Health

Health 06-25-14

June 26, 2014 By Mary Rathman

‘Safety first’ with Cpl. Wilkett
Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care recently honored Cpl. Alan Wilkett of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office with a plaque to thank him for his help in educating Gulfside staff on safety measures. At the presentation were, from left, Sheena Thompson, Wilkett, Gulfside president and chief executive Linda Ward, and Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco.

Chatterboxes meeting
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, hosts bi-weekly Chatterboxes support group meetings to assist individuals suffering from communication deficits as a result of a cerebral vascular accident or other neurological disorder.

The next meeting is June 26 at 3 p.m.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Infant care program
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering an infant care class June 26 and July 3 at 6 p.m.

The class will provide parents with the knowledge and skills to make the transition into parenting smooth and comfortable.

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

Breast cancer support
Florida Cancer Affiliates is hosting a breast cancer support group meeting July 3 at 6 p.m., at its New Port Richey center, 5500 Little Road.

For information, call (727) 505-6379.

Nutrition and diabetes
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is hosting a class on nutrition and diabetes July 3 at 10 a.m.

The class will teach the basic principles of nutrition; meal timing; how carbohydrates, proteins and fats can affect blood sugar; and how to make better food choices.

Seating is limited, and reservations are required.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)

Brenda Welcher is exceptional employee
Brenda Welcher reacts to being named Florida Hospital Zephyrhills’ 2013 Employee of the Year. She was selected for her high-quality performance, good attendance and consistent display of excellent with teamwork, patient and environment service standards. Hospital chief executive Randy Surber as well as marketing director Cheryl Kennison, right, were among those on hand to congratulate Welcher.

‘I Quit’ at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., is offering the “I Quit” workshop July 17 at 5 p.m.

The workshop will provide education on nicotine addiction and withdrawal, strategies for handling cravings, a free four-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy, and a referral for ongoing support after the class.

To register, call Jihane Ambroise at (813) 929-1000, or visit AHECTobacco.org.

Get the most out of insurance
Most health care plans must now cover a set of preventive services like shots and screening tests under the Affordable Care Act.

To better understand insurance coverage, Bayfront Health Dade City’s free physician referral service is offering information on how to get the most out of insurance.

Those in need of assistance can call (877) 362-5321, or visit BayfrontDadeCity.com.

AFO receives grant from Griswold Cares
The Griswold Cares Foundation recently awarded a $1,000 grant to The Alzheimer’s Family Organization of Pasco for its strong commitment to providing respite care and the impact that care has in the communities it serves.

The foundation was established in 2010 with the vision that all seniors, including those with limited financial means, have the opportunity to age with dignity in the comfort of their own homes.

Zephyrhills hospital delivers big changes, more babies

June 26, 2014 By Michael Hinman

There is a baby boom hitting Florida Hospital Zephyrhills so large, even administrators are struggling to understand it.

Jennifer Wesolowski and Freddy Santiago welcomed their new son, Joseph Santiago, into the world at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills last weekend. Joseph, who was born in the late-night hours of June 18, is part of a boom of babies being born at the hospital. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo) — Jennifer Wesolowski and Freddy Santiago welcomed their new son, Joseph Santiago, into the world at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills last weekend. Joseph, who was born in the late-night hours of June 18, is part of a boom of babies being born at the hospital.
(Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

Over the past six months, the hospital on U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills welcomed 258 babies into the world, well above projections of just 100 for this point. And they’re not expecting it to let up anytime soon.

“There’s a sense that we’re doing a lot here at the hospital, and it’s creating some excitement in the community,” said Dr. Annette Williams, medical director for The Baby Place, the obstetrics unit at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. “We’re making a lot of positive changes, and that means people are staying right here in town, and are not going somewhere else instead.”

Just a few weeks ago, The Baby Place moved out of its old unit home at the hospital and into temporary quarters on the second floor. That’s because the maternity unit is getting a complete overhaul that includes significant equipment upgrades, new beds, and even an aesthetic refresh.

The finished product, expected to open in August, will increase the number of labor rooms from five to eight, and postpartum rooms from seven to nine. And even that might not be enough to handle the uptick in babies.

