Health

Health 02-18-15

February 18, 2015 By Mary Rathman

Hospice offers free bereavement program
HPH Hospice will offer a bereavement program called “Grief’s Journey” starting Feb. 18 through April 15, at HPH Hospice Resource Center, 37441 Clinton Ave., in Dade City.

The group will meet for eight consecutive weeks on Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Attendance at one of the first two weeks’ meetings is necessary.

For information or to register, call (800) 486-8784.

Lymphedema support
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer a lymphedema support group Feb. 19 at 3 p.m.

Lymphedema is a persistent swelling, usually affecting an arm or leg that sometimes occurs as a side effect of cancer treatment.

For information and reservations, call (727) 834-5630.

Heart lectures
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., will host these upcoming heart lectures:

Feb. 19 at 3 p.m.: Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Surgery and its Benefits
Feb. 20 at 2 p.m.: Women and Cardiac Disease
Feb. 25 at 2:30 p.m.: Congestive Heart Failure

For information or to RSVP, call (877) 534-3108.

Huntington’s disease
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will have a Huntington’s disease support group Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

This is a monthly group for anyone whose life is affected by Huntington’s disease.

For information, contact Nina Qualters at (727) 236-3578, or email .

Diabetes education
Access Health Care, 5382 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, is offering a diabetes education series. The next lecture, “Tips for Lowering Glucose,” is Feb. 23 at 1 p.m.

For information and reservations, call (352) 200-2190.

Carpal Tunnel seminar
The Health & Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2700 Healing Way, will have a seminar on “Finding the Light at the End of the Tunnel…Syndrome” Feb. 24 at noon.

Dr. Francisco Schwartz-Fernandes will discuss Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, the potential causes, symptoms and treatment options.

A free lunch will be provided.

For information and reservations, call (813) 929-5432.

Tuesday Tutorials
The Heart Institute at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point will present a series of Tuesday Tutorials with complimentary lunch at the Rao Musunuru Conference Center, 14100 Yosemite Drive in Hudson.

All programs begin at noon. Upcoming tutorials are:

Feb. 24 is “Surviving Sudden Cardiac Death”
March 3 is “Non-Surgical Treatment of Vascular Diseases”

For information and reservations, call (727) 869-5498.

‘Healthy Habits for Your Heart’
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will have a seminar on “Healthy Habits for Your Heart” Feb. 25 at noon.

Dr. Christos Pitarys, interventional cardiologist, will discuss risk factors, prevention and basic habits for a healthier heart.

Admission is free. A light lunch will be served.

For information and reservations, call (727) 834-5630, or email .

MS support group
First Christian Church, 6040 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, will host a multiple sclerosis support group the first Thursday of every month at 1 p.m., in Fellowship Hall.

Refreshments will be served.

The group also hosts a social event the third Thursday of every month.

For information and to RSVP, call (813) 782-9306 or (813) 788-9931.

Aging agency seeking nominations
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc., is seeking nominations for the first Patricia J. Bell Achievements in Aging Award.

The award is in honor of the memory of Patricia J. Bell, a longtime advocate in the aging field.

Nominees should demonstrate significant contributions in the field of aging in Pasco and/or Pinellas counties.

Nominations will be accepted until March 9.

The winner will be recognized during a luncheon April 24 at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

For information and nomination forms, visit AgingCareFL.org/patricia-j-bell-award, or call Helen King at (727) 570-9696, ext. 210.

Peripheral neuropathy clinic opens
A free, volunteer-run clinic is now open in Tampa for the education and support of those diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy.

The clinic provides education and support in coping with neuropathy, dealing with physical limitations, home safety, and symptom management.

Space is limited and available by appointment only.

For information, call Cindy Tofthagen at (813) 252-0475, or email .

Ostomy support group
The Regional Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center Bayonet Point, 7525 Medical Drive in Hudson, will host an ostomy support group Feb. 25 at 5 p.m.

The meeting is open to all ostomy patients and their families.

For information, call (727) 869-5551.

Gulfside names Scalise to VP position
Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care has appointed Tara Scalise as its vice president of Continual Process Improvement.

