The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Health News 03/15/17

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Oak Hill team recognized by cancer society

(Courtesy of Oak Hill Hospital)

Oak Hill Hospital’s associates were recognized by the American Cancer Society as a Pink Ribbon Sponsor of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The hospital’s team contributed more than $3,000 to the project, raising funds through associate-sponsored events and activities, such as its ‘Kiss the Pig’ contest. Cathy Edmisten, left, vice president of operations at Oak Hill, received the recognition award from Mary Ellen Woska, health systems manager of hospitals for the American Cancer Society.

Bayfront launches new system
Bayfront Health Dade City has launched a new web-based data network system to help improve heart attack patient outcomes.

The new technology offers emergency medical services and hospital teams the tools to work together to help improve clinical and operational efficiencies.

The hospital’s use of the system has the goal of reducing time to treatment, known as door-to-balloon time (D2B), for patients in east Pasco County that experience a dangerous type of heart attack known as STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction).

The data system is designed to connect EMS teams and hospital personnel with emergent patient data, and to help increase workflow so that a patient can receive treatment as quickly as possible.

The system enables paramedics in the field to alert hospital care teams and provide them with critical patient data so as to quickly identify STEMI patients, determine where to route them for care, and have staff prepared before the patient arrives.

Bayfront Health Dade City reported the first activation of the new system resulted in a 12-minute D2B.

Clerk honored by LifeLink
Hillsborough Clerk of the Circuit Court Pat Collier Frank was honored by LifeLink Foundation for her instrumental role in groundbreaking improvements to the organ and tissues donation system in Florida.

Frank’s efforts paved the way for the partnership between Florida organ and tissue recovery programs and the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, where a majority of people choose to register as donors today.

A plaque bearing Frank’s image is now on the “Wall of Inspiration” at LifeLink Foundation headquarters in Tampa, alongside other pioneers in organ transplantation.

Robotic arm assisted surgeries
Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel now offers Stryker’s Mako Robotic Arm assisted partial knee and total hip replacement procedures.

The robotic arm assisted surgery is a new approach to joint replacement that offers the potential for a higher level of patient-specific implant alignment and positioning.

The technology allows surgeons to create a patient-specific 3D plan and perform joint replacement surgery using a surgeon controlled robotic arm that helps the surgeon execute the procedure with a high degree of accuracy.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel received a Center of Excellence Certification for its Hip and Knee Replacement program from DNV GL Healthcare USA Inc., an international health care accreditation organization, in 2016. It was the first hospital in the country to receive this designation from DNV GL.

 

 

Health News 03/08/2017

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Tax collector spotlights therapy ranch
The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office will focus on the Kiddy Up Horse Therapy Ranch as its charity for the month of March.

The therapy and learning academy includes therapeutic riding, therapeutic driving utilizing the respected Horse Boy Method, and related learning programs for children with disabilities and veterans with disabilities.

Funds raised will help provide for the medical and daily maintenance needs of the equine therapists.

For information on the ranch, visit KiddyUpRanch.org, or call Tammy Sliger at (727) 203-6595.

For information about donating, visit PascoTaxes.com.

New practice opens in North Tampa
A new primary care and diabetes practice has opened its doors in north Tampa.

The center, Your Best You P.A., is at 15511 N. Florida Ave., Suite 502, and is owned by Shani V. Davis, a nurse practitioner.

Clinic services include adult primary care, diabetes metabolic and chronic disease care, geriatric wellness care, urgent care and other services.

Davis received her bachelor and master degrees in advanced nursing practice from Florida A&M University, and she earned a Doctorate in Nursing Philosophy in Nursing from the University of South Florida in 2013.

Your Best You can be reached at (813) 936-2609, or visit YBYClinic.com.

Fourth-quarter volunteers
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has given its volunteer Star Awards for the fourth quarter of 2016. The awards were presented at a ceremony in January.

Volunteers receiving a Five Star Award included Wilma Comeau, Linda Donadoni and Virginia (Ginnie) Fournier.

Comeau started as a volunteer in 2010 and has accumulated nearly 1,900 hours of service in the last six years working in the cardiac post-recovery unit waiting room.

Donadoni began volunteering in 2011 at door A and door D, welcoming the public, and has accumulated more than 5,150 hours of service.

Fournier has been a volunteer since 2013 and has accumulated 8,000 hours working as a courier dispatcher, as well as in the gift shop.

