The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

DeSantis touts more spending for the developmentally disabled in Florida

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(The Center Square) — Floridians with developmental disabilities will benefit from a record level of funding for direct services after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a multibillion dollar investment from the state.

DeSantis spoke at the Els Center in Jupiter on Monday and announced that as part of the Live Healthy legislation spearheaded by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and his Focus on Florida’s Bright Future Budget that $2.2 billion will be going to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities for services through the iBudget waiver.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stands with a $1 million check for the Els Center of Excellence.(Facebook/Governor Ron DeSantis)

This would allow those living with autism and other developmental disabilities to access social, behavioral, therapeutic and medical services.

“That is the highest amount ever appropriated in the history of Florida by a country mile, and the iBudget waiver offers an array of social, medical, behavioral, and therapeutic services to individuals who have developmental disabilities,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis stated that the record-high funding includes $200 million to support an across-the-board increase for iBudget waiver providers, $64.8 million to enroll additional individuals in crisis onto the iBudget waiver and $55.7 million to enroll individuals currently in a pre-enrollment category.

“So, this is a big deal, this is a big investment, it shows the state of Florida’s commitment,” DeSantis said, adding that he also has approved an additional $1 million for the Els Center of Excellence recreational complex.

DeSantis noted that the new facility will provide a specialized swim and water safety program, aqua therapy sessions, indoor sports and fitness, and a specialized autism-friendly hurricane shelter.

“The facility will also provide a specialized athletic curriculum that gives parents, teachers and coaches the best tools to assist children and students with unique abilities. We want them to get active, we want them to live healthier lives, and that’s exactly what they’re doing here at the Els Center.” DeSantis said.

Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Taylor Hatch said that more individuals living with developmental disabilities will be empowered by the funding provided by DeSantis and the Legislature.

“This historic funding will provide services that empower a greater number of individuals and their families to thrive through the power of partnership, highlighting the importance of a strong provider workforce through first-ever, across-the-board pay increases, as well as focusing on the importance of community partners,” Hatch said.

Published May 08, 2024

Why summer is the best time to take your child to an orthodontist

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Barbecues, beaches and braces? Summertime typically may not be associated with orthodontics, but according to experts, it’s a great time of year to start orthodontic treatment and help kids enter a new school year with a confident smile.

“Braces can be a very exciting step, but like with anything new, there will be a short adjustment period as a child adapts to changes to their routine, as well as to the feel of aligners or brackets and wires in their mouth,” says Dr. Vijay Bhagia of Space City Orthodontics, a board-certified orthodontist who has been practicing for over 20 years. “That’s why we recommend parents bring their kids into our offices in summer, when schedules are more relaxed and they have more time to adjust to the change of pace.”

(Enis Yavuz/Unsplash)

Whether you’re considering orthodontic treatment for your child, your teen or yourself, these insights from Smile Doctors, a national network of leading orthodontists, can help:

Is orthodontic treatment really necessary?
Straightening teeth through orthodontics is not just cosmetic. Poorly aligned teeth can affect the way one speaks, bites and chews, and even breathes. An important part of oral health, braces can correct bite issues, gaps and crooked, crowded or overlapping teeth.

When should my child see an orthodontist?
Orthodontics is for people of all ages, even adults. However, it might be surprising to learn that the American Association of Orthodontics recommends children see an orthodontist by age 7. This is because orthodontists are uniquely trained to evaluate children’s growth, as well as the exchange of baby teeth for permanent teeth, and can help you get ahead of potential issues as adult teeth continue to come in.

How do I get my teen on board with the plan?
Teens now have more braces options than ever. From traditional braces with fun colors, to clear aligners like Invisalign, braces can help them express their personality. Of course, it also helps to remind teenagers that when they’re done with treatment, they’ll have a healthy smile.

How do I know which braces are right for me or my child?
There are several types of orthodontic treatments. Metal braces use a combination of stainless-steel brackets, arch wires and elastic ties or bands to gently move teeth as prescribed. Ceramic braces are tooth-colored or clear brackets made of ceramic, porcelain or plastic. Clear aligners like Invisalign are a removable and discreet orthodontic treatment consisting of a series of aligners worn for one to two weeks at a time. Some orthodontists will provide a free consultation to discuss affordability and treatment options that best suit your needs.

What steps should we take between visits?
Have your child brush around each bracket and floss between each tooth right after eating to avoid permanent white marks, cavities or gum disease. Doing so prevents the acidity and sugars from settling into the crevices in between the brackets. Opt for mouthwash without blue or red dyes for further cavity protection.

