Health

Health News 02/10/2016

February 10, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Tommy Toothbrush visits kids
Dr. Gregory Stepanski of Children’s Dentistry arranged for “Tommy Toothbrush” to visit schools the week of Feb. 1 to Feb. 8.

“Tommy Toothbrush” is a big, blue toothbrush that teaches local elementary schools, preschools and day cares on the importance of brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly, in a 20- to 30- minute presentation. The program is for pre-kindergarten through first-grade students, and includes interactive songs and props.

Children’s Dentistry is located in New Tampa, but also serves Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Zephyrhills and Temple Terrace.

Woman’s club learns about heart health
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club hosted Mary Webb, club member, retired cardiac nursing supervisor, and professor at USF School of Nursing, for a seminar on “Women’s Cardiac Health.”

Webb spoke about the need to reduce stress and hypertension, and the importance of proper diet and exercise. She also highlighted the different symptoms presented in women vs. men during a cardiac episode.

Each year, the woman’s club highlights women’s heart health in a variety of ways to bring awareness to the issue.

Neonatal services now available in Pasco County

January 27, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The Medical Center of Trinity has opened a neonatal intensive care unit, providing a service that previously was unavailable in Pasco County.

The $7 million project is an expansion of the existing obstetrics program at the hospital, at 9330 State Road 54, in Trinity.

Leigh Massengill, CEO of Medical Center of Trinity, left, stands with Cheryl Sherrill and Lynn Smith in the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the hospital. Sherrill is the hospital’s director of women’s and neonatal services, and Lynn Smith is neonatal services manager. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Leigh Massengill, CEO of Medical Center of Trinity, left, stands with Cheryl Sherrill and Lynn Smith in the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the hospital. Sherrill is the hospital’s director of women’s and neonatal services, and Lynn Smith is neonatal services manager.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The unit, which opened on Jan. 4, is commonly called a NICU. It serves a market area including Pasco and Hernando counties, and the northern portions of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

The 4,718-square-foot NICU offers advanced levels of care for babies born as early as 32 weeks and weighing at least 1,500 grams.

The project is the latest addition to Medical Center of Trinity, which opened four years ago.

“As this facility was being planned, all along it was contemplated to add neonatal intensive care unit services,” said Hospital CEO Leigh Massengill.

Even before the resurgence of residential growth along the State Road 54 corridor, and the young families that will come along with it, the hospital saw the need for the services, she said.

The hospital saw how many infants and mothers had to be transferred out of the facility for a higher level of care, and it knew it could create a safer and more satisfying visit, if it could manage those services in-house, she said.

“Sometimes pregnant women would come in at 32 weeks, and they weren’t in active labor, but they required in hospital services, and we had to transfer them out because delivery could occur at any time,” Massengill said.

In the past, if a baby arrived at around 32 weeks, it was better for it to be in a facility where the care the baby needed could be immediately provided, said Lynn Smith, neonatal services manager. “The sooner you can get them to definitive care, the better,” Smith said.

Before, Massengill said, the baby had to be transported, which was not ideal.

“It really kind of breaks your heart when you take a newborn baby and pack him up in this scary-looking transporter, and stick him on a helicopter to go flying off to another county, and leaving mother and family, and the rest of the extended family behind, worrying,” she said.

Now, the CEO said, “they either go one way, to the newborn nursery, or they come in for more intensive care.”

Cheryl Sherrill, director of women’s and neonatal services said: “It is a wonderful service to the community, to keep these families together.”

The Medical Center of Trinity has opened a neonatal intensive care unit to provide services to newborns as young as 32 weeks and weighing as little as 1,500 grams. This is a look at one of two NICU bays. (Courtesy of Medical Center of Trinity) — The Medical Center of Trinity has opened a neonatal intensive care unit to provide services to newborns as young as 32 weeks and weighing as little as 1,500 grams. This is a look at one of two NICU bays.
(Courtesy of Medical Center of Trinity)

The new NICU expansion includes 12 Level II NICU beds and an overnight room for families transitioning to taking their babies home.

“We understand, that for us, the birth experience is an event. It’s not like acute care. People have been planning this event for a very long time, and we want to make sure we do everything we can to make this a special event for them,” Sherrill said.

“When sometimes things happen, and babies come a little bit earlier than they were planning on, then, that’s why we have this beautiful NICU down here,” Sherrill said.

The hospital has a relationship with All Children’s Specialty Physicians from All Children’s Hospital, who are providing neonatology services, Massengill said.

