The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Medical marijuana on Pasco agenda

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Medical marijuana is slated to be a topic of discussion when Pasco County commissioners host a public workshop on Sept. 20 at 1:30 p.m., in New Port Richey.

The county’s legal staff currently is reviewing land use and zoning regulations to craft an ordinance governing the future of medical marijuana within Pasco.

County commissioners requested a workshop to hear a range of opinions on the matter.

In August, commissioners extended a moratorium on the growth, processing and distribution of cannabis through the end of the year. The existing moratorium was set to expire on Sept. 1.

Cannabis is the basis for medical marijuana, which is legal in Florida in a low-level, non-euphoric form known as Charlotte’s web. Its use is limited to patients with cancer or seizure disorders.

At prior meetings, commissioners have heard from law enforcement about increased crime rates in states, such as Colorado and California, which have approved either medical marijuana or its recreational use. Substance abuse or prevention counselors have said they worry about increased use of marijuana, especially among youth.

But, commissioners also have heard from residents with chronic medical conditions, who say medical marijuana eases their pain and gives them a quality of life that traditional medicines don’t provide.

Whatever the county’s final ordinance, it will have to take into account a statewide Nov. 8 referendum on the issue. Voters will be asked if they want to expand the list of illnesses that can be treated with medical marijuana, and if stronger strains can be prescribed and dispensed.

Published September 14, 2016

Biometric ID device now in use at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills

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Patients visiting Florida Hospital Zephyrhills will now encounter a high-tech identification device at the medical center.

PatientSecure, a device that images veins in the hand, is now being used to register and identify all patients.

PatientSecure — manufactured by Imprivata, a Massachusetts-based IT Company — uses infrared light to scan a patient’s palm, and then links the unique vein pattern to each patient’s electronic health record. (Courtesy of Imprivata)
PatientSecure — manufactured by Imprivata, a Massachusetts-based IT Company — uses infrared light to scan a patient’s palm, and then links the unique vein pattern to each patient’s electronic health record.
(Courtesy of Imprivata)

The biometric identification solution—manufactured by Imprivata, a Massachusetts-based IT Company — uses infrared light to scan a patient’s palm, and then links the unique vein pattern to each patient’s electronic health record.

The new apparatus was introduced at the hospital on Sept. 6. Hospital officials claim the device reduces paperwork, improves accuracy and helps to prevent identity theft.

“This technology streamlines the registration process by automatically pulling up a patient’s record, provides added protection from medical identity theft, and ensures each patient is correctly linked to their unique medical record,” said Gwen Alonso, the hospital’s chief nursing officer.

Nationwide, the number of patients at risk of encountering medical identification issues is staggering.

A 2012 health care report by the Wall Street Journal shows that 7 percent to 10 percent of patients are misidentified during medical record searches.

Moreover, a 2015 study by the Medical Identify Theft Alliance estimates that 2.3 million individuals are affected by medical identity theft annually, a figure growing by about 22 percent per year.

Mike Vanderbilt, the hospital’s director of patient access, said the palm vein technology is more secure than if a patient provided insurance or Social Security numbers, which can easily be swapped or transposed during identification.

That helps reduce the risk of duplicate medical records, and errors in charting, he explained.

“The palm vein is more accurate than any of that other data,” Vanderbilt said.

PatientSecure, a device that images veins in the hand, is now being used to register and identify all patients at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. Benefits of the new apparatus include reduced paperwork and improved accuracy, hospital officials say, as well as helping to prevent identity theft. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Hospital)
PatientSecure, a device that images veins in the hand, is now being used to register and identify all patients at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. Benefits of the new apparatus include reduced paperwork and improved accuracy, hospital officials say, as well as helping to prevent identity theft.
(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)

“Once they’re scanned, it attaches that palm vein image to their record,” he said. “It actually assigns a series of unique code numbers to that patient, so the next time they come in, they can scan their hand…and it brings them right up in the computer system.”

PatientSecure also could be a lifesaving tool, in some instances.