Do braces hurt?
There is sometimes mild discomfort during treatment, but it’s manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. To reduce swelling, try rinsing with warm salt water. For bracket pain, your orthodontist will usually give you dental wax and show you how to apply it. You can also avoid some discomfort by sticking with softer foods at first.

Use the downtime of summer wisely this year. Put your child on the path toward a healthy, confident smile that will last a lifetime.

Published May 08, 2024

Health News 05/04/2024

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(Courtesy of Deborah Erdahl)

Raising awareness of child abuse prevention
In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, members of the GFWC Lutz Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club ‘planted’ blue pinwheels and signs at the Historic Old Lutz School, painted one finger on each hand with blue nail polish, and made a point of wearing blue and denim to their monthly meeting to represent their stand against domestic violence and sexual abuse. For more information about the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

Chris Angilella signs one of his books during a special event at Marchman Technical College. (Courtesy of Corey Dierdorff/Pasco County Schools)

Storytelling and the human spirit
Marchman Technical College in New Port Richey hosted “Meet the Author,” a special event that celebrated the power of storytelling and the human spirit. 

Chris Angilella, a 25-year-old author with autism and Asperger’s syndrome, shared his journey and the stories he’s crafted in his children’s books.

Angilella told jokes, took the audience on a tour of his daily life, and discussed his challenges and strategies to overcome them.

The author also talked about his five published books, including his first, “Dotty’s Freckles,” and his latest, “Speckle Delivery.” The stories often feature animated characters and are not just tales, but lifelines of self-discovery and acceptance. All the books’ illustrations are drawn by a close friend of Angilella.

Marchman Technical has been a supportive home for the author over the past seven years.

Confused by nutrition labels? You’re not alone

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Shopping for groceries can be like navigating a maze: so many choices in every aisle, food packages covered in marketing claims and little direction on what is truly healthy and what isn’t. People want to make healthy choices for themselves and their families, but how can they when the information available to them can be so overwhelming?

For years, the Nutrition Facts label on the back of food packages has provided important nutrition information, such as the amount of calories, fat, sodium, sugar, protein and vitamins and minerals. But all the numbers can be confusing, and they’re not readily visible. Given America’s high rates of diet-related disease and illness, advocates say that more must be done to make sure consumers have the information they need to make healthy choices.

(Courtesy of the Food and Drug Administration)

That’s why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which sets standards for nutrition labeling, is developing a new labeling system that would appear on the front of food and beverage products, offering clear and concise information to help people quickly and easily identify healthier foods. Research from other countries shows that front-of-pack labeling helps consumers make healthier purchases and even gets manufacturers to make healthier products.

What could a front-of-pack label look like? More than 40 countries already require it. Some countries use stoplight colors like red, yellow and green, or a grading system like a report card — A, B, C, D, E — to indicate how healthy a product is. Other countries use a warning system that indicates whether products include high amounts of added sugars, saturated fat or sodium. Approaches like these make it easy for consumers to understand with a quick glance what’s healthy and what’s not.

The success of front-of-pack labeling in other countries suggests it will help people in the United States make healthier choices that can improve well-being and reduce high rates of diet-related diseases, including some forms of heart disease and cancer. In fact, the National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) recommended such a system more than 10 years ago, and national polls show most Americans support it.

The FDA plans to release a proposal for a front-of-pack food labeling system in the United States that can get everyone out of the food shopping maze. To stay informed and learn more, visit YoureTheCure.org/FOP.

“Clear, concise front-of-pack nutrition labeling is the answer. After all, grocery shopping shouldn’t require a degree in nutrition,” says Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association.

-StatePoint

Published May 01, 2024

Health News 05/01/2024

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Sidd Pagidipati stands alongside his parents after making a historic donation to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation in their honor. (Courtesy of Ashley Ozols-Thomas/BayCare)

Children’s hospital receives historic gift
St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation announced a $50 million gift from the Pagidipati family of Tampa, to support the future of pediatric health care in the Tampa Bay community, according to a news release.

Tampa business leader and philanthropist Sidd Pagidipati, along with his brother Rahul and sister Srujani, made the donation to honor their parents’ legacy as health care providers, their 50th wedding anniversary and their 50th anniversary of coming to the United States, the release said.

