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Health

Health 04-23-14

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Foundation of Caring fundraiser
The Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring is hosting “Night at the Copa” April 26 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th St., in Tampa.

Freddy Montes y Su Son will provide Cuban music in the atmosphere of Old Havana.

The fundraiser will support needy children and families in Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

For information and registration, call (813) 783-9932, or email .

Food addicts program
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous meets at Seventh-day Adventist Church, 33420 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, Thursdays at 7 p.m.

The program is based on the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

For information, visit FoodAddicts.org.

NAMI offers support
The Pasco County Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness offers two monthly support group meetings at 7 p.m.

• Family & Friends Support Meetings: North Tampa Behavioral Health, 29910 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel, first and third Tuesday of each month. This group is for family and friends of those with mental illness.

• NAMI Connections: NAMI Pasco Office, 6480 Jallo Plaza, 6480 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, every Tuesday. This group is for those living with mental illness.

For information, call (727) 992-9653.

Moffitt hosts caregivers
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute is hosting its Caring for the Caregiver program April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in the Vincent A. Stabile Research Building, 12902 Magnolia Drive in Tampa.

This is a free program to provide educational sessions and peer support for caregivers of cancer patients.

A light breakfast and catered lunch will be provided. Free valet parking is available.

To register, call (813) 745-8407, or visit tinyurl.com/CFCG2014.

Give blood, get gift card
OneBlood and Walgreens are teaming up for a blood drive April 28 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at these Walgreens locations.

• 20741 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa
• 22829 State Road 54, Land O’ Lakes

Donors must be 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.

Each donor will receive a wellness checkup and a free $10 Walgreens gift card.

For information, visit OneBlood.org.

Dementia care seminar
Senior Helpers of Spring Hill will host two seminars on dementia care education April 29 at 9 a.m., and at 1 p.m., at The Residence at Timber Pines, 3140 Forest Road in Spring Hill.

Guest speakers are Glen Scharfeld of Senior Helpers, and Teepa Snow, a dementia care and education specialist.

The seminars are free.

To register, call (352) 683-9009.

His and hers health seminar
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host the seminar “His and Hers: Vaccines, Screenings & Vitamins for Your Health” April 30 at noon.

Guests speakers will be Dr. Stephanie Eldridge and Dr. Amir Shirmohammad, both in family medicine.

Admission is free. A light complimentary lunch will be served. Seating is limited.

For reservations, call (727) 834-5630.

Gulfside volunteer orientation
Gulfside Hospice is hosting a volunteer orientation for new shop volunteers in Central Pasco April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Lutz Thrift Shoppe, 1930 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Space is limited.

For information or reservations, call Jennifer Ball or Tracey Thompson at (813) 780-1235.

Cancer support group
Florida Cancer Affiliates offers a biweekly support group at its New Port Richey center, 5500 Little Road.

The next meeting is April 30 at 6 p.m.

Refreshments will be served. Reservations are advised.

For information, call (727) 808-4818.

New format for bereavement group
Gulfside Hospice’s bereavement department offers bereavement groups with a set beginning and ending date so that participants can get to know each other and feel more comfortable sharing their feelings during the group sessions. Each new group will last approximately 10 weeks.

The next session in Land O’ Lakes is May 1 to June 26 at 2 p.m., at Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway.

For information, call (800) 561-4883.

CoDA meets in Trinity
The Medical Center of Trinity will host the Co-Dependence Anonymous group every Thursday at 7 p.m., at 5637 Marine Parkway in New Port Richey.

Upcoming meetings are May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22 and May 29.

This group focuses on the common purpose of developing healthy relationships.

For information, call (727) 816-8678 or (727) 858-3013.

OLOR cancer network
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church Family Cancer Network meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month in Rosary Hall at the church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, beginning at 7 p.m.

Cancer survivors and caregivers are welcome to attend.

For information, call (813) 949-4565.

Free vaccinations offered for Pasco sixth graders

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Pasco County Schools is teaming up with the Florida Department of Health to provide free Tdap vaccinations to current sixth graders at the county’s middle schools on May 22.

Students entering seventh grade in Florida must provide proof of the Tdap vaccination — which stands for tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis — before they will be allowed to start school, according to state health officials.

Parents must sign a permission form before their child can be vaccinated, and must be submitted to the school their child attends by May 1.

