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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Florida is closing in on 1 million COVID-19 cases

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Experts are predicting that Florida will hit the 1 million mark in positive COVID-19 cases this week, and there are concerns nationwide about the impacts from potential spread that may have occurred during the Thanksgiving holidays.

The Florida Department of Health had recorded more than 992,660 positive cases of COVID-19, including 976,944 positive residents, according to health department figures available on the morning of Nov. 30.

The death toll stood at 18,500 for Florida residents and 236 for non-residents, according to the same report.

Hillsborough County had 57,673 positive cases, involving county residents, and 419 cases involving non-residents. The county has recorded 929 deaths related to COVID-19.

In Pasco County, there were 14,643 positive cases involving residents, and 140 involving non-residents. The death toll stood at 271.

The latest figures for the Pasco and Hillsborough public school districts had not yet been updated, since the districts were out for the Thanksgiving break.

The most recent figures from those districts show that there had been 475 student cases and 177 staff cases in Pasco County Schools. The positive cases affected a total of 8,265 students and 719 staff, who had to be quarantined.

In Hillsborough Public Schools, there was a total of 1,585 positive cases, including 640 staff members and 945 students.

Across the country, millions of Americans stuck to their plans to travel over the Thanksgiving holidays, despite pleas from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for them to stay home.

At Tampa International Airport, 40,000 passengers streamed through checkpoints on the Sunday before Thanksgiving — the greatest number since air traffic plunged in late March and early April, due to the pandemic, according to Emily Nipps, the airport’s manager of communications.

“To put it in perspective, we saw around 80,000 passengers on our busy days this time last year. So we’re still barely seeing about half of the traffic we saw this time in 2019. However, we’re way up from the few thousand daily passengers we saw at our low point in April,” Nipps said, via email.

She also noted that “the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving are always our busiest – we ‘think’ we’ll see between 40,000 and 50,000 passengers on those days, though our projections are not as accurate as they’ve been in years past because of the uncertainty of travelers, COVID, cancellations, etc.”

Meanwhile, the state health department, the Florida Hospital Association, the Florida Medical Association and health insurance companies are urging the public to get flu shots. The groups want to help prevent severe illnesses and to keep Florida’s health care system from being overwhelmed by flu and COVID-19 cases.

While Florida’s positive cases approach the 1-million mark, the national figures for positive cases surpassed 13.1 million cases and the national death toll exceeded 265,000 as of the morning of Nov. 30, according to the CDC.

Internationally, the number of positive cases is approaching 62.2 million, with a death toll nearing 1.5 million, also as of the morning of Nov. 30, according to the World Health Organization.

Also, in national interviews, numerous health experts have said there may be a lag time before the extent of the impact is known, regarding the spread of COVID-19 related to Thanksgiving traveling and festivities.

Help prevent the spread of COVID-19
Avoid these high-risk activities:

  • Shopping in crowded stores
  • Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household
  • Using alcohol or drugs that may alter judgment and make it more difficult to practice COVID-19 safety measures.

Follow these safety protocols:

  • Stay 6 feet away from others
  • Wear a mask when social distancing isn’t possible
  • Wash hands frequently

Source: Florida Department of Health

Published December 02, 2020

Health News 12/02/2020

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St. Joseph’s has a ‘gold’ heart
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has earned the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® STEMI Receiving Award for meeting and exceeding specific standards of performance, for quick and appropriate treatment of patients suffering heart attacks.

These St. Joseph’s Hospital-North team members were involved with winning the American Heart Association award. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

The performance metrics consider the entire process — from the 911 call, to EMS transport, to hospital treatment to discharge. This is the third consecutive year that St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has received the award.

STEMI is an acronym for ST elevation myocardial infarction, the deadliest type of heart attack, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. For these heart attacks, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North received a “Gold” designation for the Mission: Lifeline STEMI award, meaning the hospital has achieved the quality measures for 24 months.

“This award means that St Joseph’s Hospital-North achieves excellence in providing cardiovascular care to the community it serves. It means every local resident and visitor should feel secure in knowing that this hospital will care for them at the highest level of quality and safety. It is a well-deserved recognition of the team-based effort to deliver the very best care. It is a great honor that the administration and staff should be very proud of,” said Dr. Christopher Pastore, an interventional cardiologist affiliated with St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, in a St. Joseph’s news release.