Scalise will be responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing compliance with a comprehensive quality operating system including policies, procedures, and standards and systems for the organization.

She also will be responsible for conducting audits to evaluate Gulfside’s core business and clinical activities.

Scalise is a graduate of the University of New Orleans and has more than 15 years experience in the social services field.

Health 02-11-15

February 11, 2015 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)

Hospital names director of marketing
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills has named Susan Frimmel as its new director of marketing.

Frimmel comes from Bayfront Health Brooksville and Bayfront Health Spring Hill where she served as the system director of marketing for two years.

Prior to her role at Bayfront, she worked at Pasco Regional Medical Center for 12 years as director of marketing.

Frimmel is a graduate of Saint Leo University with a degree in business administration. She also has an associate of science degree in sales and marketing from St. Petersburg College.

Strength, balance program
The Groves Golf and Country Club will host the Silver Sneakers Strength & Balance Program on Wednesdays at 9 a.m., and Fridays at 10:30 a.m., in the ballroom, 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’ Lakes.

The program is a low-impact class for men and women to help improve flexibility and balance. Strength exercises may include handheld weights and the use of tubing.

The program is free to Silver Sneakers members, $5 for non-members, and $30 per month of classes.

For information, contact Tom Marbell at (352) 409-2984 or .

Autism support group
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host Helping Hands, an autism support group, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.

The group provides support to parents, family members and friends affected by autism and related neurological disorders.

For information, contact Jonica Chittum at (813) 402-9442 or .

Heart failure symposium
The Heart Institute at Oak Hill Hospital will host a Heart Failure Symposium Feb. 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Silverthorn Country Club, 4550 Golf Club Lane in Brooksville.

The topic will be “Managing Your Heart Failure” and will feature a panel of Oak Hill Hospital health care specialists.

There will be an open house from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., so guests can meet the hospital’s heart team and local home health care agencies.

A hot meal will be served

For reservations, call (352) 597-6333, (352) 628-6060, or visit OakHillHospital.com.

Understanding diabetes
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., will host a Doctors & Desserts program called “Understanding Diabetes” Feb. 12 at 2 p.m.

Sugar-free desserts will be available.

For information and reservations, call (877) 534-3108.

Bone health lecture
Access Health Care, 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will host a lecture on “Bone Health: How to Get It and Keep It” Feb. 12 at 5:15 p.m.

Guests should wear comfortable clothing to move around for instruction on performing different exercises.

For information and to register, call (352) 688-8116.

Kidney seminar
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will present a free talk on “Care for Your Kidney” Feb. 14 at noon, in the children’s meeting room. For information, call (813) 929-1214.

‘Keeping a Healthy Heart’
The Health & Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2700 Healing Way, will present a “Keeping a Healthy Heart” seminar Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m.

Topics will include incorporating fitness and nutrition to help reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

Admission is free for center members, and $5 for non-members.

For information and to register, call (813) 929-5432.

All programs begin at noon. Upcoming tutorials are:

Feb. 17 is “Intimacy and the Heart,” for adults only
Feb. 24 is “Surviving Sudden Cardiac Death”

For information and reservations, call (727) 869-5498.

Elders program needs volunteers
The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program in Pasco County is hosting a three-day program to those interested in volunteering to provide counseling in Medicare, Medicaid and more.

The training begins Feb. 17 at The Area Agency on Aging in St. Petersburg.

Transportation costs are reimbursed, and meals are provided.

For information, call Sue Samson at (727) 570-9696, ext. 234.

For an online application, visit FloridaShine.org.

Infant care program
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer an infant care class at 6 p.m., on Feb. 17 and Feb. 24.

Participants must attend both days and can learn the knowledge and skills needed in transitioning into parenting.

The cost is $40.

For information and reservations, call (727) 834-5630.

MS support group
First Christian Church, 6040 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, will host a multiple sclerosis support group the first Thursday of every month at 1 p.m., in Fellowship Hall.

Refreshments will be served.

The group also hosts a social event the third Thursday of every month.

For information and to RSVP, call (813) 782-9306 or (813) 788-9931.

