mrypmxhn.

National Eating Disorders Week
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) designates Feb. 26 through March 1 as National Eating Disorders Week. NEDA uses this week to promote awareness of eating disorders and spread hope for those in recovery and their families. This year’s theme is “Healing in Community,” according to a news release.

The American Psychiatric Association states there are these types of eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders, the release says.

These illnesses are significant health conditions that affect both physical and mental health, and if not treated correctly, they can become long-term problems and, in some cases, can cause death.

As many as one-third of people with eating disorders are men and boys. The Child Mind Institute says that girls with the disorders are typically obsessed with being thin. While boys experiencing anorexia have a similar motive, they more often focus on achieving a muscular physique.

These health conditions can commonly occur with other mental health issues like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. Eating disorders can be a risk factor associated with suicide.

To learn more about eating disorders, and for some of the signs and symptoms to look out for, visit JasonFoundation.com/eating-disorders.

The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth, the release says.

Museum launches dementia initiative
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg has unveiled “Art in Mind,” an innovative initiative developed in collaboration with the University of South Florida’s Judy Genshaft Honors College. The program is aimed at providing an accessible arts experience for adults with dementia, according to a news release.

The collaboration marks a step forward in the museum’s commitment to foster inclusivity and community engagement through the transformative power of art, the release says.
Art in Mind focuses on training museum docents and students to facilitate gallery tours for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as their caregivers. 

Participants engage in non-biased, non-judgmental, discussion-based tours modeled after and based on the research-backed Meet Me at the MoMa, the first program for adults with dementia developed by The Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the release says.
The program’s multigenerational approach also involves USF students who completed the Healing Arts course, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for both students and participants.

To learn more, visit TheJamesMuseum.org/artinmind/.

Health News 02/14/2024

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Hospital leaders convene
AdventHealth hospital leaders convened last month in Tallahassee for FHA Hospital Days at the Florida Capitol, with a mission to advocate for legislative priorities that will shape the future of health care in the region, according to a news release.

From left: Ryan Quattlebaum, Mike Murrill and Jason Dunkel from AdventHealth attend FHA Hospital Days in Tallahassee to advocate for legislative health care priorities. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

In a united effort, Jason Dunkel, president and CEO of AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Wauchula and AdventHealth Lake Placid; Ryan Quattlebaum, president and CEO of AdventHealth North Pinellas; and Mike Murrill, president and CEO of AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, all took part.

These leaders in meetings with influential lawmakers addressed key issues including: Support for rural hospitals, graduate medical education (GME) funding and expansion, health care workforce initiatives, and enhancing hospitals’ Medicaid reimbursement rates for labor and delivery.

AdventHealth is advocating for the Rural Hospital Improvement Grant, a $10 million appropriation that will continue to help hospitals in underserved areas across the state.

AdventHealth also supports an additional $170 million allocated for the funding and expansion of GME programs, which will help train and retain the next generation of doctors.

With 27 accredited training programs and a projection of 152 graduates annually, AdventHealth’s GME programs are working to help meet the increasing demand of Florida’s growing and aging population.

Additionally, the AdventHealth leaders spoke one-on-one with lawmakers about the importance of a $152 million appropriation to enhance hospitals’ Medicaid reimbursement rates for labor and delivery through Florida’s Live Healthy health care package.

Fast Track Urgent Care opens
The newest clinic of TGH (Tampa General Hospital) Urgent Care powered by Fast Track has opened its doors at 22945 State Road 54 in Lutz, near Collier Parkway. The clinic has five exam rooms and will offer high-quality urgent care services for patients ages 3 months and older, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily, according to a news release.

Common illnesses and injuries that can be treated at the new facility include: cough; sore throat; ear infections; eye problems; colds and fevers; skin rashes; simple fractures; nausea and other stomach issues; urinary tract infections; school and sports physicals; and lab testing and diagnostic procedures.

Occupational health services also are available and include pre-employment screenings, employment physicals and assessments for workers’ compensation injuries.