The vaccinations are required because tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis can be very serious diseases, according to a fact sheet prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Tdap vaccine can provide protection.

Tetanus also is known as lockjaw. It causes painful muscle tightening and stiffness, typically all over the body. It can lead to tightening of muscles in the head and neck, and make it difficult or impossible for someone to open his or her mouth, to swallow, or even to breathe.

It is fatal for about one in five people who are infected, according to the CDC.

Diphtheria can cause a thick coating to form in the back of the throat. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and death.

Pertussis also is known as whooping cough. It causes severe coughing spells, which can cause difficulty breathing, vomiting and sleep disruptions. It can lead to weight loss, incontinence and rib fractures. As many as two in 100 adolescents and five in 100 adults are hospitalized or have complications, which could include pneumonia or death.

Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing, according to the CDC. Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches or wounds.

Before vaccines, there were as many as 200,000 cases of diphtheria and pertussis a year, and hundreds of cases of tetanus. Since vaccination began, tetanus and diphtheria have dropped by about 99 percent, and pertussis by about 80 percent, the CDC said.

The health department has scheduled when the vaccinations will be given at each of the district’s middle schools. The schedule for the May 22 vaccinations locally is:

• Long Middle School: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Rushe Middle School: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• Stewart Middle School: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Centennial Middle School: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• Weightman Middle School: Noon to 2 p.m.

• Pasco Middle School: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• Pine View Middle School: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For additional information, call the health department at (727) 861-5250, at either ext. 268 or ext. 224, or the school district’s health services office at (727) 774-2360, (813) 794-2360, or (352) 524-2360.

Published April 23, 2014

Seminar helps business owners understand Obamacare

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There are supporters and detractors of the Affordable Care Act — better known as Obamacare — but no matter where you stand on the issue, unless you qualify for a subsidy, you’ll pay higher insurance rates.

Insurance agent Jason Greif helps explain some of the ins and outs of health care reform, also known as Obamacare. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Insurance agent Jason Greif helps explain some of the ins and outs of health care reform, also known as Obamacare.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

That’s what Jason Greif, an insurance agent with U.S. Health Group, told members of a health insurance reform class at the SmartStart Dade City incubator April 8.

The insurance agent, who has been in the industry for eight years, explained changes in health care law, talking about the pros and cons of the new requirements, and the different kinds of insurance coverage that are available in the health care marketplace. Greif also explained the penalty for not purchasing health insurance, which is now mandatory, and he talked about the risks that people face when they don’t have insurance.

“A lot of people are misinformed,” Greif said.

Part of Obamacare took effect on March 23, 2010, he said, noting that’s when insurance companies had to begin covering what has been defined as essential health benefits.

“There are 10 of them,” Greif said. They include services ranging from child immunizations to maternity care, mammograms to colonoscopies.

“What do you guys think is going to happen to the rates if the insurance companies have to cover everybody’s colonoscopy? They go up,” he said. “I actually am for Obamacare for a lot of different reasons. But it has increased the rates.”

Another big change happened on Jan. 1. That’s when insurance companies could no longer deny coverage.

“No matter what, anybody can get health insurance,” Greif said.

That’s good news for people who were denied coverage before, but it drives up insurance rates as a result. In the past, people with certain conditions could only get coverage as part of a group.

“It’d really be disheartening for me to say, ‘There’s nothing I can do. You have diabetes, I can’t get you insurance,’” Greif said. “Nobody could do anything for them,” unless they were able to get covered through a group.

“It’s almost more of a socialistic approach to healthcare. But for people that are sick, for people that get a subsidy, it’s actually an amazing program because those people were not able to get insurance,” Greif said.

This year’s open enrollment is over. The only way to enroll through the marketplace outside of the enrollment period is to have a life-changing event such as moving, losing group insurance or having a child, Greif said.

The next enrollment period begins Nov. 15.

Those who want to get an idea of what their rates would be can go to a website, HealthSherpa.com, to get a fairly close estimate of what to expect, Greif said.

“This is a great website. The quotes are usually $5 higher or lower. It’s a way you can get an accurate quote and you don’t have to go on Healthcare.gov and create a profile and give all of your personal information out,” he said.

