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Health News 09/16/2020

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Limited visitation resumes
BayCare Health System has resumed limited visitation at its hospitals, allowing most inpatients to have one visitor a day from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“Reductions in both COVID-19 hospitalizations and in the community’s decreasing infection rate has made it possible to provide visitor access,” said Glenn Waters, chief operating office for BayCare, in a hospital news release.

To ensure the safety of patients, visitors, team members and physicians, BayCare’s new policy continues to put a premium on infection control with these conditions:

  • Only visitors age 18 and older, who pass a COVID-19 screening, will be allowed entry, and must wear a mask during the entire visit.
  • Inpatients will be allowed one visitor per day, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., except as noted below.
  • Extended hours and provisions are allowed for pediatric, neonatal intensive care, labor and delivery, and mothers and newborns.
  • No visitors will be allowed for Behavioral Health or COVID-19 patients.
  • Patients arriving for surgeries and procedures will be allowed one visitor during pre-operation and recovery times.
  • Emergency Department patients, except for those presenting with respiratory symptoms, will be allowed one visitor once they are placed in their treatment room.
  • Special circumstances can be approved by hospital leadership on a case-by-case basis.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz is one of the hospitals where these visitation changes are in effect.

Sunrise of Pasco charity
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will be collecting donations in September to assist the Sunrise of Pasco County’s Domestic & Sexual Violence Center. The mission of Sunrise is to prevent domestic and sexual violence before it ever happens. If it does, Sunrise is dedicated to assisting victims to escape those conditions, and find safety and freedom in the community. In 2019 alone, over 13,600 individual shelter stays (overnights) were provided in Pasco County.

Sunrise is seeking donations specifically to increase the funding for its children’s programs, including school supplies, meals and recreational activities for kids in the shelter or outreach programs.

Cash donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County.

For information about Sunrise programs and services, email Vicki Wiggins, director of development, at .

For more about the charitable giving programs at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, call Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Parenting in a pandemic is challenging, pediatrician says

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Are my kids safe? Is it OK for them to attend school or should they be kept home to learn virtually? What if they get sick? What if I get sick? What if they want a playdate? How can we cope if it seems overwhelming?

Parenting already seemed daunting, but parenting during a pandemic? It’s filled with starts and stops, rapidly changing information, anxiety, guilt and exhaustion.

Maribelis Perez, a pediatrician at Premier Community HealthCare’s Dade City office, offered guidance regarding parenting during a pandemic. (Courtesy of Premier Community HealthCare)

Does that sound familiar to you? You’re not alone.

Maribelis Perez, a pediatrician at Premier Community HealthCare’s Dade City office, said parents, teachers and caregivers must focus on their physical and emotional health during these challenging times of COVID-19.

“As parents, it’s important to get educated about everything that is going on,’’ Perez said during a recent Zoom video teleconference with the public. “Pandemics aren’t new. They have happened before. But, this one has brought everything to our doors.

“Prevention is always going to be the key. We have always known that infectious diseases can be prevented by simple measures such as hand-washing. Think about just six months ago, how careless we were. Now, we are washing our hands like our lives depend on it.’’

Hand-washing is a tangible answer.

Perez said many parents are searching for solutions when it comes to emotional losses. That is more difficult to define.

“We all have been stressed and anxious,’’ Perez said. “This is all very challenging. We need to remind our children they’re not alone with these feelings. We need to normalize that feeling and validate it. We can provide reassurance and tell them how to be safe, but we can’t control everything.’’

For kids who are employing virtual learning at home, there is some control that parents can utilize, though.

“It’s unrealistic to think the kids are going to stare at their screens for hour after hour,’’ Perez said. “There must be some breaks and pauses. They have to be engaged in some activity and movement. Let them dance. Let them stretch. It’s always hard, depending on the setup at home, but there must be some form of down time.’’

Preparation is also important for at-home learning, Perez said.

“We’ve all been forced to rethink our daily lives,’’ Perez said. “None of us were necessarily prepared to turn our homes into classrooms. But, if your children are staying home to learn, it really helps to have a stimulating environment, whether it’s a small space or a large space.

“They must have the necessary tools for schoolwork without the distraction of televisions and other things. Ideally, they are not in their bedroom or in bed. Those two spaces should be separated. There must be a way to emphasize and prioritize the schoolwork.’’

