Health

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North turns five

April 8, 2015 By B.C. Manion

When St. Joseph’s Hospital-North opened its doors five years ago, it was the first new hospital built in Hillsborough County in 30 years.

“Our goal was to provide a health care alternative in this community because there really weren’t many alternatives,” said Paula McGuiness, president of the hospital, at 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz..

“It was an underdeveloped medical infrastructure, if you will. There weren’t many doctors out here. There certainly wasn’t a hospital,” McGuiness said.

A look at the main entrance to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, a hospital located in Lutz that is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a community event on April 11. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — A look at the main entrance to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, a hospital located in Lutz that is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a community event on April 11.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

People needing to go to a hospital had to drive 13 miles or more, she added. “That was why this was built.”

The hospital acquired the land in the 1980s, anticipating a future need, McGuiness said.

Since St. Joseph’s Hospital-North began operations on Feb. 15, 2010, both Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel and Medical Center of Trinity, in neighboring Pasco County, have opened their doors.

“You would think that it would have a big impact on the volume of patients that we see, but, in fact, there has not been much change, overall,” McGuiness said.

More than a half-million people visited a loved one at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North during the hospital’s first five years, and it treated nearly a quarter-million patients.

The hospital’s work force has grown, too.

It began with around 425 employees and now exceeds 575, McGuiness said. Many employees have been there since it opened.

“We have a lot of team members who previously had worked in places like St. Pete and Clearwater, so now, we have provided a close-to-home work environment,” she said.

There’s also a medical office building on the property, housing physicians from a wide array of specialty areas.

The hospital has an ambulance service and a helipad, enabling it to transport patients to other facilities when necessary.

In fact, when St. Joseph’s Hospital-North was planning to move into Lutz, one of the most controversial aspects was its intention to have a helipad.

“People were concerned we were going to be bringing in helicopters to be a port here. We’re not transporting in. What we do is we do transfer out,” McGuiness said.

The hospital was built with comfort in mind, for both patients and their families.

“The aesthetics don’t make the care, but they are a kind of backdrop for the kind of care that we provide,” McGuiness said. “If you can provide an ambience, an environment that is soothing and restful and doesn’t have that sterile, stereotypic hospital feel, then you can support the health and well-being of individuals that come here.”

Along those lines, the hospital’s common areas are spacious and inviting, and all patient rooms are private.

The patient rooms are designed with the notion that family members would be active participants in their loved one’s care, McGuiness said.

“Even with the ICU (intensive care unit), we allow the family to stay in the room with the patient during their stay, if that’s what they desire,” McGuiness said. “It’s not just the patient, it is the family that needs that type of support.”

In terms of construction, the hospital was built to accommodate future expansion.

It also was designed with the environment and energy conservation in mind.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North was the first acute hospital in Florida to be LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design)-registered by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The hospital has technology that is designed to support quality patient care, in a secure environment.

It was the first hospital in Baycare Health System to be almost entirely paperless.

The electronic medical records represent a significant technological move forward in the arena of patient care, McGuiness said. The records give doctors access to a patient’s medical history.

“No matter the event — whether you’re able to say what your history has been or not — we’re going to be able to access that (information) for you and take care of you,” McGuiness said.

The hospital surgical services include ear, nose and throat; gastrointestinal, gynecological, orthopedic, podiatry, urology and plastics, in case of reconstructions necessary from trauma.

Early on, it added a labor and delivery unit.

“When we first opened, we didn’t have a mom-baby and labor and delivery unit set up. We were still working with our physicians to bring them onboard.

“So, it was about nine months before we delivered the program,” McGuiness said. So far, more than 1,700 babies have been born there.

On another front, “we’ve added oncology infusion services, which is a big deal for us,” McGuiness said.

“Obviously, we have the cancer institute at the (St. Joseph’s Hospital) main campus (in Tampa), but this is a feeder.

“It’s not a great time when someone is going through chemo, and to be able to have the service so close to home, I think, makes a difference. At least, that’s what our patients say,” McGuiness said.

Besides providing medical care, the hospital also has become part of the community’s fabric in other ways, too, McGuiness said.

She’s especially pleased by that community partnership.

One way it connects is through its educational programs, she said.

“In the five years, we’ve provided over 500 educational classes,” she said. They can be as simple as CPR, childbirth classes or safe-sitter program.

But there’s also a whole lecture series, provided by physicians, to help people with medical issues.