Now, health insurance rates are based on age, tobacco use and ZIP code, Greif said. Eligibility for subsidies is based on income.

Still, there are choices in the types of coverage and the rates that are attached to those, he said. Some coverage types allow people to choose doctors who are inside or outside of their network, while others allow people to use only doctors within their networks.

Some of the networks have more doctors than others, Greif said. It’s important to find out exactly what the plan includes.

Greif recommends a plan that allows individuals the most latitude when it comes to selecting which doctors and hospitals will treat them.

For those who disregard the law and do not get health insurance, the penalty is either $95 or 1 percent of the individual’s modified gross adjusted income, whichever is higher, Greif said.

Regardless of where people stand on Obamacare, Greif said having coverage is essential. Without it, he said, people who have serious medical emergencies or conditions can go bankrupt in a matter of days.

Published April 16, 2014

Pets give patients a paw-inspiring boost at St. Joseph’s

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Hospital patients enjoy getting visitors, whether they’re friends, family, neighbors or church members.

Jason, left, and Journey are two of the volunteer therapy dogs at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. The program, which began last July, now has six dogs visiting patients during the week. (Courtesy of St. Joseph's Hospital-North)
Jason, left, and Journey are two of the volunteer therapy dogs at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. The program, which began last July, now has six dogs visiting patients during the week.
(Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

But sometimes it’s the visitors on four legs that bring out the biggest smiles.

“Everybody enjoys a visit from a therapy dog,” said Ron Graff, whose Golden Retrievers, Journey and Jason, make weekly visits to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North on Van Dyke Road in Lutz. “I get comments from patients all the time that many of them are missing the pets that they have at home, and it was just great to be able to spend a little bit of time talking to the dog or petting the dog.”

Graff brings one of his dogs to either the St. Joseph’s location in Lutz or Tampa a couple of times a week, and spends about 90 minutes walking the halls and seeing if patients would like a visit from a therapy dog. Many say yes, and each session lasts up to 15 minutes as patients interact with them and enjoy a break from the routine life of a hospital stay.

Patients also like to hear information and stories about the dogs, especially Journey. Born without a front left paw, the 5-year-old gets around just fine with the help of prosthetics.

So when Journey at 75 pounds and Jason at 90 pounds make their way down the hallway, they attract attention for several reasons, and find themselves welcome in many rooms.

Graff pointed to studies showing health benefits of human interaction with pets, but said the response from seeing one of his dogs on visiting day is immediate and easy to see.

“There are certainly situations where patients are very quiet and somewhat withdrawn,” he said. “They just brighten up when the dogs come in, and as we leave, they’re clearly feeling much better about it.”

Nurses also will direct him toward patients who might be having a tough day, received difficult news, are struggling with treatment, or simply could use a visitor.

It’s not just the patients who look forward to their visits, volunteer resources auxiliary coordinator Karen Telfer said.

“At the nurse station, as soon as they see them approaching you can tell that they can’t wait to come and say hello,” she said. “They know all the dogs by name. It just seems like a real morale booster for the staff.”

There are currently six dogs in the rotation at St. Joseph’s-North — Graff’s dogs are two of them, Telfer said. Each one is trained, evaluated and certified by a nationally recognized dog therapy organization.

All of the dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and shots and undergo health screenings. The owners also go through normal hospital volunteer protocol.

While the pet therapy has been around for a while at the Tampa location, it’s relatively new in Lutz: St. Joseph’s-North began its program just last July. In that time, Telfer believes the program has already reaped dividends in the form of happier patients and genuine anticipation of their visits.

“It cheers them up and boosts their morale,” she said. “We’ve actually had one patient say they hoped they were still there the next week to see that dog again.”

In fact, the feedback has been so positive and implementation so easy, Telfer would like to see it expanded at some point in the future. Right now they have one service dog coming each weekday between the hours of 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Her goals for the program include expanding so two or three service dogs could be scheduled on those days, as well as finding possible weekend options.

Graff enjoys giving back to the community and volunteering his time, along with Journey and Jason, to benefit others. But he said the best part of the experience is being able to reflect on what they accomplish after each visit.

“My favorite part is really just seeing the reaction from patients, and after about an hour or an hour-and-a-half, heading home and knowing that we’ve been able to make at least one person feel better even though they’re in the hospital,” Graff said.

