Health

Health 04-16-14

April 17, 2014 By Mary Rathman

Pasco Challenge a success
More than 400 participants ran, walked and biked to support the Alzheimer’s Family Organization at the 2014 Pasco Challenge at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey. They raised more than $7,000 to support the organization’s programs and services.

For information on the Alzheimer’s Family Organization, call (727) 848-8888.

Back pain presentation
The Spine Care Centers of West Florida at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will present a lecture on lumbar spinal stenosis April 17 at 3 p.m. Guest speaker is neurosurgeon Dr. George Giannakopoulos.

The lecture is free, but reservations are required. Refreshments will be served.

For information, call (727) 869-5498.

Man to Man support
Florida Cancer Affiliates will host a Man to Man prostate cancer support group at its New Port Richey center, 5500 Little Road, April 17 at 5 p.m.

Discussions include early detection, signs and symptoms, prognosis, disease stages, and various therapies and medications.

For information, call (727) 372-9159.

Huntington’s Disease group
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is hosting a support group for anyone whose life is affected by Huntington’s disease.

The group will meet April 17 at 6:30 p.m.

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

Pediatric CPR course
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a pediatric/infant CPR course April 19 at 9 a.m.

Participants can learn the skills of the American Heart Association course “CPR for Family and Friends.”

Cost is $15 per person, or $25 for two.

For reservations, call (727) 834-5630.

Hospitals offer recycling
In commemoration of Earth Day, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson; and Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., in Spring Hill, are offering a recycling opportunity for staff and the public April 22.

Small electronics can be dropped off at Bayonet Point from 9 a.m. to noon, and at Oak Hill from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition, documents will be accepted for shredding by Cintas Corp.

For information, call (727) 869-5413 or (703) 297-7467.

Arthritis seminar for seniors
Hillsborough County Aging Services will present “Experts in Arthritis” from the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative April 23 at 11:15 a.m., at the Lutz Senior Center, 112 First Ave., N.W.

For information, call (813) 264-3803.

Stem cells and back pain
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host the seminar “Your Stem Cells for Back Pain” April 23 at noon.

Discussions will include stem cell therapy, degeneration and pain.

Admission is free, but reservations are required. A complimentary light lunch will be served.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Sibling classes
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a sibling class for children ages 7 years and older April 23 at 5 p.m.

The class will help prepare children for the arrival of a new baby.

Cost is $10 per child.

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

Caregiver support group
Florida Cancer Affiliates will host a caregiver support group meeting April 23 at 6 p.m., at its New Port Richey center, 5500 Little Road.

The group is open to anyone who is looking after a sick loved one, watching over an elderly parent, raising a grandchild, caring for a child with a mental or physical disability or mental illness, or simply helping out another.

For information, call (727) 372-9159.

FHZH selects director of marketing
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills has named Cheryl Kennison as its new director of marketing. Kennison served as marketing manager at Florida Hospital Tampa before coming to Zephyrhills.

She also has served as marketing and foundation director for Bert Fish Medical Çenter in New Smyrna Beach.

Kennison is a graduate of Union College in Nebraska.

Kennison resides in Wesley Chapel with her family.

Get copy of advance directives
National Health Care Decision Day is April 16, and HPH Hospice is offering a download of an advance directive form on its homepage at HPH-Hospice.org.

Those interested also can have a packet mailed to them by calling (866) 940-0962.

HPH representatives also are available to meet one-on-one for guidance through the preparation of an advance directive.

For information, call Jane Freeman at (727) 863-7971 or (800) 486-8784.

Living Will distribution
The Hook Law Group is providing free living wills April 16 at Gulfside Center for Hospice Care, 5760 Dean Dairy Road in Zephyrhills from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For information, call (727) 842-1001.

Medicare training
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc. and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs are offering comprehensive training on the basics of Medicare in a three-day program for those interested in volunteering with the Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders Program.

The training begins April 22.

For information, call Susan Samson at (727) 570-9696, ext. 234, or visit FloridaShine.org.

Women and menopause
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., will host the seminar “Straight Talk for Women: The Big Change” April 24 at 6 p.m.

Women between the ages of 35 and 55 can learn more about the expected changes and creative survival strategies for dealing with menopause.

Guest speaker is Delrose Brown.

To register, call (877) 534-3108.

Gulfside hospice orientation
Gulfside Hospice is hosting an orientation for new volunteers in East Pasco County April 24 and April 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Gulfside’s Center for Hospice Care, 5760 Dean Dairy Road in Zephyrhills.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Space is limited.

To reserve a spot, call Jennifer Ball or Tracey Thompson at (813) 780-1235.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Day
Alzheimer’s Family Organization is hosting its Caregiver Day May 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Bayfront Health Dade City, 13100 Fort King Road.