For children returning to the school campus, there are different issues.

“Obviously, people with various conditions, such as respiratory illnesses and diabetes, may be at higher risk, not just (to) corona, but (to) other viruses, as well,’’ Perez said. “Conversations need to take place with health care providers, and it’s how you feel as a parent, as well.

“Schools have been working on solutions for about six months now. They are keeping kids 6 feet apart in the areas where they congregate. A lot are making use of their outdoor spaces. Face coverings and face shields are going to be really important. The hand-washing and using hand sanitizer is also very big. Most schools have escalated their cleaning. I think the proper precautions are being taken. But, of course, it’s still an individual choice for each family, and it’s not an easy choice.’’

Regardless of the school choice, Perez said it’s imperative to have healthy routines.

“Daily habits and daily routines are so important,’’ Perez said. “Set up the alarm clock to get the child moving. Have an hour a day where they’re walking outside. Get to bed early and get eight to nine hours of sleep.

“Don’t forget the eating habits. When kids are at home, it’s important not to overeat. Try to work on portion control. Drink water most of the time because we often confuse being thirsty for being hungry. Just do all you can to model healthy habits because they are so important in these times. And, know that when you’re feeling anxious or stressed, those are common feelings for everyone. Take a deep breath and know that we will all get through this,” Perez said.

By Joey Johnston

Published September 09, 2020

Health News 09/09/2020

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COVID-19 testing site
Hillsborough County opened its ninth public site for COVID-19 testing in the parking lot adjacent to the USF Health Therapy (MDT) building, at 3515 E. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.

The hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon.

There is no charge for the testing, and health insurance is not required.
Anyone who wants to be tested must register for an appointment in advance online at HCFLGov.net/COVIDTesting.

To make an appointment by phone, call (888) 513-6321 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The USF testing site is open to all Hillsborough County residents.

In addition to drive-thru testing, this location will accommodate people who arrive on foot or by bicycle.

Star volunteers
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has named its Star Award volunteers for the second quarter.

  • Frank Cianci has accumulated 2,700 hours and more than 15 years of volunteer service as a courier.
  • Charles Roe has been volunteering as a courier for more than eight years with 2,700-plus hours of service.
  • Mary Ellen Yost has volunteered four years in the Volunteer Office, accumulating more than 5,000 hours of service.

“These outstanding volunteers have shown exceptional service with our patients, visitors and staff and have gone above and beyond therefore deserving of this award,” said Donna Owen, director of Volunteers and Pastoral Care, in a hospital news release.

Sunrise of Pasco charity
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will be collecting donations in September to assist the Sunrise of Pasco County’s Domestic & Sexual Violence Center. The mission of Sunrise is to prevent domestic and sexual violence before it ever happens. If it does, Sunrise is dedicated to assisting victims to escape those conditions, and find safety and freedom in the community. In 2019 alone, over 13,600 individual shelter stays (overnights) were provided in Pasco County.

Sunrise is seeking donations specifically to increase the funding for its children’s programs, including school supplies, meals and recreational activities for kids in the shelter or outreach programs.

Cash donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County.

For information about Sunrise programs and services, email Vicki Wiggins, director of development, at .

For more about the charitable giving programs at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, call Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Gold winner
Wesley Chapel Chiropractic is the Gold winner in the 2020 Best of the Best People’s Choice Awards, presented by the Tampa Bay Times.

In the Tampa Bay region, more than 115,000 votes were cast to determine the leading businesses in more than 180 categories.

The companies received nominations from the public earlier this year. The top three vote-getters won a spot on the 2020 Best of the Best list.

For a complete list of the 2020 Best of the Best in Tampa Bay, visit TampaBay.com/best.

BayCare, a great place to work
BayCare Health System has been named one of the top companies in the United States by Great Place to Work and People magazine, for supporting team members and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BayCare ranked No. 6 for its critical role in responding to COVID-19 and how it impacted the community and team members. The ranking is based on survey feedback from more than 4.7 million employees across the country.

BayCare was one of the first health systems in West Central Florida to launch multiple drive-thru testing sites across the region, testing about 50,000 patients for COVID-19 since mid-March, according to a BayCare news release.