Published April 16, 2014

Health 04-16-14

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Pasco Challenge a success
More than 400 participants ran, walked and biked to support the Alzheimer’s Family Organization at the 2014 Pasco Challenge at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey. They raised more than $7,000 to support the organization’s programs and services.

For information on the Alzheimer’s Family Organization, call (727) 848-8888.

Back pain presentation
The Spine Care Centers of West Florida at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will present a lecture on lumbar spinal stenosis April 17 at 3 p.m. Guest speaker is neurosurgeon Dr. George Giannakopoulos.

The lecture is free, but reservations are required. Refreshments will be served.

For information, call (727) 869-5498.

Man to Man support
Florida Cancer Affiliates will host a Man to Man prostate cancer support group at its New Port Richey center, 5500 Little Road, April 17 at 5 p.m.

Discussions include early detection, signs and symptoms, prognosis, disease stages, and various therapies and medications.

For information, call (727) 372-9159.

Huntington’s Disease group
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is hosting a support group for anyone whose life is affected by Huntington’s disease.

The group will meet April 17 at 6:30 p.m.

For information, call Nina Qualters at (727) 236-3578, or email .

Pediatric CPR course
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a pediatric/infant CPR course April 19 at 9 a.m.

Participants can learn the skills of the American Heart Association course “CPR for Family and Friends.”

Cost is $15 per person, or $25 for two.

For reservations, call (727) 834-5630.

Hospitals offer recycling
In commemoration of Earth Day, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson; and Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., in Spring Hill, are offering a recycling opportunity for staff and the public April 22.

Small electronics can be dropped off at Bayonet Point from 9 a.m. to noon, and at Oak Hill from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition, documents will be accepted for shredding by Cintas Corp.

For information, call (727) 869-5413 or (703) 297-7467.

Arthritis seminar for seniors
Hillsborough County Aging Services will present “Experts in Arthritis” from the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative April 23 at 11:15 a.m., at the Lutz Senior Center, 112 First Ave., N.W.

For information, call (813) 264-3803.

Stem cells and back pain
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host the seminar “Your Stem Cells for Back Pain” April 23 at noon.

Discussions will include stem cell therapy, degeneration and pain.

Admission is free, but reservations are required. A complimentary light lunch will be served.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Sibling classes
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a sibling class for children ages 7 years and older April 23 at 5 p.m.

The class will help prepare children for the arrival of a new baby.

Cost is $10 per child.

For information and reservations, call (727) 834-5630.

Caregiver support group
Florida Cancer Affiliates will host a caregiver support group meeting April 23 at 6 p.m., at its New Port Richey center, 5500 Little Road.

The group is open to anyone who is looking after a sick loved one, watching over an elderly parent, raising a grandchild, caring for a child with a mental or physical disability or mental illness, or simply helping out another.

For information, call (727) 372-9159.

Cheryl Kennison
Cheryl Kennison

FHZH selects director of marketing
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills has named Cheryl Kennison as its new director of marketing. Kennison served as marketing manager at Florida Hospital Tampa before coming to Zephyrhills.

She also has served as marketing and foundation director for Bert Fish Medical Çenter in New Smyrna Beach.

Kennison is a graduate of Union College in Nebraska.

Kennison resides in Wesley Chapel with her family.

Get copy of advance directives
National Health Care Decision Day is April 16, and HPH Hospice is offering a download of an advance directive form on its homepage at HPH-Hospice.org.

Those interested also can have a packet mailed to them by calling (866) 940-0962.

HPH representatives also are available to meet one-on-one for guidance through the preparation of an advance directive.

For information, call Jane Freeman at (727) 863-7971 or (800) 486-8784.

Living Will distribution
The Hook Law Group is providing free living wills April 16 at Gulfside Center for Hospice Care, 5760 Dean Dairy Road in Zephyrhills from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For information, call (727) 842-1001.

Medicare training
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc. and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs are offering comprehensive training on the basics of Medicare in a three-day program for those interested in volunteering with the Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders Program.

The training begins April 22.

For information, call Susan Samson at (727) 570-9696, ext. 234, or visit FloridaShine.org.

Women and menopause
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., will host the seminar “Straight Talk for Women: The Big Change” April 24 at 6 p.m.