BayCare launches patient app
BayCare Health System has launched a free mobile app, HealthNav, to help guide people with non-urgent conditions to convenient, quality medical services.

Users of HealthNav can more easily:

  • Find the closest BayCare emergency room
  • Make an appointment for an office visit
  • See a doctor through a virtual visit
  • Reserve a visit at a nearby BayCare Urgent Care Center
  • Receive directions and contact information for their desired location

The app combines several processes: symptom checking, mapping a location and scheduling, so that the user can get more information on a possible condition and make a decision about the next step.

HealthNav connects patients to BayCare services across Tampa Bay and Polk County, including 14 leading hospitals, emergency centers, urgent care centers and physicians.

The search can be filtered to look for specific criteria, such as location.

For information, visit BayCare.org/HealthNav.

Gulfside’s hidden works of art
Hidden gems of painted inspiration are waiting to be found at the Gulfside Centers for Hospice Care.

A group of artists, started by Carrie Bronson in memory of her sister who passed away nine years ago, leaves painted message on rocks around the community for unsuspecting passersby to find.

“Pasco Love Rocks for Hospice” strategically places painted rocks at the three Gulfside centers throughout Pasco County for patients and families to find. The patients and families can hold on to the rocks as a way to lift and encourage them.

For those willing to share their rock on social media, they can visit Facebook.com/PascoLoveRocks.

For information about the group, visit the Facebook page, or call (800) 561-4883.

Strong opinions continue to surface on health care reform

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It wasn’t an overflow crowd for U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ third listening session, but there were plenty of people with strong opinions on the issue of health care reform.

There were also more people in this crowd who spoke in favor of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, than did at the previous session that Bilirakis had in New Port Richey.

Hundreds of people have been showing up to U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ listening sessions on healthcare reform. The sign shown here claims that in Bilirakis’ district alone, there are 43,000 people insured under the Affordable Care Act.
(File)

Opinions at the session, at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High School, varied widely.

“I beg you to keep something, either the ACA or something like that for pre-existing conditions,” a woman from Land O’ Lakes said. “I will lose my husband, if you don’t keep something.”

But, another woman said Obamacare has not worked.

“I know several friends — they need insurance, and they can’t afford Obamacare. It’s not the Affordable Care Act, period,” she said.

A woman priest told Bilirakis that the current uncertainty about health care is frightening people.

“I have many parishioners, friends and family members, and I just want to tell you that I’ve never seen people so afraid,” she said. “This is real fear, this is not fake fear,” she added.

A Wesley Chapel man asked Bilirakis: “Are you going to keep your campaign promise, to repeal Obamacare?”

Bilirakis responded: “I will vote to repeal Obamacare,” which was greeted by both boos and applause from the crowd.

“I want a replacement,” Bilirakis said.

He also assured the audience that people will not be cut off from their insurance without another option.

“By the way, we will have a transition period … I’m arguing for three years. Some people are saying two years,” Bilirakis said.

A Pinellas County man said he’s with Bilirakis: “This was a change election. We stand behind you, to repeal and replace.”

Another man urged Bilirakis to find a way to make health care more affordable.

After being laid off, the man said he purchased Obamacare, but the premiums were expensive, and the deductible was $6,200.

He told Bilirakis that he stopped paying his premiums so he could afford to see his doctor, then he was billed by the federal government for his “shared responsibility” because he doesn’t have insurance.

Another speaker said the cost of Obamacare has caused a family member’s business to lay off employees and to close a location, reducing the company’s profits and costing employees their jobs.

“I’m in favor of repealing and replacing Obamacare,” the woman said.

One man asked Bilirakis point-blank: “Are you going to make it less expensive?”

Bilirakis responded with one word: “Yes.”

Still others want to see universal health care, so that no one is left out in the cold.

As one Vietnam war veteran put it: “If you can look into yourself and say, ‘Why not universal health care for all people?

“If we can spend $20 trillion to try to kill people, how about a few trillion dollars for wellness of the American people?” he said.

A woman from Quail Hollow assured Bilirakis that she wasn’t a paid activist, and like the vast majority of Americans, she wants to see members of Congress reach across the aisle to solve problems.

Many speakers praised Bilirakis for meeting with his constituents rather than ducking them, as other members of Congress have done.

“You are my constituents,” Bilirakis told the crowd. “I have an obligation to listen to you. The best ideas come from the people.”