The gift will support the new, specially designed pediatric facility for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, which BayCare announced last October as part of a strategic effort to increase the region’s access to high-quality, state-of-the-art health care for children.

When the new children’s hospital facility opens, it will be named Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s, in recognition of the donating family.

The new hospital is scheduled to open in 2030.

Mental health resources
If you or someone you know are facing a challenge with mental health, substance use or other difficulties such as homelessness, suicide, veterans and PTS (post-traumatic stress) or more, there is help available within the community. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office offers a list of community-based resources on its website, to give you a place to start. Visit PascoSheriff.com/MentalHealth-html/ for additional information.

Crisis dispatch service launched
The Tampa Police Department (TPD) and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay launched a Crisis Intervention Dispatch Service Program on April 15, at Tampa Police Dispatch, during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, according to a news release.

The individuals who answer 911 calls address a range of emergency and crisis situations, including calls from individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

Many behavioral health calls to 911 do not require in-person law enforcement intervention. For this reason, the TPD will soon house intervention specialists from the Crisis Center in its dispatch center, the release says.

The program aims to reduce officer dispatched calls relating to individuals undergoing a behavioral health crisis, connect 911 callers in need of behavioral health support to resources, reduce recidivism of Baker Acts, and engage high utilizers of 911 for prevention.

People in the community who are experiencing thoughts of suicide and other crises can call 988. If someone needs information about community resources, call 211. Both numbers are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

The 911 emergency services number is available 24/7 for anyone in need of immediate assistance from police, the fire department or an ambulance.

Dr. Huy D. Nguyen (Courtesy of Martin E. Bahl/BayCare)

Doctor joins BayCare
Huy D. Nguyen, DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) has joined BayCare Medical Group’s primary care office at 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz, on the campus of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

The physician is board certified in family medicine, speaks fluent Vietnamese, and treats patients age 18 and older. Nguyen’s clinical interests include hypertension, weight loss, ADHD, diabetes, cholesterol, sports-related injuries, and joint infections.

He completed an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of South Florida-Tampa and earned his DO from the Bradenton campus of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also completed a family medicine residency at the University of Incarnate Word/Graduate Medical Education and Research in San Antonio, Texas.

To learn more, visit bit.ly/3PMKhUy. To reach Dr. Nguyen’s office, call 813-960-4026.

Health News 04/24/2024

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Dr. Rajan ‘Raj’ Wadhawan (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

New chief clinical officer
Dr. Rajan “Raj” Wadhawan will join AdventHealth West Florida Division as chief clinical officer, effective April 21, according to a news release.

He will oversee the clinical operations and quality of care for the region’s 13 hospitals and will report to David Ottati, president and chief executive officer of the West Florida Division, the release says.

Dr. Wadhawan is board certified in pediatrics and neonatal perinatal medicine, and most recently served as the senior executive officer for AdventHealth for Children and AdventHealth for Women. He was responsible for a care network that includes more than 375 physicians and specialists practicing more than 35 subspecialties, community specialty clinics, pediatric rehabilitation, pediatric emergency rooms and Centra Care Kids urgent care.

In 2022, Dr. Wadhawan was appointed by the Florida Speaker of the House of Representatives to serve as one of the inaugural council members for the state of Florida’s Rare Disease Advisory Council, which works to improve health outcomes for those with rare diseases.

The new chief clinical officer also is a member of the American Board of Pediatrics Sub-Board of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and holds a faculty appointment as an associate professor at the University of Central Florida, Department of Pediatrics.

Board chair named
Florida Health Kids Corporation (FHKC) board chair Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos was honored as the 2024 Florida Outstanding Woman in Public Health by the University of South Florida (USF) College of Public Health.

The award, initiated by the USF College of Public Health in 1988, celebrates a woman whose career accomplishments and leadership have contributed significantly to the field of public health in Florida.

Dr. Haridopolos was appointed by CFO Jimmy Patronis and has served on the board since 2018. Under her leadership, FHKC has supported Florida KidCare families as they have recovered from hurricanes and navigated a National Public Health Emergency. In addition, the honoree has advocated for legislative change to make the program more affordable for working families.

Dr. Haridopolos is a board-certified family medicine physician with nearly 30 years of experience and serves on the Florida Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Advisory Council.

Dr. Luis R. Annoni-Suau, MD, FACC and the HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital team pause after completing the first non-thermal ablation procedure on April 5. (Courtesy of HCA Healthcare)

A first in Pasco County
HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital has completed its first non-thermal ablation using a new approach for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), a first in Pasco County, according to a news release.