Should an individual arrive to the facility in an unconscious state, or is unable to communicate, their hand can be placed on the device to reveal their electronic health record (medical history, allergies, current medications).

“If they had been put into this system at some point previously, it would pull them right up as well, without ever talking to them,” Vanderbilt said.

He noted the new registration process is “very quick” for patients.

“It really doesn’t add much to their registration experience as far as the timing goes,” Vanderbilt said. The hospital also has received positive feedback from patients, he added.

The identification tool is equally “very straightforward” for medical staff to utilize and access, Vanderbilt said.

“It’s a USB — sort of a plug and play into our computer system,” Vanderbilt said. “It’s kind of like if you just hook up a mouse to a computer, and of course there’s all the software and everything behind it.”

Should the identification system malfunction or crash, only then would patients be required to verify personal information — name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and address — to medical staff.

“If it were ever to go down, it’s similar to when you call your bank or your credit card company or even your cable company — they make you tell them who you are,” explained Vanderbilt.

“The palm scan is just one extra step that in the future will prevent us from having to ask all those questions. But, that would be the fallback if the system were down — we would still go through some verification steps to confirm their identity,” he said.

PatientSecure is currently being rolled out through Florida Hospital Zephyrhills’ parent company, Adventist Health System, which operates 46 facilities in 10 states.

According to Vanderbilt, the palm vein technology also will be installed in Florida Hospital-owned physician offices and other long-term care facilities.

“It’ll help make the coordination of care better,” he said.

Vanderbilt added: “It’s all linked to that one palm scan, so the whole continuum of health care — as long as the patient is using Florida Hospital — will be more streamlined.”

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, a 139-bed regional medical center, is at 7050 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. For additional information, visit FHZeph.org.

Published September 14, 2016

Health News 09/14/2016

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Volunteer star awards
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point honored volunteers with second quarter Star Awards.

Five Star Award winners, from left, Vikki Neftleberg, June Combs and Barbara Ahlhelm. (Photos courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)
Five Star Award winners, from left, Vikki Neftleberg, June Combs and Barbara Ahlhelm.
(Photos courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)
  • Barbara Ahlhelm, Five Star. Ahlhelm started volunteering in 2006 and has accumulated more than 2,200 hours of service working at Welcome Center D.
  • June Combs, Five Star. Combs has nearly 14 years of volunteer service and more than 6,500 accumulated hours at the volunteer office and Welcome Center D.
  • Vikki Neftleberg, Five Star. Neftleberg has volunteered at Welcome A since 2009 and is now assistant treasurer.
  • Bonnie Kowalewski, One Star. Kowalewski began volunteering in 2014 and has been a courier, volunteer ambassador and mail courier.

    One Star Award winners, from left, Genevieve VanSteen, Bonnie Kowalewski and Charles Hartjes.
    One Star Award winners, from left, Genevieve VanSteen, Bonnie Kowalewski and Charles Hartjes.
  • Charles Hartjes, One Star. Hartjes has been volunteering since 2013 at Welcome Door D and has accumulated nearly 1,000 service hours.
  • Genevieve VanSteen, One Star. VanSteen has been volunteering since 2010 and has accumulated more than 1,000 hours as a chaplain’s aid.

 

 

New board members
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills Foundation has selected nine East Pasco individuals to serve two, two-year terms as members of its board. They join 11 other board volunteers currently serving. New members are Kristen Cabot Brady, Centennial Middle School; Kathy Britton, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services; Randy Bush, Hodges Family Funeral Home; Paul Correia, Sun State Aluminum Inc.; Rashmi Ferris, Florida Hospital Physician Group; Sarah Asaftei McDugal, Zephyrhills Health & Rehab; Edwin J. Rogers, Heidt Design; Jason Sasser, JSC Real Estate Group; and, Chief Ray Velboom, Dade City Police Department.

Zephyrhills company offers EpiPen at no upcharge

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In lieu of the soaring costs for an EpiPen, one local pharmacy chain is offering the life saving, anti-allergic reaction device at no upcharge.

