Bucs Babies celebrates 10 years
The AdventHealth Bucs Babies Program, an ongoing partnership between AdventHealth West Florida and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, continues to celebrate each newborn arriving at any AdventHealth hospital across the Greater Tampa Bay area as an AdventHealth Bucs Baby.
Marking the milestone of the program’s 10th year, infants born during the NFL draft week are officially inducted into the “rookie class,” receiving an exclusive Bucs Babies Draft Kit, according to a news release.
Included in the kit are essential items for new parents, such as newborn wash, shampoo, lotion, a hat, and an array of Bucs-themed gear.
The program also includes an invitation to the annual Bucs Babies Birthday Bash, a free event each year at the AdventHealth Training Center where parents and their little ones can enjoy activities and photo opportunities.
Health center consolidation
The Pediatric Health Center, near downtown New Port Richey, has merged with a new comprehensive health center on Rowan Road. The last day of medical and dental services at the Pediatric Health Center was April 30, according to a news release.
The New Port Richey Family Health Center, 5957 Rowan Road, offers a wide range of services under one roof, including medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services for children, ensuring greater convenience and accessibility to patients, the release says.
For more information and questions, call 352-518-2000, or visit PremierHC.org.
Mosquito activity increases
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) is advising residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Pasco County, according to a news release.
Eastern equine encephalitis virus was detected in a group of sick emus. The risk of transmission to humans has increased. Pasco County Mosquito Control and DOH-Pasco will continue surveillance and prevention efforts, the release says.
Residents and visitors are reminded to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, remember to “Drain and Cover.”
Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater collects.
- Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and properly chlorinated. Empty plastic pools when not in use.
Cover skin with clothing or repellent.
- Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone and IR3535 are effective. Ensure repellent is safe for children and age-appropriate. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
- Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.
To learn about what repellent is right for you, use the Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool to help choose skin-applied repellent products.
The DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue.
For information, visit the department’s website, or call DOH-Pasco at 727-619-0300.
For more on the Pasco County Mosquito Control District, visit PascoMosquito.org.