Women between the ages of 35 and 55 can learn more about the expected changes and creative survival strategies for dealing with menopause.

Guest speaker is Delrose Brown.

To register, call (877) 534-3108.

Gulfside hospice orientation
Gulfside Hospice is hosting an orientation for new volunteers in East Pasco County April 24 and April 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Gulfside’s Center for Hospice Care, 5760 Dean Dairy Road in Zephyrhills.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Space is limited.

To reserve a spot, call Jennifer Ball or Tracey Thompson at (813) 780-1235.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Day
Alzheimer’s Family Organization is hosting its Caregiver Day May 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Bayfront Health Dade City, 13100 Fort King Road.

The event includes refreshments, lunch, certificate of attendance, and guest speakers.  Topics include research updates, Medicare fraud and elder law issues.

Cost is $10 for AFO members, and $25 for non-members.

Registration is required.

For information, call (727) 848-8888 or (888) 496-8004.

HPH Hospice’s Grief’s Journey
HPH Hospice will host an eight-week Grief’s Journey group for newly bereaved adults.

The group will meet beginning at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning May 7 at HPH’s Resource Center, 37441 Clinton Ave., in Dade City.

The group is free, and individuals who haven’t used hospice services are invited.

Preregistration is required.

For information, call (800) 486-8784.

Community Health Fair
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, C1 Bank, and Elks USA will host their Community Health Fair June 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Elks Lodge 2731, Wire Road in Zephyrhills.

The event will feature free health screenings, health and wellness education, door prizes, and a low-cost lunch.

 

Health 04-09-14

By

(Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)
(Courtesy of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point)

Blankenship is employee of the month
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has recognized Mark Blankenship, registered respiratory therapist and member of the respiratory care team, as its February Employee of the Month. Celebrating the honor are, from left, Chief Medical Officer Joseph Pino, Chief Executive Officer Shayne George, Mark Blankenship, Respiratory Therapy Director Melanie Schmitt, Chief Nursing Officer Tanya Simpson, Human Resources Vice President Geoff Washburn, and Chief Operating Officer Shalin Shah.

Give blood, get gift card
OneBlood will host blood drives at the following Walgreens locations April 12 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.:
• 7925 Gunn Highway, Tampa
• 17511 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa
• 22829 State Road 54, Land O’ Lakes
There will also be a blood drive on April 14 at 18511 U.S. 41 in Lutz.

All donors receive a wellness checkup, a cholesterol screening and a $10 Walgreens gift card. Donors must be at least 16 years old and weigh 110 pounds.

For information, visit OneBlood.org.

Heart healthy nutrition
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a class called Heart Healthy Nutrition: Eating for a Healthy Lifestyle April 15 at 10 a.m.

The class will review heart healthy eating to control blood pressure, weight and protect the heart. Participants will learn dietary balance, good and bad fats, controlling sodium intake, calorie balance, and the importance of dietary fiber.

Seating is limited.

To make a reservation, call (727) 834-5630.

Female pelvic seminar
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is hosting a seminar entitled “Common Female Pelvic Problems: Essential Knowledge to Restore Your Lifestyle” April 16 at noon.

Guest speaker is Dr. Mona McCullough to discuss common pelvic issues facing women and the treatment options available.

Admission is free. A complimentary lunch will be served. Seating is limited and reservations are required.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Get copy of advance directive
National Health Care Decision Day is April 16 and HPH Hospice is offering a download of an advance directive at its homepage at HPH-Hospice.org.

Those interested can also have a packet mailed to them by calling (866) 940-0962.

An HPH staff representative also is available to meet one-on-one for guidance through the preparation of an advance directive.

Call Jane Freeman at (727) 863-7971 or (800) 486-8784.

Living will distribution
Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care and Hook Law Group are partnering to provide free living wills April 16 at these locations:

• Gulfside’s Corporate Resource Center office, 2061 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, from 9 a.m. to noon

• Hook Law Group offices, 4918 Floramar Terrace in New Port Richey, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For information, call (727) 842-1001.

Parkinson’s support group
The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet April 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Church of the Nazarene, 5902 Himes Ave., in Tampa.

Guest speaker is Emily Wilson of the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services.

Light refreshments will be provided.

For information, call Jane Lowry at (813) 908-6685, or Adele Ida Walter at (813) 932-6902.