The Zephyrhills hospital did anticipate at least a small rise in births at the hospital after Bayfront Health Dade City announced last year it was closing its maternity unit. One of the contributing factors was a 33 percent decline in births at the hospital between 2008 and 2012, according to published reports.

The Baby Place got ready, however, by calling various doctor offices in the area, and trying to get a count of the number of expecting mothers who were likely to choose Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. The results convinced the hospital to increase its maternity staff, but the baby census was actually on the low end.

“Even with all the calling we did, we had even more people come in than we thought we would,” said Catalina Sierra, who manages The Baby Place with Williams. “We had a lot of people just walking in, saying they were supposed to go to Tampa, or they were supposed to go to Brooksville, but instead, ‘Here I am.’”

The upgrades to The Baby Place also gave the hospital a chance to centralize many of its women’s health services, including mother/baby, gynecology, breast care, heart care, and health and wellness. At the same time, the hospital also changed how the department was managed, going to one led by a physician instead of the more traditional nurse-led department.

The biggest advantage to that is much stronger communication between the nursing staff, who work the front lines, and the physicians.

“There’s always that gap between the physicians and the nurses, and it’s difficult sometimes,” Williams said. “By having a physician in charge, it’s a lot easier to talk to the physician and make your case for the nurse. Communication is such an integral part of health care, and we’re trying to make it easier for that communication to happen, and not put the stress on the nurses.”

The difference in the new system has already been felt, Sierra said, and it’s a positive one where she enjoys working with Williams.

“She’s such a great doctor. She knows the physician’s mind, and she knows the nurse’s mind. That way, she can relate to the doctors and relate to the nurses, and that’s just what we need.”

The maternity market is highly competitive, especially as more and more hospitals open within driving distance of East Pasco County, creating plenty of choice for mothers. While proximity might play a strong role in the selection of a hospital, other issues such as quality of care, level of equipment sophistication, and even how comfortable and calming the rooms are, are important considerations.

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills says it is experiencing an influx of moms, even before renovations are complete.

Serving women who are having babies is an excellent way to introduce the hospital to younger people, especially for many mothers who are spending their first night in one delivering a child.

“For a lot of women, this is their very first encounter with a hospital,” said Cheryl Kennison, the marketing director at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. “When people are choosing to stay here when they could’ve easily gone somewhere else, it says a lot about the team, and what everyone is doing here.”

Published June 25, 2014

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Health 06-18-14

June 19, 2014 By Mary Rathman

Pharmacy celebrates expansion
Trinity Medical Pharmacy, the only dual-accredited compounding pharmacy in Florida, celebrated its newly expanded lab facility with a ribbon cutting and tours of the 12,000-square-foot facility. The pharmacy specializes in compounding medications for dermatology, migraines, oncology, orthopedics, pain, psoriasis and wound care. It is located at 9332 State Road 54 in Trinity.

Memory Care Village unveiling
The Commons on Pretty Pond, located at 38130 Pretty Pond Road in Zephyrhills, will host a public open house June 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will include the unveiling of Memory Care Village at The Commons, complete with tours and information regarding the newest addition to the campus. The village will provide care to patients with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other types of memory impairment.

To RSVP, call (813) 779-4501.

Cancer support at Keystone
Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes, hosts a cancer support group program with local doctors and hospital and clinic professionals.

Dr. Ghassan El Haddad will present “Cancer and the Treatment of It” June 19 at 7 p.m. Haddad is the section head for radionuclide therapy at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute.

For information, call Walt Bockmiller at (813) 527-8211, or the church at (813) 948-4522.

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

The next meeting is June 19 at 6:30 p.m.

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

Lymphedema support meeting
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host monthly lymphedema support group meetings.

Lymphedema is a persistent swelling, usually affecting an arm or leg that sometimes occurs as a side effect of cancer treatment.

The next meeting is June 19 at 3 p.m.

Seating is limited, and reservations are required.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Gulfside hosts educational bingo
Gulfside Hospice will host an educational bingo game June 25 at 11 a.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway.

The event will feature topics on the benefits of hospice care, myths about hospice care, the levels of hospice care, and advanced directives.

For information, call Jennifer Chianella at (727) 992-8984.

Ostomy support group
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host its support group meeting for all ostomy patients and families on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

The next meeting is June 25 at 5 p.m.