“So, they’re always on call to support us. They’re in the facility on a daily basis. They take care of our babies. They interface with the families, with the pediatricians, with the obstetricians, to make sure those babies get the best care possible,” she said.

When there’s enough notice, Sherrill said, “We get the neonatology team involved and the NICU charge nurse, and we start that relationship from when the mom is hospitalized.

“The neonatologists work with the OBs (obstetricians) for the best plan of care, of when to deliver this baby, so we can be prepared, and the team and the family is comfortable, already knowing kind of what’s going to happen at the time of delivery. So, it doesn’t become such an emergent event when it happens,” Sherrill added.

The center uses a family centered approach to care.

“We want to make sure that the family is included in everything,” Sherrill said.

Along those lines, the hospital has extended visiting hours. Two approved visitors are allowed at bedside at all hours, except for 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“We want the family to be here more often than not, because we know that with giving family centered care, they are an important team member in promoting this baby’s growth and wellness,” Sherrill said.

She’s excited about the hospital’s new services. “I came here specifically for this project,” said Sherrill, noting she moved to the area from Austin, Texas.

The hospital pulls together numerous services that will help premature babies and their families, Sherrill said.

“We have our own speech pathologist, we have our own dietitians, we have our own NICU pharmacists, so we have a lot of support services that you traditionally find in much larger facilities,” Sherrill said.

The hospital also has a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to NICU babies and families, and a family centered care committee. It has educational opportunities for parents and siblings, too.

In addition to its relationship with All Children’s neonatologists, the hospital has registered nurses who are experienced in neonatal intensive care.

By choosing to use a family centered model, the hospital puts the mom in contact with her baby as much as possible, Sherrill said.

“We let the baby tell us what they’re ready for, then us trying to make the baby be ready for,” Sherrill added.

The hospital also works with All Children’s network of providers to help families plug into care in the community after they leave the hospital, helping families to make a smooth transition once they leave the hospital, Sherrill said.

Published January 27, 2016

Health News 01/27/2016

January 27, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Gulfside welcomes new board member
John “Skip” Skairus, currently serving as senior vice president and commercial banking manager for CenterState Bank, has joined the Board of Directors of Gulfside Hospital & Pasco Palliative Care.

Skairus attained his Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the University of South Florida, and has extensive experience as a commercial banker and area executive. He has grown his career at CenterState Bank, Central Bank, Wachovia Bank, AmSouth Bank, and Fidelity Information Services.

Skairus has served on the board of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce since 2011, twice as the treasurer and currently as the Economic Development and Government Affairs liaison. He is an original and current member of the Pasco Economic Development Council Microloan Committee, and a past member of the Dade City Rotary Club and Leadership Pasco Class of 2005.

Skairus has been a resident of Pasco County since 1981 and currently lives in Wesley Chapel with his wife, Lynn, and two daughters.

Hospital recognizes employees
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point recognized the following Employees of the Month.

October: Diane Henry, registered nurse. Henry was honored for her leadership, patient advocacy, her genuine compassion for patients, family members and staff, and her professionalism.
November: Keith Cotter, lead exercise physiologist. Kotter was honored for his willingness to help and to the extra mile for his coworkers and his patients. He has a reputation for kindness and generosity.

All Employees of the Month receive a pin, a blanket gift, a reception with refreshments for his or her colleagues, a front row parking spot for one month, and a $50 gift card.

Health News 01/20/2016

January 20, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Florida Cancer adds new oncologist
Florida Cancer Affiliates has added Dr. Madhu K. Emani, a medical oncologist, to its staff.

Emani began his medical career in India, where he earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur, India. He completed a rotating internship at St. Martha’s Hospital, Bangalore, India, and Sri Siddhartha Medical College in Tumkur, followed by a three-year Internal Medicine Residency at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, which is rated among the top ten medical colleges in India.

After earning his medical credentials in India, Emani began his education and training in the United States. He completed an Internal Medicine Residency and a Medical Oncology Fellowship at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville. He has published articles in peer-reviewed publications and has given presentations at various conferences. Board-certified in internal medicine, he is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, and the American Medical Association.

Chapters Health System affiliates get accreditation
Chapters Health System affiliates have received accreditation from the National Institute for Jewish Hospice. HPH Hospice was awarded its first accreditation, and LifePath Hospice and Good Shepherd Hospice were re-accredited for the eighth straight year.

Established in 1985, the NIJH makes health care providers aware of the many unique needs of terminally ill patients of the Jewish faith.