Tampa Bay E.N.T. expands to Lutz
Tampa Bay E.N.T., offering ear, nose and throat care, has added a new Lutz location at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, Physicians Office Building, 4211 Van Dyke Road.

The group also has added three new providers: Dr. Dominic Castellano, Dr. Janet Lee and Alyson Hoffman.

For information, call (813) 879-8045, or visit TampaBayENT.com.

Health 02-04-15

February 5, 2015 By Mary Rathman

NAMI offers support
The Pasco County Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness offers the following support groups:

Family & Friends Support Meetings for family and friends of those with mental illness:

Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, first and third Tuesday of every month, at 7 p.m. This is a new location for the group.
Medical Center of Trinity West Campus, 5637 Marine Parkway in New Port Richey, second and fourth Monday of every month, at 7:30 p.m.

NAMI Connections for those living with mental illness:

NAMI Pasco Office, 6480 Jallo Plaza, 6480 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, every Tuesday, at 7 p.m.
Medical Center of Trinity West Campus, 5637 Marine Parkway in New Port Richey, every Wednesday, at 7 p.m.

For information, call (727) 992-9653.

Gulfside orientations
Gulfside Hospice will host orientations for new volunteers as follows:

Feb. 5 and Feb. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Gulfside’s Center for Hospice Care, 5760 Dean Dairy Road in Zephyrhills, for East Pasco volunteers.
Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Gulfside’s Bereavement and Community Outreach Center, 6230 Lafayette St., in New Port Richey, for West Pasco volunteers.

For information, call Kathie Poole at (727) 845-5707 for NPR class, or Tracey Thompson at (813) 780-1235 for East and West orientations.

Health, human services seminars
Pasco-Hernando State College will offer a new Community Awareness Series to students, faculty, staff and the community to learn about services provided by local agencies.

The sessions will highlight health and human services programs available in Pasco County, including public benefit, nutrition and pregnancy services.

All sessions are free, run about 90 minutes, and will be at PHSC Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Alice Delgardo of United Way of Pasco County will present the first session Feb. 6 at 10 a.m.

For information and a list of upcoming seminars, visit PHSC.edu/calendar.

Lunch and learn in Dade City
Bayfront Health Dade City, 13100 Fort King Road, will offer a free Lunch & Learn on the topic of the Affordable Care Act on Feb. 6 at noon, at Medical Plaza I, classroom 108.

The seminar will include enrollment and renewal sessions.

To RSVP, call (352) 518-2000, ext. 5015.

Free dental care Feb. 6
Monticciolo Family and Sedation Dentistry, 5139 Little Road in New Port Richey, will offer free dental care at its annual “Dentistry From The Heart” event Feb. 6.

The first 500 people in line will have a choice of a free dental cleaning, filling or extraction.

The services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis for those ages 18 and older.

Registration begins at 4:30 a.m., on that day and patients will be seen through 5 p.m.

Those who would like to be seen should dress for the weather and bring chairs, water and snacks as they wait outside.

For information, visit DentistryFromTheHeart.org, or call (727) 849-2002.

National Heart Month events
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will celebrate National Heart Month with a variety of events.

During the month of February, the outside of the hospital will be lighted red to promote heart disease awareness.

On Feb. 6, the hospital staff, volunteers and visitors are asked to wear red to promote awareness.

Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the dining room, a different healthy lunch will be featured with a recipe card. The cost is $5.

Starting Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., there will be a six-week health seminar series on Mondays, presented by Community of Aging and Retirement Services. Reservations are required. Guests should call (727) 834-5630.

On Feb. 24 at 10 a.m., there will be a nutrition seminar on the concepts of heart healthy eating. Reservations are required. Guests should call (727) 834-5630.

Heart events at Regional Medical
The Heart Institute at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is encouraging people to participate in National Wear Red Day on Feb. 6, to raise awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of American woman and is a disease that must be prevented.

Regional Medical also is having a 3K Run for Life or 3K Heart Walk Feb. 7 at 8 a.m., on the campus at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson.

Participants will meet at the Rao Musunuru, M.D. Conference Center, 14100 Yosemite Drive.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., with a warm-up at 8:30 a.m. The run/walk begins at 9 a.m., followed by a reception.