Meetings are guided by Billie Jo Bennett, certified wound care associate and ostomy management specialist.

For information, call (727) 834-4450.

Grand opening for medical education center
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Graduate Medical Education Center June 25 at 5 p.m., at 14108 Glacial Drive in Hudson.

There will be a reception, tours, and a white coat ceremony for the inaugural class of residents. The event is open to the public.

For information, or to RSVP, call (727) 869-5505.

Health 06-11-14

June 12, 2014 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

Blessed hands symbolize nursing commitment
The Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point nursing staff celebrate the ‘Blessing of the Hands’ by chaplain, the Rev. Jack Long, during a ceremony May 9. It symbolizes the nursing commitment to care, healing, and relief of pain and suffering. Janet Brown, director of the hospital’s Neuro Spine Unit, receives water from the chaplain’s chalice during the ceremony.

Sibling classes
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, offers monthly sibling classes.

The classes cover topics such as what a new baby looks like, how to become a big helper, and how to make friends with the new baby.

The next class is for children 2 to 6 years old on June 18 at 5 p.m.

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

Cancer support at Keystone
Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes, hosts a cancer support group program with local doctors and hospital and clinic professionals.

Dr. Ghassan El Haddad will present “Cancer and the Treatment of It” June 19 at 7 p.m. Haddad is the section head for radionuclide therapy at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute.

For information, call Walt Bockmiller at (813) 527-8211, or the church at (813) 948-4522.

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

The next meeting is June 19 at 6:30 p.m.

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

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

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

Appointments are recommended.

For information, call (813) 948-7734.

Lymphedema support meeting
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host monthly lymphedema support group meetings.

Lymphedema is a persistent swelling, usually affecting an arm or leg that sometimes occurs as a side effect of cancer treatment.

The next meeting is June 19 at 3 p.m.

Seating is limited, and reservations are required.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Rev. Jack Long receives humanitarian award
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has honored chaplain the Rev. Jack Long with its 2013 Frist Employee Humanitarian Award.

The award honors outstanding individuals whose daily dedication and caregiving epitomizes the highest standards of quality and personal commitment.

Regional Medical excels in patient safety
Hospital Safety score recently honored Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point with an “A” for patient safety.

The grade is compiled by how well hospitals protect patients from accidents, errors, injuries and infections.

The first and only hospital safety rating to be peer-reviewed in the Journal of Patient Safety, the score is designed to give consumers information they can use to protect themselves and their families when facing a hospital stay.

Food addicts program
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous meets at Seventh-day Adventist Church, 33420 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, Thursdays at 7 p.m.

The program is based on the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

For information, visit FoodAddicts.org.

NAMI offers support
The Pasco County Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness offers two monthly support group meetings at 7 p.m.

• Family & Friends Support Meetings: North Tampa Behavioral Health, 29910 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel, first and third Tuesday of each month. This group is for family and friends of those with mental illness.

• NAMI Connections: NAMI Pasco Office, 6480 Jallo Plaza, 6480 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, every Tuesday. This group is for those living with mental illness.

For information, call (727) 992-9653.

I Quit program at Florida Hospital
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., is offering the I Quit nicotine program June 12 at 5 p.m., in the hospital’s education room.

Topics include nicotine addiction and withdrawal, strategies to handle cravings, a free four-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy, and a referral for ongoing support after the class.

To register, call Jihane Ambroise at (813) 929-1000.

Health 06-04-14

June 5, 2014 By Mary Rathman

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

Appointments are recommended.

For information, call (813) 948-7734.

Smoking cessation program
The Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will offer a free smoking cessation program June 6 at noon.

Participants are eligible to receive up to four weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy, including gum patches and lozenges.

Registration is required.

For information, call (813) 929-1000, ext. 213.

Hospice teen camp
Gulfside Hospice is hosting its annual Mending Hearts Teen Camp June 6 and June 7 at Lakewood Retreat in Brooksville.

The camp focuses on providing a safe environment for teens dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Activities include a rope course, arts and crafts, and a balloon release.

For information, call (727) 844-3946, or (813) 780-1235.

Men’s health seminar
The Wellness Plaza at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., will host a men’s health seminar June 10.

There will be a heart health lecture at 10 a.m., a low testosterone lecture at 11:15 a.m., and an erectile dysfunction lecture at 12:30 p.m.