“Exceptional patient care is our top priority, and we are proud to achieve this ‘Gold’ designation from the American Heart Association,” said Tom Garthwaite, president of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. “Our community can be reassured that it is safe to use the hospital and emergency room and that their care remains in the safe hands of the cardiovascular program at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.”

Joining forces
Florida Blue, the Florida Hospital Association and the Florida Medical Association are joining forces to encourage Floridians to get a flu shot, so all may have a #FluFreeFlorida.

As the number of COVID-19 cases in the state begin to increase, the potential for a devastating collision of COVID-19 and the flu (twindemic) this season is real, according to a joint news release from the medical groups.

The organizations are uniting to use their collective and powerful voices to raise awareness around the state about the importance of getting a flu vaccine this year, encouraging all to ‘spread the word, not the flu,’ by using #FluFreeFlorida on social media.

Floridians should be immunized to prevent severe illness and to keep the health care system from being overwhelmed with both COVID-19 and flu cases.

While influenza seasons vary in intensity, adults in the 65-plus age group bear the greatest burden of severe influenza disease. In Florida, an average of 80% of seasonal pneumonia and influenza deaths occurred in adults age 65 and over, during the last five flu seasons.

The flu vaccine can be given to almost anyone 6-months of age and older.

A flu shot is especially important for high-risk groups, including senior citizens, children, pregnant woman, and people with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and other pre-existing conditions.

Most people with health insurance can get a flu shot at no cost when they go to a doctor or pharmacy that is in their network.

There are many local events planned around the state to ensure each eligible Floridian has access to a flu vaccine. There are also numerous resources for those without insurance.

Visit ThePowerToProtect.org or FLShotsUsers.com/search/provider to find additional information.

Care Pavilions in the works
AdventHealth will break ground on the construction of two new Care Pavilions, one in Westchase and one in New Tampa. The new pavilions will be part of the AdventHealth network of care, and will provide additional convenient access to patients by integrating multiple health care services into one location for “one-stop shopping,” according to a release.

The AdventHealth Care Pavilions will provide both traditional and non-traditional health care amenities at each location, based on the size of the facility and the medical needs of the local community.

The use of innovative technology and architectural designs also will be fundamental and unique to each location, to deliver an exceptional patient experience.

The first two pavilion concepts will be in Westchase, at 10987 Sheldon Road in Tampa, and in New Tampa at 8702 Hunters Lake Drive.

Construction on both facilities is expected to be completed in summer 2021.

Gulfside fundraiser
The third annual Charity Casino Night to benefit Gulfside Hospice has been rescheduled to Jan. 30, due to the current pandemic, at the Heritage Springs Golf & Country Club in Trinity.

All proceeds will provide patient care and bereavement support in Pasco County through Gulfside.

For tickets and sponsorship information, visit CharityCasinoNight.org.

Hospital expansion
Following the opening of Pasco County’s first Neuro Interventional program and Comprehensive Stroke Center, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point began a 19,000-square-foot renovation and expansion project in late 2019. This project is now complete with larger operating rooms, a new Sterile Processing Department, and an expansive Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where patients recover after their procedure.

“We are delighted with the results of this project which showcases our commitment to meeting the health care needs of Pasco County and surrounding communities,” said Chief Executive Officer Gina Temple, in a hospital news release.

“We are continuing to invest heavily in our surgical programs to ensure our surgeons have the latest tools and technology for optimal patient outcomes,” Temple said.

Bayonet Point also has taken significant steps to ensure the safety of surgical patients and caregivers during the pandemic.

For more information, visit BayonetPointHospital.com.

Mask mandate continues in Pasco schools

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The Pasco County School Board has extended the district’s mask policy through the end of the school year.

The action came during the board’s Nov. 17 meeting, at the recommendation of Superintendent Kurt Browning.

It also followed an afternoon workshop involving Pasco County Schools staff and the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County, covering the district’s response to COVID-19.

Pasco County School Board member Megan Harding supports keeping masks in schools for now, but wants the district to move away from that — if conditions improve to the point where that would be safe. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

According to agenda materials, the proposed rule “is required to protect the health, safety and welfare of students and staff.”

