Groups donate CPR kits to fire departments
DAVENPORT – AdventHealth Heart of Florida and the American Heart Association have donated CPR & First Aid Anywhere Training Kits to the Davenport, Lake Wales and Haines City fire departments to expand lifesaving education.
The kits allow first responders to train up to 20 people at once in CPR and first aid using inflatable manikins, practice materials and instructional DVDs.
“AdventHealth’s generous support in providing CPR training kits moves our community one step closer to becoming a true nation of lifesavers, not bystanders,” said Eric Lee, development director at the American Heart Association. “Every kit placed represents another home, workplace or classroom equipped with the skills to act when it matters most.”
YMCA prioritizes wellness across Tampa Bay
TAMPA – The Tampa YMCA and the YMCA of the Suncoast offer options to stay healthy, active and connected.
The YMCA serves as a year-round hub where people of all ages can focus on wellness together. The Y has programs designed to fit real life for young adults, seniors, first-time gym-goers, busy parents and kids.
“People want support, not pressure,” said Matt Lewis, vice president of operations, membership and programs at the Tampa YMCA. “At the YMCA, we meet people where they are and help them build healthy habits that last. That sense of belonging is what makes the Y different.”
YMCA wellness centers feature modern fitness equipment, expert staff and a wide range of group exercise classes in a welcoming, judgment-free environment.
Children can participate in safe, engaging programs while parents focus on their own health. YMCA members also receive significant discounts on summer camp, swim lessons and youth sports.
On the web: tampaymca.org or ymcasuncoast.org.
BayCare names VP of care continuity
CLEARWATER – BayCare has appointed Chase Hall as vice president of care continuity and business development.
Hall brings more than 15 years of health care leadership experience. He will report to C. Todd Jones, chief strategy officer and chief ambulatory services officer, and Lou Galdieri, chief administrative officer.
Hall joins BayCare from Baptist Health Louisville, where he served as vice president of clinical operations, overseeing multiple service lines and more than 800 employees. His leadership included a $10 million physician group acquisition and the development of a new orthopedic ambulatory surgery center.
“Chase’s proven track record in building high-performing teams and delivering operational results aligns perfectly with BayCare’s mission to provide high-quality, compassionate care to all we serve,” Jones said.
Radiation oncologist shares breast cancer journey
ORLANDO – After 15 years of treating breast cancer patients, radiation oncologist Sue Hwang found herself facing the disease personally.
Her experience shifted abruptly when she was told, “The ultrasound showed five masses in your breast … and there’s a lymph node that looks a little abnormal.”
Hwang shares her journey in “From Both Sides of the Curtain: Lessons and Reflections from an Oncologist’s Breast Cancer Journey,” detailing the emotional and clinical realities of cancer from both doctor and patient perspectives. She highlights lesser-known warning signs of breast cancer and encourages patients to ask informed questions following diagnosis.
A board-certified radiation oncologist at the AdventHealth Cancer Institute and associate professor at UCF College of Medicine, Hwang also documents her experience through her Instagram page, @breast_cancer_360.
Her memoir will be released Jan. 20 through Morgan James Publishing.
Hospital offers breastfeeding support
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class in January.
Events are open to all, regardless of which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. The events will be held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms, 4211 Van Dyke Road.
- Breastfeeding Support Group: For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt and others) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held Jan. 15, 10 to 11 a.m.
- Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and one support person about many aspects of safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. The class will be held Jan. 15, 1 to 5 p.m.
Register for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org and choosing “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter and scrolling to the group or class you are interested in attending. Or, you can also register by phone by calling 855-314-8352 and pressing the number “2” at the prompt.
Get answers on Medicare
- PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.
Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.
They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare programs:
- Jan. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
- Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
- Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. at the Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
- Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
- Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.