“At different points of your life, you’re interested in different things: Your hip replacements, your knee replacements,” McGuiness said. “We have those kinds of sessions. Our doctors do that as a voluntary service for the community.”

The quality of food in the hospital’s café also made it an attractive place for people to meet and eat, she said.

It’s not unusual for people from nearby Exciting Idlewild Baptist Church to have meetings at the hospital, or to come by after Sunday services for brunch.

McGuiness welcomes those visitors.

“That just reinforces how much of a part of that fabric of the community that you are,” she said.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North 5th anniversary
When: April 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz
Who: All are welcome
What: Children’s activities; health and wellness demonstrations and speakers; baby play area; a reunion of babies born at the hospital with the doctors and nurses who cared for them; food trucks; wellness screenings; live entertainment; a teddy bear clinic (bring your own teddy bear patient); and, judging of a baby photo contest the hospital conducted on its Facebook page throughout March.
Pre-registration is not required, but is appreciated. Please call (813) 644-6772.

By the numbers
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North began treating patients on Feb. 15, 2010. Since then, more than a half-million people have visited the facility.

The hospital has:

Delivered more than 1,700 babies
Treated nearly 220,000 patients
Logged 15,284 volunteer service hours
Performed 13,783 surgeries
Completed 9,010 endoscopies

Published April 8, 2015

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel plans big expansion

March 11, 2015 By B.C. Manion

It’s not even three years old, and the Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is already planning a significant expansion that will increase the number of patient rooms, operating rooms and emergency rooms.

Hospital officials announced the expansion in a news release on March 6.

The $78 million project, expected to begin construction this year, is responding to a demonstrated need.

This rendering shows what Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel will look like after its $78 million expansion is completed. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel) — This rendering shows what Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel will look like after its $78 million expansion is completed.
(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel)

“Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel was originally designed with the ability to grow with the needs of the community,” Dr. Robert Rosequist, chief medical officer of the hospital, said in a release.

“Since opening less than three years ago, the hospital has experienced extremely high volumes of patients seeking care,” he added.

The 200,000-square-foot hospital opened on Oct. 1, 2012.

At that time, it had 83 patient rooms, 18 emergency rooms, a catheterization lab and five operating rooms. It cost $161 million to acquire the land, and build the hospital and adjacent medical office building, according to hospital officials.

Denyse Bales-Chubb, president and CEO of the hospital, said “the community has overwhelmingly shown us both the need for the hospital, and their confidence and appreciation for the high quality care our staff delivers every day.”

“We are so blessed by their faith in us,” she said. The hospital knows it needs to grow “to meet both the current demands and future growth of the community,” Bales-Chubb added, in a release.

The expansion calls for three additional floors to the hospital’s center wing and an additional three-story wing that will connect the south and center wings.

Altogether, it involves 111,993 square feet of new construction and 10,834 square feet of renovation.

The expansion includes added additional emergency rooms, inpatient rooms, surgical suites and related surgical services, Heart Catheterization Lab, and recovery/observation rooms as well as shelled space for future growth.

Construction is expected to begin this summer, with the expansion opening at the end of 2016. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 5 at 10 a.m.

Maintaining the care and comfort of its patients during the construction is the hospital’s top priority, Tracy Clouser, marketing director said, via email.

It expects to be able to do that because the hospital was built with expansion in mind, Clouser said, noting the patient care areas have a sound muffling system to help reduce disturbance from noise, and there are no air handlers on the roof, to make expansion easier and less intrusive.

Since opening, the hospital has continued to add new programs and services, Clouser added.

“The addition will allow us more opportunities to do that. One example of this is in surgery. With additional operating rooms, we will be able to add additional physicians and expand the types of surgery we can perform,” she said.

Additionally, “the renovation will include moving the caesarean section operating room to the third floor, expanding areas like pre-admission testing, waiting rooms and sterile supply. It will also include an expansion of our central energy plant to support the larger facility,” Clouser said.

Services at the hospital include an emergency department, cardiac care, vascular surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, women’s services and gynecology, obstetrics, urology and nephrology, outpatient imaging, outpatient physical and occupational therapy, The Center for Women’s Health and a freestanding Health & Wellness Center.

The hospital’s Wellness Plaza also houses offices for primary care and specialty physicians.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is part of the Adventist Health System, a leading nonprofit health network that has 23 hospitals throughout the state.

For more information, visit FHWesleyChapel.org.

