The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Health 12-24-14

By

Dealing with the grief of miscarriage
Working through the grief of a miscarriage can seem overwhelming, but help is available. Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers offers a booklet called “Embracing Hope: Comfort & encouragement after miscarriage,” published by Focus on the Family.

It also can provide a DVD, “Miscarriage-Footprints on our Hearts,” to help people process their grief.

Oasis is located at 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 108, in Land O’ Lakes.

You can call Oasis at (813) 406-4965, or visit OasisPregnancyCenter.org.

Holiday blood drives
Select Publix Supermarkets will host blood drives during its “12 Days of Giving” celebration

The bloodmobile will be at the following Publix locations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dec. 30:

  • 10015 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa

Dec. 30 and Dec. 31:

  • 19221 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz
  • 19034 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa
  • 16560 N. Nebraska Ave., in Lutz

Donors must be at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds.

All donors will receive a wellness checkup and a $10 Publix gift card.

Appointments will be honored. Walk-ins are welcome.

For information, visit OneBlood.org/12daysofgiving.

Free health care event
The Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., will host a free health care event Jan. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Guests can get help in choosing and signing up for a health care plan.

For information, call (813) 995-0078.

Tools to quit smoking
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer the free Tools to Quit program for tobacco users Jan. 6 at 2 p.m.

Participants will set a quit date, make a plan, and work through steps to quit.

Those attending also will receive free optional nicotine replacement therapy including patches, lozenges or gum.

For information and to register, call (813) 929-1000, Ext. 208, or email .

Woman’s club donates to CARES
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club recently donated $300 to the CARES Organization in Pasco County.

For many years the club has manned the telephone reassurance office, making daily calls to area seniors and shut-ins who do not have any outside contacts.

The seniors are directed to available services including Meals on Wheels or other social or medical services.

Health & Wellness Fair
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a “Get Covered, Stay Covered” Health & Wellness Fair Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Premier Community HealthCare Group will host workshops and provide Healthcare Marketplace application assistance.

There will be free wellness resources and activities for kids.

For information, call Cheryl Pollock at (352) 518-2000, Ext. 9012.

(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)
(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)

Café supports healing work
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills has announced the opening of its newly renovated Creation Café. The former Harvest Basket Café underwent a complete renovation to help support the healing work at the facility. The Creation health principles are choice, rest, environment, activity, trust, interpersonal relationships, outlook and nutrition. The café hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For information, visit FHZephyrhills.com.

FHZH welcomes 500th baby
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills officially celebrated the delivery of its 500th baby at The Baby Place, inside the Women’s Health Center, Dec. 14.

The Baby Place offers seven private labor, delivery and recovery rooms, and seven private mother and baby rooms. Each room provides a home-like environment.

The rooms also are designed to allow significant others to stay with the mother.

For information, visit FHZephyrhills.com.

Tax Collector’s office raises $3,400 for diabetes
During the month of November, National Diabetes Awareness Month, the Pasco County Tax Collector’s office raised more than $3,400 on behalf of Terri’s Tears Charitable Trust Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting research which seeks a cure for diabetes.

Terri’s Tears Charitable Trust Foundation is a Pasco-based organization founded to honor the memory of Mary Theresa “Terri” Garofolo, a Type 1 insulin-dependent diabetic for more than 35 years.

It is estimated that more than 1 million Floridians have diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2. It also is estimated that 30,000 children and young adults are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes annually.

“For our first partnership with Mr. Fasano and the Tax Collector’s Office, this is amazing,” states Vince Garofolo, widower of Terri Garofolo and founder of Terri’s Tears, in a release.

“The citizens of Pasco County showed not only their generosity but also a genuine concern to help the cause.”

Miscarriage: Often a hidden grief for families

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Reina Flores-Robinson said she and her husband had not been trying to start a family when she learned she was pregnant. But as soon as they found out, they began making future plans for their baby.

The infant’s due date was Dec. 24, but Flores-Robinson had a miscarriage last June.

Reina Flores-Robinson says that despite the support of her husband, family and friends, going through a miscarriage is ‘one of the loneliest feelings.’ She’s holding a candle that she and her husband plan to light on the anniversary of their child’s due date each year, and a sonogram picture of the baby. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Reina Flores-Robinson says that despite the support of her husband, family and friends, going through a miscarriage is ‘one of the loneliest feelings.’ She’s holding a candle that she and her husband plan to light on the anniversary of their child’s due date each year, and a sonogram picture of the baby. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

There had been complications early in her pregnancy, Flores-Robinson said, but she’d been to the emergency room and had checked out OK.