Oak Hill fills residency program
Oak Hill Hospital in Spring Hill has filled all 10 of its internal medicine residency positions through its association with the National Resident Matching Program.

The program is accredited for 30 residents, with 10 residents starting July 2014.

This is a three-year training program, and an additional 10 residents will be added each year to total 30 residents at Oak Hill Hospital over the next three years.

Sibling classes
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a sibling class for children ages 2 to 6 years old April 16 at 5 p.m.

Topics include what a new baby looks like, how to become a big helper, and how to make friends with the new baby.

Cost is $10 per child.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Lymphedema support
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host its monthly lymphedema support group April 17 at 3 p.m.

Lymphedema is a persistent swelling, usually an arm or leg, which can occur as a side effect of cancer treatment.

Seating is limited and reservations are required.

For information, call (727) 834-5630.

Pasco considering ban on hiring smokers for county jobs

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It’s hard to argue the numbers against smoking: It’s caused 20.8 million deaths since 1965, it’s been linked to 12 kinds of cancer and 17 chronic diseases, and can create similar problems to anyone else exposed to the smoke, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.

Life is becoming more and more difficult for tobacco users. Not only is space to light up becoming scarce, but jobs might be more difficult to find as well. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)
Life is becoming more and more difficult for tobacco users. Not only is space to light up becoming scarce, but jobs might be more difficult to find as well.
(Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

So for Pasco County, banning cigarette smoking is a no-brainer. However, preventing smokers from being hired by the county? That might be a little more problematic.

Yet Pasco is starting that push, although county performance development director Marc Bellas admits that he’s still not sure exactly how the new program will shake out.

“Everyone in this organization knows this is coming, but what we don’t know is what it will look like, when will it happen, and how it will impact each one of them,” Bellas said.

Governments have found some success — and failures — when it comes to implementing policies that would ban hiring smokers. Temple Terrace made national news more than a decade ago when it tried to control smoking in its workforce, and the negative backlash caused them to change gears.

But that was a different time, when Florida’s ban on indoor smoking in most public places was still in its infancy. In 2003, the argument was to help lower health insurance costs. Today, however, the carrot being dangled is healthier living.

“What they’re looking for is kind of a more environmentally friendly and positive work place,” said county public information officer Doug Tobin. “That includes a smoke-free campus, as well as a policy where new employees would be prohibited from smoking.”

And the idea is not new in Pasco County. Both the fire department and sheriff’s office already restrict smoking among employees, Tobin said, and the county itself has flirted with the idea for several years now.

A smoking policy for the county government is far from complete, Bellas said. However, he brought up some initial ideas to the Pasco County Commission last week to get some of their feedback.

In its current form, employees hired after Oct. 1 would be required to sign an affidavit affirming they have not used tobacco products for one year, and agree to submit to a nicotine test if they’re every suspected of smoking. Those who were hired before Oct. 1 would no longer be allowed to use tobacco products while they are on the clock.

New hires would not be allowed to smoke or use tobacco products at all, not even at home, or on the weekends. If they are discovered to have violated the policy, they could be disciplined and even fired.

Yet, even Bellas admits that sometimes a plan looks far better on paper than it does in the field. And his goal is to not make it more difficult to compete for good employees with other counties and private industry by having too restrictive of a policy.

“We have a few challenges that we can’t ignore,” he said. “Between 24 and 25 percent of our employees right now use tobacco, and a lot of them are in the entry-level positions in roads and bridges, and in utilities. The folks in those departments already have a hard enough time keeping those positions filled. If we take one more thing away, and they believe it’s going to be a problem, then that is not a good choice for us.”

That means there’s still a lot of work to do on the policy before it’s completed, Bellas said, and there’s a good chance that what is finally approved to begin next October could be quite different from what’s on the table today.

And the talk alone of implementing the policy seems to have had some positive effect already. Commissioner Henry Wilson, who serves on a committee addressing this issue, told commissioners at the recent meeting participation in smoking cessation programs has drastically increased over the past two months.

“They know the conversation has started,” Wilson said. “This is nothing else but to create a healthy work environment, and that’s what we’ll try to do.”

Published April 2, 2014

Health 04-02-14

By

Dr. Charles L. Suggs III
Dr. Charles L. Suggs III

Gulfside appoints Suggs
Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care has appointed Dr. Charles L. Suggs III as its new chief medical officer.