Putting his best foot forward

March 4, 2015 By Michael Murillo

Stephen Levin is state podiatry president

When Stephen Levin was younger, he wanted to be an architect. He even studied it in college.

But then, his career path changed.

Dr. Stephen Levin has plenty of models, but the podiatrist enjoys treating his real-life patients at New Tampa Foot & Ankle on Foggy Creek Road in Wesley Chapel. He recently was selected to be president of the Florida Podiatric Medical Association. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo) — Dr. Stephen Levin has plenty of models, but the podiatrist enjoys treating his real-life patients at New Tampa Foot & Ankle on Foggy Creek Road in Wesley Chapel. He recently was selected to be president of the Florida Podiatric Medical Association.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

“I didn’t get into the architecture program,” Levin said. “I was studying architecture as an undergraduate, and it didn’t work out.”

Eventually, he found a way to study a different kind of arch. He went into medicine, and became a podiatrist.

The 44-year-old has been a podiatrist for 16 years.

In addition to having a successful practice, New Tampa Foot & Ankle, the Wesley Chapel resident has been elected the 2015 president of the Florida Podiatric Medical Association.

“It feels good,” Levin said of being named as the organization’s leader.

“It’s definitely something I never thought I’d do, but its definitely nice to be here and to be involved in that part,” Levin said.

As president, Levin said he’d like to focus on increasing membership and adding younger members to the roster.

The FPMA has around 1,000 active podiatrists in its membership, as well as past members and others who have reasons to join.

But to those outside the organization, Levin would like to spread the word that a podiatrist can do more than the general public probably realizes.

“Some people don’t know the full scope of what we do. That’s probably the biggest thing we have to overcome.

“What does a podiatrist do?” he continued. “It’s not just going to get your corns taken care of,” he said.

Podiatrists handle problems and care issues related to the foot, ankle and other areas just below the knee.

They can help treat sports injuries, provide diabetic care, and address other forms of trauma, as well as routine foot care.

Different communities have different medical needs, Levin said.

A community that is overwhelmingly populated by seniors means a podiatrist serving that area will see the same types of patients and problems every day. That might get a bit boring day-in and day-out, but he doesn’t have that problem in Wesley Chapel. His patients run the spectrum from toddlers to seniors, and that means he sees a variety of podiatric problems.

“Wesley Chapel’s a great community because it’s more diverse. It’s not just the elderly. It’s families, it’s everybody, and this practice that I have is great because I see the whole realm of everything,” Levin said. “That’s why I love it. It really makes it very interesting.” Levin has a second office in south Tampa, but he works at his Wesley Chapel location.

While he’s reached a high point in the Florida FPMA, there are other opportunities at the national level. The next step would be to serve on the delegation that represents Florida at the national meeting. From there it’s a matter of following the path at that level. It’s something he would consider in the future, he said.

For now he’s happy keeping busy at his office. The office sees between 35 patients to 40 patients per day and schedules elective surgeries on a few days each month.

His wife, Diane, is a nurse and serves as practice administrator when she’s not teaching. And when Levin’s not on the job, he might be coaching his son, Sam, in soccer, or watching his daughter, Sarah, perform gymnastics. His stepson, David, also plays saxophone for Wharton High School.

While his original career plans shifted, Levin’s certainly not lamenting the switch that has brought him so much success over the years.

“I don’t know what I would do other than this, to be honest,” he said. “I wouldn’t do anything else.”

Good Foot Health
Dr. Stephen Levin, recently named president of the Florida Podiatric Medical Association, has a few suggestions for keeping your feet in tip-top shape

Always wear shoes. It might be tempting to go barefoot in Florida, but there are fire ants and snakes outside, and tile or concrete inside. That provides little support and can cause problems.

Also, choose better protection than regular flip flops. They simply don’t provide the kind of support that other types of shoes can. Running shoes and work shoes with thicker, rubber soles are better for your feet.

Be sure to use “more cushion, more shock absorption, more overall support for your foot,” Levin advises.

Be careful with treadmills. They make you run at something other than your normal pace. Instead, consider other ways to walk or run.

“Asphalt’s probably the most forgiving of what we have,” Levin said. “Or a padded track inside, like at a gym.” Elliptical and rowing machines are also good exercise options.

Don’t wait when you have a problem. Waiting to see if it goes away on its own can make healing and recovery a longer process. Deal with foot pain and other issues before they become harder to manage.

“The sooner you can catch it, chances are you can get rid of it faster,” Levin said.

