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Health

Health News 03/29/2017

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(Courtesy of Jeanne Shanin)

Volunteer Way receives $1,000 grant
The Jean Griswold Foundation, a private charity established in 2010n and created by Griswold Home Care, awarded more than $30,000 in grants to 28 organizations across the country. The foundation’s goal is to further the belief that care for the elderly and disabled should be available to all and not just a privileged few. The Volunteer Way of Pasco County was selected for a $1,000 grant. From left: Arthur Moseley, certified senior advisor and co-owner of Griswold Home Care; Martha O’ Brien, assistant CEO, The Volunteer Way; and, Frieda Moseley, co-owner of Griswold Home Care.

Volunteers needed
Florida Hospital at Connerton Long Term Acute Care is looking for enthusiastic, committed individuals to join its volunteer team. The hospital’s mission is to extend the healing ministry of Christ.

As a volunteer, there are opportunities to apply your skills and talents to create a positive experience for patients, visitors and staff.

For information, contact Anthony Cappellini at (813) 615-7286 or .

Girl Scouts to earn health patch
More than 30 local Girl Scouts, ages 11 to 18, will earn a Mental Health Awareness Patch through a hands-on initiative at the Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, March 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Girl Scouts will rotate through several stations to explore the science of mental health and tackle misconceptions; discover famous achievers who experienced mental illness; practice personal stress management techniques; learn how to identify a friend in need; and, create mandalas in an art therapy session.

The guest speaker will be Rachel Barcellona, Miss Florida International 2016, who will share her personal journey with autism in a speech, “The Ability Beyond Disabilities.”

Special sessions for parents will cover eating disorders, and the difference between typical teenage behavior and mental illness.

Fitness expert offers tips to get healthy, stay healthy

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Are you really healthy?

That was the main question posed by fitness professional Casio Jones, during a recent Community Awareness Series event, presented by Pasco-Hernando State College.

Jones is the wellness director for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CREATION Health and Wellness Center, at 38233 Daughtery Road.

Speaking to dozens of students, faculty and community members at Pasco-Hernando State College’s East Campus in Dade City, Casio Jones offered nutritional and fitness tips. He warned that poor diet choices and lack of exercise can lead to major issues later in life.
(Kevin Weiss)

Jones held an educational and interactive discussion on March 14 at PHSC’s East campus in Dade City.

There, he spoke to a classroom filled with students, faculty and members of the community.

Upbeat and energetic, Jones offered up a “Cliff Notes” version for maintaining health, and presented several pillars for living life to its fullest.

Jones, who holds a master’s in health administration challenged the members of the audience to match their health efforts with their financial efforts.

He probed: “All that money in your bank account — how does that benefit you when you’re in a hospital bed, or just are not feeling good?”

Good or poor health, he said, all comes down to lifestyle choices.

“It’s simple. The choices that we make can affect our ability to exist with, or without, a chronic disease,” Jones explained.

The health and fitness professional cited a statistic by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), claiming 90 percent of the 10 leading causes of death are due to poor lifestyle choices.

He added his own blunt assessment: “I think that’s our biggest threat to our nation.”

Moreover, 1.4 million Americans die each year from a combination of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and stroke, according to the CDC.

For Jones, the staggering figures strike close to his heart.
Several relatives, including his mother and brother, suffer from Type 2 diabetes.

“I refuse to have diabetes,” Jones said. “I make different choices in my life, because I know there’s a (family) flaw.”

He warned poor choices — unhealthy food and drinks, lack of exercise, smoking — can contribute to “bad consequences” over time.

“We have to have a new mindset,” Jones said, “that what I’m doing today can affect tomorrow.”

He advised the crowd to refrain from refined sugar, alcohol and processed foods.

Those products, Jones said, “destroy your body.”

“Moderation can be deceiving,” he explained. “A little bit adds up.”

Jones, too, suggested keeping meat intake under 10 percent of all food consumption, surprising many in the audience.

He said animal products, especially those high in saturated fat, should instead be substituted with plant-based foods.
“Your body needs clean, whole nutrients,” he explained. “If you don’t have the energy to exercise, it has a lot to do with how you eat. Your body needs fuel — the right fuel.”

Besides offering several dietary parameters, Jones’ presentation also centered on exercise — and ways to get more of it.

Setting achievable goals is a good way to start, he said.

His suggestions include using the stairs more often, parking far away from various shopping destinations and taking daily evening strolls with a friend.

Small changes can equal big results.

Finding an enjoyable activity or sport is yet another simple way to be more physically active, Jones said.
“Find excuses to move,” he said. “Discover something you enjoy doing.”

Jones’ talk also included the need to maintain emotional and mental well-being.

Adequate rest, getting outdoors each day and an overall optimistic attitude goes a long way toward relieving tension and stress, he said.

“Focus on the good things,” he said, “and don’t pay attention to the small, negative things.”

Since 2011, Jones was instrumental in overseeing the development of the new Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CREATION Health Wellness Center, which opened last February.

The 13,000-square-foot, 24-hour fitness facility offers various group classes, healthy living seminars and a wellness spa.

Since the grand opening more than a year ago, the facility’s membership has grown from 465 members to over 2,050 members, Jones said.

“We are enjoying the impact we are making in our community,” he said. “It’s just a safe environment for people to come and learn.”

For information, visit FHZWellness.com.

Published March 22, 2017

Using the written word to help process grief

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While the journey through grief is a singular experience for those who have suffered a loss, there are tools that can help, said Tiffany Kring, a bereavement counselor at Gulfside Hospice.

One approach uses the power of the written word to work through the grieving process, said Kring, who will be leading a free workshop called “Journaling Through Grief.”

The session is scheduled for March 23 at 2 p.m., at the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care in Zephyrhills, at 5760 Dean Dairy Road.

It is open to the public, but the session is limited to 10 participants, so the seats will be given, based on the order of those signing up.

“Generally, it’s about a one- to two-hour workshop. It’s using some different writing and journaling techniques to help process thoughts, feelings and things associated with the grieving process,” Kring said.

“It’s especially helpful for people who have a hard time verbalizing, or sharing feelings,” said Kring, who has been a counselor for about 25 years and has used writing as one of her counseling tools throughout her career.

“I think it’s a very effective tool,” she said. “A lot of people don’t realize how beneficial it really is.”

Some exercises involve free-flow writing, others are more structured, such as asking participants to do some writing based on a writing prompt, or writing about a specific topic, she explained.

There’s something about the writing process that frees thoughts and feelings, she said.

“Sometimes when they just sit down with pen and paper … they’ll find that it helps to release what’s going on,” she said.

“Even if they are in counseling for it (grief) or have friends, or someone, they’re talking to, it’s still a good way to get those things out, especially because it’s something people can use when they’re alone, or in those late-night hours when they get up,” Kring said.

Kring said if more than 10 people call in to sign up, she’ll keep a list of those she can’t accommodate, and she’ll reach out to them when she has her next “Journaling through Grief” workshop.

The deadline for signing up is March 17. Those interested should call Kring at (727) 247-7510.

Published March 15, 2017

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 .