Suggs started at Gulfside Regional Hospice, now Gulfside Hospice, in August 2006 as a team physician. He also has served as the medical director for both Gulfside Regional Hospice and Pasco Palliative Care.

He has more than 30 years experience practicing medicine, and is board certified in hospice and palliative care medicine, as well as in obstetrics and gynecology.

Chatterboxes meeting
Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host a Chatterboxes meeting April 3 at 3 p.m.

The support group assists people suffering from communication deficits as a result of a cerebral vascular accident or other neurological disorder.

Caregivers and spouses are encouraged to attend.

For information, call (727) 834-4445.

Chronic disease program
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will offer the chronic disease self-management program Living Healthy beginning April 3 at 1:30 p.m., and continuing on April 10, April 17, April 24, May 1 and May 8.

Topics include dealing with fatigue, appropriate exercise, use of medications, new treatments, and communicating with family.

The workshop is free, but class size is limited.

For reservations, call (727) 869-5498.

Celiac support group
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, hosts the West Pasco celiac support group the first Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. The next meeting is April 5.

Meetings are open to the public and include recipe demonstrations of a gluten-free diet. For information, visit RMCHealth.com.

Give blood, get gift card
OneBlood will host blood drives April 7 at two Walgreens locations, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Each donor will receive a $10 gift card to Walgreens. Donors must be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. The stores are:
• 22829 State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes
• 20741 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa

For information, visit OneBlood.org.

Helping HANDs
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host Helping HANDs, a support group for family members and friends impacted by autism, April 9 at 7 p.m.

There will be a guest presenter from the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida.

For information, call Jonica Chittum at (813) 402-9442, or email .

Heart healthy nutrition
The Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a class called Heart Healthy Nutrition: Eating for a Healthy Lifestyle April 15 at 10 a.m.

The class will review heart healthy eating to control blood pressure, weight and protect the heart. Participants will learn dietary balance, good and bad fats, controlling sodium intake, calorie balance, and the importance of dietary fiber.

Seating is limited.

To make a reservation, call (727) 834-5630.

Carpal tunnel presentation
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., will present a treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome seminar hosted by Dr. Randolph Knight April 3 at 6 p.m., in the hospital’s Wellness Center Conference Room.

To register, call (877) 534-3108.

Give blood in ZH
OneBlood will have blood drives April 5 and April 12 at Walgreens,12807 U.S. 301 in Dade City, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., both days. Each donor will receive a $10 gift card to Walgreens. Donors must be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.

For information, visit OneBlood.org.

Get copy of advance directives
National Health Care Decision Day is April 16 and HPH Hospice is offering a download of an advance directive form on its homepage at HPH-Hospice.org.

Those interested also can have a packet mailed to them by calling (866) 940-0962.

HPH representatives also are available to meet one-on-one for guidance through the preparation of an advance directive.

For information, call Jane Freeman at (727) 863-7971 or (800) 486-8784.

Caregiver luncheon
The Hook Law Group and Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care will host a caregiver luncheon called Life Planning and Healthcare Decisions April 16 at 11:30 a.m., at Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club in San Antonio.

Panelists include Joan Nelson Hook and Dr. Charles Suggs III. They will speak on advance directives, life planning and more.

For information, call (727) 484-7933.

Living Will distribution
The Hook Law Group is providing free living wills April 16 at three locations:
• Gulfside Center for Hospice Care, 5760 Dean Dairy Road, Zephyrhills from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Gulfside’s Corporate Resource Center, 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, from 9 a.m. to noon
• Hook Law Group, 4918 Floramar Terrace, New Port Richey, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For information, call (727) 842-1001.

Health 03-26-14

By

(Courtesy of Pasco Federated Republican Women's Club)
(Courtesy of Pasco Federated Republican Women’s Club)

Women’s club donates to vets program

The Pasco Federated Republican Women’s Club donated $3,360 to the HPH Hospice/We Honor Veterans Program. The funds were raised at the club’s We Honor Vets Casino Night at Spartan Manor in New Port Richey Feb. 7. Presenting the check to Robin Kocher of HPH Hospice (with name tag) are, from left, Fran Garofalo, Pat Orella, Carol Martorana and Meg Merritt.