Because of those previous complications, though, Flores-Robinson was nervous when she and her husband, Tim Robinson, went in for their first scheduled ultrasound in June.

It was a supposed to be a happy occasion. Her mom and her grandmother came along and waited outside, while Flores-Robinson and her husband made sure everything was fine.

Once the technician got started, though, Flores-Robinson knew something was wrong. The technician confirmed there was no heartbeat.

“I just tell people, ‘It’s one of the most painful silences you’ll ever hear,’” Flores-Robinson said.

The couple had pictured this Christmas Eve as a joyous time, celebrating the holiday with their new baby, she said. Instead, they found themselves faced with enormous grief.

“At first, it was just hard to even understand, just the initial shock,” she said. “I have an amazing doctor. He told me, ‘You’re going to recount every step you took because you’re going to try and figure out what you did wrong.’ He said, ‘I’m going to tell you there’s nothing you could have changed and nothing you could have done differently. You’re never going to find an answer to it.’

“That, I have to remind myself time and time again,” Flores-Robinson said.

She has gone through various emotions, including sadness, guilt and anger. While some people never talk about it, Flores-Robinson said she and her husband wanted to share their story. They want to help others who are suffering in silence.

Flores-Robinson said she found help at her church, Exciting Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz. She has talked with women there — her age and older — who have experienced miscarriages.

They understand the sense of loss, Flores-Robinson said. As one put it, “Once women find out they are pregnant, they already have that baby in their arms.”

The same is true for men, Flores-Robinson said.

“It’s very easy to forget that men also grieve,” she said. Her husband also had pictured their future life with their child.

And, Robinson has been a source of strength for her.

“My husband is an amazing, Godly man,” she said. “He was that rock for me for several weeks. He stayed strong.”

When he finally broke down, Flores-Robinson was relieved that he could release his feelings. Having experienced a miscarriage has given her new insight about the questions she asks to married couples.

“I know myself, before I miscarried, I may have been one of those women who asked the question. ‘Are you guys going to have kids?’” Flores-Robinson asked.

Now, she realizes that may be a sensitive subject. She recalls her response to a woman who had experienced a miscarriage shortly before she had her own. She told the woman: “I can’t even imagine.”

That turned out to be true, Flores-Robinson couldn’t imagine the pain and grief she would feel.

“Going through a miscarriage, I can say, is one of the loneliest feelings,” Flores-Robinson said.

She said a booklet she received from Peter Castellani, executive director of Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers, was a big source of help. Called “Embracing Hope: Comfort & Encouragement After Miscarriage,” it was produced by Focus on the Family.

The booklet “goes through how to handle the hurtful comments that come up, and the clichés that people say, well-meaning things that people will say,” said Debbie Hamby, client services director at Oasis.

People who have suffered a miscarriage are hurting, Castellani said.

“I’ve had a lot of people confide in me that they’ve had miscarriages, and it’s very difficult to deal with,” Castellani said. “I’ve had at least a half a dozen people or more — through the Christian Business Connections or the (Central Pasco) Chamber, or just when I’m networking.

“We want them to heal,” he said.

Besides the booklet, his office has a DVD that can help people who have experienced a miscarriage to process their grief.

Some people who have received help at the pregnancy care center are reluctant to come back to a place they associate with their baby, Hamby said, to receive help for processing their grief from a miscarriage.

One of the things that the Focus on the Family booklet discusses is the idea of creating a memento box that may include items such as a sonogram picture, the results of their pregnancy test, or other items, Hamby said.

Flores-Robinson and her husband have kept the sonogram picture and a small stuffed bear they bought shortly after learning they were expecting. They plan to light a candle every Dec. 24 to remember the baby they lost.

As difficult as it has been, the loss also has yielded blessings, Flores-Robinson said.

“My husband and I have grown so much in our marriage,” she said. “We literally would hold each other and cry. Both of our walks with God grew tremendously.

“When the miscarriage happened, we stood in that parking lot and said, ‘All glory go to God, in the good times and the bad.’”

December has been a tough month, she said. “Once it hit Dec. 1, I was just thinking about Dec. 24.”

“I think about Dec. 24, and I think about how I’m going to be that day,” Flores-Robinson said. “Am I going to be OK? I think about the baby I wanted to have in my arms.”

But then, she also thinks about the true meaning of Christmas.

“It’s so special to think about what that does mean, with a savior being born,” Flores-Robinson said. “That image in my head is what I have been clinging to.”

Published December 17, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Health 12-17-14

By

(Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care)
(Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care)

Remember loved ones with paper dove
Gulfside Hospice’s five thrift shop locations will be selling paper doves to remember loved ones, while supplies last. For $5, you receive two doves to write a loved one’s name on — one for a tree at the shop, and one for your tree at home. Erin Labbe, Gulfside Hospice special events coordinator, hangs a dove to honor a loved one. For information and shop locations, call (800) 561-4883, or visit GHPPC.org.