The event includes refreshments, lunch, certificate of attendance, and guest speakers. Topics include research updates, Medicare fraud and elder law issues.

Cost is $10 for AFO members, and $25 for non-members.

Registration is required.

For information, call (727) 848-8888 or (888) 496-8004.

HPH Hospice’s Grief’s Journey
HPH Hospice will host an eight-week Grief’s Journey group for newly bereaved adults.

The group will meet beginning at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning May 7 at HPH’s Resource Center, 37441 Clinton Ave., in Dade City.

The group is free, and individuals who haven’t used hospice services are invited.

Preregistration is required.

For information, call (800) 486-8784.

Community Health Fair
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, C1 Bank, and Elks USA will host their Community Health Fair June 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Elks Lodge 2731, Wire Road in Zephyrhills.

The event will feature free health screenings, health and wellness education, door prizes, and a low-cost lunch.

Health 04-09-14

April 10, 2014 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

Blankenship is employee of the month
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has recognized Mark Blankenship, registered respiratory therapist and member of the respiratory care team, as its February Employee of the Month. Celebrating the honor are, from left, Chief Medical Officer Joseph Pino, Chief Executive Officer Shayne George, Mark Blankenship, Respiratory Therapy Director Melanie Schmitt, Chief Nursing Officer Tanya Simpson, Human Resources Vice President Geoff Washburn, and Chief Operating Officer Shalin Shah.

Give blood, get gift card
OneBlood will host blood drives at the following Walgreens locations April 12 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.:
• 7925 Gunn Highway, Tampa
• 17511 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa
• 22829 State Road 54, Land O’ Lakes
There will also be a blood drive on April 14 at 18511 U.S. 41 in Lutz.

All donors receive a wellness checkup, a cholesterol screening and a $10 Walgreens gift card. Donors must be at least 16 years old and weigh 110 pounds.

For information, visit OneBlood.org.

Heart healthy nutrition
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a class called Heart Healthy Nutrition: Eating for a Healthy Lifestyle April 15 at 10 a.m.

The class will review heart healthy eating to control blood pressure, weight and protect the heart. Participants will learn dietary balance, good and bad fats, controlling sodium intake, calorie balance, and the importance of dietary fiber.

Seating is limited.

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

Female pelvic seminar
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is hosting a seminar entitled “Common Female Pelvic Problems: Essential Knowledge to Restore Your Lifestyle” April 16 at noon.

Guest speaker is Dr. Mona McCullough to discuss common pelvic issues facing women and the treatment options available.

Admission is free. A complimentary lunch will be served. Seating is limited and reservations are required.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Get copy of advance directive
National Health Care Decision Day is April 16 and HPH Hospice is offering a download of an advance directive at its homepage at HPH-Hospice.org.

Those interested can also have a packet mailed to them by calling (866) 940-0962.

An HPH staff representative also is available to meet one-on-one for guidance through the preparation of an advance directive.

Call Jane Freeman at (727) 863-7971 or (800) 486-8784.

Living will distribution
Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care and Hook Law Group are partnering to provide free living wills April 16 at these locations:

• Gulfside’s Corporate Resource Center office, 2061 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, from 9 a.m. to noon

• Hook Law Group offices, 4918 Floramar Terrace in New Port Richey, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For information, call (727) 842-1001.

Parkinson’s support group
The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet April 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Church of the Nazarene, 5902 Himes Ave., in Tampa.

Guest speaker is Emily Wilson of the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services.

Light refreshments will be provided.

For information, call Jane Lowry at (813) 908-6685, or Adele Ida Walter at (813) 932-6902.

Oak Hill fills residency program
Oak Hill Hospital in Spring Hill has filled all 10 of its internal medicine residency positions through its association with the National Resident Matching Program.

The program is accredited for 30 residents, with 10 residents starting July 2014.

This is a three-year training program, and an additional 10 residents will be added each year to total 30 residents at Oak Hill Hospital over the next three years.

Sibling classes
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a sibling class for children ages 2 to 6 years old April 16 at 5 p.m.

Topics include what a new baby looks like, how to become a big helper, and how to make friends with the new baby.

Cost is $10 per child.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Lymphedema support
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host its monthly lymphedema support group April 17 at 3 p.m.

Lymphedema is a persistent swelling, usually an arm or leg, which can occur as a side effect of cancer treatment.

Seating is limited and reservations are required.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Pasco considering ban on hiring smokers for county jobs

April 3, 2014 By Michael Hinman

It’s hard to argue the numbers against smoking: It’s caused 20.8 million deaths since 1965, it’s been linked to 12 kinds of cancer and 17 chronic diseases, and can create similar problems to anyone else exposed to the smoke, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.