Since partnering with Fast Track Urgent Care in June 2019, Tampa General has doubled its number of urgent care access points within the community. There are now 19 TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track clinics in the Tampa Bay area.

(Courtesy of Martin Bahl/St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Raising awareness for healthy hearts
February is American Heart Month and Feb. 2 was National Wear Red Day. Team members at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz wore red to signify the hospital’s commitment to stamp out cardiovascular and heart disease, the leading cause of death among Americans, especially women. Team members stood in the shape of a heart and formed the heart shape with their hands and fingers, too, in recognition of healthy hearts. 

Saint Leo nursing partnership
Saint Leo University and AdventHealth have created a Dedicated Education Unit (DEU), which will provide nurse-mentors at AdventHealth Zephyrhills for the university’s nursing students, according to a news release.

Leaders from both institutions believe this collaboration will be beneficial not only to the participants, but also to the patients and residents of the surrounding community.

In the DEU model, AdventHealth nurses will serve as preceptors/mentors for the students, providing a personalized learning experience between the nurses and the nursing students.

The first cohort of nursing students, along with the nurse mentors, faculty and hospital leadership on Jan. 30 met for a luncheon at which time the students and nurses got to know each other for a future “match.”

“This collaboration with Saint Leo University is not only shaping the future of health care but also addressing the need for skilled nurses in our community,” said Gwen Alonso, chief nursing officer of AdventHealth Zephyrhills, in the release.

“Together, we are cultivating a generation of compassionate and highly trained health care professionals who will make a lasting impact on the well-being of our community,” said Alonso.

Poker Run set to raise funds for Gulfside Hospice

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Several motorcycle clubs work to raise money for Hittin’ the Road for Hospice. Shown here are some of the participants in the 2023 run. (Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice)

A motorcycle poker run is set for Feb. 10 to raise money for Gulfside Hospice patients and families, in the 12th annual Hittin’ the Road for Hospice.

Bikers will cruise through scenic areas of Pasco and Hernando counties, with the event beginning at 9 a.m., at Harley-Davidson of New Port Richey, on State Road 54 and will end at the Moose Lodge, in Zephyrhills.

Along the way, bikers will stop at designated spots to collect cards for their poker hands. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three poker hand winners. Additionally, the “Wings and Wheels Award” will be presented to the top fundraising team at the event.

Pre-registration is open now for groups and single riders. Day-of registrations also will be accepted. Event details and registration can be found at HittinTheRoadForHospice.org.

All event proceeds will benefit Gulfside Hospice and provide hospice care and resources for patients and families in Pasco County, regardless of their ability to pay.

Published February 07, 2024

Cutting fat, sugar and salt, without sacrificing flavor

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If you’re looking for ways to enhance the flavor of your meals, while also making them healthier, consider the humble herb.

Well, think about herbs and spices.

Lots of people want to cut back salt, sugar and fat, but they don’t want to be stuck with bland food.

Luckily, herbs and spices are great flavorful substitutes to salt, sugar and fat.  

Whether fresh or dried, these can add zest to dishes without adding excess calories.  

We likely associate certain herbs with a particular food or cuisine, such as dill commonly in potato salad, basil frequently paired with tomato dishes, cilantro regularly in Mexican dishes, and oregano as a staple in Italian dishes. (Courtesy of CNN Interactive Food)

Besides adding flavor, they can add nutrition, too.

Fresh herbs, like leafy vegetables, have vitamins A, C and K, and are anti-inflammatory.

But first, what is the difference between an herb and a spice?  

You could say it’s essentially a matter of location.

Herbs are from the leafy part of the plant, while spices are from the root, flower, fruit, seed, or bark.  

Spices have a stronger flavor, so they are needed in smaller amounts than herbs.

When you use herbs and spices together, that’s called seasoning.

But first, let’s focus on herbs.

If a recipe calls for fresh herbs and you only have dried, or vice versa, just remember you’ll need to make adjustments.

A tablespoon of fresh herbs is equal to 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, or ¼ to ½ teaspoon of ground, dried herbs. As this example indicates, grounded herbs are the most potent.  