And, BayCare pioneered an online screening tool, launched a nurse triage hotline and provided extensive information through a dedicated website.

Walking toward better health

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Pasco County Extension has kicked off a virtual 10-week walking program to promote good health through physical activity.

The program, planned by UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension encourages people to start taking steps to improve their health.

The 10-week program calls for those taking part to walk 30 minutes a day, wherever they choose, while tracking their progress for accountability and support through a virtual community, according to a Pasco County news release.

All are welcome.

The benefits of walking are known. It reduces the risk of heart disease and some cancers, improves blood pressure, blood sugar levels, energy, mood and more, the release says.

The virtual walking program will run from Sept. 14 through Nov. 22. An optional virtual kick-off event is set for Sept. 11 at noon.

Register by Sept. 8, at tinyurl.com/lwffall2020.

The program registration fee is $14.99 per person, and all ages are welcome.  Sign up with friends as a team or individually, or request to be assigned to a team.

For more information, contact Shari Bresin at (352) 518-0156 or .

Published September 02, 2020

Wildfire smoke can be a health risk

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Wildfire smoke can irritate lungs, cause inflammation, affect the immune system, and make a person prone to lung infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

These are flames from a wildfire in Starkey Park that happened on May 6, 2017. Experts say extra preparation is needed to protect yourself and loved ones from wildfire smoke, during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. (File)

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, preparing for possible wildfires might be a little different this year.

The CDC is encouraging people to learn how wildfire smoke can affect you and your loved ones during the pandemic, and to learn what to do for protection.

Masks that are used to slow the spread of COVID-19 will offer little protection against wildfire smoke because the masks do not catch small, harmful particles in the smoke that can damage a person’s health.

The N95 respirators can provide protection from wildfire smoke, but might be in short supply as front line health care workers use them during the pandemic.

Here are some tips offered by the CDC to prepare for wildfires and smoke.

  • Limit outdoor exercise or choose lower-intensity activities to reduce smoke exposure.
  • Create a cleaner air space at home by using a portable air cleaner. Never leave a do-it-yourself box fan filtration unit unattended. Use air conditioners, heat pumps, fans and window shades to keep the cleaner air space cool on hot days. Avoid activities that create more indoor air pollution, such as frying foods, sweeping, vacuuming and using gas-powered appliances.
  • Talk with a health care provider about how to protect yourself against smoke. Stock up on medications taken routinely.
  • Have disaster supplies delivered. If delivery is not possible, take recommended precautions to protect yourself and others while running errands.
  • Have a family disaster plan in place for potential evacuation. If necessary, check for pet-friendly shelters. Seek out cleaner air shelters and cleaner air spaces to move to.

The CDC also recommends that people know the difference between symptoms from smoke exposure and symptoms from COVID-19. If you have difficulty breathing or chest pain, immediately call 911 or the nearest emergency facility.

Those most at risk from the harmful health effects of wildfire smoke are: Children age 18 and younger; adults age 65 and older; pregnant women; people with chronic health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, asthma and diabetes; outdoor workers; people who have lower socioeconomic status, including homelessness or limited access to medical care; and, people who are immunocompromised or take drugs that suppress the immune system.

For more details on wildfire smoke and health, visit CDC.gov/air/wildfire-smoke/default.htm or tinyurl.com/y2j7kbky.

Published September 02, 2020

Health News 09/02/2020

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Front line workers added
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an emotional and physical toll on nurses, respiratory therapists and others serving communities at this time, and AdventHealth is committed to focusing on whole-person health for patients, team members and the community it serves. According to an AdventHealth news release, 46 nurses and respiratory therapists arrived from Colorado-based Centura Health (a partner of AdventHealth) and FEMA.

The nurses and therapists are serving at AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Tampa and AdventHealth North Pinellas.

The extra help is not the result of a staffing shortage, but it is AdventHealth’s way to help its own teams rest and renew with their families.

AdventHealth Carrollwood received 11 nurses and three respiratory therapists.

AdventHealth Tampa received 27 nurses and two respiratory therapists.

Three nurses joined AdventHealth North Pinellas.

Screening center designation
The Medical Center of Trinity has been designated a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

The designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.

