AdventHealth helps families take charge of heart health
SEBRING – AdventHealth Sebring is expanding outreach to protect heart health in rural Highlands County, where residents face higher rates of heart disease.
Dozens attended the hospital’s annual Every Beat Counts Heart Symposium on Feb. 3, where physicians discussed common heart conditions, warning signs and treatment options, and showcased local diagnostic technology.
“For many people, heart disease can feel overwhelming,” said Dr. Thomas Shimshak, chair of interventional cardiology at AdventHealth Sebring. “Our goal is to help people understand their risk, recognize symptoms early and know that exceptional whole-person heart care is available here in our community.”
The hospital plans a 100,000-square-foot expansion, including an open-heart program, with completion expected in fall 2027.
University gets access to health care tech
TAMPA – The University of South Florida’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation has become the first institution in Florida and third worldwide to install GE HealthCare’s Allia Moveo image-guided therapy system.
CAMLS, part of the Tampa Medical & Research District, will be the first simulation center globally to integrate the technology into advanced education programs, allowing students and clinicians to train on hybrid operating room technology used in minimally invasive procedures.
“Gaining access to the latest surgical imaging and guidance technologies further ensures that innovation in education keeps pace with innovation in care,” said Dr. Haru Okuda, executive director of CAMLS.
A second Allia Moveo system is scheduled for installation later this year at Tampa General Hospital for clinical use in its hybrid operating rooms.
Hospital celebrates innovation center
TAMPA – Tampa General Hospital recently celebrated the grand opening of the 32,000-square-foot TGH Innovation Center in Ybor City.
The facility, located within the Tampa Medical & Research District, will house TGH’s innovation, ventures, analytics and IT teams, along with district offices and Palantir’s Tampa headquarters. It includes event space, classrooms, production studios and a “hospital room of the future” showcasing clinical technology.
Officials say the center will serve as a collaborative hub for startups, researchers and industry partners.
Book explains concept of moral injury
TAMPA – Dr. James Taylor has released “Moral Injury: Arming Pastors to Help Veterans Battle Soul Wounds Caused by Military Service” through WestBow Press.
The book addresses the spiritual wounds many veterans carry home from combat.
Taylor contends that while churches honor military service, many lack understanding of “moral injury” — the inner conflict that occurs when wartime actions violate deeply held beliefs. He writes that such wounds require spiritual care, reconciliation and pastoral support, not clinical treatment alone.
The book encourages pastors to recognize their biblical role in soul care, understand military culture and help veterans navigate reintegration. It also explores Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a values-based framework compatible with Christian theology.
Taylor is a retired U.S. Navy command master chief and former VA chaplain leader. The book is available through major retailers.
Hospital offers breastfeeding support
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class in March.
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 an optional support person. The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. The support group will be held March 5 and 19, 10 to 11 a.m.
- Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. The class will be held March 5, 1 to 5 p.m.
- Understanding Your Newborn: Provides information to the expectant mother and an optional 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 March 19, 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.