It “mandates and requires that all employees, contractors, visitors, and students wear a mask or other face covering while on school property and/or engaged in school activities.”

The policy also “requires that proper social distancing must always be observed to the maximum extent possible.” Also, “whenever feasible and possible, students, staff, and visitors must remain six (6) feet away from persons that are not members of their household.”

School board member Megan Harding addressed the issue during the board’s evening session.

“I know that COVID-19 is real,” Harding said. “People in our community have suffered from it. People in my family have suffered from it and people in our school family have suffered from it.

“There no manual that has taught us how to run our school district during a pandemic. Our superintendent and staff have done an amazing, amazing job in making sure our students and teachers are the safest that they can be. Our principals have been tasked with a huge undertaking to keep their students and staff safe. Hours upon hours of work, and for that I am so grateful.

“I truly believe that we have done a great job of keeping our schools open and functioning for our students.

“Nobody likes wearing a mask. They’re uncomfortable, and our students can’t see their teachers or principals’ smiling faces.

“While many students aren’t struggling with keeping them on, I have seen firsthand, the added layer of stress, making sure they are properly being worn, and the reminders that teachers are faced with having to give their students, daily.

“However, it is our job to keep our students safe, and our staff safe, along with ensuring they receive the world-class education they deserve.

“I’m not a doctor or a health official. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is still recommending that masks are worn, local government still has a mandate in place and our local health officials are recommending we still wear them.

“We saw that today, in the workshop — all of the data. We know that we can’t properly social distance our students in the classroom, and the cafeterias and the hallways, due to square footage. This is another layer of protection.

“I want our teachers to feel supported and safe, when they’re coming to work. “And, I want our students to feel safe coming to school,” she said, and she wants parents to know that their children are safe.

“Mr. Browning, we’ve done such an amazing job in including our parents in many of our discussions around COVID-19, and for that I’m thankful.

“We’ve allowed our parents to choose whether it felt safe enough to send their child back to brick-and-mortar, or whether they wanted to do MySchool Online. I truly hope that we continue, with the support of the health department — that we keep our parents involved in those conversations,” she said.

Harding said she knows that COVID fatigue is real, and she would like to see the district move toward allowing: students to collaborate more; live performances with limited audiences; staff breakfasts; and, group staff meetings.

She said she understands that any changes must be done safely.

However, she added: “I really want our children to go to school. I want our children to participate in sports, the arts, field trips and events, but most importantly, I want our children to be safe.”

She asked for assurances that the district could change its policy if conditions improve, and she was assured that it could.

She’s in favor of relaxing the rule, as soon as it’s safe to do so.

“I don’t want our students to go to school forever with a mask on,” Harding said.

Holiday gatherings should include a heaping helping of COVID precaution

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It’s Thanksgiving. Tradition says it’s best spent in a full house of family and friends, carving the turkey, sharing a table, then strategizing the busy weekend shopping plans.

Medical experts have this advice: Maybe next year.

With COVID-19 again on the rise, holiday traditions probably need to be temporarily halted — or at least revised.

“People have to be much more cautious,’’ said Mark Vaaler, chief medical director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz. “We know the nationwide (COVID) numbers and now they are definitely increasing in Florida. Most of it has been through community spread. Any of these gatherings have the potential for some negative effects.’’

Mark Vaaler, chief medical director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, said people should take the proper precautions at holiday gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

But, in many cases, Vaaler said he knows Thanksgiving gatherings will go on as planned. If so, he advises they should be held with reasonable precautions.

“If you are at-risk, someone over 65, with diabetes or obesity, you should think long and hard about whether this is a year you can get by without a traditional Thanksgiving,’’ Vaaler said. “The general rule of thumb is 10 or less (people), which is usually difficult to do for a Thanksgiving gathering.

“Then it’s about common sense. Social distancing and masks. You shouldn’t bring in family or friends who you haven’t been in contact with or you’re not sure where they’ve been. We’re blessed with good weather in Florida, so I would recommend holding it outside, if possible. That would be a very good idea.’’

Vaaler said he knows his recommendations might cause some raised eyebrows from families that have clamored for the holidays.