In order to receive the distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in computed tomography in the chest module, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. Also required are procedures in place for follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs.
The ACR, founded in 1924, uses its resources to make imaging and radiation therapy safe, effective and accessible to those who need it. Its 36,000 members include radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, interventional radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians.
For information about the designation, visit ACR.org/Quality-Safety/Lung-Cancer-Screening-Center.

New technology for breast imaging
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has added state-of-the-art 3D technology to its breast imaging services. In July, the hospital began using the Selenia Dimensions 6000 imaging system to produce high-resolution mammograms.

The new technology usually takes one picture instead of several. Imaging also can be done from a sitting or standing position, instead of lying prone on their stomach, face downward.

The Selenia also can perform biopsies.
Another enhanced feature is that the Selenia can compare images side by side, from year to year.
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North Breast Services offers MRI, biopsy, ultrasound and mammography.

A prescription or referral is not needed for a screening mammogram, if you are over the age of 40.
To learn more, visit BayCareBreastHealth.org.

Gulfside tribute
For three years, the Charity Fashion Show benefiting Gulfside Hospice has raised money for the nonprofit, through fun and fashion. This year, the event has a new name.

As a tribute to long-time board member Candace Glewen, who recently passed away, Gulfside’s board of directors has decided to rename the annual event in her honor. The Candace Glewen Charity Fashion Show is currently scheduled for Dec. 3, and will continue the tradition of fashionably raising funds for hospice patients.

“The fashion shows had a special place in Candace’s heart, and she loved to attend them with her closest family and friends,” said Linda Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside. “She was influential in creating and growing this event to fuel her passion of raising funds in support of Gulfside Hospice.”

The past two fundraisers were sold-out events, and the Philanthropy Team at Gulfside expects this year to be the same.

For information on the event and ways to support it, visit GulfsideFashionShow.org, or contact Leesa Fryer at (727) 845-5707 or .

Medical scribe program
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is offering a Medical Scribe Professional Training certificate program for health care and non-health care individuals.

A medical scribe assists physicians with electronic health records (EHR), maximizing workflow efficiency and productivity so that physicians can focus on providing the best possible patient care. Medical scribes can earn from $10 per hour to $16 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Those in the health care field may complete PHSC’s self-paced, online program in as little as two months. Individuals with no health care experience can learn medical fundamentals and specific scribe skills, and can complete the program in four months or less.

The PHSC medical scribe program awards a certificate of completion and prepares students to sit for the national Medical Scribe Certification Exam (MSCE) through the American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group.

To enroll, or for information about the program, email , or call (727) 816-3213.

Pasco trending down on COVID-19 cases

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Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles gave the Pasco County Commission a brief update on the status of COVID-19 in the county, during the board’s Aug. 19 meeting.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles recently briefed the Pasco County Commission on the latest information relating to COVID-19 cases in the county. (File)

Biles passed along information he had just received from Mike Napier, director of Pasco County’s office of the Florida Department of Health.

The county administrator said Pasco reported 39 cases of COVID-19 and three deaths on Aug. 18.

“Our seven-day running average is about 50 (new cases a day), right now,” Biles said. He also noted the county’s positivity rate was under 5% for two days in a row.

“The positivity rate is going down. That means that people are distancing; where they can’t distance, they’re wearing masks or other protective gear to help minimize the transmission of the disease, one to the other,” Biles said.

“We’re trending down. That’s positive. We’re still not to where we were in April/May. It’s going to take a while,” Bile said.

However, the administrator added: “Once we go to in-person school, starting Monday (Aug. 24), assuming that still happens, odds are that’s going to creep back up for a little while, until it settles back down.”

That, Biles noted, is “just the nature of gathering people in groups again.

“Ultimately, where we would like to be is in the mid- to low-20s, on a new cases per day basis. That’s probably sustainable, long-term, because I think this is going to be with us for a while.

“Today, we’re in the low-50s. Cut that in half. Get through the school start and see what happens with that,” Biles said.

He said the declining cases are a good sign, he said.

“What it is showing, from a county perspective, is that the residents and people here are taking it seriously. They are maintaining distancing, in general, and where they can’t, they’re wearing masks or shields — or whatever they’re doing,” Biles said.

“This isn’t going to go away. I think we’re still at least six months out from a vaccine. So, we’re going to still have to continue watching it,” Biles said.