The NIJH accreditation requires all staff and volunteers to become familiar with the various aspects of the Jewish observance in terms of death and mourning, medical ethics, and caring for hospice patients.

The affiliates of Chapters Health join 225 other hospice organizations from around the United States, and six others in Florida, that have taken the steps to earn NIJH accreditation.

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills honors DAISY recipients

January 13, 2016 By Mary Rathman

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills recognizes the efforts nurses perform every day by handing out the monthly DAISY award. Each recipient receives an “Extraordinary Nurse” certificate, and a hand-carved sculpture by artists of the Shona Tribe of Africa entitled “A Healer’s Touch.” Those recognized were:

September: Jody Wilcox works in the Clinical Decision Unit and was nominated by a patient’s family member. Wilcox helped educate the family, called the appropriate resources as needed, and offered comforting and reassuring hugs, during the family’s difficult time.
October: Kelli Jones received numerous nominations from her patients for going above and beyond and treating them like a member of her own family. Jones also serves as her department’s CREATION Health Champion and Pain Champion.
November: Elizabeth Conageski works in the Med Surg III Unit and has been nominated several times for her extraordinary care and competence. Conageski gave a patient a handwritten scripture from Isaiah that had great emotional impact on an individual.

Health News 12/30/2015

December 30, 2015 By Mary Rathman

Interpreting quality end-of-life care

Jennifer Chianella (center), provider representative for Gulfside Hospice, brought the ‘Brother at Rest’ painting by Jacob J. Neagle to facilities in New Port Richey for seniors to paint their own interpretation. The painting travelled with Gulfside Hospice to Regency Residence and Angels Senior Living in New Port Richey, and Trinity Regional Rehabilitation Center in Trinity. When not travelling, the painting is on display at the Gulfside Centers for Hospice Care.

Health2 rgb Robert Stuck, left, paints a scene of a peaceful, flowing river, while his wife, Barbara, paints a portrait of a singing angel to represent her mother who passed away on hospice care. Residents of various assisted living facilities painted their own interpretation of what hospice means to them.

Bringing joy to domestic violence victims
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club, under the direction of Joan Collins, collected a full SUV load of donated Christmas gifts for children, their mothers and residents of two area shelters housing victims of domestic violence.

A large assortment of toys, clothing and other needed items were generously donated at the club’s recent Christmas luncheon, so these residents may enjoy some semblance of a happy holiday despite being away from their own homes.

Hospital is top performer three consecutive years
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills was recognized as a 2014 Top Performer on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in the United States.

The Top Performer recognizes hospitals for improving performance on evidence-based interventions that increase the chances of healthy outcomes for patients with certain conditions including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, children’s asthma, inpatient psychiatric services, stroke, venous thromboembolism, perinatal care, immunization, tobacco treatment and substance use.

This is the third consecutive year Florida Hospital Zephyrhills has been recognized. The hospital was recognized in 2012 and 2013 for its performance on accountability measure data for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care.

Gulfside looking for volunteers
Gulfside Hospital is looking for volunteers. Opportunities include sitting with patients, providing spiritual care and counseling, assisting with the Pet Peace of Mind program, and helping in the administrative offices.

Thrift shop volunteers also are needed for shifts at all five stores to help with accepting and sorting donations, organizing shelves and window displays, greeting customers and running the cash register. Volunteers also are needed at Gulfside’s Centers for Hospice Care to serve meals, answer phones and greet guests.

Orientation sessions are scheduled throughout the month for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old.

For information, call (800) 561-4883.

Fifteen-year-old raises $1 million for hospital

December 23, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Leigh Dittman always knew that she would achieve her goal of raising $1 million for Shriners Hospitals for Children – she just didn’t know she’d do it by age 15.

The Gaither High School student, who has a disorder known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), said she was motivated to raise the money for Shriners because of how giving it has been to her.

Leigh Dittman poses near the family’s Christmas tree at her home in Lutz. She recently was honored for raising $1 million for Shriners Hospitals for Children. She has a bone disorder known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta, more commonly called ‘brittle bone disease,’ but, she said she’s not defined by her OI. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Leigh Dittman poses near the family’s Christmas tree at her home in Lutz. She recently was honored for raising $1 million for Shriners Hospitals for Children. She has a bone disorder known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta, more commonly called ‘brittle bone disease,’ but, she said she’s not defined by her OI.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“They are such an amazing group of people, and they’ve given me so much, with my life. It seemed like the right thing to do,” the young woman said during an interview at her Lutz home.