Registration is required, and space is limited. Lunch will be provided.

For information, call (813) 929-5432.

MS support group
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, hosts a monthly support group the second Tuesday of each month for those afflicted with multiple sclerosis, along with their caregivers and family members.

The next meeting is June 10 at noon.

For information, call (727) 372-1568.

Atrial fibrillation lecture
The Heart Institute at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will host a free presentation on “Atrial Fibrillation: Treatment for Irregular Heart Rhythm” June 10 at 3 p.m.

Guest speakers are cardiac surgeon Dr. Michael Wahl and cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Rajiva Goyal.

Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Refreshments will be served.

For information, call (727) 869-5498.

OLOR cancer network
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church Family Cancer Network meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month in Rosary Hall, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, beginning at 7 p.m.

Cancer survivors and caregivers are invited to attend.

For information, call (813) 949-4565.

Food addicts program
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous meets at Seventh-day Adventist Church, 33420 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, Thursdays at 7 p.m.

The program is based on the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

For information, visit FoodAddicts.org.

NAMI offers support
The Pasco County Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness offers two monthly support group meetings at 7 p.m.

• NAMI Connections: NAMI Pasco Office, 6480 Jallo Plaza, 6480 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, every Tuesday. This group is for those living with mental illness.

For information, call (727) 992-9653.

Health 05-28-14

May 29, 2014 By Mary Rathman

Alzheimer’s caregiver seminar
The Alzheimer’s Association will host its free “Caregiver Stress: Taking Care of You” seminar May 29 at 7 p.m., at Arden Courts Memory Care Community, 14950 Casey Road in Tampa.

Seating is limited, and reservations are required.

For information, call (813) 963-6100.

‘Start Your Engines’ in Trinity
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host the community event called “Start Your Engines” May 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition to classic cars and model airplanes, there will be educational stations on heart and vascular, cancer, back pain, knee and hip pain, gall bladder, rehabilitative services, wound care and women’s imaging services.

Boxed lunches will be available for $3.

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

Gulfside caregiver seminar
Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care will host a seminar on end-of-life planning, caregiver tips and resources June 4 at 9 a.m.

This is a free seminar at Michels & Lundquist funeral home, 5228 Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey.

Lunch will be served, but seating is limited.

For information, call Brenda Browne at (727) 484-7933.

Free health seminar
Samantha Taylor of Pure Health Studios, 2206 Knight Road in Land O’ Lakes, is hosting a free seminar called “How to Get Rid of Cravings and Balance Your Hunger” May 31 at 11 a.m.

To RSVP, visit PureHealthStudios.com.

Medical center receives AHA award
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has received the Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association and America Stroke Association.

The award recognizes the center’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted guidelines.

This is the seventh consecutive year Bayonet Point has been recognized with a quality achievement award.

Access Health Care stroke lecture
Access Health Care, 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill, will host a stroke lecture June 5 at 5:15 p.m.

Dr. Maria Scunziano-Singh will cover the signs of impending catastrophic brain injury.

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

Gulfside memorial service
Gulfside Hospice is hosting a community memorial service May 30 at 3 p.m., at East Pasco Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7333 Dairy Road in Zephyrhills.

There will be refreshments after the service.

For information, call (727) 844-3946.

Men’s health seminar
The Wellness Plaza at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., will host a free men’s health seminar June 10 starting at 10 a.m.

There will be a heart health lecture at 10 a.m., a lecture on low testosterone at 11:15 a.m., and a lecture on erectile dysfunction at 12:30 p.m.

Registration is required. Lunch will be provided.

For information, call (813) 929-5432.

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, located at 6851 Wire Road in Zephyrhills.

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

Fashion show fundraiser
The Alzheimer’s Family Organization will host its annual Alberta’s Fashion Show at Heritage Springs Country Club, 11345 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity, June 17 at noon.

The event includes lunch, a Chinese auction, door prizes, vendor tables and raffles.

Cost is $30 per person, with discounts for table purchases. Sponsorships are available starting at $75.

All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Family Organization.

For information, visit tinyurl.com/AlbertaFashion.

Hospital needs volunteers
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of tasks including transporting patients to and from tests, driving the shuttle, distributing mail, cafeteria, clerical and administrative, and more. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.