The Canadian Medstore, based out of Zephyrhills, says their cost for an EpiPen Twin Pack is $180, compared to the over $700 being retailed at traditional area pharmacies.

Mylan, the makers of the EpiPen, recently announced it would produce a generic version that it would sell for $300 a two-pack. That move came after intense criticism following the company’s announcement that it was increasing the price of the product by nearly 400 percent. The device, which was sold at a wholesale price of just under $60 in 2007, has risen to $600 for a two-pack in 2016. It marks the product’s 15th price hike over the past seven years. (Courtesy of Mylan)
Mylan, the makers of the EpiPen, recently announced it would produce a generic version that it would sell for $300 a two-pack. That move came after intense criticism following the company’s announcement that it was increasing the price of the product by nearly 400 percent. The device, which was sold at a wholesale price of just under $60 in 2007, has risen to $600 for a two-pack in 2016. It marks the product’s 15th price hike over the past seven years.
(Courtesy of Mylan)

Mylan, the makers of the EpiPen, recently announced it would offer a generic version that would sell for $300 a two-pack. That move came after the company drew intense criticism for increasing its product price by nearly 400 percent.

The device, which was sold at a wholesale price of just under $60 in 2007, has risen to $600 for a two-pack in 2016. It marks the product’s 15th price hike over the past seven years.

The Canadian Medstore, which opened in 2003, has international contracts with pharmacies based in Australia, Canada, England and New Zealand.

In those countries, medications are often 60 percent to 70 percent less expensive than in the United States.

Bill Hepscher, director and founder of the Canadian Medstore, said the company typically “averaged one or two orders in a month” for the EpiPen, but is now seeing a surge in calls from more families requesting the anti-anaphylaxis device.

“We’re literally getting five or 10 calls a day now,” Hepscher said, noting that most of his clientele are seniors on fixed incomes, and families that are uninsured or have high deductible health plans.

Hepscher often witnesses the costs of prescriptions “being a huge issue for families.” But, the EpiPen is a unique situation, he said, because it can mean  “life or death for a child.”

“It’s literally the definition of holding a gun to the head because there’s not another option,” he said. “I think that’s why there’s so much outrage.”

Nut and bee allergies are oftentimes hereditary, leading to multiple children or parents needing the product, Hepscher explained.

“Sometimes it’s two or three kids that have the same allergies, and the parent is not only going in and paying $600, but $1,800,” he said. “It’s pretty crazy when you think about a family having to spend that kind of money on a prescription.”

The Canadian Medstore, based out of Zephyrhills, says their cost for an EpiPen Twin Pack is $180, compared to the over $700 being retailed at traditional area pharmacies. (Courtesy of Bill Hepscher)
The Canadian Medstore, based out of Zephyrhills, says their cost for an EpiPen Twin Pack is $180, compared to the over $700 being retailed at traditional area pharmacies.
(Courtesy of Bill Hepscher)

The Medstore, which has six locations throughout central Florida, doesn’t hold any medications on its shelves. Instead, via its customer service center, the company sends prescriptions — which must be filled by an American doctor — to licensed pharmacies in one of those aforementioned four countries. Medications are then mailed directly to patients.

According to a recent report by Bloomberg Businessweek, an EpiPen costs “just several dollars to make,” and contains about “$1 or so worth of epinephrine.”

Hepscher believes the pricing should be in “a more reasonable range,” but also understands the pricing structures of some pharmaceutical giants.

“Of course the argument could be made that it costs so much money to come up with these products,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of family members that if it wasn’t for modern pharmacology, we probably wouldn’t be here anymore. I think the pharmacy industry, in general…is a super innovative industry, and I really believe that there’s a lot of really good, smart people working hard…to make our lives better.

“All I do know is that we can get the same exact medication in Canada or England for a third of the price, so I think that speaks volumes.”

The Canadian Medstore is located at 38176 Medical Center Ave. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit its website at DrugstoreUnlimited.com.