There will be music entertainment and raffle drawings.

For information and to register, call (727) 869-5500.

Health Fest at Bayfront
Bayfront Health Dade City, 13100 Fort King Road, will have a free Enrollment & Health Fest Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Medical Plaza I, classroom 108.

There will be enrollment for ACA, Medicaid and Kidcare, along with renewal sessions.

For information, call (352) 518-2000, ext. 5015.

All programs begin at noon. Upcoming tutorials are:

Feb. 10 is “What to do When Your Heart Does Attack You.”
Feb. 17 is “Intimacy and the Heart,” for adults only.

For information and reservations, call (727) 869-5498.

Heart health seminar
Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is hosting a free Heart Health Seminar Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Sessions include “Women’s Heart Health” at 10 a.m., “Chest Pains and Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography” at 11:15 a.m., and “Heart 411: The Insight on Radial Cardiac Catheterization” at 12:30 p.m.

Lunch will be provided.

For information and to register, call (813) 929-5432.

Health 01-28-15

January 29, 2015 By Mary Rathman

Paradise Lakes raises $1,000 for hospice
The residents of Paradise Lakes Resort in Lutz raised $1,000 to support patient care and bereavement services in Pasco County by hosting a Texas Hold’em poker tournament and bingo tournament. Celebrating the outcome are, from left, Erin Labbe, Gulfside’s special events coordinator; Linda Browning, a Gulfside thrift shop manager; and Barbara Hale and MJ McNamara who organized the event. (Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care)

NAMI offers support
The Pasco County Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness offers the following support groups:

Family & Friends Support Meetings for family and friends of those with mental illness:

Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, first and third Tuesday of every month, at 7 p.m. This is a new location, starting Feb. 3.
Medical Center of Trinity West Campus, 5637 Marine Parkway in New Port Richey, second and fourth Monday of every month, at 7:30 p.m.

NAMI Connections for those living with mental illness:

NAMI Pasco Office, 6480 Jallo Plaza, 6480 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, every Tuesday, at 7 p.m.
Medical Center of Trinity West Campus, 5637 Marine Parkway in New Port Richey, every Wednesday, at 7 p.m.

For information, call (727) 992-9653.

Tobacco cessation class
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will offer the IQuit tobacco cessation class Jan. 29 at 1 p.m.

Participants can learn the health risks of tobacco use, the benefits of quitting, symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, and receive nicotine replacement therapy products.

The class is free.

To register, call Kadie Kluttz at (813) 929-1000, ext. 208, or email .

Access Health lecture
Access Health Care, 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will offer a lecture on “Weight Reduction: Smart Moves Make This Happen” Jan. 29 at 5:15 p.m.

For information, call Dr. Maria Scunziano-Singh at (352) 688-8116.

Health care reform help
The Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., will host a free event Feb. 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., for anyone who needs to see if they qualify for health care assistance.

There will be door prizes and light snacks.

For information, call (813) 995-0078.

Diabetes self-management
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54 in Trinity, will have a diabetes self-management workshop on Monday mornings at 9 a.m., beginning Feb. 2 through March 9. The workshop is once a week, for six weeks.

The topics covered will include how techniques to deal with symptoms, appropriate exercise, healthy eating, use of medication, and working with health care providers.

For information and reservations, call (727) 834-5630.

Healthy eating workshop
Community Aging & Retirement Services will offer a healthy eating workshop every Monday at 6 p.m., starting Feb. 2 through May 11 at Hudson Wesleyan Church, 7208 Terrace Drive.

Participants can learn how to properly balance the right foods, set realistic goals, and cope with triggers for unhealthy eating.

There also will be tips for making better selections while food shopping and dining out.

Admission is free. For reservations, call CARES at (727) 862-9291, ext. 2008.

Gulfside orientations
Gulfside Hospice will host orientations for new volunteers as follows:

Feb. 2 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Gulfside Lutz Thrift Shoppe, 1930 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., for shop volunteers.
Feb. 5 and Feb. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Gulfside’s Center for Hospice Care, 5760 Dean Dairy Road in Zephyrhills, for East Pasco volunteers.
Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Gulfside’s Bereavement and Community Outreach Center, 6230 Lafayette St., in New Port Richey, for West Pasco volunteers.