Also, remember, if you’re doubling a recipe, don’t double the herbs. Instead, increase it by 1.5.  

And, if you’re not sure how much of an herb to use, start out with ¼ teaspoon.  

You don’t want the herb to overpower the dish. So, begin small and add more, as desired.

If using fresh delicate herbs, such as basil and cilantro, add them at the end of the cooking process to retain their flavor and aroma.  

Less delicate herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, can be added within the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Fresh herbs should be stored in the refrigerator and will last two weeks to three weeks, though they start losing flavor after the first week.  

Dried herbs may not actually expire, but their flavor and aroma decline over time.  

Dried herbs stay fresh for one year to three years.

If you bought too much or your garden has excess, you can preserve your herbs by drying or freezing them.  

You can dry them with a dehydrator, an oven, a microwave or by air drying.  

Dehydrator: Wash the herbs first in cool running water and then shake the water off.
The dehydrator manual should have the specific temperature to set it to.
Place the leaves on the dehydrator trays in a single layer.
Depending on the humidity and size of the herbs, drying time can take nine hours or longer, or three hours to six hours with smaller herbs.
Once the leaves crumble and the stem easily breaks when it’s bent, they are done.

Oven: Dry them in the oven on parchment paper at less than 180 degrees for three hours to four hours, with the oven door open. Again, dry them until they can crumble easily.
Drying them in an oven that’s too hot can bake them. Also, oven drying affects the flavor and not a typically recommended preservation method.

Microwave: Microwave them in 30-second increments until they are crisp but not burned.
Layer the herbs between two sheets of paper towels, no more than two cups at a time.

Air drying is one method of drying fresh herbs. Other methods include using a dehydrator, microwave or oven. Herbs can be a flavorful substitute for salt, sugar and fat (Courtesy of Caitlyn Porter)

Air dry: You can also air-dry fresh herbs, which will take several days.
Hardy herbs such as rosemary and parsley can be tied into small bundles and air dried, preferably indoors.
Tender-leaf herbs such as mint and basil should be tied together and hung inside a paper bag and closed off with a rubber band to catch any fallen leaves.
Cut small vent holes on the top and side of the bag to prevent molding.

Storing herbs
Once you have dried them, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and use within six months to 12 months.

You can also freeze herbs in one of two ways.

Wash and pat dry with paper towels, place them on a cookie sheet and transfer to the freezer.  

Once frozen, place them in airtight containers and store in the freezer. 

You can also chop them and put them in ice cube trays, cover with water, and freeze.  

Thaw the cubes as needed for your next dish or simply place in the dish as it is cooking. 

Because they become wilted and lose their color when frozen, it’s best to use them in a cooked dish instead of a garnish or in a non-cooked dish, such as pasta salad.

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

RECIPES
Here are some dried herb blends you can make at home, from the UF Extension article Cooking with Fresh Herbs, https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FY1209.

Salt-Free Blend—makes about ⅓ cup
1 Tablespoon mustard powder
2 teaspoons parsley
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons thyme
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons dill weed
2 teaspoons summer savory herb
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons lemon peel

Italian Seasoning—makes about 1 ½ cups
½ cup dried oregano
½ cup dried basil
¼ cup dried parsley
1 Tablespoon fennel seeds, crushed
2 Tablespoons dried sage
1 Tablespoon hot red pepper flakes

Poultry Herbs—makes about ⅓ cup
2 Tablespoons dried tarragon
1 Tablespoon dried marjoram
1 Tablespoon dried basil
1 Tablespoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried lovage 

Fish Herbs—makes about ½ cup
3 Tablespoons dried dill weed
2 Tablespoons dried basil
1 Tablespoon dried tarragon
1 Tablespoon dried lemon thyme
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
1 Tablespoon dried chervil
1 Tablespoon dried chives

Published February 07, 2024

Health News 02/07/2024

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Behavioral health therapist Magda Murilllo sits at the Wellness Station in the St. Joseph’s Hospital-North atrium, to get her health numbers. The hospital’s station is used by visitors, team members, medical staff and others to do quick, convenient health self-checks. (Courtesy of BayCare Health System)

Make time for a blood pressure check
February is Heart Month, aimed at raising awareness about cardiovascular disease prevention.

BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz and BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel recommend regularly monitoring your own blood pressure. With the support of a health care team, you can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. 

Blood pressure can be checked at the doctor’s office, other medical locations, at home with a blood pressure monitoring device or for free at one of the BayCare Wellness Stations in Publix Super Markets in Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

The stations provide you with free, interactive screenings to give your personal health stats, including blood pressure, pulse, body weight and body mass index.

Bayonet Point Hospital honored
The Pasco County Commission included HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital in its group of honorees at a recent monthly meeting.

The commission passed a unanimous resolution that stated, in part, “Whereas, HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital is a promise of unwavering care and continuous advancement in health care, with a commitment to keeping our community healthy and thriving. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida that said Board hereby recognizes the importance of HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital and commends them for their dedication and professionalism,” according to a news release.

The hospital’s list of recognitions include: Accredited Cancer Program by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer; certified by DNV-GL as a Comprehensive Stroke Center; Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll by AHA, Statutory Teaching Hospital, Verified Level 2 Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma and the Healthgrades Patient Safety Award for two consecutive years.

New parents Brittany and Scott hold their son, Cash Charlton. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Hospital has ‘biggest’ day ever
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz can consider Jan. 9 as one of the biggest days ever in the facility’s labor and delivery and Mom and Baby units — literally and figuratively.

According to a hospital news release, Liam Luebben was born to parents Gina and William, of Odessa, at 8:13 a.m., on Jan. 9, weighing in at 11 pounds, 6 ounces, and 21 inches long.

Liam was the second biggest baby born in the 14-year history of the hospital, but only for a little more than two hours when Cash Charlton was born to parents Brittany and Scott, of Dade City, at 10:18 a.m. Cash weighed 11 pounds, 10 ounces and was 22.5 inches long.

The biggest baby born at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North was in 2019, at 11 pounds, 12 ounces and 22 inches long.

Dr. Lisa Barker

Chief medical director named
Gulfside Healthcare Services has announced the promotion of Dr. Lisa Barker from the position of medical director to the role of chief medical officer, according to a news release.

In Barker’s previous role as medical director, “she played a key role in advancing the quality of Gulfside hospice and palliative care. She demonstrated a profound dedication to enhancing patient outcomes, fostering a collaborative and supportive medical team, and implementing innovative health care solutions tailored to the unique needs of our community,” the release says.

As chief medical officer, Barker will continue to shape the medical strategy at Gulfside Healthcare Services with a focus on hospice, palliative care and home health services. She will be instrumental in ensuring the highest standards of patient care, furthering Gulfside’s commitment to providing comfort and support to individuals and families during challenging times.

500th thrombectomy performed

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The HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital team includes, from left: Vice
President of Operations Marcus Smith, Interventional Registered Nurse (RN) Amber McCoy, Interventional Radiology RN Michaela Colson, Interventional Radiology RN Britni Egyed, CEO Sally Seymor, Supervisor of Interventional Radiology Erin Rona, Interventional Radiologic Technologist Jamie Perlowski, Lead Interventional Radiologic Technologist Tim Deweerd, Director of Imaging and Noninvasive Cardiology/Neurology Services Alison Fowler and Interventional Radiologic Technologist Brittany Ruffino. Not included in the picture: Interventional Radiologic Technologist Eva Hunniford and Interventional Radiology RN Brita Fershleiser. (Courtesy of HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital)

HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital in Hudson performed its 500th thrombectomy, according to a news release.

The National Institute of Health defines a thrombectomy as “a mechanical interventional procedure by which a blood clot or thrombus is removed under image guidance using endovascular devices. Thrombectomy is most commonly used in acute cerebral ischemic stroke, although it is also a procedure used for clot removal in acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. Mechanical thrombectomy utilizes various techniques. Most commonly, it uses different catheter-based therapies, including stent-retrieval, direct aspiration or a combination of both.”

