Woman recounts battle with rare illness
DAVENPORT – Alice Saunders went to AdventHealth Heart of Florida Sports Medicine Rehab for physical therapy in January when she and staff members noticed something was wrong.
She was having a Myasthenia Gravis attack. The rare neuromuscular, autoimmune disorder causes extreme fatigue and can cause certain muscles to be weak.
Saunders was rushed to AdventHealth Heart of Florida and spent several days in the ICU.
“I was put on a massive amount of antibiotics. Praise God, I thank him for this day. If it wasn’t for the people at sports medicine recognizing that I wasn’t doing well, I would have died,” Saunders said.
More than 70,000 people are diagnosed with the disorder in the United States, according to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation. The foundation says the illness is more common in adults with women under 40 and men over 60 more likely to be diagnosed with it. It has no cure, but there are treatments to manage symptoms, which include drooping eyelids, double vision, trouble smiling, trouble breathing or swallowing, extremely weak arms, hands or legs, profound tiredness and impeded mobility and movement.
“Myasthenia Gravis is a complex and often debilitating disorder that can drastically alter a patient’s quality of life,” said Kepler Francois, the clinical operations manager at AdventHealth Heart of Florida Sports Medicine and Rehab. “Our team has seen the toll it takes physically, emotionally and mentally. I am thankful that our team was able to recognize that Ms. Saunders was in distress and quickly get her the help she needed.”
BayCare exec’s role expands
CLEARWATER – C. Todd Jones, chief ambulatory services officer, is stepping into an expanded role at BayCare Health System. He’ll have the dual title of chief strategy officer and chief ambulatory services officer.
Jones joined BayCare in 2018. He has played a pivotal role in expanding BayCare’s outpatient footprint, adding multiple ambulatory care sites across West Central Florida, including the Tampa Bay area.
Ambulatory services include laboratory, home care, imaging, ambulatory surgery, telehealth and urgent care.
“Todd has proven time and again to be an asset to BayCare as someone who welcomes and nurtures new ideas and excels at executing them,” President and CEO Stephanie Conners said. “He has long been an informal strategy leader for BayCare and is a natural choice for this role.”
Supply drive supports domestic violence survivors
TAMPA – Elite DNA Behavioral Health partnered with five local shelters and organizations in May to host a supply drive collecting over 1,500 items.
The drive supported the organization’s efforts in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month and collected cleaning, home, hygiene and self-care items.
The collection efforts spanned six Elite DNA offices in Brandon, Brooksville, Carrollwood, Lakeland, Largo and Wesley Chapel and supported organizations like Dawn Center of Hernando County, Hope for Her, Peace River Center, The Spring of Tampa Bay and Sunrise of Pasco County.
“The effects of domestic violence on physical, emotional and mental well-being are significant, and we’re honored to support these local organizations and the life-changing work they’re doing for those in our community,” said Elizabeth Dosoretz, CEO of Elite DNA Behavioral Health.
On the web: EliteDNA.com
Men, take charge of your heath before an emergency
WASHINGTON, DC – The American College of Emergency Physicians urges every man to prioritize their health to help prevent a medical emergency.
“Never put off a doctors’ visit until your health concerns become too severe to ignore,” said Dr. Alison Haddock, president of ACEP. “Getting regular check-ups and recognizing when it is time to go to the emergency department are two ways to take charge of your health that may save your life.”
The nation’s emergency physicians share these suggestions for men: schedule routine check-ups and screenings, avoid preventable injuries, know when to go to the emergency department, and prioritize mental health.
“We have to normalize men talking about their health,” said Dr. Haddock. “Making healthy choices today and building healthy habits will go a long way toward preventing a medical emergency.”
On the web: acep.org and emergencyphysicians.org
Moms can get support
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes in July about breastfeeding and newborn care.
The events are open to all no matter which hospital you delivered or plan to deliver your children. Events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road.
- Breastfeeding Support Group – For breastfeeding mothers, their babies and one support person (grandmother, aunt, etc.) The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered July 10 and 24, 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. Offered July 10, 1 to 5 p.m.
- Understanding Breastfeeding – Provides information to the expectant mother and her 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. Offered July 24, 1 to 5 p.m.
Register in advance by visiting BayCareEvents.org or 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.
SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything.
Counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.
Here are some upcoming programs:
Medicare Basics
- July 3 at 10 a.m. at New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-853-1279.
- July 19 at 10 a.m. at Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214.
- July 24 at noon at Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
Medicare Fraud Prevention
- July 8 at 1 p.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375.
- July 31 at 1 p.m. at Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Seminole. 727-394-6922.
Medicare 101
- July 2 at noon at Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508.
- July 3 at 10:30 a.m. at New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375.
- July 16 at 11 a.m. at Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669.
- July 16 at 1 p.m. at Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Gulfport. 727-893-1073.