But, there is one silver lining, the county administrator said: “The same things that prevent and inhibit transmission of this are the same things that prevent and inhibit the transmission of flu and cold, and all of the other nasty things that happen in the winter.”

The upcoming flu season should have a reduced number of cases, Biles said.

Published August 26, 2020

Health News 08/26/2020

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Sebastian Cavanagh accepts an award for his compassionate care. (Courtesy of Medical Center of Trinity)

Excellence in nursing
The Medical Center of Trinity has recognized two of its nurses for the Excellence in Nursing Awards, established by HCA to honor outstanding nurses who demonstrate excellence in professional mentoring and compassionate care. The awards spotlight exceptional individuals whose work and lives reflect patient-centered and humanitarian values upon which HCA was founded.

Celena Dilley is honored as a professional nursing mentor.

The Excellence in Nursing for Compassionate Care Award was presented to Sebastian Cavanagh, RN, 4 West. Cavanagh has the knowledge and expert skills that create a quality experience and improve outcomes for the patients.

Every day, Cavanagh is recognized multiple times by his patients for being a favorite and a most-memorable nurse.

The Excellence in Nursing Professional Mentor Award was presented to Celena Dilley, RN, Surgical Services. This award celebrates a nurse who has dedicated herself to guiding and supporting career advancement for individuals and groups of nurses.

Celena has been a member of the Medical Center of Trinity team for the past 14 years. She has extensive knowledge that allows her to consistently mentor new surgical nurses and provide resources for them to be successful.

She is a Super User for the hospital’s documentation system (Preceptor) for new nurses, teaching the systems and operating room protocols.

 

Medical scribe program
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is offering a Medical Scribe Professional Training certificate program for health care and non-health care individuals.

A medical scribe assists physicians with electronic health records (EHR), maximizing workflow efficiency and productivity so that physicians can focus on providing the best possible patient care. Medical scribes can earn from $10 per hour to $16 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Those in the health care field may complete PHSC’s self-paced, online program in as little as two months. Individuals with no health care experience can learn medical fundamentals and specific scribe skills, and can complete the program in four months or less.

The PHSC medical scribe program awards a certificate of completion and prepares students to sit for the national Medical Scribe Certification Exam (MSCE) through the American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group.

To enroll, or for information about the program, email , or call (727) 816-3213.

Heroes of Hope
NAMI Pasco (National Alliance on Mental Illlness) extends a congratulations to these 2020 Heroes of Hope award nominees: Angelica LaGuerre, Yahkaira Balbosa, Christine Pringle, Susan Echevarrie, Jo Dee Nicosia, Det. Michael Reckmeyer, Dr. Sh’Nai Simmons, Dr. Stanley Giannet, Susan Hanna, Dr. Edward Williams, Avery Lumax, Tammy White, Jeanne Botz, Michelle Warren, Crystal Wilson, Ken Delaney, Brie Burke, Todd Woodfill, Mike Piper, Robin Boyko and Bonnie Rogers.

Winners will be announced during the NAMI Pasco virtual gala on Oct. 7.

For information and to register for the gala, visit tinyurl.com/yxlgatem.

Surgical robot added
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz, has expanded its surgical services with the addition of a second surgical robot — the da Vinci Xi robot.

The robot provides superior dexterity, enhanced vision and improved surgical access compared to conventional minimally invasive surgery or traditional open surgery.

A surgeon operates the da Vinci from a console that has four interactive arms and a high-resolution screen that projects 3-D images of the surgical site. The surgeon manually operates the instruments utilizing his or her own hands and fingers. When the surgeon moves, the instruments respond precisely to those movements in real time, working identically to the movement of a human arm, human elbow and a human wrist, with an enhanced range of motion.

Other benefits of the da Vinci robots include:

  • Precise surgical incisions that allow unhealthy tissue to be removed without affecting surrounding healthy tissue
    • Smaller incisions that prevent less trauma and pain to a patient’s body
    • Smaller incisions that alleviate blood loss and lowers infection risk
    • Robotic surgeries may result in a shorter length of stay in the hospital
    • Recovery from robotic surgery may be quicker due to smaller incisions
    • Smaller scars result from robotic surgeries

Robotic surgeries are performed in colorectal, gynecologic oncology, gynecology, pediatric urology and general surgery.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North performed 263 robotic surgeries in 2019.