Life is becoming more and more difficult for tobacco users. Not only is space to light up becoming scarce, but jobs might be more difficult to find as well. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo) — Life is becoming more and more difficult for tobacco users. Not only is space to light up becoming scarce, but jobs might be more difficult to find as well.
(Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

So for Pasco County, banning cigarette smoking is a no-brainer. However, preventing smokers from being hired by the county? That might be a little more problematic.

Yet Pasco is starting that push, although county performance development director Marc Bellas admits that he’s still not sure exactly how the new program will shake out.

“Everyone in this organization knows this is coming, but what we don’t know is what it will look like, when will it happen, and how it will impact each one of them,” Bellas said.

Governments have found some success — and failures — when it comes to implementing policies that would ban hiring smokers. Temple Terrace made national news more than a decade ago when it tried to control smoking in its workforce, and the negative backlash caused them to change gears.

But that was a different time, when Florida’s ban on indoor smoking in most public places was still in its infancy. In 2003, the argument was to help lower health insurance costs. Today, however, the carrot being dangled is healthier living.

“What they’re looking for is kind of a more environmentally friendly and positive work place,” said county public information officer Doug Tobin. “That includes a smoke-free campus, as well as a policy where new employees would be prohibited from smoking.”

And the idea is not new in Pasco County. Both the fire department and sheriff’s office already restrict smoking among employees, Tobin said, and the county itself has flirted with the idea for several years now.

A smoking policy for the county government is far from complete, Bellas said. However, he brought up some initial ideas to the Pasco County Commission last week to get some of their feedback.

In its current form, employees hired after Oct. 1 would be required to sign an affidavit affirming they have not used tobacco products for one year, and agree to submit to a nicotine test if they’re every suspected of smoking. Those who were hired before Oct. 1 would no longer be allowed to use tobacco products while they are on the clock.

New hires would not be allowed to smoke or use tobacco products at all, not even at home, or on the weekends. If they are discovered to have violated the policy, they could be disciplined and even fired.

Yet, even Bellas admits that sometimes a plan looks far better on paper than it does in the field. And his goal is to not make it more difficult to compete for good employees with other counties and private industry by having too restrictive of a policy.

“We have a few challenges that we can’t ignore,” he said. “Between 24 and 25 percent of our employees right now use tobacco, and a lot of them are in the entry-level positions in roads and bridges, and in utilities. The folks in those departments already have a hard enough time keeping those positions filled. If we take one more thing away, and they believe it’s going to be a problem, then that is not a good choice for us.”

That means there’s still a lot of work to do on the policy before it’s completed, Bellas said, and there’s a good chance that what is finally approved to begin next October could be quite different from what’s on the table today.

And the talk alone of implementing the policy seems to have had some positive effect already. Commissioner Henry Wilson, who serves on a committee addressing this issue, told commissioners at the recent meeting participation in smoking cessation programs has drastically increased over the past two months.

“They know the conversation has started,” Wilson said. “This is nothing else but to create a healthy work environment, and that’s what we’ll try to do.”

Published April 2, 2014

Health 04-02-14

April 3, 2014 By Mary Rathman

Gulfside appoints Suggs
Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care has appointed Dr. Charles L. Suggs III as its new chief medical officer.

Suggs started at Gulfside Regional Hospice, now Gulfside Hospice, in August 2006 as a team physician. He also has served as the medical director for both Gulfside Regional Hospice and Pasco Palliative Care.

He has more than 30 years experience practicing medicine, and is board certified in hospice and palliative care medicine, as well as in obstetrics and gynecology.

Chatterboxes meeting
Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host a Chatterboxes meeting April 3 at 3 p.m.

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

Caregivers and spouses are encouraged to attend.

For information, call (727) 834-4445.

Chronic disease program
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will offer the chronic disease self-management program Living Healthy beginning April 3 at 1:30 p.m., and continuing on April 10, April 17, April 24, May 1 and May 8.

Topics include dealing with fatigue, appropriate exercise, use of medications, new treatments, and communicating with family.

The workshop is free, but class size is limited.

For reservations, call (727) 869-5498.

Celiac support group
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, hosts the West Pasco celiac support group the first Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. The next meeting is April 5.

Meetings are open to the public and include recipe demonstrations of a gluten-free diet. For information, visit RMCHealth.com.

Give blood, get gift card
OneBlood will host blood drives April 7 at two Walgreens locations, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Each donor will receive a $10 gift card to Walgreens. Donors must be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. The stores are:
• 22829 State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes
• 20741 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa

For information, visit OneBlood.org.

Helping HANDs
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host Helping HANDs, a support group for family members and friends impacted by autism, April 9 at 7 p.m.