Huntington’s disease support
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host a support group for anyone whose life is affected by Huntington’s disease Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Guests should check in at the front desk for directions to the meeting room.

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

Breast cancer support group
Florida Cancer Affiliates will host a breast cancer support group meeting Dec. 18 at 6 p.m., at its Trinity center, 3611 Little Road.

For information, call (727) 372-9159.

Lymphedema support meeting

The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host a lymphedema support group meeting Dec. 18 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.

Caring for Cancer group
Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., in Spring Hill, will host Caring for Cancer, a support group for anyone dealing with cancer, cancer survivors, family members and caregivers, Dec. 23 at 11 a.m.

Participants will receive educational material about cancer and cancer treatment.

For information, call Julie DiRenzo at (352) 597-6030.

Free health care event
The Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., will host a free health care event Jan. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Guests can get help in choosing and signing up for a health care plan.

For information, call (813) 995-0078.

Tools to Quit smoking
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer the free Tools to Quit program for tobacco users Jan. 6 at 2 p.m.

Participants will set a quit date, make a plan, and work through steps to quit.

Those attending also will receive free optional nicotine replacement therapy including patches, lozenges or gum.

For information and to register, call (813) 929-1000, Ext. 208, 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.

Balance program for senior citizens
Anytime Fitness, 7016 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz, is offering an Agility & Balance Program for senior citizens on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

The cost is $5 per session for Anytime Fitness members, and $8 for non-members.

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

Caregiver support
The Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group meets the first Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway.

The group is open to anyone who has a loved one with any form of dementia.

Topics include caregiving frustrations and successes.

Admission is free.

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

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.

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 .

OLOR cancer network
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.

Free pregnancy care
LifeChoices Women’s Care, 1527 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 101 in Lutz, offers free pregnancy testing and limited obstetrical ultrasounds to teenagers, women and couples facing an unplanned pregnancy.

The center is open Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Appointments are recommended.

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:

  • NAMI Pasco Office, Jallo Plaza, 6480 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, first and third Tuesday of every month, at 7 p.m.
  • 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.

Celebrate Recovery from addictions
Victorious Life Church, 6224 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, offers a Celebrate Recovery group on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

The group is a recovery resource for healing from addictions. Participants will discuss hurts, hang-ups and habits.

For information, call (813) 973-2230.

Oak Hill offers mammograms for uninsured
Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville, offers digital mammography screenings for $60 to patients without health insurance.

The screening includes the imaging and the radiologist’s reading.

Patients do not need a prescription from a physician to schedule a screening.

For information, or to schedule an appointment, call (800) 921-7158.

Veteran hotline help
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has a toll-free help line to provide emotional support and resource referral to veterans in a five-county area.

The service covers Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Manatee counties.

The hotline is staffed by veterans.

Any veteran needing help or information can call (844) 693-5838 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

After-hours and weekend calls will be answered by crisis specialists in the Crisis Center’s 2-1-1 call center.

Health 12-10-14

By

Chatterboxes meeting
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, offers a support group for individuals with communications deficits.

The Chatterboxes group will meet Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.

The group assists individuals suffering from communication deficits as a result of a cerebral vascular accident or other neurological disorder.

For information, call (727) 834-4445.

CoDA group meets
The Medical Center of Trinity will offer the Co-Dependence Anonymous group every Thursday at 7 p.m., at its West Pasco Campus, 5637 Marine Parkway in New Port Richey.

Upcoming meetings are Dec. 11 and Dec. 18.

For information, call (727) 816-8678 or (727) 858-3013.

Infant CPR class
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends Infant CPR class Dec. 13 at 9 a.m.

The cost is $15 per person, or $25 for two.

For reservations, call (727) 834-5630.

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., following by a meeting at 9:45 a.m.

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

Breast-feeding seminar
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer a breast-feeding class Dec. 13 at 1 p.m.

The class will cover the health benefits of breast-feeding, with a focus on fundamentals and how to access support.

For reservations, call (727) 834-5630.

Balance program for senior citizens
Anytime Fitness, 7016 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz, is offering an Agility & Balance Program for senior citizens on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

The cost is $5 per session for Anytime Fitness members, and $8 for non-members.

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

Obstetrics tours
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, offers tours through its obstetrics program.

The next tour is Dec. 13 at noon.

Guests can visit the mother-baby and birthing suites, and observe the infant safety and security program.

To make a reservation, call (727) 834-5630.