For information, visit StJosephsNorthRobotics.org.

For more on robotic surgery at BayCare hospitals, visit BayCare.org/services/surgery/robotic-surgery.

Distinction award
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point physicians, leaders and clinicians received the Center of Distinction Award, given to Bayonet Point Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine for the third year in a row. The award was presented by Healogics, then nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services.

The hospital was recognized for achieving outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including patient satisfaction higher than 92%, and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 92% within 28 median days to heal.

For more on Healogics and the award, visit Healogics.com/2019awards/.

Panelists share insights on youth issues in Pasco

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Each summer, a panel of Pasco County teenagers share their perspectives on substance abuse and other problems facing youths, both in the community and in the school system.

Typically, the event is held at the community center at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

But, this time, panelists shared their insights again in a July 28 forum held virtually, in light of COVID-19.

The new format didn’t affect the substance: The panelists — who make up Safe Teens Against Drugs (STAND) — still got their points across.

Pasco County youth from Safe Teens Against Drugs (STAND) voiced their perspective on substance abuse, and other community and school issues, during a July 28 virtual meeting hosted by the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP). (File)

The forum was arranged by the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP). This the fifth year that STAND members addressed numerous community stakeholder groups.

They shared their views on various health and safety issues facing Pasco youths.

The group of youth leaders who make up STAND are working to end youth substance abuse in Pasco County by sharing their observations and knowledge with teachers, police, business owners and other community members.

Besides helping to build understanding, they also suggest solutions.

During the hour-long online discussion, STAND speakers warned that vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes, is a growing problem among youth countywide.

Anclote High School student Iker Dorta went so far as to label it “the biggest drug-related issue” in local high schools and middle schools.

Besides vaping nicotine, kids also vape THC (the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana), and other illicit substances that can be smoked, he said.

Iker noted that vaping has become more popular among teens because it’s “easy to hide in your pocket and go to the bathroom and use it.”

Fellow STAND members agreed.

“Vaping is a huge problem in schools and such,” said Chasco Middle School student Alyssa Saldana. “I’ve had some of my friends tell me that one of their older friends offered them a vape, so it’s definitely a big problem that we need to start looking at more.”

Maddie Horn underscored the issue by recalling an incident during a Chasco Middle School pep rally when a student was caught vaping.

“I think it’s a very common thing that’s happening in all our schools,” said Horn, a rising freshman at Gulf High School.

Many teens get roped into substance use through peer pressure and they use substances to become popular, Horn said.

“It’s very much a popularity thing. So, like if one person does it and they become popular, everyone else will want to do it because they want that ‘fame’ in the school,” Horn said.

Besides vaping, marijuana use continues to be “a big issue,” said Land O’ Lakes High School student Jocelyn Meriwether.

“We have a lot of kids who think it’s a cool thing to do, and you have to, like, join the club of high school that way, through smoking weed in bathrooms and trying not to get caught.”

Greater focus needed on mental health
Using substances to become more popular is just one issue, panelists said.

Youths also turn to substances as a way to escape from dysfunctional home life, or to cope with inner feelings, they said.

They urged an increase in mental health services.

“Mental health is the key to everything right now,” Dorta said. “For a 15- or 16-year-old to go through trauma and leave it unchecked…really impales society as a whole, because that’s what’s going to make up our next generation as a whole, so the very next step before overcoming drugs and vaping, first, is taking hold of our minds.”

Panelists said that mental health must be taken more seriously by the Pasco County Schools —  from guidance counselors to teachers and administrators.

They advocate greater funding for staffing at schools to give students quick access to help, when they need to talk to someone about their problems.

As it stands now, instead of an open door policy, a student must make an appointment of sorts by placing a notecard in a counselor’s mailbox, Meriwether said.

Safe Teens Against Drugs (STAND) is a program facilitated by the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP). The group of youth leaders who make up STAND strive to end youth substance abuse in Pasco County by educating teachers, police, business owners and other community members by sharing their observations, and suggesting solutions. (Courtesy of Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention)

“They’ll get to you when they get to you,” she said.

That can be problematic, she added.