He said that’s understandable. People are seeking normalcy after a mostly rough 2020 for schools, businesses and almost every other walk of life.

“I do have a fear that the holidays could bring even more rough times,’’ Vaaler said. “People are very, very tired of wearing masks, observing social distancing and all the rest. I think some folks will say, ‘I’m getting together with my family, no matter what,’ and they’ll conduct activities and proceed like these are normal times.

“There have been studies where a super spreader event is traced back to just one person in the gathering being positive. But, afterward, dozens were infected. Although I understand people being fatigued by COVID, it’s just a good idea to wear the masks and take precautions, especially if you’re around people you’re not normally exposed to on a daily basis.’’

Vaaler said he’s not surprised Florida is in its current state of rising COVID cases. When the numbers dropped a few months back, he detected some complacency. Anecdotally, he has noticed more people declining to get a flu shot because they feel they’re fine with masking and social distancing.

It’s a similar attitude to holiday gatherings.

“You try to warn people, but some just don’t want to hear it, or be told what to do,’’ Vaaler said. “They’re family. They want to hug and kiss because that’s how you express appreciation and love.

“The point is you can still have these gatherings if you limit the people and adhere to precautions. Stay outdoors if you can. Maybe it’s not a normal Thanksgiving, but it’s the best approach for everyone’s sake.’’

Beyond the holidays, Vaaler cautioned that there’s no quick end in sight.

“I’m pretty convinced we’ve got several more months of pain ahead of us,’’ Vaaler said. “We’re getting encouraging news about the effectiveness of vaccines to mitigate the spread, but realistically that’s at least summertime until we get enough people vaccinated.

“In the short term, I believe we’re still in a situation where COVID is part of our lives. My optimistic viewpoint is the summertime (for a return to normal). My pessimistic view is toward the end of next year. Until it’s all clear, all of us must continue to take the proper precautions.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published November 25, 2020

Health News 11/25/2020

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New executive director
The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind (LVIB) of Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties has named Stefanie Pontlitz as its new executive director. Pontlitz will succeed Jonathan Fister, upon his retirement.

Stefanie Pontlitz

Pontlitz joins the Lighthouse after serving as vice president of development for Youth and Family Alternatives, and prior to that, COO (chief operating officer) of the United Way of Pasco County.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank Jonathan Fister for his years of service and wish him well in his retirement. We are thrilled that Stefanie has agreed to be the new executive director of the Lighthouse. Her extensive leadership and fundraising experience will enable us to expand our services to the blind and visually impaired community,” said Jennifer Selk, Lighthouse board chair, in a news release.

Pontlitz is a Pasco County resident and has held multiple positions in the community, including president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals; president of Leadership Pasco; founder and president of Business Networking International – Outlook to Success Chapter; president of Junior Service League; president of Trinity Rotary; and others.

She also was named Hometown Hero in 2017, by It’s Your Home Trinity magazine.

“I am incredibly excited to join the Lighthouse. I’ve seen the dedication and passion the staff have for their clients, and I look forward to working with them and the board of directors. By empowering those with visual impairment and blindness, we provide members of our community with the chance to achieve their goals and live independent lives. A mission I am proud to be a part of,” said Pontlitz.

For information about the Lighthouse, visit LVIB.org.

Lung cancer awareness
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Medical Center of Trinity wants to share its comprehensive Lung Cancer Screening Program. Through Incidental Findings and Scheduled Low-Dose CT Screening, the hospital is finding lung cancer before it becomes symptomatic, according to a hospital news release.

“A dedicated Lung Cancer Program provides great benefit to the community through early detection and with an established goal of a reduction of mortality from cancer. Our team of caregivers work together to identify cancer, establish the best course of treatment and provide ongoing support throughout the cancer journey” said Dr. Mathew Ninan, thoracic surgery and director of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Nodule Program, HCA West Florida.

Incidental Findings: Utilizing innovative technologies to detect suspicious lung nodules by analyzing CT exams, which include the lungs, in any of the hospital’s emergency departments (Trinity, Citrus Park, Lutz, Palm Harbor), outpatient imaging and inpatient services.

