Raising funds for breast cancer
Breast Friends Forever Inc., based in Caliente Resort and Spa, raised more than $34,435 for Moffitt Cancer Center, with the support of sponsors and the community during a derby fundraiser. The money is specifically earmarked for breast cancer treatment and research. Taking part in the presentation, from left: Debra Ruyle, Diane Wiley, Pam Gerbig, Judi Miller, Debbie Wright and Hilda Holt. Member Sharon LeVand is not pictured.
Critical need for blood donors
OneBlood, a local blood center, is urging people with O-positive blood to donate as soon as possible.
Summer is a challenging time for blood donations. School is out and people are on vacation, but the need for blood does not stop, according to a release by OneBlood.
Thirty-seven percent of the population has O-positive blood, making it the most common blood type, which makes it transfused more often.
Generally, healthy people age 16 and older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood.
For a list of OneBlood Donor Centers and Big Red Bus blood drives, visit OneBlood.org.
Hospital performs robotic procedure
The Medical Center of Trinity has announced the successful completion of the first robotic-assisted coronary/peripheral angioplasty in the Tampa Bay region.
According to a release, this is the first and only FDA-cleared and CE Marked medical device to bring robotic-assisted precision and control to coronary and peripheral interventional procedures.
Physicians use minimally invasive technology, which improves the precision of stent placements. Combined with the enhanced visualization of the X-ray images and robotic precision, procedures are transformed, ultimately improving patient care.
Nursing excellence
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point recognized registered nurse Aida Guardiani for Excellence in Nursing.
The Excellence in Nursing Awards were established to honor outstanding nurses who demonstrate excellence in professional mentoring and in providing compassionate care.
Melanie Wetmore, chief nursing officer, pointed out, in a release, that Aida goes out of her way daily to go above and beyond in the care and navigation of her patients; patients and families consistently rave about the care she provides; her compassion for others is evident in everything she does; and, she ensures every interaction with patients is positive, caring and nurturing.
Guardiani received a $500 check, a plaque, a special parking spot for a year, and an lapel pin.
New staff member
Access Health Care Physicians welcomes Dr. Melitza Lopez Valle to its medical staff.
Lopez Valle comes to Access Health from Puerto Rico, where she has practiced medicine since receiving her medical degree in 2007 at that Universidad Central Del Caribe, Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
She completed her residency at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus.
Lopez Valle is proficient in both Spanish and English.
Access Health’s main office is at 5350 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill.
Medicare information
Being uninformed of your Medicare benefits and options can result in delays in coverage, financial penalties and higher health care costs.
To learn more, speak to a local Medicare counselor that can be provided by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE Program.
The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program provides free, confidential and unbiased counseling.
For information, visit the Florida Elder Helpline at FloridaShine.org, and complete the “contact us” form.