For information, call Kathie Poole at (727) 845-5707 for NPR class, or Tracey Thompson at (813) 780-1235 for East and West orientations.

All programs begin at noon.

The first tutorial is Feb. 3 on “How to Prevent Your Own Heart from Attacking You.”

The focus will be on primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.

For information and reservations, call (727) 869-5498.

Arthritis seminar Feb. 3
The Health & Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2700 Healing Way, will offer a “Nutrition and Exercise Interventions for Arthritis” seminar Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Participants can learn how to deal with chronic arthritis through diet and exercise, and find out which foods can reduce inflammation and which foods trigger joint pain.

The seminar is free for center members, and $5 for non-members.

For information and reservations, call (813) 929- 5432.

Heart healthy nutrition class
The Heart Institute at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will offer a heart healthy nutrition class Feb. 3 at 1 p.m.

Participants can learn eating habits to help prevent and treat heart disease, food label reading and recipe modification. Food shopping will be discussed.

Handouts will be provided for take-home reference.

For information and reservations, call (727) 869-5498.

Senior Nights at FHZH
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., will host upcoming Senior Nights during February.

The first night is Feb. 3 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in Creation Café.

There will be dinner and a guest speaker on the topic of “Heart Healthfulness.” Guests can learn how food choices impact heart health.

The cost is $5.99.

For information, call (813) 788-0411.

Peripheral neuropathy clinic opens
A free, volunteer-run clinic is now open in Tampa for the education and support of those diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy.

The clinic provides education and support in coping with neuropathy, dealing with physical limitations, home safety, and symptom management.

Space is limited and available by appointment only.

For information, call Cindy Tofthagen at (813) 252-0475, or email .

Heart health seminar

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel will host a heart health seminar Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at its Wellness Plaza.

Seminars include “Women’s Heart Health” at 10 a.m., “Chest Pains and Coronary Computer Tomography Angiography” at 11:15 a.m., and “Heart 411: The Insight on Radial Cardiac Catheterization” at 12:30 p.m.

Lunch will be provided.

For information and registration, call (813) 929-5432.

Health 01-21-15

January 22, 2015 By Mary Rathman

FHZH welcomes first baby of 2015Florida Hospital Zephyrhills welcomed its first baby of the New Year on New Year’s Day at 9:47 a.m. Dade City parents Allison Martin’s and Daniel Jennings’ son weighed in at 5 lbs. 13 oz. The New Year’s baby received a tote bag filled with baby necessities, a picture frame and stickers.

Donation drive for domestic violence
Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s office has started a donation drive for the Salvation Army’s Domestic Violence Program.

All five tax collector’s offices in Pasco County will accept donations throughout January, via collection jars.

All funds will go directly to the program.

For information and office locations, visit PascoTaxes.com and click on the Salvation Army End Domestic Violence banner.

Senior citizen strength classes
The Groves Golf and Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’ Lakes, offers a Silver Sneakers Strength & Balance program on Wednesdays at 9 a.m., and Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

These are low-impact classes to improve flexibility and balance.

Classes are free to Silver Sneakers members, and $5 for non-members.

For information, call Tom Marbell at (352) 409-2984, or email .

Open house at The Baby Place
Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., will host an open house at The Baby Place Jan. 22 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Guests can tour the all-private spacious maternity suites, meet the staff and physicians, and learn about family-centered care.

Light refreshments will be served.

For information and reservations, call (813) 929-5432.

Women’s health fair
Premier Community Healthcare, 2114 Seven Springs Blvd., Suite 100, in Trinity, will host a free Women’s Health Fair Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The fair will include health workshops, demonstrations, health screenings, healthy snacks and more.

There are limited slots for a PAP test. To schedule a free PAP/well-woman exam, call Melissa Hill at (352) 518-2000, Ext. 9150.

For information, call Nicole John at (727) 645-4185, Ext. 5015.

Condensed version of childbirth class
Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., will host a condensed version of its childbirth education class Jan. 25 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This is a half-day version of the childbirth education series “Understanding Birth.”

For information or to register, call (813) 929-5683.