She began raising money for Shriners when she was turning 3. She said she’d rather have friends and family give money to the hospitals, instead of giving her presents.

The first year, she raised $5,000.

It grew from there.

When she was 7, people began asking her: “How far do you want to go? What’s your goal?

“As a 7-year-old, I was like, ‘A million dollars seems like a really big number. Why don’t we shoot for that?’ ”

She expected to meet the goal at some point, but not within eight years, she said.

The money was raised by annual events that initially were tied to her birthday, but later were held separately.

The event was a combined live auction, silent auction and raffle event. People could bid on items or buy raffle tickets for all sorts of prizes, including sports memorabilia, theme park tickets and stays at a cabin in North Carolina.

“We would spend the majority of our summer going to different organizations and different companies, and asking them – seeing if they would like to donate. We met great people who would help us continuously throughout the years,” the 15-year-old said. Now that they’ve hit the million-dollar mark, the family plans to take a year off, she said.

Leigh Dittman has a gold plaque on the philanthropic wall at Shriners Hospitals for Children, signifying that she’s responsible for raising $1 million in donations. (Courtesy of Shriners Hospitals for Children) — Leigh Dittman has a gold plaque on the philanthropic wall at Shriners Hospitals for Children, signifying that she’s responsible for raising $1 million in donations.
(Courtesy of Shriners Hospitals for Children)

The young woman was honored on Dec. 14 at Shriners Hospitals for Children, where the hospital and its Board of Governors swapped the teenager’s bronze fundraising plaque for a gold one, signifying donors who have given at least $1 million, according to a hospital news release.

At that ceremony, Board Chairman Tom Edwards described his first encounter with Leigh when she was 5.

Edwards said he was supposed to carry Leigh through an archway during a program. He recalled her telling him: “Mr. Shriner, be careful. I break easy.”

Leigh’s mother, Ellen, said none of this would have happened had she listened to doctors who advised her to have an abortion.

She knew early in her pregnancy there were problems, she said.

“Shriners Hospitals said they were sure they could fix her legs. And, they put her on a waiting list, not even knowing was going on with her, other than we knew that with her legs there was something major going on,” she said.

Leigh was born, via C-section, with five broken ribs and a broken femur that had already healed.

Since then, she’s had 14 surgeries and about 40 fractures.

But, Leigh refuses to define herself by her OI, commonly called “brittle bone disease.”

“I know some people have the same condition, who have made it their entire life. That’s all their life is,” she said.

This is how she defines herself: “I’m a sophomore. I’m an older sister. I’m a violinist. I’m a straight-A student. It’s the afterthought of, ‘And, oh, I have OI,” Leigh said.

Her disorder makes her bones weak.

“That’s why I’m shorter than average. That’s why I break so easily. That’s why I us a wheelchair as my main mode of transportation,” she said.

When people see her in her wheelchair, they often mistakenly assume she has a mental condition, she said.

“I have a lot of people that will start talking to me and speaking to me in a different tone of voice, and speak to me like I’m at a lower maturity level than what I am. I’ll have people come up and talk to me like (I am) a 2-year-old and ask me how I’m doing,” she said.

Once she responds, she said, they realize they’re mistaken.

She has a positive attitude and optimistic outlook, but said she has experienced darker times.

Seventh-grade year was particularly difficult. She had four surgeries, two broken legs, a broken collarbone and a scar infection.

“So, I did, for a little while, go: “Why God, why me? Why did you do this?’

“And then, I realized, it was so I could tell people my story, so I could show, yeah, life’s not always rainbows and butterflies, but you get through it. You’ll be OK.”

She wants to use what she’s been through to help others.

“I want to go into nursing,” she said, adding she’s known that since she was 7.

“Maybe I’ll have that kid that just had spinal fusion,” she said.

She’ll be able to tell that child: “You’re going to be OK, and you’re going to get through this and do whatever you want in life. It’s not going to stop you, because guess what, I did the same thing. I had the exact same story as you. I’m here. I’ve made it. You can do it.’ ”

About Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a genetic bone disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily. It is also known as “brittle bone disease.”
A person is born with this disorder and is affected throughout his or her lifetime.

The disorder is caused by a mutation (change) in a gene that affects bone formation, bone strength and the structure of other tissues.

OI occurs equally among males and females and in all racial groups. It is estimated that approximately 25,000 to 50,000 people in the U.S. have OI. With good medical management and supportive care, the majority of people who have OI will lead healthy, productive lives and can expect an average life span.

