Cycling to raise awareness
More than 100 local cyclists joined the American Lung Association in Tampa Bay to raise awareness for pediatric lung health. The first-ever Gulf Coast Bike Trek, presented by Raymond James, raised nearly $70,000 to support the Lung Association’s efforts to improve lung health and prevent lung disease.
Participants from across the Tampa area and beyond cycled along one of three scenic courses through Pinellas County. At the finish-line party, participants enjoyed refreshments and entertainment.
Money raised from the bike trek supports the American Lung Association’s efforts to save lives through research, education and advocacy.
Additional sponsors for the event were: St. Joseph’s Hospital, TREK, St. Petersburg College, Chick-fil-A Tampa Bay, Walmart Foundation, Living Local — Nona Bartorillo Team, REI, Sunshine Health, Lead Staffing, and Tobacco Free Coalition of Pinellas. The fundraiser’s national corporate team partner was Kindred Hospitals.
For more about the event and to donate, visit GulfCoastBikeTrek.org.
Bed bug warning
Zachary Smith, a licensed pest control professional of The Pest Dude, notes that bed bugs in Florida are nothing new, but there is the possibility of the insects spreading rapidly across each state, according to a news release.
The tiny, flat parasites feed on human blood during nighttime slumbers. While the bugs do not transmit diseases, they can lead to itchy bites, disrupted sleep and considerable discomfort.
Bed bugs often conceal themselves in mattress seams, box springs, behind bed structures, and within furniture gaps, but they can be anywhere their host lives, including the cars and planes people travel in.
Smith advises people to thoroughly check these items: mattresses, box springs, headboards, nightstands and electronics, textiles (quilts, blankets, etc.), walls, furniture, windows and doors, and closets and clutter.
To manage an active bed bug infestation and prevent its spread, he offers these tips, the release said:
- Use mattress encasements to trap bed bugs inside to starve them, cut off their food source and prevent migration.
- The use of bed bug traps such as glue traps can capture and kill bed bugs.
- Vacuum areas with signs of infestation, including mattresses, furniture, carpets and linens. Empty the vacuum into hot, soapy water to eliminate the bugs.
- After vacuuming, seal bedding in a plastic bag. Wash on the highest setting and dry on high for 30 minutes. If item should not be washed, just dry on a high setting.
There are a variety of ways, both non-chemical and chemical, to kill bugs including high temperatures, steam, desiccants, botanical sprays, insecticides, and residual treatments.
For more information, visit FloridaHealth.gov and search for “bed bugs.”
Woman’s club dedicated to helping
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club and their husbands volunteered to man the grills and serve picnic barbecue fare at the Quantum Leap Family Picnic Day.
Quantum Leap provides equine-assisted therapies, serving veterans, children with pediatric cancer, PTSD victims and people on the spectrum. The benefits of equine therapies can include improved coping strategies and communication skills.
The woman’s club also hosted a fundraiser luncheon at The Groves Golf & Country Club to benefit Sunrise of Pasco County, a domestic and sexual violence center that provides emergency safe shelter to women and children who are victims of abuse, as well as numerous support services.
The club donated two carloads filled with needed personal items for the shelter residents, as well as a $1,000 check presented to Sunrise staff.
For more information about the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.