There will be a guest presenter from the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida.

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

Heart healthy nutrition
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a class called Heart Healthy Nutrition: Eating for a Healthy Lifestyle April 15 at 10 a.m.

Seating is limited.

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

Carpal tunnel presentation
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., will present a treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome seminar hosted by Dr. Randolph Knight April 3 at 6 p.m., in the hospital’s Wellness Center Conference Room.

To register, call (877) 534-3108.

Give blood in ZH
OneBlood will have blood drives April 5 and April 12 at Walgreens,12807 U.S. 301 in Dade City, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., both days. Each donor will receive a $10 gift card to Walgreens. Donors must be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.

For information, visit OneBlood.org.

Get copy of advance directives
National Health Care Decision Day is April 16 and HPH Hospice is offering a download of an advance directive form on its homepage at HPH-Hospice.org.

Those interested also can have a packet mailed to them by calling (866) 940-0962.

HPH representatives also are available to meet one-on-one for guidance through the preparation of an advance directive.

For information, call Jane Freeman at (727) 863-7971 or (800) 486-8784.

Caregiver luncheon
The Hook Law Group and Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care will host a caregiver luncheon called Life Planning and Healthcare Decisions April 16 at 11:30 a.m., at Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club in San Antonio.

Panelists include Joan Nelson Hook and Dr. Charles Suggs III. They will speak on advance directives, life planning and more.

For information, call (727) 484-7933.

Living Will distribution
The Hook Law Group is providing free living wills April 16 at three locations:
• Gulfside Center for Hospice Care, 5760 Dean Dairy Road, Zephyrhills from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Gulfside’s Corporate Resource Center, 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, from 9 a.m. to noon
• Hook Law Group, 4918 Floramar Terrace, New Port Richey, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For information, call (727) 842-1001.

Health 03-26-14

March 27, 2014 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Pasco Federated Republican Women's Club) — (Courtesy of Pasco Federated Republican Women’s Club)

Women’s club donates to vets program

The Pasco Federated Republican Women’s Club donated $3,360 to the HPH Hospice/We Honor Veterans Program. The funds were raised at the club’s We Honor Vets Casino Night at Spartan Manor in New Port Richey Feb. 7. Presenting the check to Robin Kocher of HPH Hospice (with name tag) are, from left, Fran Garofalo, Pat Orella, Carol Martorana and Meg Merritt.

V-Day fundraiser
The Sunrise Domestic and Sexual Assault Center will present a production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” March 29 at 6 p.m., at The Grove Golf and Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’ Lakes.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The show is for mature audiences only. Refreshments will be served, and a cash bar available.

Cost is $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $10 for students or military.

All proceeds go to Sunrise.

For information, visit tinyurl.com/SunriseTickets.

Alzheimer’s support
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will host an Alzheimer’s support group meeting April 1 at 10 a.m.

The meeting is open to caregivers and those interested in discussing and exchanging ideas in the care of Alzheimer’s patients.

For information, call Laura Arnold at (727) 863-0176.

Childbirth course
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a six-week prepared childbirth course beginning April 2, one night per week, at 7 p.m. Cost is $70.

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

Chatterboxes meeting
Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host a Chatterboxes meeting April 3 at 3 p.m.

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

Caregivers and spouses are encouraged to attend.

For information, call (727) 834-4445.

Topics include dealing with fatigue, appropriate exercise, use of medications, new treatments, and communicating with family.

The workshop is free, but class size is limited.

For reservations, call (727) 869-5498.

Meetings are open to the public and include recipe demonstrations of a gluten-free diet. For information, visit RMCHealth.com.

County official says cancer gave her a new perspective

March 27, 2014 By B.C. Manion

The women sat in a circle, quietly sharing the ways their lives have been affected by three devastating words: “You have cancer.”

Paula O’Neil attends a breast cancer support group at The Center for Women’s Health at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel to share her personal experiences with breast cancer. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Paula O’Neil attends a breast cancer support group at The Center for Women’s Health at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel to share her personal experiences with breast cancer.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

For one, the words were so fresh that she couldn’t quite wrap her mind around her situation. For another, those words have been uttered repeatedly and have caused multiple surgeries.

One member of the group, Paula O’Neil — Pasco County’s clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller — had joined the women to share her story. For O’Neil, like for the others, finding out she had breast cancer was a jolt.

“I was totally shocked. I really felt that I led a healthy life,” O’Neil said.

In the area where the cancer was found, O’Neil had been previously screened with a mammogram and a sonogram and had been fine, she said.

Statistics from the American Cancer Society, estimate that about 1.7 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2014, and nearly 1,600 Americans per day are expected to die from the disease.