Source: Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (OIF.org)

Published December 23, 2015

Health News 12/23/2015

December 23, 2015 By Mary Rathman

Health-Buchanan rgb — (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)

Local responder takes Homeland Security training
Vicki Buchanan, emergency responder and a registered nurse with Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, completed training offering by the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama.

The CDP is operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and is the only federally chartered Weapons of Mass Destruction training facility in the nation.

Buchanan is a 23-year employee with the hospital and currently serves as a nursing supervisor. She has served as the hospital’s liaison with the Pasco County ESF No. 8 Healthcare Coalition, and is a member of the Medical Reserve Corps. Buchanan also leads the hospital’s Emergency Response Team.

Orientation sessions are scheduled throughout the month for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old.

For information, call (800) 561-4883.

Chamber gets ‘healthy’ at breakfast meeting
More than 80 people attended the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast in November hosted by Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. The program took place in the hospital’s CREATION Café.

Casio Jones, the hospital’s director of wellness, spoke on what it means to live CREATION healthfully. The acronym stands for choice, rest, environment, activity, trust, interpersonal relationships, outlook and nutrition. Jones touched on the fitness, spa, cooking and educational programs offered at FHZ’s Wellness Center.

To learn more about CREATION healthfully, or to get employees involved, call Jones at (813) 779-6277.

Access welcomes new doctor
Access Health Care LLC announced the addition of Dr. Anil Bhatia to its medical staff.

Bhatia is board certified in internal medicine. He received his medical degree from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital Medical College in Indore, India.

Bhatia completed his residency in internal medicine and an internship at Flushing Hospital in New York, New York. He is the former president of Good Shepherd Medical Clinic.

Jennifer Laman gets recognition for patient care
Jennifer Laman, doctor of osteopathic medicine with Access Health Care Physicians, was recognized as a Level 2 for its Patient Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

The recognition uses evidence-based, patient-centered processes that focus on highly coordinated care and long-term participative relationships. The National Center for Quality Assurance will list Dr. Laman’s practice on its website with a recognition seal.

Her office is located at 13235 State Road 52 in Hudson.

Oak Hill appoints new director of emergency
Oak Hill Hospital has appointed Kimberly Loucks as director of its Emergency Care Center. This is a promotion from Loucks’ current position as ER manager.

Loucks has been a member of the Oak Hill Hospital team since 2001, working in the Emergency Care Center as a charge nurse. She also has worked deploying Meditech (information systems for health care organizations) in emergency departments throughout the country.

Loucks obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Troy University. She is nationally certified in emergency nursing, and holds certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support and completed the Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course, Trauma Nurse Core Course, Neonatal Resuscitation Program, and Advanced Certified Life Support.

Health News 12/16/2015

December 16, 2015 By Mary Rathman

A group of students practice suturing on a board during the Perry Outreach Program at Medical Center of Trinity. (Photos courtesy of Medical Center of Trinity) — A group of students practice suturing on a board during the Perry Outreach Program at Medical Center of Trinity.
(Courtesy of Medical Center of Trinity)

Aspiring surgeons perform mock surgeries
The Medical Center of Trinity collaborated with the Perry Initiative, a national nonprofit working to recruit women to be orthopedic surgeons, and hosted the Perry Outreach Program to introduce students to women leaders in the field.

Students used oscillating saws and surgical nails to model femur bones, and performed mock surgeries to try their hands at the in-demand field of orthopedic surgery.

The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a national shortfall of 46,100 surgeons/specialists by the year 2020.

CARES honors woman’s club
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club was honored by CARES of Pasco County, a senior social agency, for its monetary donations and volunteer hours. Since 1987, the club members have volunteered at the call center and made weekly reassurance calls to area infirm and shut-ins.

CARES recognized the club as a “Bronze Sponsor” for its annual donations in excess of $500.

For information on the club, visit GFWCLutzLandoLakesWomansClub.org.

Hospitals earn A for patient safety
The Medical Center of Trinity, Oak Hill Hospital and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point have been recognized with an “A” safety score by The Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits.

The score was awarded based on preventable medical errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

To see the hospitals’ scores compared nationally, visit HospitalSafetyScore.org.

Obstetrics & Gynecology of Trinity welcomes new doctor
Dr. Nay G. Hoche, obstetrician and gynecologist, has joined Obstetrics & Gynecology of Trinity and is located at her new practice at Medical Center of Trinity, 9332 State Road 54, Suite 406.

Hoche received her master’s degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, where she completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology. She also holds a Master of Science degree in physiology and biophysics from Georgetown, and received her undergraduate degree in psychobiology and neuroscience with a minor in chemistry from the University of Miami.