Scheduled Screening: Low-Dose CT Lung Screening is referred through a physician, is quick and painless, requires no needles or dye, and uses less radiation than traditional CT scans. Studies have shown screening those at high risk with Low-Dose CT scans before symptoms are present can find lung cancer early, when it is easier to treat and more likely to be cured.

Early Detection is Key: Lung cancer has the lowest five-year survival rate at only 18%. The five-year survival rate for lung cancer drops dramatically from a stage 1 diagnosis (68-92% survival) to a stage 4 diagnosis (0-10% survival).

First program graduate
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point announced that on Oct. 31, Dr. Katie Groff became the first graduate of the hospital’s Cardiology Fellowship Program. She began the program on Nov. 1, 2017, after being the first resident to start with the hospital’s graduate medical education (GME) Internal Medicine Residency Program.

Groff is continuing her GME training in the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program, which she is scheduled to complete on October 31, 2021.

The Cardiology Fellowship Program is a three-year program and is in Continued Accreditation status from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Cardiology Fellowship is one of the 11 programs that is offered at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, for a total number of 119 residents and fellows that occupy these programs.

The hospital congratulated Dr. Katie Groff on her outstanding accomplishments, and thanked all its caregivers and attending physicians who have contributed to supporting the GME programs and future physicians’ education and training.

Gulfside fundraiser
The third annual Charity Casino Night to benefit Gulfside Hospice has been rescheduled to Jan. 30, due to the current pandemic. The event will take place at the Heritage Springs Golf & Country Club in Trinity.

All proceeds will provide patient care and bereavement support in Pasco County through Gulfside.

For tickets and sponsorship information, visit CharityCasinoNight.org.

New board members
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) affiliate in Pasco County (NAMI Pasco) has announced its 2020-2021 Board of Directors.

“The pandemic has created an increased need for mental health support in our community” said Debbie L. Proulx, executive director. “I have faith that this new board will help us expand our reach and meet the need.”

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. The nonprofit provides free mental health support, advocacy, outreach, and education to those with mental health conditions and support to their loved ones.

Loni Aurbeck, Pasco Outreach Diversion and Prevention supervisor for Metropolitan Ministries, will assume the role of board president.

Also joining the board as vice president is Marie Macher, an active NAMI Pasco volunteer and peer leader for the past seven years.

Completing the Executive Board are Meghan Shattuck as secretary and Dr. Eddie Williams as treasurer.

Additional board members include past president Stephanie Centella, Shawna Levondosky, Sylvia Escala-DeRosa, Lucy Miller, Christine Pringle, Ken Delaney and Elaine Sabra.

For information on NAMI Pasco, visit NamiPasco.org.

Hillsborough offers special slate of caregiver programs

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In conjunction with National Family Caregiver Month, Hillsborough County has scheduled a series of virtual sessions this week.

They are intended to offer family caregivers support, resources and camaraderie, according to a flyer publicizing the sessions.

For more information and registration details, visit HCFLGov.net/Caregiving.

Here is a synopsis of the remaining sessions scheduled this week.

Self-care through yoga and meditation
Nov. 18 at 10 a.m.: Maryann Bakht, yoga instructor from Hillsborough County Well4Life, teaches beginner yoga poses and meditation techniques to help participants relax, de-stress and find calm in a way that is simple and flexible to fit your schedule.

Cooking demonstration
Nov. 19, 3 p.m.: Brian Taylor, a registered dietitian with aging services, shares his tips for creating nutritious and delicious meals.

Ask the Doctor, a one-hour Q&A
Nov. 20, 1 p.m.: Dr. Jean Fels, director of the University of South Florida Memory Disorder Clinic, will answer caregiver questions about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related disorders.

Making a gratitude list
Nov. 20, 3 p.m.: Debbie Selsavage, founder of Coping with Dementia LLC, will teach about the importance of gratitude.

Published November 18, 2020

West Nile Virus case confirmed in Hillsborough County

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The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) has confirmed a human case of the West Nile Virus, according to a health department news release.

The health department also reported an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity, and has announced a heightened concern that additional residents may become ill.

The Hillsborough County department of Mosquito Control and Hillsborough’s health department are continuing surveillance and prevention efforts.

A human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Hillsborough County. Health officials urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. (File)

The health department is reminding residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.

Remember the key words, drain and cover, when taking action to protect yourself.