Breast cancer support
The Center for Women’s Health at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2700 Healing Way, offerS a breast cancer support group the third Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m.

The next meeting is Dec. 17.

The meetings will include available resources, in-depth discussions, guest speakers, and the sharing of stories.

Both breast cancer patients and survivors are encouraged to attend.

To register, call (813) 929-5432, or visit FHWesleyChapel.org/events.

Caregiver support
The Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group meets the first Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway.

The group is open to anyone who has a loved one with any form of dementia.

Topics include caregiving frustrations and successes.

Admission is free.

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

Veteran hotline help
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has a toll-free help line to provide emotional support and resource referral to veterans in a five-county area.

The service covers Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Manatee counties.

The hotline is staffed by veterans.

Any veteran needing help or information can call (844) 693-5838 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

After-hours and weekend calls will be answered by crisis specialists in the Crisis Center’s 2-1-1 call center.

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.

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 .

Health 12-03-14

By

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

The group is open to anyone who has a loved one with any form of dementia.

Topics include caregiving frustrations and successes.

Admission is free.

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

Balance program for senior citizens
Anytime Fitness, 7016 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz, is offering an Agility & Balance Program for seniors citizens on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

The cost is $5 per session for Anytime Fitness members, and $8 for non-members.

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

Veteran hotline help
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has a toll-free help line to provide emotional support and resource referral to veterans in a five-county area.

The service covers Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Manatee counties.

The hotline is staffed by veterans.

Any veteran needing help or information can call (844) 693-5838 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

After-hours and weekend calls will be answered by crisis specialists in the Crisis Center’s 2-1-1 call center.

CoDA group meets
The Medical Center of Trinity will offer the Co-Dependence Anonymous group every Thursday at 7 p.m., at its West Pasco Campus, 5637 Marine Parkway in New Port Richey.

Upcoming meetings are Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18.

For information, call (727) 816-8678 or (727) 858-3013.

Lecture on minerals for your body
Access Health Care, 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will present “Minerals are Vital to Your Body” Dec. 4 at 5:15 p.m.

There will be a discussion on how to replenish the necessary earth substances in your body.

For information, call (352) 688-8116.

Donate blood Dec. 5
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will host a blood drive Dec. 5 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

All donors will receive a T-shirt and wellness checkup.

To make an appointment online, visit OneBloodDonor.org, and use sponsor code ‘12280.’

Seminar on digestive issues
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host “Don’t Fear the Rear” Dec. 5 at noon.

Dr. Jared Frattini will discuss various digestive issues, including changes in bowel behavior and treatments for patients with chronic fecal incontinence.

Admission is free. A light lunch will be served.

To make a reservation, call (727) 834-5630, or email .

Coping with diabetes
Access Health Care, 5382 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will offer a lecture on diabetes mellitus Dec. 8 at 1 p.m.

The lecture is for anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, and their family.

To make a reservation, call (352) 200-2190.

Pulmonary embolism lecture
The Health & Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2700 Healing Way, will offer a pulmonary embolism overview Dec. 9 at noon.

Dr. Vasco Marques will discuss the symptoms, research and treatment of pulmonary embolisms.

Admission is free. Lunch will be provided.

For information or to make a reservation, call (813) 929-5432.

Mobile mammography at Belk
Belk, 2111 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, will host the mobile mammography bus Dec. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the parking lot.

Women age 40 and older with no breast concerns, who have not had a mammogram in the last 12 months, and have a primary care physician, are eligible for a free screening.

To schedule an appointment, call (855) 655-2662.

SHINE program needs help
The volunteer program Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders needs volunteers in Pasco and Pinellas counties to offer free counseling and assistance to seniors and those with disabilities on topics related to Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drug assistance, supplemental insurance and more.

A three-day training program will begin Dec. 9 at Rasmussen College, 18600 Fernview St., in Land O’ Lakes.

Transportation costs are reimbursed, and meals are provided.

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

A volunteer application can be found online at FloridaSHINE.org.

Health Notes-11-26-14

By

Joshua House receives donation from tournament
Joshua House, a program of the Children’s Home Society of Florida, recently received a donation of $19, 755 by the Fort Knox Golf Tournament committee.

Joshua House is a haven for abused, neglected and abandoned children in the Tampa Bay area.

The donation will help provide life skills classes and onsite counseling to program residents.

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

The group is open to anyone who has a loved one with any form of dementia.

Topics include caregiving frustrations and successes.

Admission is free.

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

Balance program for senior citizens
Anytime Fitness, 7016 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz, is offering an Agility & Balance Program for seniors citizens on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

The cost is $5 per session for Anytime Fitness members, and $8 for non-members.