One Wesley Chapel woman urged Bilirakis, when he goes back to Washington, to turn to a higher power for guidance on the health care issue.

“Get on your knees and ask God’s help to make the right decision,” she said.

Bilirakis issued a statement following his third listening session, noting that he will continue to seek common ground and constructive exchanges with people from his district.

“But, the Affordable Care Act in its current state is unsustainable, and it’s only going to get worse — costs are going up, while choices and flexibility are dwindling. We need a health care system that is truly patient-focused, and I will use the input from my recent meetings to shape my work on replacement legislation.”

Published March 1, 2017

Pasco OKs medical marijuana dispensaries

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The Pasco County Commission has approved medical marijuana dispensaries, on a limited scale, to open for business in the county.

Commissioners approved an ordinance on Feb. 21 that permits two medical marijuana dispensaries.

The permits will be issued only for a low-level form of the product, known as Charlotte’s web.

The permits also will be issued to two separate applicants, who will be able to open locations within the county’s industrial districts.

And, the ordinance stipulates that if the number of qualified patients exceeds 1,200, a third dispensary can be permitted.

Qualified patients must be state residents who are added to the “compassionate use registry” by a physician licensed to receive the low-level marijuana from a dispensary.

Florida voters, in 2014, approved a referendum to allow Charlotte’s web as a medical marijuana option. It can be provided to patients who suffer from seizures. In some cases, late-stage cancer patients also can qualify.

State health officials didn’t approve guidelines for the program until last year. The first recipient was a resident of Hudson.

Now, Pasco and other counties are in waiting mode, again.

Last year, voters approved a new referendum that covers a broader range of medical conditions and allows for stronger potencies.

Dispensary permits for this expanded program are on hold until Florida legislators and state health officials craft new regulations and guidelines.

Pasco’s ordinance on Charlotte’s web had the support of Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco However, Chase Daniels, assistant executive director of the sheriff’s office, said, “We continue to (watch) what the legislature is going to do with Amendment 2.”

To prepare for medical marijuana within the county, Pasco county commissioners, in December, approved the framework for where and how dispensaries can operate.

Besides being restricted to industrial districts, the county also request a one-mile separation between the medicinal shops.  Dispensaries also must be at least 1,000 feet from such facilities as schools, day care centers and drug treatment centers. Buffering and adequate setbacks are required between a dispensary and any residential property.

Applicants must show they are licensed by the state to operate a dispensary and must meet the county’s zoning conditions for permitting.

Published March 1, 2017

Make your heart happy: Eat healthy

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Here’s the bad news: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.

Every year, one in four deaths results from heart disease.

Here’s the good news: Heart disease often can be prevented.

To keep your heart happy, it’s important to make healthy lifestyle choices and also essential to manage your health conditions.

Communities, health professionals and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.

Here are just a few ideas from the American Heart Association, to help you get started:

  • Encourage your family members and other families to make small changes, such as using spices to season food, instead of using salt.
  • Motivate teachers and administrators at your children’s schools to make physical activity a part of the school day, and to never use physical activity as a punishment. This can help students start good habits early.
  • Ask doctors and nurses to be leaders in their communities by speaking out about ways to prevent heart disease.

Here’s a recipe to help you start off your day in a heart-healthy way.

You can be healthy and enjoy delicious foods, such as a nice heart-healthy waffle with fruit.
(Betsy Crisp)

Heart-Healthy Pecan Waffles (or Pancakes)

Ingredients:
1 cup whole-wheat flour (If this is too heavy for your taste, use one-half cup all-purpose flour and one-half cup whole wheat flour)

½ cup quick-cooking oats

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon sugar

¼ cup unsalted pecans, chopped

2 large eggs, separated (For pancakes, see note)

1 ½ cups fat-free (skim) milk

1 tablespoon canola oil

For fruit topping:
2 cups fresh strawberries, rinsed, stems removed, and cut in half (You can substitute frozen strawberries, thawed)
1 cup fresh blackberries, rinsed (You can substitute frozen blackberries, thawed)
1 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed (You can substitute frozen blueberries, thawed)
1 teaspoon powdered sugar

Tip: If you don’t happen to have fresh/frozen fruits on hand, just use unsweetened applesauce, instead.