Published march 4, 2015

Health 02-25-15

February 25, 2015 By Mary Rathman

Jose Peralta named dental director
Premier Community HealthCare Group Inc., has named Jose Peralta as the dental director at its center in Dade City.

Peralta has practiced dentistry for 20 years, earning his doctor of dentistry at the University of New York’s College of Dentistry.

Peralta is now accepting new patients and scheduling facility tours.

For information, call (352) 518-2000.

Heart Club meets every Tuesday
The Florida Hospital Zephyrhills Heart Club meets every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m., in the Wellness Center conference room, 7050 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

The group features bingo, food demonstrations and guest speakers on heart topics.

For information, call (813) 779-6484.

Lecture on bone health
Access Health Care, 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will present a lecture on the benefits of weight training and resistance exercises Feb. 26 at 5:15 p.m.

Guests should wear comfortable clothing to move around in for instruction on how to perform exercises.

For information, call (352) 688-8116.

Hip pain seminar
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host a seminar on “Hip Pain: From Advil to Anterior Hip Replacement” at noon on Feb. 27.

Dr. Stephen Hanff will discuss common causes of hip pain, treatment options, and the history of hip replacement.

Admission is free. A complimentary light lunch will be served.

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

Family health fair
Tampa Bay Moms Group will present a Healthy Family Fair Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza in Tampa.

The fair will include guest speakers, workshops, face painting, arts and crafts, games, giveaways, samples, interactive displays, vendors and more.

In addition to the fair, guests can visit museum exhibits, including a special limited exhibit of The Wizard of Oz, all for 50 percent off regular museum admission.

The cost for adults is $7.50; military, teachers and seniors are $6.25; children ages 1-12 are $4.75; and museum members and children younger than 1 are free.

For information, visit HealthyFamilyFairTB.com.

Myotonic dystrophy support
The Myotonic Dystrophy Support Group will meet Feb. 28 at 1 p.m., at Temple Elijah, 21021 State Road 54 in Lutz.

The group is open to individuals, family and friends.

For information, call Elizabeth Melendez at (813) 748-7049, or email .

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:

March 3: Nonsurgical treatment of vascular diseases
March 10: When do you need open heart surgery and what kind?
March 17: Life after heart attack, open heart surgery and stroke
March 24: What to do when ulcers and would don’t heal

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

Alzheimer’s educational series
The Alzheimer’s Family Organization will present a free educational series at Atria Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52 in Hudson.

All upcoming seminars begin at 10 a.m.

March 4: Alzheimer’s 101 with research updates
March 11: Activities for the patient and stress relief
March 18: Communication and behavior modification
March 25: Elder law issues

For information and to make reservations, call (727) 848-8888 or (888) 496-8004.

Facial paralysis support
Tampa General Hospital, 2106 S. Lois Ave., in Tampa, will host a facial paralysis support group March 4 at 4:30 p.m.

There will be an open discussion and planning for future meetings.

For information, call Ellen Eckelman at (813) 844-7706.

General cancer support
Florida Cancer Affiliates will host a general cancer support group meeting March 4 at 6 p.m., at the Trinity center, 3611 Little Road.

Participants are provided with educational material about cancer and cancer treatment.

For information, call (727) 808-4818.

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.

New officers and chairmen named at Trinity
The medical staff at the Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, has appointed its medical staff officers and department chairmen for 2015-2016.

Those appointed were Dr. Daniel Rodriguez, chief of staff; Dr. Najam Javeed, vice chief of staff; Usha Agarwal, secretary/treasurer; Dr. Ramon Perez, chief, Department of Surgery; Dr. Jared Frattini, vice chief, Department of Surgery; Dr. Elbert Barnes, chief, Department of Medicine; Dr. Jayadeva Chowdappa, vice Chief, Department of Medicine; and Dr. Peter Candelora, immediate past chief of staff.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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 Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Manatee counties.

Veterans staff the hotline.

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.

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 .

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 .

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.

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.
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.

Preventing broken hearts through better heart health

February 25, 2015 By B.C. Manion

As the director of marketing for Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Kurt Conover is constantly spreading the word about ways to prevent heart disease and keeping people informed about the medical center’s health care services.