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

 Ostomy support group
The Medical Center of Trinity will have a support group for ostomy patients and their families Nov. 26 at 5 p.m., at the Medical Arts Building, 9332 State Road 54, Suite 302.

For more information, call (727) 834-4450.

Veteran hotline help
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has a toll-free help line to provide emotional support and resource referral to veterans in a five-county area.

The service covers Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Manatee counties.

The hotline is staffed by veterans.

Any veteran needing help or information can call (844) 693-5838 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

After-hours and weekend calls will be answered by crisis specialists in the Crisis Center’s 2-1-1 call center.

Free copies of Five Wishes
Throughout the month of November, Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care will offer free copies of Five Wishes, an easy-to-use tool with advance directives and planning information, while supplies last.

Copies can be picked up at any of the Gulfside thrift shops.

There is a limit of one per person. Spanish versions are available by calling Gulfside Hospice.

For information, call Kirsty Churchill at (727) 845-5707, or email .

Staying fit during holidays
The Health & Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2700 Healing Way, will present “Staying Fit Through the Holidays” Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Those attending can learn fitness and nutrition strategies for the holiday season.

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

For information, call (813) 929-5432.

CoDA group meets
The Medical Center of Trinity will offer the Co-Dependence Anonymous group every Thursday at 7 p.m., at its West Pasco Campus, 5637 Marine Parkway in New Port Richey.

Upcoming meetings are Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18.

For information, call (727) 816-8678 or (727) 858-3013.

Lecture on minerals for your body
Access Health Care, 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will present “Minerals are Vital to Your Body” Dec. 4 at 5:15 p.m.

There will be a discussion on how to replenish the necessary earth substances in your body.

For information, call (352) 688-8116.

SHINE program needs help
The volunteer program Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders needs volunteers in Pasco and Pinellas counties to offer free counseling and assistance to seniors and those with disabilities on topics related to Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drug assistance, supplemental insurance and more.

A three-day training program will begin Dec. 9 at Rasmussen College, 18600 Fernview St., in Land O’ Lakes.

Transportation costs are reimbursed, and meals are provided.

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

A volunteer application can be found online at FloridaSHINE.org.

Regional Medical receives certification
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has been awarded full Atrial Fibrillation Certification status from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care.

Some key areas in which a facility must demonstrate expertise include emergency department integration with emergency medical services, emergency assessment of patients with atrial fibrillation, risk stratification of the atrial fibrillation patient, process improvement, atrial fibrillation community outreach, and patient education.

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., following by a meeting at 9:45 a.m.

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

Celebrate Recovery from addictions
Victorious Life Church, 6224 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, offers a Celebrate Recovery group on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

The group is a recovery resource for healing from addictions. Participants will discuss hurts, hang-ups and habits.

For information, call (813) 973-2230.

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.

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 .

Alzheimer’s caregiver support
The Alzheimer’s Association hosts a meeting at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, the first Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m.

The group is for caregivers who have a loved one with dementia.

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

OLOR cancer network
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.

Free pregnancy care
LifeChoices Women’s Care, 1527 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 101 in Lutz, offers free pregnancy testing and limited obstetrical ultrasounds to teenagers, women and couples facing an unplanned pregnancy.

The center is open Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Appointments are recommended.

Health 11-19-14

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Huntington’s disease support
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host a support group for anyone whose life is affected by Huntington’s disease Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

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

Yoga to de-stress
Access Health Care, 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will have a lecture on using yoga to reduce stress Nov. 20 at 5:15 p.m.

Guests should wear comfortable clothing to perform exercises.

For information, call (352) 688-8116.

NAMI honors community members
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Pasco County recognizes community members who have gone above and beyond to help those with mental illness and their families.

This year’s award recipients were:

  • Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year: Curtis Adams, Pasco County sheriff’s deputy
  • Provider of the Year: Kim Treanor, BayCare
  • Advocate of the Year: Rick Barrett, NAMI member
  • Media Award for East Pasco: Heather Grzelka, Madeira Public Relations
  • Media Award for West Pasco: Rose Marie Seiber, Seiber Graphics
  • Humanitarian of the Year: Nancy Chancey, former head of ER nursing at Tampa General Hospital
  • Legislator of the Year, Bob Dillinger, public defender

Senior health fair
The Alzheimer’s Family Organization will host a Senior Health Fair and Yard Sale Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Forest Glen Lodge, 7435 Plathe Road in New Port Richey.

For information, call Lynn Hecht at (727) 309-6535.

Myotonic dystrophy group
The Tampa Myotonic Dystrophy Support Group will meet Nov. 22 at 1 p.m., at Temple Elijah, 21021 State Road 54 in Lutz.