Directions:

  • Preheat waffle iron.
  • Combine flour, oats, baking powder, sugar and pecans in large bowl.
  • Combine egg yolks, milk and canola oil in a separate bowl. Mix well.
  • Add liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and stir together. Do not overmix. Mixture should be a bit lumpy.
  • Whip egg whites to medium peaks. Gently fold egg whites into batter (for pancakes, see note below).
  • Pour batter into preheated waffle iron. Cook waffle until iron light signals it is done (or steam stops coming out sides). Waffles are considered perfectly done when they are crisp and well-browned on both sides with a light, fluffy inside.
  • Add fresh fruit to each waffle (or pancake stack), and dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Note: For pancakes, do not separate eggs. Just mix the whole eggs with milk and oil (eliminate steps 4 & 5).

Betsy Crisp recently retired from a 29-year career as an Extension Family & Consumer Sciences agent and a licensed dietitian for the University of Florida/IFAS.

Published February 22, 2017

Crowd gives Bilirakis an earful

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A crowd — that sometimes became raucous — turned out to a listening session held by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis on the issue of health care reform.

Bilirakis billed the session as an opportunity to receive feedback and ideas from constituents on the future direction of the nation’s health care system, including the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act.

Many people brought signs to help communicate their views on the health care issue.
(B.C. Manion)

People filled every seat of the Pasco County Commission’s chambers at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey during the Feb. 11 session.

They stood in the back of the chamber, and along both walls, and the overflow spilled into government center’s lobby and down a hallway corridor.

The crowd was made up of men and women, of all ages and ethnicities. Some came in wheelchairs. Some used walkers or canes.

Some carried signs proclaiming such messages such as: “Repair, not repeal.” “The ACA is pro life” and “Health Care is a Human Right.”

Television reports on the event aired on local and national networks, and excerpts of speakers streamed on social media.

The vast majority of speakers protested repealing and replacing the ACA.

Speakers told Bilirakis that repealing the ACA will cause chaos.

Some told Bilirakis that keeping the ACA, for them, or their loved ones, is truly a matter of life or death.

The crowd jeered in reaction to comments by Bill Akins, secretary of the executive committee of the Republican Party of Pasco County, who said: “There is a provision in there (the ACA) that anyone over the age of 74 has to go before what is effectively a death panel.”

As the crowd booed and shouted “no,” Akins insisted he was right. “The provision is in there.”

As speakers took their turn at the microphone, some folks in the lobby occasionally chanted, “Medicare for all. Medicare for all.”

In response, one man counter-chanted: “Make someone else pay. Make someone else pay.”

One speaker told Bilirakis that the ACA had not really worked because it was too expensive, and another said he preferred keeping the government out of his back pocket.

But, most of the speakers, including Ivana Sheppard, a member of Action Together Tampa Bay, want to see Obamacare improved — not repealed and replaced.

“Your job as a congressman is to fix it,” Sheppard told Bilirakis.

Insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies should not be involved in reform efforts, she added. “Take their seat from the table. The insurance companies, the pharmaceutical companies should not be at the table,” she said.

“We are actively searching for (U.S. Sen.) Marco Rubio,” Sheppard added.

Beverly Ledbetter, active in Pasco County Democratic politics, reminded Bilirakis: “Affordable health care is more than being able to go to the doctor. It’s peace of mind. It’s the ability to know that you can be treated when you have an illness.

“I taught at Pasco High School, and I would have students who would come in that would be very upset. When I talked to them, I found out that mom had Stage IV breast cancer, or dad had lung cancer … They had to balance between paying their mortgage or getting health care.

“In East Pasco County, we have a 33 percent poverty level. Having access to affordable health care is important. We need a commitment that these people are not going to be left behind. We need a commitment that you’re going to listen and you’re going to act on our behalf.

“We ask that you not make America sick again,” Ledbetter said.

Other speakers told Bilirakis that repealing the ACA will cause people with pre-existing conditions to lose their access to health care. They said medicines will be too expensive, and they said without subsidies, people won’t be able to afford insurance.

Two doctors told Bilirakis that the ACA has resulted in people getting medical treatment sooner, before their conditions worsened.

In response to comments about Medicare, Bilirakis assured the crowd that Medicare will stay the same.

“Medicare will not be affected. Medicare is the greatest program in the history of the United States, and we’re going to keep it,” Bilirakis said.

He also said he knows that health care reforms are needed.

“Premiums are very, very high. We have to fix that,” said.

He said that increased competition between pharmaceutical companies will reduce prescription drug prices.

As speakers continued to share their opinions and experiences, Bilirakis told them: “We are taking notes, and I know this is being recorded. So, I’m going to take all of these stories with me to Washington.”