The new approach can minimize risks associated with traditional thermal ablation, potentially expanding access to treatment to more patients, the release says.

During a traditional ablation procedure, a catheter is guided to the interior of the heart and generates extreme temperatures – hot or cold – to destroy targeted areas in the heart associated with abnormal heart rhythms. The non-thermal ablation option relies on tissue selective, non-thermal electric fields to ablate heart tissue and avoid damage to surrounding structures.

People with AF have a higher risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications than those with normal heart rhythms.

Local seniors turn out for Thrive Over 55 expo 

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More than 400 seniors attended the Thrive Over 55 Senior Expo on April 4 at B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16 sponsored by The Laker/Lutz News. Forty-plus senior-related vendors shared information with attendees, and event sponsors Gulfside Healthcare Services and Vertos Medical each hosted an informative breakout session during the event. Guests also were treated to free breakfast and lunch.

(Courtesy of Adrian Garson)

Two changes you may notice at your next dentist appointment

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Practices in oral and overall health care continually advance to keep you well. Here are two changes affecting dental care you might notice at your next visit.

1. Updated recommendations for dental X-rays. In the past, when your dentist took X-rays of your teeth, you probably wore a leaded apron or thyroid collar. That may change with your next visit.

According to 2024 safety recommendations by an expert panel of dentists at the American Dental Association (ADA), abdominal and thyroid shielding is no longer needed for patients of all ages and health statuses (like pregnancy). These tools can block the main X-ray beam. When this happens, additional X-rays may be needed, something your dentist wants to avoid.

(Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels)

To get the best images of your teeth, your dentist or dental team will make sure you are properly positioned for your X-rays and that the beam is focused on the area of interest. Shielding may still be used in some practices due to local regulations, so ask your dentist if you have any questions about X-rays.

ADA experts also recommend that X-rays be taken only when your dentist believes they will provide the necessary diagnostic information to help you reach your best dental health. Dental X-rays emit very low doses of radiation, which makes the risk of experiencing potentially harmful effects very small. Still, taking X-rays in moderation lessens radiation exposure.

2. New guidelines to manage dental pain. If you see your dentist for a tooth extraction, recent guidelines endorsed by the ADA recommend that you be prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to manage short-term dental pain.

When used as directed, on their own or in combination with acetaminophen, NSAIDs are an appropriate and effective way to manage the inflammatory pain that comes after a tooth extraction or during a toothache when dental care is not immediately available. This guidance applies to patients of every age.

In the unlikely event that your pain does not improve after the second or third day following your procedure, return to your dentist to rule out complications or other sources of pain.

In limited circumstances, an opioid prescription may be appropriate for patients 12 and older, though dentists should use extreme caution when prescribing opioids to those 12 to 17 years old. When discussing options to treat your dental pain, inform your dentist of your history with opioids and any factors that may contribute to dependence on or misuse of such medication.

If your dentist prescribes opioids for pain management, the guidelines recommend that you be given the lowest effective dose, with the fewest tablets and for a short period. “Just in case” prescriptions are not recommended, and your dentist should instruct you on the proper storage and disposal of the medication.

To search for an ADA dentist in your area, visit FindADentist.ada.org. Learn more about caring for your smile at MouthHealthy.org, the ADA’s website for oral health education.

Oral health guidelines change over time with advancements in technology and data regarding best practices to enhance patient safety and well-being. With any change, your dentist’s priority remains the same: to provide you with the best dental care possible. Talk to your dentist if you have any questions about the latest recommendations in oral health.

-StatePoint

Published April 24, 2024

State to penalize those who expose law enforcement officers to fentanyl

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(The Center Square) — Penalties are set to increase in the Sunshine State for those who expose law enforcement officers to fentanyl, after new legislation was signed Monday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate bills 718 and 66. The first creates a second-degree felony for any adult individual who recklessly exposes first responders to fentanyl that results in an overdose or serious bodily harm.

SB 718 also expands protections for individuals against prosecution if they seek help for themselves or someone else if they believe an overdose is happening. SB 66 designates June 6 as Revive Awareness Day, while directing the Florida Department of Health to raise awareness of the dangers of exposure to opioids.

(Ron Rogers/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

DeSantis said during a news conference in Sanford there is a huge amount of fentanyl pouring over the southern border from Mexico. He also added that this has had a huge impact on communities throughout the U.S.