Published September 7, 2016

Health News 09/07/2016

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Local company to provide EpiPen at cost
The Canadian Medstore, which operates six offices throughout Central Florida, has announced that its pharmacy fulfillment partners will suspend all markups and will offer EpiPen at cost. Families can source an EpiPen Twin Pack for $180, rather than over $700 at traditional pharmacies.

The Canadian Medstore opened its first storefront location in Zephyrhills in 2003.

For more information, contact Bill Hepscher at (813) 788-2007 or .

 

(Courtesy of Medical Center of Trinity)
(Courtesy of Medical Center of Trinity)

Physician of the Year
The Medical Center of Trinity has honored Dr. Stephen Hanff, board certified orthopedic surgeon, as its Physician of the Year. Hanff was chosen among 35 nominees for the award.

Hanff received his undergraduate degree at the University of Miami and his medical degree from the Miller School of Medicine, where he was elected to membership in Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

He graduated medical school with honors in 2004 and completed his internship and orthopedic residency at the University of Florida.

Concerns about Zika on the rise, poll says

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The level of unease about the Zika virus is on the rise in Florida, according to a new poll conducted by the Saint Leo University Polling Institute.

The online poll, which was conducted Aug. 14 to Aug. 18, surveyed 1,500 adults in Florida, according to a news release from Saint Leo University.

The Zika virus is spread through bites of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the same mosquito that spreads the dengua and chikunguna viruses. (File Photo)
The Zika virus is spread through bites of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the same mosquito that spreads the dengua and chikunguna viruses.
(File Photo)

Polling ended a day before Gov. Rick Scott announced that mosquitos are spreading the virus in the Miami area and five days before the governor announced a non-travel related case of Zika was found in Pinellas County, the release says.

The university’s August poll found that 79.3 percent of respondents say they are “very” or “somewhat” concerned about the virus. Of those remaining, 1.1 percent say they are “somewhat unconcerned,” 7.5 percent indicate they are “not at all concerned,” and 2.1 percent say they are unsure or do not know enough to answer.

The poll had a plus or minus margin of error of 3.0 percent.

The polling institute’s June survey of 500 adults in Florida showed 71.2 percent of respondents expressing concern.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control describes the ailment as being caused by the Zika virus, which is spread mainly through the bite of an infected mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus).

The virus can be passed from an infected pregnant woman to her fetus. The CDC also confirmed that the virus is responsible for severe defects, including microcephaly, in unborn children. When delivered, such babies have abnormally small heads and often, brain defects.

The disease also can be spread through sexual contact, according to the CDC.

Many of those infected with the virus have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, according to the CDC. The symptoms can include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). There is no specific medication for the virus.

In general, people who are healthy and are not thinking of having children anytime soon have little to nothing to worry about from Zika, Dr. Cheryl Clauson, Saint Leo University assistant professor of biology said, in the release.

“There may be an association between Zika and Guillain-Barré syndrome, however, this only occurs in a very small number of people who contract Zika,” Clauson said.

But, she continued, “pregnant women need to be very careful about traveling to the affected areas of Miami. Pregnant women should avoid the area altogether if possible, postponing non-essential travel as needed. If a woman who is currently pregnant lives in these areas of Miami, she should talk to her health care provider about getting tested for Zika during her pregnancy. Her partner would need to use condoms throughout the pregnancy to prevent possibly passing Zika to her.”

The Saint Leo biologist advised couples who are considering having children to wait at least eight weeks after returning from a Zika-affected area before trying to get pregnant, even if the woman does not have a confirmed case. “Men who did not have a confirmed Zika infection should also wait eight weeks. However, if he had a confirmed Zika infection, he should wait six months before trying to get pregnant with his female partner,” Clauson said.

Florida’s counties are taking steps to get rid of mosquito breeding grounds and prevent the spread of the Zika virus. The Aedes species are “aggressive daytime biters,” according to the CDC, but also can bite at night.