Published February 15, 2017

Health News 02/15/2017

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Margaret Polk is School Nurse of the Year
The Florida Association of School Nurses selected Pasco County Schools’ school nurse Margaret Polk as Florida’s 2017 School Nurse of the Year.

Margaret Polk

Polk is the school nurse at Pasco High School and James Irvin Education Center. She has worked for Pasco County Schools since 1991.

The FASN Florida School Nurse of the Year award recognizes a Florida school nurse who has demonstrated excellence in both school nursing and leadership in school health.

Specific criteria include quality of care, performance appraisal and ethics, educational standards, collegiality, collaboration, research, resource utilization, communication, program management and health education.

Polk was chosen for her volunteer work coordinating student services teams and advocating for the migrant families in the Dade City community.

She also has helped coordinate outreach services for medically needy students, and has volunteered her expertise on district, state and national committees.

Polk was honored during the FASN annual conference in Orlando in January.

Health department relocates
The Florida Department of Health in Zephyrhills and Land O’ Lakes will relocate to Wesley Chapel, at 33845 State Road 54.

Starting Feb. 15, these services will be available at the new location: family planning, immunizations, child health, adult health, immigration physicals, WIC nutrition services, Healthy Start services and more.

To contact clinical offices, call (813) 780-0740.

To contact the WIC offices, call (727) 619-0129.

Adult day center needs bridge volunteers
Jaime’s Adult Day Centers, 18950 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, is looking for volunteers to play with or teach the game of bridge to its senior members, preferably on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The center offers a variety of innovative activities for senior citizens throughout the day.

If interested, contact Jaime Goddard at (813) 263-6735 or .

Neuropathy education
CARE Tampa Bay offers free peripheral neuropathy education and support on the second Saturday of every month, by appointment.

Topics include symptom management, coping, maximizing physical function, and medications and nutritional supplements.

To make an appointment, contact Cindy Tofthagen at (813) 396-9441 or .

Health News 02/08/2017

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Dr. Eric James

Eric James joins BayCare Medical Group
Dr. Eric James, orthopedic surgeon, has joined BayCare Medical Group and will accept appointments at three locations: 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz; 2727 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in Tampa; and, 10141 Big Bend Road in Riverview.

James specializes in orthopedic surgery, including foot and ankle reconstruction. His focus is on the nonsurgical and surgical management of foot and ankle conditions, including ankle arthroscopy, fusions and post-traumatic reconstruction.

James received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh, and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Orlando Health. His foot and ankle surgery fellowship was at the Foundation for Orthopedic Athletic and Reconstruction Research in Houston, Texas.

For information, visit BayCareMedicalGroup.org.

NAMI members visit health fair
NAMI Pasco (National Alliance on Mental Illness) was represented by members Lt. Toni Roach, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office; Gloria Strother, vice president; and, Beth Piecora, Central Florida Behavorial Health, at the third annual Premiere Community Healthcare Women’s Health Fair in Hudson on Jan. 14.

NAMI Pasco is all-volunteer and offers support, education and advocacy for those living with mental illness and their families.

For information, call the NAMI info line at (727) 992-9653, or visit NAMIpasco.org.

Adult day center needs bridge volunteers
Jaime’s Adult Day Centers, 18950 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, is looking for volunteers to play with or teach the game of bridge to its senior members, preferably on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The center offers a variety of innovative activities for senior citizens throughout the day.

If interested, contact Jaime Goddard at (813) 263-6735 or .

Health department relocates
The Florida Department of Health in Zephyrhills and Land O’ Lakes will relocate to Wesley Chapel, at 33845 State Road 54.

Starting Feb. 15, these services will be available at the new location: family planning, immunizations, child health, adult health, immigration physicals, WIC nutrition services, Healthy Start services and more.

To contact clinical offices, call (813) 780-0740.

To contact the WIC offices, call (727) 619-0129.

Neuropathy education
CARE Tampa Bay offers free peripheral neuropathy education and support on the second Saturday of every month, by appointment.

Topics include symptom management, coping, maximizing physical function, and medications and nutritional supplements.

To make an appointment, contact Cindy Tofthagen at (813) 396-9441 or .

 

 

Health News 02/01/2017

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Wear Red Day
The staff and volunteers of The Heart Institute at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will celebrate Heart Month by wearing red attire Feb. 3 for Wear Red Day. In addition, hospital employees can donate $5 to wear jeans on that day to raise funds for the American Heart Association.