When O’Neil heard she had breast cancer, she didn’t believe she would die. She said she’d met so many survivors through her association with the American Cancer Society that she didn’t expect that her disease would be fatal.

“I figured I would make it through,” O’Neil said.

But that didn’t mean the experience was easy.

“I think the hardest time is between the time when you find out and you find out what they’re going to do,” she said. “You don’t how far it spread. You don’t know what’s going to happen to you.”

It’s not easy for the family, either.

“When you first find out you have cancer, you and your family, it’s like, ‘Holy cow, are you kidding me?’ And then, you start accepting it,” she said.

Making O’Neil’s case more complicated is the public nature of her work. As clerk of the circuit court, she has a large staff of 150 people and many responsibilities. Before she informed her staff, O’Neil gathered her executive team around her to share her news. She wanted them to help reassure the staff that she was looking good and expected to be OK.

She said she wanted to be sure she controlled the story, so she notified the press.

“When you’re in an elective position, you have to be careful. You don’t want people to think you’re going to die,” O’Neil said. “I wanted the story from myself. I didn’t want rumors.”

She said her initial concerns were about losing a breast and losing her hair. When she found out she needed a mastectomy, she said she pushed for a double mastectomy to avoid having to go through a similar ordeal later.

She was advised, instead, to have genetic testing done to see if she had a genetically inherited trait that made her at high risk for breast cancer. The result was negative, so she was denied the double mastectomy.

Like most cancer patients, O’Neil did not want to lose her hair. Part of the reason was a concern for her appearance because she’s on television every other week, during Pasco County Commission meetings.

“I don’t know if I would have done that with a wig. I didn’t want to look sick. It was real important to me not to look sick,” O’Neil said.

She underwent chemotherapy, but she kept most of her hair.

“I did the chemo cold caps to save my hair. I was able to freeze my scalp to save my hair,” she said. “It thinned. It thinned a lot.”

Patients wear a specially designed cap that is cooled to a very low temperature to constrict the blood vessels to prevent them from carrying the harmful drug agents to the scalp, thus preventing the drugs from damaging the hair follicles.

The chemo cold caps are not covered by every insurance plan, but were covered by hers, O’Neil said.

In addition to the chemotherapy treatments, O’Neil also underwent breast reconstruction, which resulted in an infection in her stomach for six months, she said.

As she shared her story, other women in the group opened up. Some talked about how hard it is to tell others they have cancer. Other women talked about how grateful they are being able to share their experiences at the support group, which meets at The Center for Women’s Health at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

The women shared their pain, but also offered each other practical advice.

For those who have trouble sharing their story, there’s a website called CaringBridge.com that allows communications to be shared with whomever they want to keep in the loop, one woman said.

Another said there’s a website geared to helping organize the contribution of meals by others who care. That’s called, TakeThemAMeal.com.

O’Neil told the women she was honored to meet with them.

“We’ve all been through the same things,” she said. “I can tell you this: It’s not a path I would have chosen, but I’m very grateful, grateful for the experience. It gives you a different perspective on life and on how precious it is.”

O’Neil said she’s always believed she would one day work at a cancer camp for kids. Now, when she does, she’ll be able to relate to them on a deeper level.

“I’ll be able to say, ‘I’ve been through chemo, too,’” O’Neil said.

Published March 26, 2014

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Health 03-19-14

March 20, 2014 By Mary Rathman

LOSNA teams with Pin Chasers for Shriners
The Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America Cairo Court 97 of Zephyrhills present a certificate of appreciation to Andrew Adler, far left, manager of Pin Chasers, 6816 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Presenting are, from left, Catherine Parker, Carol Miller, Gayle Johnson and M.J. Price. Pin Chasers has permitted the Ladies to do a monthly collection for Shriners Hospitals for Children. This year, donations went toward a bone diagnostic machine.

Hospice grief support
HPH Hospice is offering its free eight-week Grief’s Journey support group for adults who have experienced the recent death of a loved one.

The group meets Wednesdays at 2 p.m., through March 26, at the HPH Resource Center, 37441 Clinton Ave., in Dade City.

Registration is required.

For information, call (800) 486-8784.

Healthcare Marketplace enrollment
Open enrollment for the Healthcare Marketplace ends March 31. Premier Community HealthCare is hosting support sessions to provide guidance to anyone seeking health insurance coverage.

Certified application counselors will provide one-on-one assistance at these sites:

• New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills: March 22, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Dade City Family Health Center, 14027 Fifth St., in Dade City, at the Family Fun & Health Fest: March 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For information, call (352) 518-2000, ext. 9228, 9227, or 9331.