There is a minimum requirement of four volunteer hours per week.

Volunteers receive a complimentary meal in the café on the days they work, and recognition at the annual volunteer banquet. Orientation sessions are twice a month.

If interested, applications are available online at FloridaHospital.com/Zephyrhills, or by calling (813) 779-6256.

Health 05-21-14

May 23, 2014 By Mary Rathman

Gulfside Hospice honors its volunteers
Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care’s volunteer department showed its appreciation for its volunteers at three picnics during National Volunteer Week. Representing the department were, from left, Central Pasco volunteer manager Jennifer Ball, volunteer services director Kelly Milner, West Pasco volunteer manager Kathie Poole and East Pasco volunteer manager Tracey Thompson.

Johnson joins North Tampa Behavioral Health
Dr. Tonja Johnson has joined North Tampa Behavioral Health’s medical staff.

Johnson is board certified in psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology.

She attended medical school at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, before relocating to complete her internship and residency at the University of South Florida.

Health insurance services
Premier Community HealthCare is offering outreach and enrollment services for those that need help with Access, Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Plan applications.

There will be a head start/early enrollment event May 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the District School Board Complex, Portable 23, 20425 Gator Lane in Land O’ Lakes.

For information, call (352) 518-2000, ext. 9238.

Uninsured and homeless health care
Pasco County residents that are uninsured and/or homeless can receive basic health care on the Mobile Medical Unit, provided by Pasco County Public Defender Bob Dillinger, at no charge.

The unit will be at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, May 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For information, visit WeareTheHope.org.

Ostomy support
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, hosts a monthly support group for ostomy patients and their families on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m.

The next meeting is May 28. Walk-ins are welcome.

For information, call (727) 834-4450.

Health 05-14-14

May 15, 2014 By Mary Rathman

Asaro and D’Amario are volunteers of the year
Dominc Asaro and Collen D’Amario have been named the Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point’s 2013 Volunteers of the Year. Asaro has more than 10 years of service and 12,750 hours of dedication. D’Amario joined the volunteers in 2009 and has more than 16,000 hours of service.

There will be an information table at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, on Thursdays in May from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The information also is available at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For information, call (352) 518-2000, ext. 9238.

Walk for mental health
Dressing Angels Inc., is hosting its Walk for Mental Health Awareness at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel, May 17 beginning at 9 a.m.

The Dressing Angels charity provides clothing and shoes to mentally ill and homeless children and adults.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., near the Dillard’s parking lot. There will be refreshments and snacks.

Registration is $10 for ages 14 and older, and $5 for children ages 5 through 13.

For information, call Phyllis Lise at (813) 498-7967, or email .

Gulfside memorial services
Gulfside Hospice is hosting a memorial service May 19 at 3 p.m., at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Seven Springs, 4651 Little Road in New Port Richey.

The service is for anyone to remember loved ones who have passed away.

There will be refreshments after the service.

For information, call Gulfside’s bereavement department at (727) 844-3946.

Diabetic travel tips
Access Health Care, 4270 Lake in the Woods Drive in Spring Hill, is offering a lecture called “Travel Tips for Diabetics” May 19 at 1 p.m.

Seating is limited, and reservations are required.

For information, call (352) 597-7249.

Parkinson’s support
The Tampa area Parkinson’s Disease Support Group will meet May 21 at the Church of the Nazarene, 5902 N. Himes Ave., in Tampa.

There will be a general meeting at 1 p.m., and those with Parkinson’s will meet separate from caregivers at 2 p.m.

Light refreshments will be served.

For information, call Jane Lowry at (813) 932-6902.

Gulfside Hospice honors its volunteers
Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care’s volunteer department showed its appreciation for its volunteers at three picnics during National Volunteer Week. Gisele Connor, left, and Jeanette Tatro were among the Gulfside Hospice volunteers who were celebrated at the East Pasco Volunteer Appreciation picnic at Zephyr Park during National Volunteer’s Week April 6-12. (Courtesy of Kirsty Churchill)

Free support groups at Florida Hospital
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., offers the following monthly support groups:

Depression/Bipolar Support Group: every Monday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Stroke Support Group: every third Thursday, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Diabetes Support Group: every first Tuesday, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Parkinson’s Support Group: every second Wednesday, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

No registration is required.