Clauson recommends using insect repellants with particular active ingredients: DEET, IR3535, oil of eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or picaridin. “Because many people who use repellant may also use sunscreen, the repellant should be applied after sunscreen is applied,” she said.

Floridians also should empty anything outside their houses that could hold standing water—planters, small boats, pet bowls—to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in those containers.

Protect yourself from the Zika virus
To help protect yourself, the CDC recommends people:

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
  • Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out
  • Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outdoors or unable to keep mosquitoes out
  • Use repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • Follow product label instructions
  • Reapply as directed

The CDC also offers these additional tips: Do not spray repellent on skin under clothing, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent and do not apply insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months.

To protect your child, dress him or her in clothing that covers the arms and legs. Also, do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, or cut or irritated skin.

Published August 31, 2016

Health News 08/31/2016

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(Courtesy of Medical Center of Trinity)
(Courtesy of Medical Center of Trinity)

June Cunningham is nurse of the year
The Medical Center of Trinity has recognized registered nurse June Cunningham as Nurse of the Year and the Frist Employee Humanitarian Award winner. Cunningham, of the hospital’s Wound Care In-Patient Unit, was chosen from 106 members of the nursing team who were nominated, for Nurse of the Year; and, she was nominated by staff and physicians for the humanitarian award. Cunningham also was named the 2016 Good Samaritan Health Clinic Nurse of the Year. She attended nursing school at North Hampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

 

 

MOSI partners for autism
The Museum of Science & Industry and Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay have formed a partnership in order to make learning more fun and more open to all families in Tampa Bay.

The partners will work under the motto “partnering toward a more autism accessible experience,” which will hopefully lead to more vital science and math education for a wider range of students, a richer and more fulfilling time for families that include children with autism spectrum disorder, and guidelines for other museums and businesses looking to create a more inclusive experience.

An assessment has been done at the science center, and some potential changes identified include revising maps and signs to clearly show families what kinds of sensory information to expect in certain areas, and rearranging some exhibits to allow families to bypass sections that could be overwhelming.

MOSI’s new website, set to launch in September, will incorporate new features to improve autism accessibility.

Dr. Caselnova back in Zephyrhills
Bayfront Health Dade City has welcomed Dr. Michael Caselnova, a family practice physician at Bayfront Health Medical Group, back to his previous clinic location at 7209 Green Slope Drive in Zephyrhills.

Caselnova’s services include chronic illness treatment, immunizations, preventive health care, and sports and school physicals.

For information, call (813) 602-8841.

Working with seniors
Florida’s Long-term Care Ombudsman Program has advocate positions available in Hillsborough County, for those interested in volunteering. Volunteers visit with residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult-family care homes to ensure residents are treated with dignity and respect.

Training and certification are provided and volunteers participate in council meetings, administrative assessments and complaint resolution in facilities.

Candidates should enjoy working with seniors and those with disabilities, plan to volunteer 20 hours a month, pass a background check, complete certification training, communicate well, and attend a monthly meeting.

For information, call (888) 831-0404, or visit Ombudsman.MyFlorida.com.

Hospital gets Gold Plus Award
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills received the Get with the Guidelines Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures as outlined by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.

Hospitals that receive the gold plus award have reached a goal of treating heart failure or stroke patients with an 85 percent or higher compliance to core standard levels for 24 consecutive months, as established by the AHA and American Stroke Association.

The hospital’s heart institute also has received recognition for treating coronary intervention, heart failure, chest pain, open heart surgery and electrophysiology.

Oak Hill promotes Tim Krusko
Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville has promoted Tim Krusko, executive chef, to director of food and nutritional services.

Krusko has served as executive chef for the past year, and has been an integral part of the food and nutrition services leadership team.

With more than 20 years in the food service industry, Krusko has extensive culinary and management experience. He studied culinary arts at the Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach.

Looking for tools to help patients help themselves

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When it comes to treating patients with behavioral health issues, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Dr. Laura Bajor is always on the lookout for new tools that could help.

She sees the potential of emerging technology.