Service of remembrance
HPH Hospice will have its Time for Remembrance ceremony March 27 at 3 p.m., at 37445 Clinton Ave., in Dade City. The hour-long, outdoor service is for adults, teens and children to honor and remember those they love.

The program will include music, readings and planting seeds of hope. Admission is free.

For information, or for other county ceremonies, call (800) 486-8784, or visit HPH-Hospice.org.

Gulfside opens corporate resource center
Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care has a new location to call home — its corporate resource center at 2061 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

More than 150 people attended the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce grand opening celebration Feb. 25 to tour the new facility, which houses executives, directors and administrative staff.

Volunteer for ombudsman program
Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to join its corps of advocates who protect the rights of elders who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes.

Local councils need volunteers to identify, investigate and resolve residents’ concerns. Training and certification is provided.

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

CoDA group
The Co-Dependence Anonymous group at the Medical Center of Trinity meets every Thursday at 7 p.m., at the Center’s West Pasco Campus, 5637 Marine Parkway in New Port Richey. Upcoming meetings are March 20 and March 27.

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

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

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

Breast cancer education conference
The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation will present Education and Advocacy Day 2014 March 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Crowne Plaza Tampa-Westshore, 5303 W. Kennedy Blvd.

Registration is at 8:30 a.m., followed by a welcome address and guest speakers.

Admission is free, but reservations are required.

For information, call (877) 644-3222, email , or visit FloridaBreastCancer.org.

Tampa Bay Walkathon
The Florida Chapter of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation is sponsoring the inaugural Energy for Life: Tampa Bay Walkathon in support of individuals and families affected by mitochondrial disease.

The walk is March 22 beginning at 9 a.m. There will be a 5-kilometer walk at 10 a.m., and a one-mile walk at 10:10 a.m.

For information or to pledge online, visit EnergyForLifeWalk.org/tampabay.

Don’t Walk in Silence
Celebrate Sound Don’t Walk in Silence is raising funds for hearing health with a 5-kilometer walk March 22, rain or shine, at the University of South Florida. Sign-in begins at 9 a.m., at the Marshall Student Center.

The walk is sponsored by USF College of Behavioral & Community Sciences and Tampa Gem Sertoma Club.

Registered walkers will receive a T-shirt and chance at a door prize.

To register, visit MyCelebrateSound.com/Tampa.

For information, email .

Remembrance service in NPR
HPH Hospice will host Time for Remembrance ceremonies March 24 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., at the Marliere Hospice Care Center, 6801 Rowan Road in New Port Richey.

The outdoor hour-long ceremonies include music, readings and planting seeds of hope. Adults, teens and children are invited to honor and remember those they love.

For information, call (800) 486-8784, or visit HPH-Hospice.org.

Gallbladder seminar
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host the seminar “Heartburn, Abdominal Pain, Hiatal Hernia, Occasional Diarrhea? It’s More Often Your Gallbladder Than You Think,” March 26 at noon.

Dr. Keith Chisholm will discuss the signs and symptoms of gallbladder disease, and surgical options.

Admission is free. A complimentary lunch will be served. Reservations are required.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Florida Medical Clinic preparing new facility for Wesley Chapel

March 13, 2014 By Michael Hinman

An area Pasco County planners hoped would become an expansive medical park has moved a big step in that direction as Florida Medical Clinic prepares to start construction on an 85,000-square-foot facility near Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

Florida Medical Clinic’s Wesley Chapel location will be a three-story building with 85,000 square feet, and will be the group’s third-largest facility behind Zephyrhills and Land O’ Lakes. It’s expected to open next summer. (Courtesy of Florida Medical Clinic) — Florida Medical Clinic’s Wesley Chapel location will be a three-story building with 85,000 square feet, and will be the group’s third-largest facility behind Zephyrhills and Land O’ Lakes. It’s expected to open next summer.
(Courtesy of Florida Medical Clinic)

The new three-story building will offer a variety of medical services, the kind of one-stop shopping Florida Medical Clinic is known for in other parts of Pasco and Hillsborough counties. But this particular facility will have an extra emphasis on orthopedic care.

“We don’t have an orthopedic presence in Wesley Chapel right now,” said Gus Taylor, Florida Medical Clinic’s chief administrative officer. “We have some in Zephyrhills and Tampa, and some in the Carrollwood area, but this will help us bring all this to Wesley Chapel.”

The Wesley Chapel location will be built at 2352 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., just north of State Road 56 and the Wesley Chapel hospital. Florida Medical Clinic bought a little more than 10 acres of land there last October for $4 million, according to Pasco County property records. It was part of land owned by the Wiregrass Ranch development group since 1987.

