4 back-to-school tips for healthy lungs
TAMPA – The American Lung Association is encouraging families to take proactive steps to protect children and youth from common lung health threats.
Nearly 40,000 children in Tampa have been diagnosed with asthma and many more are exposed to poor indoor air quality, respiratory illnesses and tobacco use. Being prepared can make all the difference.
“This is a critical time for families to be aware of new asthma triggers, exposure to new viruses, peer pressure to smoke or vape and other stressors that can impact kids’ health,” said Dr. John Prpich, pediatric pulmonologist.
The Lung Association recommends the following to help protect kids’ lungs:
- Stay up to date on vaccinations.
- Understand and manage asthma.
- Talk about vaping before school starts.
- Register for the Gulf Coast Bike Trek on Oct. 18. The trek offers three courses along the Pinellas Trail through Dunedin and Tarpon Springs. Learn more at GulfCoastBikeTrek.org.
Hospital offers gastric pacemaker
LAKE WALES – AdventHealth Lake Wales is the first hospital in Polk County to offer Enterra, an FDA-approved gastric pacemaker for gastroparesis.
The device helps reduce nausea and vomiting for patients with this debilitating stomach condition.
Dr. Robert Browning implanted the county’s first Enterra device on July 31.
The minimally invasive outpatient procedure lasts about an hour, and patients often see symptom relief within a month.
August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month. Doctors hope to raise awareness of the disease, which can be caused by diabetes or surgery.
On the web: AdventHealthLakeWales.com
Hospital recognized for stroke care
DAVENPORT – AdventHealth Heart of Florida in Davenport has earned the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite awards.
These honors recognize the hospital’s commitment to delivering fast, evidence-based stroke care that improves survival and reduces disability.
Stroke is a leading cause of death in Florida, with Polk County’s rate higher than the state average. Hospital teams met strict criteria to reduce treatment delays, a crucial step in saving lives.
On the web: AdventHealth.com
AdventHealth hospitals host free health talk
ZEPHYRHILLS – AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills are hosting a free talk on digestive health and wellness.
Digestive health experts will discuss “Gut Check: Let’s Talk Digestion” from Noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 20 at The Genesis Community Center, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills.
Call 877-534-3108 or visit AHZephyrhills.com/Events to register.
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North holds free childbirth class
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is holding a free, one-day Comprehensive Childbirth Class for busy parents-to-be who want a one-session presentation that covers the basics.
New parents learn about labor and birth and get an overview of breastfeeding and newborn care. The class includes a tour of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s labor and delivery rooms, mother and baby rooms and new NICU.
The class takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 23 in a hospital classroom, 4211 Van Dyke Road. Register at BayCareEvents.org or by calling 855-314-8352, option 2.
Support groups help moms
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes in August 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 Aug. 14 and 28, 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 Aug. 14, 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 Aug. 28, 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.