But Bajor, who is medical director for the CORE program at North Tampa Behavioral Health, 29910 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel, isn’t into technology for technology’s sake.

Organizations that engage in that approach, she said, “tend to create a ‘flavor of the month’ atmosphere.’”

Dr. Laura Bajor, medical director of the CORE program at North Tampa Behavioral Health, is always looking for new tools to help her patients help themselves. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Dr. Laura Bajor, medical director of the CORE program at North Tampa Behavioral Health, is always looking for new tools to help her patients help themselves.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Ultimately, that’s counterproductive, Bajor said, because “that actually ends up alienating folks from trying new things, because they’ve lost faith in the actual benefit of new technology.”

Instead, Bajor believes that “technology and research are most useful when they improve a patient’s investment in their own health, and their quality of life.”

She’s constantly on the lookout for new tools, or collaborations, to help her find the best ways to help the patients she’s treating.

“In my opinion, one of the absolute worst conversations to have with a patient is to have to sit across a desk from them and say ‘We’ve run out of treatment options for you, and we’re not working on anything new. Good luck.’

“The real aim of health care is not that they remain our patients, it’s that they function well on their own without us. So, we can move them toward that,” Bajor said.

Along those lines, “we’re using technology to assess sleep, activity level, change in heart rate throughout the course of the day, and a few other parameters,” she said.

This permits a more focused approach to prescribing medication and planning treatment, she said.

The idea is to be able to show patients evidence regarding their progress or lack of it, which helps save time and reduces frustration, she said.

Technology also is used to help patients learn how to control their own stress and anxiety levels, which helps them regain a sense of control and self-confidence, she said.

Bajor said she began using emerging technology about four years ago, with a series of small innovation grants in a clinic at the VA in Boston.

She was able to pilot the use of different kinds of fitness, sleep, and stress trackers with her staff and patients. That eventually spread into a partnership with the Basis division of Intel, who worked to equip patients from about 15 different clinics and programs with their gear.

She believes part of the reason she was recruited to become the medical director of the CORE program at North Tampa Behavioral was because of those experiences and skills.

Sleep plays a significant role in a patient’s health, Bajor said.

“The first paper I ever published was about tracking sleep first rather than hitting people with very high-caliber meds,” Bajor said.

This monitor tracks activity levels and can help determine if a patient is having problems with sleep. The quality of one’s sleep can have significant impacts on health, according to Dr. Laura Bajor, medical director of the CORE program at North Tampa Behavioral Health in Wesley Chapel.
This monitor tracks activity levels and can help determine if a patient is having problems with sleep. The quality of one’s sleep can have significant impacts on health, according to Dr. Laura Bajor, medical director of the CORE program at North Tampa Behavioral Health in Wesley Chapel.

When someone comes into the clinic and sleep is part of their problem, they are put on a tracking system for a couple of days before any medication is prescribed, she said.

“Is the problem that they’re not going to bed until 3 in the morning? Is the problem that they can’t fall asleep? Or, is it that they’re waking up 10 times?

“We would actually use different treatment approaches, depending on which or all of those problems they have,” she said.

“A person, once they’ve been sleeping, you can probably use much less medicine,” she said. That helps to avoid prescribing medication that can affect their functioning during the day, and reduces potential for side effects.

“All of these things have side effects,” she added.

While in Boston, Bajor said she worked with top-notch researchers and clinicians from the Harvard and Boston University systems, she said.

“I worked mainly in Ann Rasmusson’s lab at the National Center for PTSD, where there is a major focus on using exercise, cognitive therapy, and other novel approaches to calm down the neuroendocrine system, get folks’ frontal lobes back on line, and in doing all that, help PTSD patients get back in control of their anxiety,” she said.

“Ann and her crew have continued to be generous in providing advice about how to translate these ideas into our CORE program,” she said, where exercise, yoga, diet and other approaches are being used to treat veterans.

“There’s an emerging parameter called heart rate variability,” Bajor said. “It’s kind of the newest thing in physiologic tracking. It’s the rate at which a heart rate changes.