Be sure to drain standing water to prevent mosquitoes from multiplying.

Items that should be drained include: Garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.

Other steps that should be taken:

  • Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
  • Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
  • Keep pools in good condition, and be sure they are appropriately chlorinated.
  • Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Also, protect yourself by covering your skin with clothing, or a repellent.

When in an area where mosquitoes are present, be sure to wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long sleeves.

Also, be sure to apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.

Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

Always be sure to read the label directions on the repellent to be sure you are applying a proper amount, to people in the appropriate age group, to the right places.

Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing broken screens on doors or windows.

For more information on what repellent is right for you, consider using the Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool to help you choose skin-applied repellent products.

The Florida Department of Health is continuing to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya and dengue.

Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds, via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site.

West Nile Virus, symptoms and treatments

  • Eight out of 10 people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms.
  • About one in five of those who are infected develop a fever with some other symptoms, such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
    • Most people with West Nile virus disease recover completely, but some can experience fatigue and weakness that can last for weeks or months.
  • About one in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, which is inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

In cases of severe illness, symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

Severe illness can occur in people of any age, but those over age 60 are at a greater risk.

Also, people with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, also are at greater risk.

Recovery from severe illness might take several weeks or months. Some effects to the central nervous system might be permanent.

About one out of 10 people who develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system die.

See your health care provider if you develop symptoms described above. Your health care provider can order tests to look for West Nile virus infection.

There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for West Nile virus infection.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms.

In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.

If you think you or a family member might have West Nile virus disease, talk with your health care provider.

To learn more about treatment, visit our Healthcare Providers page.

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Published November 18, 2020

COVID-19 numbers continue to rise, caution urged

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Positive cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, both globally and locally.

The World Health Organization, as of the morning of Nov. 16, reported 53.8 million positive cases and 1.3 million deaths.

Cases were approaching the 11 million-mark in the United States, with about 245,000 deaths, according to a report the same day by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In Florida, the Department of Health reported a total of 885,201 cases, including 872,810 residents. The state has charted 13,518 resident deaths and 216 non-residents.

Hillsborough County totals were 52,572 positive cases of residents and 335 non-residents. The county reported 857 deaths.

Pasco County’s figures stood at 12,425 positive cases among residents, and 122 in non-residents. It also has recorded 259 deaths.

Hillsborough County Schools reported 791 students had tested positive for the virus, while the figure stood at 559 for employees — bringing the district’s total to 1,350.

In Pasco County Schools, as of Nov. 16, there had been 391 student cases and 144 staff cases. A total of 7,053 students were impacted by those testing positive, as were 633 staff members.

The district reports the number of positive cases, and the numbers of staff and students who are required to quarantine because of exposure.

The Pasco County School Board and the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County were set to discuss the school district’s COVID-19 response during a board workshop set for the afternoon of Nov. 17. The workshop will occur after The Laker/Lutz News press deadline.

The school board also is scheduled to consider a change to district policy to continue the current mask mandate until the end of the 2020-2021 school year.

The proposed rule “is required to protect the health, safety and welfare of students and staff,” according to background materials contained in the school board’s agenda.

The rule “mandates and requires that all employees, contractors, visitors, and students wear a mask or other face covering while on school property and/or engaged in school activities.”

The mandate also “requires that proper social distancing must always be observed to the maximum extent possible.”

The rule also requires that “whenever feasible and possible, students, staff, and visitors must remain six (6) feet away from persons that are not members of their household.”

Published November 18, 2020

Health News 11/18/2020

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

A partnership to help those in need
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club collected and donated 145 pairs of eyeglasses to the local chapter of the Lions Club. Sandi Marrow (center with green mask) delivered the box of eyewear, which will be recycled, repaired and distributed to the needy in low-income countries around the world. The woman’s club has been a long-time supporter and partner of the Lions Club. For information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Be a SHINE volunteer
The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program is a statewide volunteer program that offers seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers, free, unbiased counseling on Medicare, prescription drugs and other health insurance matters.

The SHINE SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) Program educates beneficiaries on how to protect, detect and report suspected Medicare fraud, waste and abuse.