Dr. Laura Ranum will discuss the latest research, trials and therapies for this common form of muscular dystrophy in adults.

For information, call Elizabeth Melendez at (813) 949-9917, or email .

Caring for Cancer
Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., in Spring Hill, will host a Caring for Cancer support group meeting Nov. 25 at 11 a.m.

The group is open to anyone who is dealing with cancer, cancer survivors, family members and caregivers.

Participants will receive educational material about cancer and cancer treatment.

For information, call Julie DiRenzo at (352) 597-6030.

Ostomy support group
The Medical Center of Trinity will have a support group for ostomy patients and their families Nov. 26 at 5 p.m., at the Medical Arts Building, 9332 State Road 54, Suite 302. For more information, call (727) 834-4450.

General cancer support
Florida Cancer Affiliates will host a general cancer support group meeting Nov. 26 at 6 p.m., at its New Port Richey center, 5500 Little Road.

For information, call (727) 808-4818.

Veteran hotline help
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has a toll-free help line to provide emotional support and resource referral to veterans in a five-county area.

The service covers Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Manatee counties.

The hotline is staffed by veterans.

Any veteran needing help or information can call (844) 693-5838 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

After-hours and weekend calls will be answered by crisis specialists in the Crisis Center’s 2-1-1 call center.

Free copies of Five Wishes
Throughout the month of November, Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care will offer free copies of Five Wishes, an easy-to-use tool with advance directives and planning information, while supplies last.

Copies can be picked up at any of the Gulfside thrift shops.

There is a limit of one per person. Spanish versions are available by calling Gulfside Hospice.

For information, call Kirsty Churchill at (727) 845-5707, 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., following by a meeting at 9:45 a.m.

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

Celebrate Recovery from addictions
Victorious Life Church, 6224 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, offers a Celebrate Recovery group on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

The group is a recovery resource for healing from addictions. Participants will discuss hurts, hang-ups and habits.

For information, call (813) 973-2230.

Senior 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.

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 .

Alzheimer’s caregiver support
The Alzheimer’s Association hosts a meeting at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, the first Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m.

The group is for caregivers who have a loved one with dementia.

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

Balance program for senior citizens
Anytime Fitness, 7016 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz, is offering an Agility & Balance Program for seniors citizens on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

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

 

Health 11-12-14

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Osteoarthritis presentation
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point will host a presentation on “Osteoarthritis: New Advances from Supplements to Surgery” Nov. 18 at 3 p.m., at the Rao Musunuru M.D. Conference Center, 14100 Fivay Road in Hudson.

Dr. Juan Raposo will discuss current treatments.

Admission is free. Refreshments will be served.

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

Infant care class
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will offer an infant care class Nov. 18 and Nov. 25, at 6 p.m.

The course consists of two classes on two consecutive weeks.

The cost is $40.

For information or to RSVP, call (727) 834-5630.

Health insurance discussion
A.L. Saland Insurance Solutions will host “Ask The Health Insurance Expert” Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Les and April Saland will share information on 2015 ACA Health Insurance Enrollment.

For information, call (813) 995-0292.

‘Look Good…Feel Better’
The Medical Center of Trinity will offer the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good…Feel Better” program Nov. 19 at 2 p.m., at its Medical Arts building, 9332 State Road 54, Suite 402.

The program includes educational information as well as wigs, hats, turbans and prostheses.

For information or to RSVP, call (727) 834-5630.

Veteran hotline launches
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has launched a toll-free help line to provide emotional support and resource referral to veterans in a five-county area.

The service covers Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Manatee counties.

The hotline is staffed by veterans.

Any veteran needing help or information can call (844) 693-5838 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

After-hours and weekend calls will be answered by crisis specialists in the Crisis Center’s 2-1-1 call center.

Medicare seminars
The Cumming Group, a local Florida Blue agency, will host two Medicare seminars Nov. 14 at 9:30 a.m., and 2 p.m., at Hampton Inn & Suites, 2740 Cypress Ridge Road in Wesley Chapel.

For information, call (813) 286-7650.

One Blood drive
Trinity Memorial Gardens, 12609 Memorial Drive in Trinity, will host a One Blood blood drive Nov. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The first 10 donors will receive a $10 Walmart gift card.

Holiday grief workshop
HPH Hospice will offer a holiday grief workshop Nov. 17 at 2 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 38640 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

The workshop is for adults who anticipate a difficult holiday season due to the death of a loved one under any circumstances.

Admission is free.

For information, call (800) 486-8784.

Free Ebola lecture
The Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point will present “Ebola: Facts & Fiction” Nov. 17 at 3 p.m., at the back campus of the hospital, 14100 Yosemite Drive in Hudson.