Members of the staff and volunteers at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point gathered for a group photo on National Wear Red Day on Feb. 7. Even “Lucky,” the hospital’s therapy dog, got into the act. (Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point) — Members of the staff and volunteers at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point gathered for a group photo on National Wear Red Day on Feb. 7. Even “Lucky,” the hospital’s therapy dog, got into the act.
(Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

But the Land O’ Lakes man knows that despite his efforts, not everyone gets the message — or, even if they do, they don’t always listen.

That’s even true for family members, said Conover, who lost his brother, Gerrit Conover, to a heart attack on Aug. 25, 2011.

Conover said he became aware that his brother — who was being seen by a cardiologist — wasn’t keeping his appointments or filling his prescriptions on a regular basis.

Conover decided to use a gentle approach to get his 59-year-old brother to get back on track. Instead of confronting him, he encouraged Gerrit to swing by to see him, next time he went in to see the doctor.

But that never happened.

Instead, Gerrit, a retired military officer, collapsed and died of a heart attack shortly after returning home from a motorcycle ride with a friend.

In retrospect, Conover said he thinks he should have been more insistent with his brother — should have demanded that he go to see his doctor.

While they were growing up, he and Gerrit always had each other’s back, Conover said.

“We were real tight. My sisters used to always tease because whenever there was a fight taking place, it would always be us two against whoever it was. We’d be like a tag team.”

But when it came to life’s biggest battle, Gerrit didn’t tell his brother about the symptoms he was experiencing.

As it turns out, Gerrit was logging his symptoms, but no one saw the log until after he had died.

Gerrit was a Vietnam veteran and a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy. His survivors include daughters, Michelle and Kristen; brothers Wolf, Donald and Kurt; sisters, Mary Anne and Peggy; and other relatives.

He’s one of an estimated 460,000 who suffer a fatal heart attack each year, according to statistics reported by MedicineNet.com.

Most of the deaths from heart attacks are caused by ventricular fibrillation of the heart that occurs before the victim of the heart attack can reach an emergency room, the website adds.

The American Heart Association reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, one in every four deaths is caused by heart disease, according to the association’s statistics.

The numbers portray an even grimmer situation for women.

Since 1984, more women than men have died each year from heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. And, fewer women than men survive their first heart attack, the association reports.

Part of the reason for the higher rate of fatalities among women is that the symptoms of heart attack can be different in women than men, and are often misunderstood even by physicians, the association adds.

That’s why it’s so important to become educated, Conover said.

Even though his brother died more than three years ago, the pain of his loss remains fresh, said Conover, who hopes he can transform his loss into something good.

Those who think either they or a loved one are experiencing a heart attack need to call 9-1-1, Conover said.

Time is of the essence, he said. When emergency personnel arrive they can begin communicating a patient’s vital signs to the hospital, and the hospital can begin to assemble its cardiac team, Conover said.

The faster the treatment, the better the chance for saving heart muscle and having better medical outcomes, he explained.

The American Heart Association helps to raise awareness about these important issues by declaring February as American Heart Month.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has arranged a series of Tuesday Tutorials over the course of several Tuesdays, covering various heart health issues.

One recent tutorial, “Intimacy and the Heart,” attracted 115 people, Conover said.

The hospital also celebrated National Wear Red Day on Feb. 7, with scores of employees and volunteers observing the day.

Symptoms of heart attack in men
Chest feel pain feels like “an elephant is sitting on your chest; the squeezing sensation may come and go, or may be constant and intense

Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Shortness of breath, you feel like you can’t get enough air, even when you’re resting
Dizziness, or feeling like you’re going to pass out
Breaking out in a cold sweat
Stomach discomfort, like indigestion

Remember, each heart attack is different, so your symptoms may not fit the cookie-cutter description.

Source: American Heart Association

Symptoms of heart attack in women
In a multicenter study of 515 women who had a heart attack, published in the journal Circulation, the most frequently reported symptoms did not include chest pain. Instead, women reported unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances and anxiety, with nearly 80 percent reporting at least one symptom for more than a month before the heart attack. Other symptoms more common in women include:

Unusual fatigue for several days; or a sudden, severe fatigue
Anxiety and sleep disturbances
Lightheadedness and/or shortness of breath
Indigestion or gas-like pain
Upper back or shoulder pain; possibly throat pain
Jaw pain or pain that spreads up to the jaw
Pressure or pain in the center of the chest that may spread to the arm

Stroke Warning Signs
Spot a stroke F.A.S.T, by looking for these signs:

Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “the sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
Time to call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

Source: The American Heart Association

Published February 25, 2015

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.

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.

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.

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.

Admission is free.

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

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.