‘Diabetes 101’

Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville, will present “Diabetes 101” as part of its free Community Education Series Jan. 27 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The program is an educational clinic for diabetics and their spouses or caregivers.

A representative will screen to ensure those attending have been diagnosed.

Guests should bring their list of medications to seminar.

Seating is limited to 25 couples.

For information or to register, call (352) 597-6333.

Tobacco cessation class
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will offer the IQuit tobacco cessation class Jan. 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Participants can learn the health risks of tobacco use, the benefits of quitting, symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, and nicotine replacement therapy products.

The class is free.

To register, call Kadie Kluttz at (813) 929-1000, Ext. 208, or email .

Access Health lectures
Access Health Care, 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will offer a lecture on “Weight Reduction: Smart Moves Make This Happen” Jan. 29 at 5:15 p.m.

For information, call Dr. Maria Scunziano-Singh at (352) 688-8116.

Physician directory available
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a complimentary copy of the latest edition of its physician directory, which includes current primary care physicians, internal medicine physicians and specialists with privileges at Medical Center of Trinity.

Anyone who would like a copy can call (727) 834-5630, or email .

Lodge offers TOPS program
J.F. Swartsel Lodge, 3309 Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz, offers the TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) program every Wednesday.

Weigh-in is at 9 a.m., followed by a meeting at 9:45 a.m.

For information, call Mary Clark at (813) 908-3587.

Adopt a 2015 tree at FHZH
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., is looking for sponsors for its 31st annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in December.

Available trees for 2015 are New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon and Rhode Island.

The hospital provides live trees with lights and individuals, groups or organizations decorate the tree.

The program also includes family friendly activities, a Christmas program with live musical performances, readings and fireworks.

To sponsor a tree or for information, call Jane Freeman at (813) 783-6192.

Gulfside selling calendars
All Gulfside Hospice thrift shop locations are selling the 2015 calendar featuring photos taken in Pasco County. More than 200 photos of Pasco events, places, landmarks and wildlife were submitted, and 13 winning photos make up Gulfside’s “Pasco County: Through Your Eyes” calendar.

Calendars are available at any shop location for $5.

All proceeds help support hospice care and bereavement services for Pasco County residents.

For shop locations, visit GHPPC.org.

For information, call (727) 845-5707.

Alzheimer’s caregiver support
The local Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group will meet the first Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway.

Admission is free.

For information, call Phyllis Bross at (813) 996-1361, or email .

Cancer network meeting
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church Family Cancer Network meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month in Rosary Hall, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, beginning at 7 p.m.

Cancer survivors and caregivers are invited to attend.

For information, call (813) 949-4565.

Pelvic disorder seminar

The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host a seminar “Pelvic Prolapse and Incontinence: How to Revive Your Lifestyle” Jan. 28 at noon.

Dr. Mona McCullough will present a guide to prevention and treatment of pelvic floor disorders.

A complimentary lunch will be served. Admission is free.

For information and reservations, call (727) 834-5630.

Cycle of Life: Seniors stay fit on two wheels

January 22, 2015 By Michael Murillo

If you see Charlie Griffiths riding his bicycle in Zephyrhills, the 70-year-old might be on a little ride just to keep the blood pumping.

Or he just might be training for a 40K race.

Charlie Griffiths has won a number of medals and trophies for his cycling skills. But the awards are piling up even faster now that his wife Mary is competing as well. Both of them won medals at the recent Florida International Senior Games and State Championships. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo) — Charlie Griffiths has won a number of medals and trophies for his cycling skills. But the awards are piling up even faster now that his wife Mary is competing as well. Both of them won medals at the recent Florida International Senior Games and State Championships.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

“Charlie’s always been a cyclist,” said his wife, Mary Griffiths. The couple actually met online a few years ago on a special website for fitness-conscious singles. Now Mary, 63, does a bit of riding herself: Both of them won cycling medals at the recent Florida International Senior Games and State Championships in their respective age groups.

But while Mary has been more of a swimmer and even did some scuba diving, Charlie is the one who’s always preferred cycling. He joined a racing club at 16 in his native Liverpool, England, but had to give it up when family demands came first.