This is the third major location Florida Medical Clinic has built in the past five years, beginning with its second-largest facility on State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes opened in 2009, and its new Carrollwood facility in a building that once housed a Borders book store on North Dale Mabry Highway, that opened last year.

And 2013 was a busy year for Florida Medical Clinic as the company focused a bit on Zephyrhills. It expanded its main campus at Market Square to open a new urgent care facility, and built a 12,000-square-foot office on Eiland Boulevard it shares with DaVita Healthcare Partners Inc.

Putting doctors of various specialties under a single roof has been a successful formula for Florida Medical Clinic in Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes and Carrollwood, and Taylor says he expects more success with the new Wesley Chapel facility.

“We have a lot of physicians in the Seven Oaks area that are in independent buildings,” he said. “This helps us provide more services for our patients. It’s extremely convenient when you can go to one location and see all of your doctors and primary doctors.”

And its proximity to Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel will provide even more benefits, similar to what happens at its main campus, located just blocks from Florida Hospital Zephyrhills.

Deciding when and where to build and consolidate is an organic process for Florida Medical Clinic, usually based on the number of doctors and specialists the company has partnered with, and where they are located. The Wesley Chapel facility might be the last one for a little while, at least.

“Currently, we don’t have that in any other locations in mind,” Taylor said. “But it wouldn’t surprise me if we didn’t put another building out there somewhere in the near future to create the same presence in that area, as we’re getting in some of our current ones.”

Florida Medical Clinic is still working on permits for its Wesley Chapel location as well as design, but the goal is to have the facility open by Summer 2015.

“It’s a great location,” Taylor said. “We all know the Wesley Chapel area is growing, and there are a lot of new neighborhoods and a lot of new businesses coming up there. With the new hospital there, this has become a great location for our patients.”

Published March 12, 2014

Health 03-12-14

March 13, 2014 By Mary Rathman

21 graduate from NAMI crisis training
The Pasco County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness has graduated its latest crisis intervention team of those in law enforcement as well as prison guards, nurses, chaplains and dispatchers, giving each deeper insight into mental illness.

They include Curtis Adams, Gloria Strother, Maryann Senderling and Larry Engle. First row, Robert Mocsary, Karen Miller, Amy Turner, Jeff Lissoy, Christopher Schaeffer, Jeffery Inman, Robert Bruno, Jeremy Othouse, Ben Crawford, Michael Habib and Travis Button. Middle row, Paul Leininger, Frank Pizzuto, Paul Fadeley, Seth Adams, Edward Barginere, Sean Powers and Caleb Steele. Back row, Victor Longo, Chris DeMarco, Jan-Michael Hargrett, Greg Colaluca and Patrick Marshello.

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

Hearing aid battery giveaway
Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida is offering free hearing aid batteries March 14 from 10 a.m. to noon at its offices, 4443 Rowan Road in New Port Richey.

The batteries are available in sizes 10, 13, 312 and 675, while supplies last.

For information, call (727) 834-5479.

Certified application counselors will provide one-on-one assistance at these sites:

• Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway: March 14, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey: March 18, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For information, call (352) 518-2000, ext. 9228, 9227, or 9331.

Trinity obstetrics tour
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a tour through its obstetrics program March 15 at noon.

Guests can visit the mother-baby and birthing suites, and observe the Infant Safety and Security Program.

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

Free seminars at Lighthouse
The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind is offering free seminars on low vision, video magnification and CCTV devices that increase access to visual information.

The seminars are:

• March 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Brooksville Lighthouse, 6492 California St.

• March 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Port Richey Lighthouse, 8610 Galen Wilson Blvd.

To RSVP, call Darlene at (727) 815-0303.

A Matter of Balance
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering the program A Matter of Balance to help people manage concerns about falls and increase physical activity.

Classes begin March 17 and are every Monday and Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., for four weeks. Classes end April 9.

The program incorporates group discussion, problem-solving strategies, videos and gentle physical exercise.

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

‘Look Good … Feel Better’
The American Cancer Society’s “Look Good … Feel Better” program is being offered March 19 at 2 p.m., at the Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54.

The program provides educational information as well as wigs, hats, turbans and prostheses for women cancer patients to help improve their appearance and self-image.

Each woman receives a free makeup kit to use during and after the workshop.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Sibling classes
The obstetrics program at the Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, hosts monthly sibling classes. The next class is March 19 at 5 p.m., for children 7 and older.

The class features fun and interactive activities to help prepare your child for a new baby.

Cost is $10 per child. For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Paula O’Neil to speak
The Center for Women’s Health at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2700 Healing Way, will host guest speaker Paula O’Neil, Pasco County clerk of circuit court and comptroller, March 19 at 5 p.m., to talk about her fight with breast cancer.

Registration is required. For information, call (813) 929-5432.