The guest speaker is Dr. K.V. Sundaresh.

To make a reservation, call (727) 869-5498.

Lung cancer seminar
The Health & Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2700 Healing Way, will host Dr. Martin Britos-Bay on the topic of new tests for detecting lung cancer Nov. 18 at noon.

Dr. Britos-Bay will present information on low-dose computed tomography screening.

A free lunch will be provided.

To make a reservation, call (813) 929-5432, or visit FHWesleyChapel.org.

Coping with grief during the holidays

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Picture this: Your mother has broken her arm and it’s time to make her traditional pecan pie for the holidays.

It’s easy to see that it would be difficult for her to make the pie this year, so you let her know that she shouldn’t worry about bringing it.

Bereavement counselor Dale Thien offers practical tips for grieving people who are expecting a difficult holiday season. (Courtesy of HPH Hospice)
Bereavement counselor Dale Thien offers practical tips for grieving people who are expecting a difficult holiday season. (Courtesy of HPH Hospice)

It’s easy for people to see a broken arm, said Dale Thien, a bereavement counselor for HPH Hospice. It’s not always so easy to see the effects of a heart that’s broken by the death of a loved one.

The bereavement counselor said she often opens her workshops by talking about how expectations change when we can see a physical ailment that poses limitations, and the need to make similar adjustments when someone has suffered an emotional loss that’s equally, if not more, debilitating.

HPH Hospice is offering free workshops in November and December to help anyone who is grieving the death of a loved one during the holidays, regardless of the cause.

“Your grief is like you have a broken heart,” Thien said. “The thing is, we can’t really see that.”

During her workshops, she asks those who are grieving to give themselves permission to grieve. And, she asks them to let their loved ones know what they need.

“Understanding can come from the rest of the family, as they adjust their expectations about the holidays and about the role that this grieving person will play,” she said.

The death of a loved one often creates a sense of disorientation and a loss of equilibrium, as people adjust to life without the physical presence of their loved one.

“So, we want to make adjustments,” she said.

It may be time to modify the family routine, Thien said.

“We don’t want to stress people out with too much of the same because it becomes so obvious that there’s a big gaping hole where the person you loved used to be,” the counselor said. “I think some people dance around the issue of, should we mention the loved one’s name or not?”

Typically, people look to the person who had the closest connection to the deceased to provide guidance on this issue, she said.

“If you’re the grieving person and it was your main loss, then probably your family is waiting for you to mention their name,” Thien said. “And then, they will get the go-ahead that it’s OK to be talking about that.”

She recalled an instance when a widow told her that she was angry with her family because they never once mentioned her deceased husband during the holidays. Later, that same day, the daughter told the counselor she was upset because they had not talked about her father.

“So, everyone just danced around this elephant in the living room,” Thien said. “No one acknowledged it.”

People often do not know how to handle these situations, Thien said. She suggests, in this case, the daughter could have said to her mother in private: “I’m interested in talking about dad. Is that OK with you?”

The workshop seeks to give grieving people the tools for handling the holidays.

“We’re also going to try to empower the grieving person to ask for what they need,” she said.

One practical tip is for grieving people to drive themselves to holiday gatherings, Thien said. That way, they’re free to leave when they want to.

People who are grieving may not be up to the hustle and bustle of shopping.

So Thien advises them to simplify their gift giving. They can buy everyone the same gift, for instance, or send mail-order baskets of fruit. Or, they can give cash.

People who are grieving may not feel like sending out holiday cards. They might not have the energy to decorate the house.

They don’t have to, Thien said. “You get a pass this year.”

Or, they may want to invite family members to come decorate their home, or just put up fewer decorations.

If they decide to attend holiday gatherings, she said, they might need to step aside if they’re having trouble handling their emotions.

It’s perfectly fine to tell a party host: “I’m doing as well as I can, being here, around all of this merriment at holidays, but please understand that this is hard for me. So, if I need to go outside for a minute and have a tear, please don’t follow me. Please just let me be, and I’ll come back into the room when I’m ready.”

People grieve in different ways.

“Some people clearly do want to be left alone,” Thien said. “It’s certainly OK to opt out entirely.”

On the other hand, she added, some people “need hugs and socialization and reassurance.”

“My suggestion is small doses,” Thien said.

Swing by holiday parties, but just stay as long as you feel comfortable.

“You’re doing the important work of adjusting to life, now that your loved one is gone,” she said. “You are engaging in trying to find a new normal for yourself.”

The bottom line is finding what works for you during the holiday season, she said.

“People who really love you are going to understand,” Thien said.

HPH Hospice is having Holiday Workshops for Grieving Adults in November and December to help people who are anticipating a difficult holiday season due to the death of a loved one.