For information, call (877) 534-3108.

Silver award for Bayfront Health Dade City
Bayfront Health Dade City has received the Get With the Guidelines – Stroke Silver Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart/Stroke Association for the treatment of stroke patients.

The hospital earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period.

These measures include proper use of medications and aggressive risk-reduction therapies aimed at reducing death and disability, and improving the lives of stroke patients.

Men’s health seminar
The Wellness Plaza at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., will host a free men’s health seminar June 10 at 10 a.m.

There will be a heart health lecture at 10 a.m., a lecture on low testosterone at 11:15 a.m., and a lecture on erectile dysfunction at 12:30 p.m.

Registration is required. Lunch will be provided.

For information, call (813) 929-5432.

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, 6851 Wire Road in Zephyrhills.

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

The event includes lunch, a Chinese auction, door prizes, vendor tables and raffles.

Cost is $30 per person, with discounts for table purchases. Sponsorships are available starting at $75.

All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Family Organization.

For information, visit tinyurl.com/AlbertaFashion.

CARES programs
CARES Enrichment Center, 13906 Fifth St., in Dade City, offers these activities:

Adult Day Care: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants receive breakfast, lunch and a snack, along with organized activities. The program provides social and health services to adults who need supervision in a safe place outside the home. Reservations are required, and veterans are accepted. For costs and available funding, call (352) 519-9300.
Senior Moments Early Memory Loss Program: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For reservations or information, call (352) 518-9300.

There is a minimum requirement of four volunteer hours per week.

Volunteers receive a complimentary meal in the café on the days they work, and recognition at the annual volunteer banquet. Orientation sessions are twice a month.

If interested, applications are available online at FloridaHospital.com/Zephyrhills, or by calling (813) 779-6256.

Support for stroke patients
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills has a stroke support group that meets the third Thursday of every month at 3 p.m. The group offers support to stroke patients and their caregivers.

The meetings are in the hospital’s wellness conference room at the hospital, 7050 U.S. 301, in Zephyrhills.

For information, visit FHZeph.org.

Volunteer at Bayfront Health
Bayfront Health Dade City, 13100 Fort King Road in Dade City, is looking for energetic men and women to join its volunteer team, including junior volunteers between the ages of 14 and 18.

Opportunities are available in both clinical and nonclinical areas of the hospital.

To learn more about the program, call Amy Fort at (352) 521-1195.

New surgery option eases recovery for hysterectomy patients

May 15, 2014 By B.C. Manion

Dr. Pamela Twitty made history on April 30 at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North by becoming the first surgeon in Tampa to perform a single-site robotics-assisted hysterectomy.

The type of surgery had been performed previously in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, but not in Tampa, Twitty said.

She used a da Vinci robotic system to perform the surgery, controlling instruments from a console in the operating room.

In traditional hysterectomy surgery, doctors make a five- to seven-inch incision in the woman’s abdomen and remove the uterus through the laceration. That approach leaves noticeable scars and requires a month or two of recovery, Twitty said.

But with robotics-assisted surgery, recovery is quicker with less post-operative pain because it’s less invasive, and it reduces scarring as well.

Twitty performed the surgery on Land O’ Lakes resident Hollie Morris.

“I was pretty excited about it,” the 35-year-old said.

Morris didn’t have any misgivings about being Twitty’s first patient for this procedure because she had an established relationship with the doctor.

“I love Dr. Twitty. I trust her completely,” Morris said.

When Twitty explained the procedure, Morris said she could sense the doctor’s excitement about performing a surgery such as this. At the same time, Twitty wanted to make sure Morris was completely comfortable with the approach.

Morris found the prospect appealing for numerous reasons, she said. For one thing, since she has children, it was important for her to recover quickly and get back to the business of daily life. Secondly, she’d prefer not to have a large scar.

The surgery is done with a small cut in the naval.

“You can’t even see it,” Morris said.

Although she has felt some soreness, Morris said she’s sure she would have felt more pain if she’d had additional cuts.

“The day after surgery, I was up walking around,” Morris said.

In traditional hysterectomies, the size of the scar can vary based upon the surgical procedure that is used, the patient’s anatomy, and what needs to be done, Twitty said. The single-site option may be especially appealing to women in Florida, where swimming and going to the beach are popular pastimes.