In layman’s terms: It is the removal of a blood clot that is restricting blood flow to a portion of the brain, and that’s where Bayonet Point Hospital’s Neuro-Interventional Services team comes in, the release said.

The hospital team expects the need to grow as a thrombectomy becomes the standard treatment for strokes.

Bayonet Point is a Comprehensive Stroke Center accredited by DNV since June 2018. The hospital has achieved the highest DNV stroke certification due to its ability to diagnose, treat and care for emergent stroke patients.

 

 

Health News 01/24/2024

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Mike Irvin, CEO, HCA Florida Trinity Hospital, left, and Sally Seymour, CEO, HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital, listen to a staff member during a tour of The Volunteer Way hydroponic farm. (Courtesy of HCA Florida Trinity Hospital)

Hospitals partner for The Volunteer Way
HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital and HCA Florida Trinity Hospital partnered to support The Volunteer Way. The hospitals’ Chief Executive Officers Sally Seymour and Mike Irvin, respectively, met with its leadership, toured the facility and presented The Volunteer Way with a $10,000 donation, according to a news release.

The organization primarily supports Pasco County residents who need assistance getting enough to eat. That food support can come in one of four ways: through the Congress Street food pantry, the Moon Lake soup kitchen, fresh fruit and vegetables from their hydroponic farm and a brown bag lunch program for seniors.

The leaders who toured the hydroponic farm were impressed with the effort toward being self-sufficient. 

“Nothing goes to waste here,” said Irvin in the release. “I never thought of a food bank actually growing their own food. I always thought about it more in terms of donations of canned and dry goods. But here with the hydroponic garden, they are able to give those they support fresh fruit and vegetables.

The Volunteer Way distributes millions of pounds of food every year, free of charge, to food pantries, soup kitchens, residential programs, seniors, homeless people, families, and other charitable organizations, the release said.

Gulfside calendar available
Gulfside Healthcare Services’ 2024 calendar, featuring local photography, is now available at all Gulfside thrift shop locations. The purchase of a calendar supports local photographers and contributes to the Gulfside mission of providing care to hospice patients. For a list of shop locations, visit Gulfside.org/thrift-shoppes.html.

Stay focused during fitness
Building a workout routine is an excellent way to improve and maintain good health. In addition to building good wellness habits, strong safety routines are important, too. Gym safety can prevent injuries, but it can also protect your valuables and prevent crime. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) offers these tips to stay safe while focusing on fitness:

  • Park in a well-lit and highly visible area.
  • When exiting your car, take a minute to properly secure your valuables before entering the gym.
  • Always close your windows, lock your car doors and enable any available safety features, such as a car alarm.
  • Take your keys and wallet out of your car and into the gym with you.
  • Avoid leaving keys at public key hangers.
  • If available, secure appropriate valuables in a locker with your own lock.

The PSO wants everyone to stay safe and be well in Pasco County.

The Leadership Tampa group gathers in the St. Joseph’s Hospital-North atrium. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Leadership Tampa
More than 50 members of Leadership Tampa, a program of the Tampa Bay Chamber, were recipients of a presentation on Jan. 10 at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North (SJHN) in Lutz. The group learned about BayCare Behavioral Health and took a tour of the SJHN Unit for Psychiatry and Medical (UPM) Services, a 24-unit inpatient psychiatric and medical unit that opened in April 2023.

The presentation and group tour kicked off Leadership Tampa Health Care Day with visits to various health care facilities around Tampa Bay, according to a news release.

“Mental health needs and services are at the top of health care priorities and BayCare Behavioral Health leads that charge in the Tampa Bay area,” said Anthony Santucci, director of BayCare Behavioral Health Nursing Administration, in the release. 

“The new UPM program demonstrates an integrated care model that is busting the stigma of mental health needs and has set the stage for a new model of care within psychiatry,” said Antucci, who helped give the presentation and tour.

To learn more, tinyurl.com/3ksnep8r.