Later in life he got back into riding, and when he retired and moved to Florida 10 years ago, he saw an advertisement for local races. Being in good shape, he decided to join the 55-and-over age group and signed up for a race.

He finished last.

“They just killed me. I couldn’t believe what level these people were at in that age group,” Charlie recalled.

Not being one to back down from a challenge, he kept at it and eventually worked his way into the top half of the competitors. He began training regularly and improved his strength and skills. In addition to doing 20K and 40K road races at the Senior Games, Charlie also tackles other races, including 100-mile cycling events.

As a result, their living room is now filled with medals and trophies documenting his successful return to the sport he loved as a boy. But it’s the other rewards that motivate him to keep riding.

“Really, what keeps me going with this, is it’s keeping me from getting old,” Charlie said. Seventy was old 40 years ago, but I don’t feel any different.”

While they’ve both found success cycling, Mary is quick to point out that it’s not any one activity that holds a secret to feeling younger. It’s more about finding something you like to do and sticking with it.

“It’s activity,” she said. “Find something that you’re passionate about and you do it.” Some activities lend themselves to group participation, she said. Runners, for example, often go out together and keep each other motivated.

Even physical disabilities don’t have to keep seniors from staying active. The Senior Games also has competitions for activities like bean bag tossing and table tennis. Mary believes that even participating in non-strenuous games, which still challenge them mentally, can be good for seniors.

“They’ve got 40 different sports,” she said of the Senior Games. “What if you aren’t really physically able? That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be active.”

And Charlie agrees. He’d love to see more people out walking around, even in a casual setting. It’s become too common for seniors, and people in general, to settle into a sedentary lifestyle and miss out on the health, social and mental benefits of being more active.

“You look around these (communities) where we are here and it’s just incredible how people waste away. And some of them are younger than me,” he said. “It’s just a way of extending you’re life. That’s the way I see it. Stay active as long as you can.”

Charlie is encouraged by people who call him an inspiration, and he enjoys riding and keeping up with riders many years his junior. Neither has any plans to slow down or abandon their active lifestyle, and they hope people of all ages will find the motivation to begin improving their own lives with a little bit of activity.

“Find a friend, and set an appointment time and commit to meeting at that time every day and start walking,” Mary advises. “That’s the easiest thing, it doesn’t cost anything and if you did it, you don’t know what the next step will be.”

While the benefits can be realized by anyone, Charlie believes a lack of activity can especially hurt seniors who can’t afford to sit around and watch their golden years go by.

“If you’re used to a lethargic lifestyle, you need to change. When you’re younger, maybe people don’t feel it as badly. But life flashes by, and suddenly you are a potato,” he said. “Just get out and do something, whether it be walking, running; make the attempt. Make the effort and you’ll enjoy it. You’ll meet so many interesting people.”

Published January 21, 2015

Health 01-14-15

January 15, 2015 By Mary Rathman

One-of-a-kind remembrance
Gulfside Hospice hosted its annual Mending Hearts Holiday Celebration for children to make holiday ornaments to remember a loved one. Noah Potkay took part in the celebration and wrote a holiday memory on a piece of paper to tuck inside an ornament with tinsel and glitter. The party, part of Gulfside’s bereavement program, helped children deal with a loss.

Donation drive for domestic violence
Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s office has started a donation drive for the Salvation Army’s Domestic Violence Program.

All five tax collector’s offices in Pasco County will accept donations throughout January, via collection jars.

All funds will go directly to the program.

For information and office locations, visit PascoTaxes.com and click on the Salvation Army End Domestic Violence banner.

Tampa General opens Wesley Chapel center
Tampa General Hospital has expanded into Wesley Chapel with the Jan. 7 opening of its Tampa General Medical Group Family Care Center.

The facility, located at 2324 Oak Myrtle Lane, will be open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dr. Stephanie Talton-Williamson and Dr. Cheryl Roberson will provide medical care to patients ages 12 years and older. Services will include annual physicals, immunizations, visits for illnesses, and management of chronic health conditions.

Talton-Williamson is board certified in internal medicine.

Roberson is board certified in family medicine.