Wear Red Day is a call to attention to the fact that women are at high risk for heart attack and stroke.

Any visitors to the hospital that day are also asked to wear red attire.

Throughout February, the hospital will offer free blood pressure screenings every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the lobby of Entrance A.

For information, call (727) 869-5498.

(Courtesy of Medical Center of Trinity)

Medical Center of Trinity lights up for heart month
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will celebrate February as National Heart Month by lighting the outside of its hospital, the Citrus Park ER, and its ER 24/7 in Palm Harbor red to promote heart disease awareness. The public is invited to stop by and check out the lighting from dusk to dawn through February.

Be healthier: Start with small steps, be consistent

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So, maybe you decided to start the New Year like you always do — with a resolution to be healthier.

If you did, you’d be like many of us who always have good intentions.

Sadly, many of us don’t follow through.

Just about everyone enjoys a sweet now and then. Fresh fruit offers a healthy option.
(Courtesy of Betsy Crisp)

Still, there’s no time like the present to begin making positive changes in your life, and most of us could stand to improve when it comes to our diet and exercise regimen.

So, this column is meant to encourage those of you who want to begin the journey of making the lifestyle changes you need to make to become a healthier you in 2017.

As we know, every year is filled with special occasions, milestone celebrations and other gatherings that make it tough to be disciplined about our diet.

So, here are some tips that are intended to help navigate the minefield of unhealthy temptations:

  • Never go to a party when you are starving. Plan ahead, and eat a healthy snack and drink some water to help you fill up. This will help you avoid eating everything in sight when you arrive. If you asked to bring a dish, bring a healthier option that can enjoy and others can, too. Fruit salads, such as ambrosia, can provide sweetness, but not as many calories and no fat.
  • Focus on family and friends. Enjoy the company and the conversation instead of focusing on the food
  • Go slow! Rather than piling up a plate with food, try to just pace yourself and eat a little throughout the evening. Take time to chew your food well, and enjoy every bite.
  • Practice portion control. Be aware of what you are eating. Appetizers are small, so it is easy to eat more than you realize. Use a small plate, and don’t overload it. Be equally aware at the buffet line. Look for healthy choices, as you make your way down the line.
  • Don’t forget: desserts can be dangerous. They contain many calories from fat and sugar, so be careful here. Just pick one favorite and practice portion control. Dark chocolate is a healthier selection.
  • After eating, circulate around the party. Don’t just plop down on the couch — move around, instead, and burn off some calories.
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol. The drinks add calories, but they also make it easier to be less disciplined about eating. To cut calories even more, just drink carbonated water or club soda, with a slice of lemon or lime.
Substituting ingredients when making brownies can reduce calories and still provide a tasty treat.

Here are some cooking tips that can help you be healthier, too.

  • When making fruit pies, cut the sugar in half, or more. The fruit contains natural sugar, so you won’t miss the added sugar. For every half-cup of sugar you don’t use, you cut your calories by 372.
  • Use 2 percent milk instead of heavy cream in puddings, cream pie fillings and soups. This will cut 350 calories for every 4-ounce serving. It will still taste creamy, but have a lot less fat.
  • Make cookies and crusts with half whole-wheat flour and half all-purpose flour, instead of all white all-purpose flour. That increases the fiber content. Whole wheat flour has 12 grams per cup.
  • Make a cheesecake using part-skim ricotta cheese, instead of cream cheese. That will increase protein by 60 grams per cup, and lower fat and calories. You can use strained Greek yogurt (as yogurt cheese) for a no-bake recipe, with similar rewards.
  • Bake brownies and quick breads using a pureed fruit such as apricot, pumpkin or prune, or applesauce, instead of oil, butter or margarine. For every half-cup, you will save more than 900 calories and 100 grams of fat, and your baked good will stay moist.
  • Substitute three tablespoons of cocoa powder for one ounce of baking chocolate in cakes and fudge. That will cut 85 calories and 13 grams of fat.

There are many more substitutions for general pantry ingredients, but these six will get you started.

Of course, everybody enjoys sweet treats from time to time. The key is moderation.

Here’s wishing you a healthier 2017!

Betsy Crisp is an Extension Family & Consumer Sciences agent and a licensed dietitian for the University of Florida/IFAS. She is based in Pasco County and can be reached at .

Published January 25, 2017