Bayonet Point trauma center still fighting for life

March 6, 2014 By Michael Hinman

More than two years ago, Pasco County got its first trauma center when Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point expanded its emergency care operations. But how long it will stay is completely up to government officials from the courts, to the Legislature, and especially the Florida Department of Health.

The Bayonet Point hospital, owned by HCA’s West Florida Division, is fighting to keep its trauma center despite the objections of nearby facilities like Tampa General Hospital and BayCare Health System’s St. Joseph’s Hospital. Both already have trauma centers, and believe adding more will dilute a costly service to one that no longer can be sustained financially.

Dr. Scott Norwood, the trauma medical director at Bayonet Point, believes in the exact opposite. To him, it’s not that Florida has too many trauma centers. In fact, it doesn’t have enough — and dealing with traumatic injuries comes down to how quickly a victim can get to a hospital that can treat it.

“Trauma is a time-sensitive disease,” Norwood recently told members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. “It’s just like heart disease or a heart attack, the quicker you can get to a facility to deal with the problem, the more likely you are to survive. And that’s reflective of what’s happening in Florida right now.”

Before the trauma center opened at Bayonet Point, anyone hurt in a fall or accident would have to be transported south to Hillsborough or Pinellas counties, a distance that could exceed 100 miles and tick precious time off the clock.

“We call it the ‘golden hour of trauma,’ that if you can get into a trauma center or to a facility that can manage your problem within 60 minutes of your injury, your likelihood of survival goes way up,” Norwood said. “If you get in a wreck and are out in the middle of nowhere, your odds of surviving are not really good already.”

Since 2011, when Bayonet Point opened its trauma center, mortality rates have dropped across the state — especially in Pasco and Hernando counties, which saw rates plummet 21 percent and 15 percent respectively, Norwood said.

Yet, the more trauma centers there are in the state, the larger the strain on existing resources to serve those people, say representatives from other hospitals with older trauma centers. The more centers there are, the harder it will be to find the best doctors and medical teams trained in trauma.

At the same time, available money for these trauma centers would be spread out, making it difficult for any of them to stay open, opponents said. Although insurance carriers and patients themselves typically fund trauma centers, there are public pools of money available. They include $2 million from a vehicle registration tax, more than $12 million from red-light cameras, and $46 million in federal funds, according to a report last year by the American College of Surgeons.

Lawsuits have flown back and forth, and judges have sided against the new trauma centers like Bayonet Point’s, saying the Department of Health used an invalid rule to green light them, according to published reports. Since then, state health officials have been working around the clock to streamline department rules, and find common ground between the older trauma centers and the new ones.

State health officials started hearings in January and February to work out the trauma center issues, and have developed a plan that would allow at least one trauma center in each of the state’s 19 designated trauma areas, according to published reports. If the rule moves forward as planned, it would keep all of the new trauma centers, including Bayonet Point, in place.

This rule, however, would most likely end up in the courts as well. That’s been made clear by increased lobbying efforts by both sides, including bringing in the conservative-leaning 60 Plus Association to spend $250,000 on television advertising supporting the efforts of hospitals like Bayonet Point.

And now the Florida Legislature is looking to weigh in. State Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring — and a registered nurse — filed S.B. 1276 last week that, among other things, would limit the number of trauma centers in each of the 19 regions.

However, it’s a limit that would be in favor of hospitals like Bayonet Point, since Grimsley is asking that Pasco and Pinellas counties be limited to three centers, while Hillsborough would get only two. It also removes the ability for other hospitals to protest the addition of more trauma centers.

Including pediatrics at All Children’s Hospital, the Pasco and Pinellas region would have three trauma centers, Bayonet Point joining Bayfront Medical Center on the list.

Still, the entire trauma center system would be reviewed each year under the bill, with a final report heading to state officials at the beginning of February. It also sets expectations that trauma centers like Bayonet Point would be able to treat a minimum of up to 1,000 patients each year.

That’s something the hospital already is doing, Norwood said.

“When we started this thing, we thought we would probably get 800 patients each year,” Norwood said. “In my first year, we had 1,456 patients. In our second year, we got 1,685 patients.”

And 65 percent of those patients come right from Pasco County, he said, and nearly 90 percent come from Pasco or points north of Pasco.

“We are not stealing patients from anywhere,” Norwood said. “This is not happening.”

State health officials said they could move the department’s new rule forward later this spring.

By the Numbers
94.66 — Florida’s trauma center survival rate

95.56 — Survival rate of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s trauma center

27 — Number of trauma centers in Florida

715,500 — Average population each Florida trauma center serves

$2.2 million — Average local, state, federal funding for each trauma center

Published March 5, 2014