“We’re watching that with guys who are doing PTSD therapy,” she said.

“We can tell: Should we back off a little, or should we try harder?

“There’s actually NFL coaches and Olympic coaches that are using the same HRV (heart rate variability). They’ll say, ‘Well this guy should take a day off from weightlifting.’ Or, ‘We should push this guy harder, he’s not going hard enough.’’’

“We can kind of do the same thing,” she said.

Bajor also noted she’s received help from a number of other experts in the areas of research methods, dissemination of innovation and day-to-day management of new ideas in a clinical setting.

“The trajectory of my medical career has been a little unorthodox,” Bajor said.

She went from being a student at the Naval Academy, to becoming a search and rescue pilot, to being a Department of Defense engineer. She left that job to attend medical school.

In addition to her current work, she also belongs to “Tampa Hackerspace,” a group she describes as an eclectic group of brilliant folks who have pooled their resources into a space where members have access to things like 3-D printers, laser cutters, full metal and wood shops, and the expertise of leaders in their various fields.

She just joined the group in the summer and already has ideas that will be used in her clinic, she said.

“Making those connections and sharing knowledge. There’s no way to measure that. It’s just invaluable,” said Bajor.

She welcomes opportunities for collaborations that will lead to better care for patients.

Published August 24, 2016

Health News 08/24/2016

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Betsy Vipond
Betsy Vipond

Vipond to cover Medicare at conference
Betsy Vipond will be a guest speaker at the HR Florida Annual Conference on Aug. 31 at Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando. Vipond has 40 years of insurance experience working with group health insurance and Medicare. The topic of ‘Medicare in 60 Minutes’ will give a look at how Medicare interacts with group insurance, and advice on how to handle various scenarios where group health and Medicare converge. For information, visit HRFlorida.org/2016 Conference, or call Vipond at (800) 603-0901.

 

 

 

 

Hospital launches ER pledge
Bayfront Health Dade City has launched a 30-Minutes-or-Less ER Service Pledge, to assure patients it is dedicated to offering quality care, and providing that care efficiently and quickly.

When a patient enters the emergency room, the arrival time is noted. The pledge begins the minute a patient checks into the ER desk — that a medical professional will work diligently to see the patient within 30 minutes or less of their arrival time to begin evaluation and treatment.

The hospital records and monitors many ER indicators as part of its ongoing quality improvement efforts.

Frist Humanitarian award winner
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has honored Dr. Christine Behan with this year’s Physician Frist Humanitarian Award.

Behan has served in the community as a primary care physician for more than 20 years.

As chief of staff, Behan has addressed physician health issues, and through her efforts, the medical staff has policies in place to deal with issues such as burnout and depression.

Behan also has served as president of the Pasco County Medical Society, and is committed to the Good Samaritan Clinic that serves the medically needy in the county.

Hospital delivers 100th baby
The Maternity Suites at Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville, delivered its 100th baby on Aug. 10 at 1:48 p.m. The Maternity Suites announced its opening at the third floor North Tower on June 7, and has now delivered 100 babies in its first 64 days.

For information on the hospital, visit OakHillHospital.com.

Lutz man receives state recognition
Ronald Thiltgen, of Lutz, received the West Central Council Ombudsman of the Year Award form the State’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Thiltgen was recognized for his advocacy of long-term care residents in surrounding counties.

He became a state-certified volunteer in July 2013. Fellow ombudsmen describe Thiltgen as an excellent advocate who is “extremely patient, caring, and puts in extra effort to help residents,” according to a release. Thiltgen also takes on additional work, including helping others complete assignments or volunteering to mentor trainees.

For information on the Florida Ombudsman Program, call (888) 831-0404, or visit Ombudsman.MyFlorida.com.