For information, call (727) 376-3798.

Enjoying the holidays – without the stress

December 9, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The idealized version of the holidays involves festive gatherings, enjoyable meals and touching exchanges of special gifts.

In reality, though, many people are completely stressed out by calendars that have too many events and activities to attend, too much food everywhere and too much pressure to choose the perfect gift.

And because of those expectations, self-imposed or otherwise, instead of being a special time, the holidays can become very stressful.

There are strategies, though, to help control holiday stress by simplifying holiday traditions, controlling overindulgence and learning some emotional freedom techniques.

From left, Sandra Miniere, Brenda Cassato and Barb Mahlmeister teamed up to speak at a seminar on reducing holiday stress. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — From left, Sandra Miniere, Brenda Cassato and Barb Mahlmeister teamed up to speak at a seminar on reducing holiday stress.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

A trio of women recently gave a talk on those topics at the Jimmie B Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave.

The talk was presented by Senior Information Resources, an organization that is aimed at “Helping baby boomers and beyond live well in our community.”

Barb M. Mahlmeister, a registered dietitian and nutritionist from Carrollwood, offered strategies for navigating through the holidays, without the weight gain that often accompanies the season.

Brenda Cassato, executive director of Senior Information Resources, offered practical suggestions for reducing the stress that often comes with trying to find the perfect holiday presents.

And, Sandra Miniere, a personal life coach based in Wesley Chapel, demonstrated emotional freedom techniques – which involve tapping specific energy points in the body to gain rapid relief from emotional and physical disturbances.

Senior Information Resources is an organization with about three dozen members, coming from Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

Mahlmeister gave the audience numerous practical suggestions for enjoying holiday foods, but reducing impacts that last well beyond the season.

Many people view the holidays as being the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, Mahlmeister said. In reality, though, “the holidays start when kids get dressed up for Halloween.”

And, she said, they don’t end until the second week of January.

During that time, she said, people are busier and tend to exercise less. At the same time, they tend to indulge at all sorts of gatherings.

So, she offered pointers to help reduce the impacts.

At buffets, she said, be sure to put whatever you are going to eat on a plate. It’s far too easy to graze, and to consume significant calories.

“The toothpicks are not your friend,” she said. Many people eat much more than they realize, because they’re munching on foods that are presented on toothpicks.

No matter how busy the season is, it’s essential to exercise, she added.

Everyone can find a way to fit 15 to 20 minutes of exercise into their schedule each day, she said.

People should view exercise as a form of building up credits, which are then spent on the foods you eat. If you want ice cream later, exercise more now, she said.

Besides giving you more freedom to indulge, it makes you more mindful, too, she said.

You tend to make more thoughtful choices about eating. Instead of automatically picking up a dessert, people will ask: “Do I really want to eat that or not?”

And, because they’re more aware of the impacts, they’ll make choices on how to indulge. Do they want a calorie-laden casserole dish or a slice of pie, she added.

It’s also important to carry food with you, such as protein bars, nuts and seeds, to avoid getting too hungry, she said.

Before entering a gathering, eat a fat or protein and drink lots of water, she advised.

Portion size is important, too, Mahlmeister said.

Cassato offered suggestions for simplifying gift giving during the holidays.

If you know someone living in an assisted care facility, they might enjoy receiving a hair appointment and lunch, for instance.

Or, perhaps you could create a calendar with family photos. Birthdays can be marked by photos, too, she said.

Audio books, fleece throws and boxes of all occasion cards are other ideas, she said.

Of course, she added, “Everybody loves a gift card.”

Other ideas include helping an older relative to complete some technical chores, such as programming their cellphone or setting up social media accounts.

The key is to simplify and to focus on the essentials of spending time with others, and letting go of the stress, Cassato said.

“Our time is valuable. We have to guard it like gold. But, the time you give away to others is like an investment,” Cassato said.

While Mahlmeister focused on staying healthy through the holidays, and Cassato talked about simplifying gift giving, Miniere talked about a soothing self-care technique that involves the mind and body.

Emotional freedom techniques provide relief from emotional and physical disturbance, by combining principles of acupuncture and acupressure to balance energy flow in the body.

Miniere offered a demonstration, describing the energy points at various locations on the body and tapping them, to change the energy flow in the body.

The technique also involves breathing exercises and the repetition of phrases, as people tap at various energy points.

Over time, people who use this technique can learn how to change the flow of energy through mental tapping, Miniere said.

Published December 9, 2015