Individual volunteers complete professional training by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the local Area Agency on Aging; serve the community by educating others on an individual basis and through outreach events; and, gain knowledge about Medicare to benefit themselves and loved ones.

In order to participate, a volunteer application and online orientation must be completed.

To learn more, call (727) 217-8111, or visit FloridaShine.org and click on the Join Our Team link.

New equipment
Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers (ACTC) announced that it has acquired the latest state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for its center at 15211 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville.

The Discovery RT multifunction Wide Bore CT Scanner meets virtually all the needs of a clinician in radiation therapy planning and simulation, and diagnostic, interventional and bariatric imaging.

The new CT scanner will deliver:

  • high-image quality to see the anatomy
  • extremely low dose for the clinician and patient
  • flexible room controls for faster procedures

It also will allow for imaging of bariatric patients, up to and including the morbidly obese population with a BMI greater than 40.

The scanner comes with Advantage 4D, which is a retrospective gating CT application that analyzes and characterizes respiration-induced motion of the anatomy.

In addition, the treatment center acquired a Smart Metal Artifact Reduction program that provides exceptional image quality and brings treatment plans clearly into focus.

The ACTC recently received its Certificate of Occupancy and its medical oncologists are now treating patients at its new location.

(Courtesy of Alzheimer’s Association)

Alzheimer’s walk raises more than $40,000
Pasco County residents helped to lead the way by participating in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, participants walked as individuals and small groups on sidewalks, tracks and trails around Pasco County, raising more than $40,000 to benefit the care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association. Fundraising for this event will continue through Dec. 31. Carolyn O’Connor Marlowe was just one of many who took part in the fight against Alzheimer’s. To donate and fight for a cure, visit ALZ.org/walk.

Honoring One Of The Finest Women I Have Known

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I write this in love and respect for one of the finest women I have ever known. We recently lost to breast cancer Paula Girven, a dear, sweet friend and trainer at our Land O’ Lakes studio. She was an amazing woman of God, trainer, friend, mother, sister and Olympian.

Samantha Taylor, left, and Paula Girven

I was blessed to start our friendship five years ago when she joined our fitness studio as a master personal trainer. I was so impressed with Paula as an athlete, as she shared her medals from numerous athletic achievements, including as an Olympic high-jumper on the 1976 and 1980 USA teams.

As our relationship grew, I became even more astounded by Paula as a person, for she was an inspirational example of how to care for others.

She loved people and attended every event, seminar and party we held as a fitness family. Paula was fluent in sign language, and every Christmas while I sang “Silent Night” on our Facebook live video, she would sign the words.

Paula truly cared about helping women and inspiring them to do their best. She led by example by being in absolutely amazing physical condition in her 60s.

All who knew Paula are deeply saddened to no longer have her here in physical form. But, one thing we know is that Paula loved Jesus, and that God must have amazing plans for her in Heaven, for her not be here anymore. She will be SO missed, but forever in our hearts.

To honor Paula’s legacy, we are hosting a private Celebration of Life this Saturday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m., at our Land O’ Lakes studio. Because of space limitations, an RSVP is required at SamanthaTaylorFitness.com/events. There is also a link on that page for those who want to donate to help Paula’s family with expenses.

Paula’s legacy will forever carry on in our fitness family. We are committed to sharing the attributes that she so amazingly lived.

One of the attributes I loved best about Paula is that when you talked to her, she made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. So in her memory, remember this the next time you speak with someone. Paula believed that each person matters, and by listening and showing kindness, you never know who you may encourage!

Paula passed away peacefully in Asheville, North Carolina on Oct. 17 at age 62. Born in Virginia, she was devoted to God, a loving mother and grandmother, loyal sister, and friend to many.

In 1976, Paula was the first high school girl in Virginia to jump 6 feet, a record that still stands today. She was one of the first African-American woman athletes to receive a full scholarship to the University of Maryland, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1981, and in 1999, was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. When the Olympic games came to Atlanta in 1996, Paula was honored to be selected as an Olympic torch runner.

She is survived by two daughters, two sisters and five grandchildren. She has left a legacy in her family, her athletic achievements, and here locally in our communities with the many women’s lives she touched. Samantha Taylor Fitness is committed to carrying on Paula’s legacy.

By Samantha Taylor

Published November 11, 2020