Ryan Willis
Ryan Willis

New CFO joins hospital
Ryan Willis has joined Florida Hospital Zephyrhills as its chief financial officer, bringing with him years of progressively responsible experience within the Adventist Health System. Willis has been the assistant vice president of finance for Florida Hospital Tampa and Florida Hospital Connerton in Land O’ Lakes since 2014. He also has served as controller for the Florida Hospital Heartland Division in Sebring and decision support analyst manager/director for AHS’s Heartland Division. Willis started his career at FHZ in 2004 as a staff accountant with the Heartland Division.

Medical marijuana is a need, some residents say

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Denise Houston is a cancer survivor who used cannabis to get through her debilitating radiation treatments.

She shared her story during an Aug. 9 Pasco County Commission meeting because she wanted commissioners to consider it, as they decide the future of medical marijuana within the county.

She was one of several speakers at the public hearing on a proposal to extend a ban on the growth, processing and dispensing of cannabis through the end of the year.

An existing ban is set to expire Sept. 2.

Cannabis is the basis for medical marijuana, which is legal in Florida in a low-level, non-euphoric form known as Charlotte’s web.

“It’s a life saver for some people,” Houston told commissioners. “I am one of those folks. I am a caregiver for one of those folks.”

Houston urged the board to not extend the ban and to instead open the door to medical marijuana in Pasco.

County commissioners won’t vote on the matter until a second public hearing scheduled Aug. 23 at 1:30 p.m., in New Port Richey.

County officials say the extended ban will allow more time to craft land use and zoning regulations.

One option would be to ban dispensaries. However, as a backup, commissioners also requested staff to write regulations restricting activities to industrial districts.

Complicating the matter is a Nov. 8 referendum when voters statewide will decide whether to allow stronger strains of medical marijuana and to expand the list of illnesses that can be treated with medical marijuana. Current law allows its use for cancer and seizure disorders.

Florida’s health department recently approved the first of six dispensaries qualified for permits. The first delivery of medical marijuana went to a man living in Hudson.

However, law enforcement and substance abuse counselors are wary of the expansion of medical marijuana.

Pasco County sheriff’s office has provided county commissioners with data on crime spikes in states, such as Colorado and California, which have approved either medical marijuana or its recreational use.

At the recent public hearing, representatives in the substance abuse prevention and treatment field spoke in favor of the moratorium.

Kent Runyon told commissioners of a visit to Seattle where he saw a billboard advertising a local marijuana farm. “It sounded like you’re going to a pumpkin farm picking pumpkins,” said Runyon, who is chief strategist and compliance officer at Novus Medical Detox Center in New Port Richey. “Is this the message we want for our youth and our children (that) it is something good, something embracing, something harmless?”

Still, the majority of speakers at the hearing urged commissioners to support medical marijuana as a health benefit and a potential source of tax revenue for the county.

Some farms in Pasco that are struggling could make money from growing cannabis, said Travis Moorehead. He also told commissioners he knew of people with prescription pill addictions, but marijuana “probably is one of the least dangerous things you could allow.”

Garyn Angel, chief executive officer of Angel Enterprises, described himself as a “world leader in the cannabis industry.” He invented a machine to extract nutrients from botanicals as a way to help a friend with Crohn’s disease, and now owns Magical Butter, a company that sells his invention.

Angel said he has partnered with university researchers to learn about cannabis and its health benefits. “It is one of the greatest anti-inflammatories we have,” he said. “Inflammation is at the root of most diseases, especially in the gut.”

He suggested to commissioners that Pasco could become a hub for the medical marijuana industry, benefiting patients and boosting the county’s economy.

“The dollars are coming,” he said. “It’s going to happen. Let’s embrace it …let’s be a flagship.”

But, money wasn’t the issue foremost for Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells.

“This is personal to me. I have a friend now with stage three cancer,” he said. “The only thing that can help him is to smoke marijuana. The law says he can’t do that.”

Wells and Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey requested a workshop so that they could learn more information from all sides of the issue.

“It’s just a subject I don’t know a lot about,” she said. “I’ve heard a lot of different compelling stories from both ends. It’s incumbent upon us to get more educated.”

A workshop likely will be scheduled in September.

Published August 17, 2016