“Some kids can’t wait. They need to talk and if they don’t have someone to talk to they’re going to go to drugs and skip over using their resources.

“We have those situations where we want to talk to somebody about this, but no one’s available,” Meriwether said.

Piggybacking off that thought, Horn mentioned some counselors won’t take a particular student’s mental health issues seriously. Instead, they write it off as teen angst.

Other times, she said, counselors just focus on a student’s grades — instead of talking to them about what has been bothering them at school, or outside of it.

Horn put it all like this: “Let’s say you’re being bullied. Like, you’ll go in talking about that issue, but then they’ll change to subject to, ‘Oh, how are your grades doing?’”

That, she added, “doesn’t make the bullying situation or whatever your situation is, any better.

“I don’t think there are enough people in our schools to help us going through our issues. Like the teachers say they can help, but they can only help when it’s convenient for them,” Horn said.

COVID-19’s far-reaching impacts
The unintended consequences of COVID-19 on school-age youth was another deep talking point among panelists.

With a lack of school structure, boredom at home and few extracurricular or athletic activities available — because of the pandemic — panelists said they’re not surprised if fellow teens are currently experimenting with new substances, or abusing them more frequently than they did before the pandemic hit.

Meriwether observed: “Kids now are at home and don’t have a lot to lose, so they’re trying new things. Parents will have stuff at home that kids can just get into, because it’s not being locked up, because everyone’s home all day.”

Safer-at-home orders also have allowed youth to hide side effects that otherwise might’ve been caught if they were in school or school-related activities, she added.

Because of that and other reasons, panelists generally seemed in favor of having some sort of option to return to brick-and-mortar schools.

Horn summed it up like this: “I get a little depressed because I’m not able to go and see my friends, and school was something I enjoyed. It’s very isolating to do online school for such a long time when you don’t have groups to attend and you don’t make friends outside of online school, so like I found peace in going to school. Like, the fact that I can’t go to school is very sad, because I like going to school, I like being around other people and seeing new faces, and it’s just easier to learn.”

Dorta, meantime, expressed worry for youth who’ve had to handle online learning in the face of troubling home or family environments.

Traditional schooling usually offers “a dip from harsh reality” for those kids,” he said.

“You can’t push online school onto a lot of people, especially when those kids have trouble at home. …Imagine if you’re bringing school to their house, which they can’t even feel safe or concentrate in,” he said.

Dorta wants to see schools reopen. But, he added: “Seeing how (COVID-19) is going on, I don’t know how it’d work and I don’t really know if it’s the best option, but knowing a lot of kids that are struggling, at least have them refer to a source that they can go to outside of their house.”

Others, including Gulf Middle School’s Yahkaira Barbosa, expressed hesitation about returning to school at the moment.

“I’m dying to go back to school, but the way things are, it’s probably best not to because it’s going to be awhile until a vaccine comes out,” Barbosa said.

Safe Teens Against Drugs (STAND) is a program facilitated by the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP).
STAND members include Iker Dorta, Anclote High School; Alyssa Saldana, Chasco Middle School; Jocelyn Meriwether, Land O’ Lakes High School; Maddie Horn, Gulf High School; Jakob Horn, Bayonet Point Middle School; Billy Kritsotakis, Harry Schwettmann Education Center; Joel Meriwether, Sunlake High School; Jeromy Vaughn, Gulf Middle School; Austin Vaughn, Chasco Middle School; and Cheyenne Howard, of Dade City.

STAND’s mission is to:

  • Change youth perspectives of drugs
  • Reduce accessibility of drugs
  • Reduce marketing of drugs to young people
  • Create an environment where young people in recovery can thrive

To learn more about STAND, contact ">.

Published August 19, 2020

Health News 08/19/2020

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Study volunteers needed
Researchers at the University of South Florida Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute are looking for participants age 50 and older with no memory loss to take part in an Alzheimer Prevention Trials (APT) Webstudy.

The Webstudy is a first-of-its-kind online study that detects if people experience memory loss over time and need early intervention, and matches them with the right Alzheimer’s study, as quickly as possible.

Twenty percent of Floridians, more than 4.3 million people, are 65 and older, making Florida one of the ‘grayest states’ in the nation. Consequently, it has one of the largest populations of people with Alzheimer’s disease — a projected 580,000. This number is expected to skyrocket by 24% to 720,000 people in the next five years, according to Message Partners PR news release.