Upcoming workshops:

  • Nov. 17 at 2 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church’s Religious Education Center, Parish Library, 38640 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills
  • Nov. 19 at 3 p.m., at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center, Oak Meeting Room, 6630 Van Buren St., in New Port Richey
  • Dec. 2 at 2 p.m., HPH Hospice Resource Center, 37441 Clinton Ave., in Dade City
  • Dec. 9 at 6 p.m., Marliere Hospice Care Center, 6801 Rowan Road, in New Port Richey

The 90-minute workshops are free. No registration is required.

For information, call HPH Hospice at (800) 486-8784.

Published November 5, 2014

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Health 11-05-14

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Smoking cessation program
The Health & Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2700 Healing Way, will present “Tools to Quit,” a smoking cessation program, Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m.

The presentation will cover the necessary tools and resources to quit smoking and includes free nicotine replacement products.

To register, call (813) 929-1000, ext. 208.

Dairy, gluten lecture
Access Health Care, 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will present a lecture on dairy and gluten, and what the products do to the body, Nov. 6 at 5:15 p.m.

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

Women’s care facility open house
LifeChoices Women’s Care, 1527 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, is hosting an open house Nov. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The event begins with a mass at 6:30 p.m., followed by food, fellowship and fun, and will conclude with a closing prayer at 8:30 p.m.

For information, call Susan Connelly at (813) 948-7734.

Sertoma fall fundraiser
Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida will host a Las Vegas casino night fundraiser for the Children’s Hearing Help Fund Nov. 8 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the West Pasco Board of Realtors, 5409 Sunset Road in New Port Richey.

The event includes casino games, an auction, music, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Tickets are $35 per person in advance, $40 per person at the door, and $60 per couple.

Guests may dress in the Las Vegas casino night theme.

For information, call (727) 834-5479.

Self-management for chronic disease
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will present the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program starting Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.

The workshop is free and will meet once a week, for six weeks.

Topics will include techniques to deal with fatigue and pain, exercise for strength and flexibility, the use of medications, nutrition, and how to evaluate treatments.

To make a reservation, call (727) 834-5630.

Heart nutrition class
The Heart Institute at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will offer a heart healthy nutrition class Nov. 11 at 1 p.m.

Topics will include eating habits, food label reading, recipe modification, and the types of fats and cholesterol.

Handouts will be provided for take-home reference.

For reservations, call (727) 869-5498.

Discussion on aging parents
Wells Fargo Advisors, 11300 State Road 54, Suite 100, in Trinity, will present a panel discussion on aging parents Nov. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Topics will include advanced directives, the aging process, home health care, planning for medical costs, and wills.

To RSVP by Nov. 10, call (727) 815-3023.

Lunch with a doctor
Dr. Alexander Pappas will present “Common Foot and Ankle Ailments” during a lunch Nov. 12 at noon, at CARES Rao Musunuru M.D. Enrichment Center, 12417 Clock Tower Parkway in Hudson.

Admission is free.

To make a reservation, call (727) 863-6868.

Medicare seminars
The Cumming Group, a local Florida Blue agency, will host two medicare seminars Nov. 14 at 9:30 a.m., and 2 p.m., at Hampton Inn & Suites, 2740 Cypress Ridge Road in Wesley Chapel.

For information, call (813) 286-7650.

Free copies of Five Wishes
Throughout the month of November, Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care will offer free copies of Five Wishes, an easy-to-use tool with advance directives and planning information, while supplies last.

Copies can be picked up at any of the Gulfside thrift shops.

There is a limit of one per person. Spanish versions are available by calling Gulfside Hospice.

For information, call Kirsty Churchill at (727) 845-5707, or email .

RMCBP names employees of the month
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point recently recognized two employees for making a difference at the center.

George Jasman III, a registered pharmacy technician, was named the September employee of the month.

Danuta Tymon Haranek, a sterile processing tech, was named the October employee of the month.

Both individuals received a pin, a blanket gift, a reception, a gift card, and a front row parking spot for one month.

Matthew Hinkle appointed to surgical services
Tampa Community Hospital has appointed Matthew Hinkle as director of surgical services.

He will be responsible for and will manage the hiring, firing, competency and supervision of personnel in that area.

Hinkle comes to Tampa Community Hospital from Sentara Heart Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia.

Hinkle is a certified operating room nurse and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

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., following by a meeting at 9:45 a.m.

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

Celebrate Recovery from addictions
Victorious Life Church, 6224 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, offers a Celebrate Recovery group on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

The group is a recovery resource for healing from addictions. Participants will discuss hurts, hang-ups and habits.

For information, call (813) 973-2230.