“It’s not just a southern border problem; this fentanyl ends up in communities from coast to coast,” DeSantis said. “We have been setting records as a country for the amount of opioid overdose deaths, driven by fentanyl coming across the southern border.”

DeSantis noted that the state of Florida has done what it could to help with the southern border, including sending state troopers, other law enforcement and the State Guard to Texas to help stem the flow of undocumented migrants.

“We’re happy to do that because I think it’s an American problem, not just a Texas problem, and the Federal government is really just not doing the job that it needs to do and has really helped facilitate the mess that we’re in,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis stated that fentanyl is often laced into other recreational drugs, which is causing more people to overdose, essentially poisoning them.

“Maybe someone buys the pill thinking it is something else, it’s laced with fentanyl, then all of a sudden that one pill could be enough to kill somebody,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis also noted that the Biden administration is responsible for this crisis and that the new legislation will help curb some of that by keeping first responders safer in their jobs.

“Because of the Biden administration’s unwillingness to secure the southern border, law enforcement officers are encountering fentanyl at alarming rates. I’m signing legislation today to keep officers safe on the job, and to further combat the opioid epidemic.” DeSantis said.

DeSantis also expanded the state’s Coordinated Opioid Response (CORE) network from 12 counties to 29.

“Opioid addiction has been a scourge in the lives of too many Floridians and too many Americans around the country,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “Thanks to Gov. DeSantis and the support of our legislators, we are continuing to take steps to address this human tragedy. CORE’s expansion will support and treat more Floridians and serve as a model for states around the country.”

Published April 17, 2024

What every mom and soon-to-be-mom needs to know about their heart

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Over the last three decades, the United States has seen pregnancy-related deaths rise nearly 140%, and heart disease continues to be the leading cause. Furthermore, women who have prenatal complications, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, have a significantly higher risk of heart disease and stroke later in life, yet many are not getting the care they need.

According to the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT), an advocacy collaborative working to pass policies that make it possible for all expectant parents, infants and toddlers to thrive, the United States is in the midst of a maternal health crisis.

(Giulia Bertelli/Unsplash)

This sentiment is echoed by “Opportunities in the Postpartum Period to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk Following Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes,” a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA), which was recently published in “Circulation,” the Association’s flagship peer-reviewed journal.

“Healthcare professionals and the public alike often think of heart disease as a man’s disease. While heart disease is also the leading cause of death for women, fewer than 50% of women identify it as such. This is creating a dangerous situation for women, especially during higher-risk periods of their life, as their symptoms often go undiagnosed and untreated,” says Dr. Sadiya S. Khan, one of the statement’s authors. “As adverse pregnancy outcomes become increasingly common, it’s important for women to be aware of their risk for heart disease, the actions they can take to lower their risk if they experience pregnancy complications, and for birth justice policy interventions to take place that will improve their care during their pregnancy, and throughout their lifetimes.”

Many women face significant barriers in accessing primary care after delivery. Up to 40% of women do not access postpartum care, and only an estimated 18% to 25% of postpartum patients with pregnancy complications or chronic health conditions are seen by a primary care clinician within 6 months of delivery. Women of color, and women in rural areas are disproportionately impacted by barriers to care that could leave them vulnerable to further health complications.

According to NCIT, policy interventions such as expanded Medicaid coverage for 12 months postpartum in all states, expanded income eligibility for health insurance programs, paid family and medical leave, community-based doulas, and evidence-based home visiting programs can help promote ethnic, racial and socioeconomic birth equity, and help ensure all expectant and new parents have access to insurance, care and the supports needed to thrive.

Also supporting women in all stages of life, and all stages of pregnancy is Go Red for Women, an AHA initiative empowering women to take charge of their heart health. One way they can do that, according to the initiative, is by understanding their heart disease risks, and coming to their doctors’ appointments prepared to discuss their personal and family health history and other factors that could impact their chance of a healthy pregnancy. Women can also proactively manage their heart disease risk factors during pregnancy and after delivery using the AHA’s Life Essential 8 cardiovascular health metrics as a framework. These include: eating better, being more active, quitting tobacco, getting healthy sleep, managing weight, controlling cholesterol, managing blood sugar and managing blood pressure.

“Stemming the tide of this maternal health crisis is vital for families, and it starts with bringing light to the tremendous need for better delivery of care to moms and soon-to-be moms with a focus on heart health,” says Dr. Khan.

-StatePoint

Published April 17, 2024