Volunteers take no-cost memory tests online every three months to monitor memory changes over time. If changes are observed, volunteers may be invited to an in-person evaluation to determine eligibility for additional Alzheimer’s studies.

To learn more and enroll, visit APTWebstudy.org.

Dental services added
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) is partnering with Premier Community HealthCare Group Inc., to provide dental services at the existing locations previously operated by the health department.

“Premier continues to be a solid partner in our community effort to improve health outcomes,” said health officer Mike Napier, in a DOH-Pasco news release.

“This partnership ensures long-term sustainability for children to receive dental services,” Napier said.
The three dental facilities/programs serving children that will transition include:

  • Children’s Dental Clinic, 10841 Little Road in New Port Richey
    • Cox Elementary Children’s Dental Clinic, 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City
  • Smile Care-A-Van Mobile Dental Clinic serving Pasco County Title I Schools
    The transition of dental services will open opportunities for additional services and provide vital dental care for children/youth, especially the medically underserved population.

Letters have been sent to 5,100 existing clients advising them of this change effective Sept. 8.
Research indicates that maintaining good oral health has value beyond the obvious. It can help prevent serious health complications and disease.
To learn more about the programs and services offered by DOH-Pasco, call (727) 619-0300, or visit Pasco.FloridaHealth.gov.
For more about the services offered by Premier Community HealthCare, visit PremierHC.org, or call (352) 518-2000 or (727) 645-4185.

Health support bill
Congressman Gus Bilirakis and a bipartisan group of colleagues on July 30 introduced the Strengthening Behavioral Health Supports for Schools Act.

This bipartisan bill “would authorize annual funding of $25 million for the Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration through Fiscal Year 2025, to operate a technical assistance and training center to provide schools and school systems with mental health and substance use disorder support and services for students during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond,” according to a news release.

“It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I certainly believe that is true when it comes to ensuring early identification and appropriate intervention for children who are at risk or struggling with mental health or substance use issues,” said Bilirakis, in the release.

“Our bipartisan bill will help with data collection, research and sharing of most effective strategies for addressing this unmet need. When we know better, we can do better. Our children deserve the best possible care and treatment available and our bill will help us meet that goal,” Bilirakis said.

Medicare phone scams
The Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ (DOEA) Serving Health Insurance Needs of the Elderly (SHINE) Program has received multiple reports of Medicare phone scams involving Durable Medical Equipment (DME), according to a SHINE news release.

The Social Security Act prohibits suppliers of DME from making unsolicited telephone calls to people on Medicare. The reports indicate people have not only received unwanted sales calls, but other people have received unordered supplies, including back braces.

People on Medicare should be aware that DME sent by a supplier needs to be prescribed by their doctor. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), fraudulent telemarketing and DME supplies contribute to the estimated $60 billion in fraudulent Medicare payments each year.

To help put a stop to unsolicited calls and unordered supplies, consider the following actions:

  • If you receive a call that pressures you to buy medical equipment you don’t want or need, simply hang up.
  • If you receive items in the mail you didn’t order, refuse the delivery or send them back and report it to your local SHINE Senior Medicare Patrol Office at (800) 963-5337.

Donor awareness
During the month of August, LifeLink of Florida will celebrate National Minority Donor Awareness Month (NMDAM) to bring heightened awareness to organ and tissue donation, and transplantation in minority communities.

Minorities often experience higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, which can contribute to organ failure, especially kidney failure. African Americans are three times more likely than white Americans to suffer from kidney failure, and Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely than non-Hispanics to have kidney failure.

During NMDAM, LifeLink of Florida will highlight the need for more organ, eye and tissue donors within multicultural communities, provide donation education, encourage donor registration, and promote healthy living and disease prevention to decrease the need for transplantation.

Individuals interested in celebrating this month are encouraged to follow LifeLink’s social media on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, to participate in the education programs offered. Anyone can be a potential donor, regardless of age or medical history; a single donor can save or improve the lives of up to 75 people.

LifeLink encourages the public to register their donation decision at DonateLifeFlorida.org, or when obtaining or renewing a driver license.