“A lot of our patients in this area and in surrounding areas are interested in still being able to wear their swimsuits and their bikinis,” Twitty said. They want to be able to be out in the sun without any sign of their surgery.

The less invasive procedure also typically means less time in the hospital, Twitty said.

With a traditional hysterectomy, the hospital stay is two to four days. With the new surgery, it is often an overnight stay, or in some cases, they can leave the same day.

“And, healing and post-operative pain is typically less,” Twitty said. “You have a much smaller incision. It’s in a location where there’s less tension on the incision. There’s an expedited return to daily life because there’s less recuperation time, less pain.”

Twitty believes this type of surgery will become more commonly used as doctors are trained in using the technology and more patients become aware of it.

“I’ve already started talking to a number of my patients about this technology and being able to offer it,” Twitty said. “They are absolutely excited about it.”

Although robotic surgery itself has been around for about a decade, single-site technology — where one incision is made through the belly button — is a process that’s only been around for the past couple years or so, Twitty said.

“Initially, it was available for general surgeons,” she said. But there has been an expansion of the use by doctors in various specialties and more procedures have been approved.

Published May 14, 2014

Health 05-07-14

May 8, 2014 By Mary Rathman

Diane Ricca recipient of humanitarian award
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point recently presented Diane Ricca with the 2013 Frist Volunteer Humanitarian Award.

Ricca has volunteered at Bayonet Point since July 2006, accumulating more than 20,000 merit hours. Her work includes the gift shop as well as the volunteer board of directors at large.

Ricca also volunteers with the Sun Coast Health and Education Foundation, All Around Kids Foundation, and various other charities.

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

Upcoming meetings are May 8, May 15, May 22 and May 29.

This group focuses on the common purpose of developing healthy relationships.

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

Breast cancer support
Florida Cancer Affiliates is offering a bi-weekly breast cancer support group every other Thursday at the New Port Richey center, 5500 Little Road.

The next meeting is May 8 at 6 p.m.

The group will offer open discussion on a variety of topics. Light refreshments will be served.

For information, call (727) 372-9159.

Health care professionals & Alzheimer’s
The University of South Florida Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, 4001 E. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa, will host “Alzheimer’s Disease: What Health Care Professionals Need to Know” May 9 at 8 a.m.

The program will award three hours of credit for health care professionals. Topics include driving and dementia, creating a safe environment, and medication safety issues.

Cost is $40 per person. Space is limited, and registration is required.

For information, call Mady Ernst at (813) 974-4357.

Hospice’s Grief’s Journey
HPH Hospice will offer an eight-week Grief’s Journey group Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., starting May 13 at the Marliere Hospice Care Center, 6801 Rowan Road in New Port Richey.

The program is free, however registration is required.

For information, call (800) 486-8784.

Heart healthy nutrition
The Heart Institute at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point will offer the class “Heart Healthy Nutrition: Eating for a Healthy Heart” May 13 at 1 p.m., at the Rao Musunuru Conference Center, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson.

Participants can learn eating habits to help prevent and treat heart disease, food label reading, recipe modification and more.

Seating is limited, and reservations are required.

For information, call (727) 869-5498.

MS support group
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, offers a monthly support group on the second Tuesday of each month at noon, for those affected by multiple sclerosis.

The next meeting is May 13. Caregivers and family members are invited.

For information, call (727) 372-1568.

Medical Center of Trinity one of best for ER care
The Medical Center of Trinity has received the Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s best hospitals in emergency care.

The award identifies the nation’s best health care institutions and signifies the center’s commitment for creating an extraordinary health care experience for women and all patients, according to a release.

The award is based on patient satisfaction, clinical excellence, and women’s needs when it comes to treatment and quality hospital experience, said Delia Passi, chief executive and founder of WomenCertified, home of the Women’s Choice Award.

Childbirth course
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a six-week prepared childbirth class beginning May 14.

The class will meet one night per week at 7 p.m.

Cost is $70.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Autism group meeting
The autism group Helping HANDs will meet at the Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, May 14 at 7 p.m.

The group is for anyone impacted by autism and related neurological disorders.

For information, call Jonica Chittum at (813) 402-9442 or (727) 534-8230.