 

 

V-Day fundraiser
The Sunrise Domestic and Sexual Assault Center will present a production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” March 29 at 6 p.m., at The Grove Golf and Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’ Lakes.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The show is for mature audiences only. Refreshments will be served, and a cash bar available.

Cost is $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $10 for students or military.

All proceeds go to Sunrise.

For information, visit tinyurl.com/SunriseTickets.

Alzheimer’s support
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will host an Alzheimer’s support group meeting April 1 at 10 a.m.

The meeting is open to caregivers and those interested in discussing and exchanging ideas in the care of Alzheimer’s patients.

For information, call Laura Arnold at (727) 863-0176.

Childbirth course
The obstetrics program at Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, is offering a six-week prepared childbirth course beginning April 2, one night per week, at 7 p.m. Cost is $70.

For information and to register, call (727) 834-5630.

Chatterboxes meeting
Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, will host a Chatterboxes meeting April 3 at 3 p.m.

The support group assists people suffering from communication deficits as a result of a cerebral vascular accident or other neurological disorder.

Caregivers and spouses are encouraged to attend.

For information, call (727) 834-4445.

Chronic disease program
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, will offer the chronic disease self-management program Living Healthy beginning April 3 at 1:30 p.m., and continuing on April 10, April 17, April 24, May 1 and May 8.

Topics include dealing with fatigue, appropriate exercise, use of medications, new treatments, and communicating with family.

The workshop is free, but class size is limited.

For reservations, call (727) 869-5498.

Celiac support group
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, hosts the West Pasco celiac support group the first Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. The next meeting is April 5.

Meetings are open to the public and include recipe demonstrations of a gluten-free diet. For information, visit RMCHealth.com.

County official says cancer gave her a new perspective

By

The women sat in a circle, quietly sharing the ways their lives have been affected by three devastating words: “You have cancer.”

Paula O’Neil attends a breast cancer support group at The Center for Women’s Health at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel to share her personal experiences with breast cancer. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Paula O’Neil attends a breast cancer support group at The Center for Women’s Health at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel to share her personal experiences with breast cancer.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

For one, the words were so fresh that she couldn’t quite wrap her mind around her situation. For another, those words have been uttered repeatedly and have caused multiple surgeries.

One member of the group, Paula O’Neil — Pasco County’s clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller — had joined the women to share her story. For O’Neil, like for the others, finding out she had breast cancer was a jolt.

“I was totally shocked. I really felt that I led a healthy life,” O’Neil said.

In the area where the cancer was found, O’Neil had been previously screened with a mammogram and a sonogram and had been fine, she said.

Statistics from the American Cancer Society, estimate that about 1.7 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2014, and nearly 1,600 Americans per day are expected to die from the disease.

When O’Neil heard she had breast cancer, she didn’t believe she would die. She said she’d met so many survivors through her association with the American Cancer Society that she didn’t expect that her disease would be fatal.

“I figured I would make it through,” O’Neil said.

But that didn’t mean the experience was easy.

“I think the hardest time is between the time when you find out and you find out what they’re going to do,” she said. “You don’t how far it spread. You don’t know what’s going to happen to you.”

It’s not easy for the family, either.

“When you first find out you have cancer, you and your family, it’s like, ‘Holy cow, are you kidding me?’ And then, you start accepting it,” she said.

Making O’Neil’s case more complicated is the public nature of her work. As clerk of the circuit court, she has a large staff of 150 people and many responsibilities. Before she informed her staff, O’Neil gathered her executive team around her to share her news. She wanted them to help reassure the staff that she was looking good and expected to be OK.

She said she wanted to be sure she controlled the story, so she notified the press.

“When you’re in an elective position, you have to be careful. You don’t want people to think you’re going to die,” O’Neil said. “I wanted the story from myself. I didn’t want rumors.”

She said her initial concerns were about losing a breast and losing her hair. When she found out she needed a mastectomy, she said she pushed for a double mastectomy to avoid having to go through a similar ordeal later.

She was advised, instead, to have genetic testing done to see if she had a genetically inherited trait that made her at high risk for breast cancer. The result was negative, so she was denied the double mastectomy.

Like most cancer patients, O’Neil did not want to lose her hair. Part of the reason was a concern for her appearance because she’s on television every other week, during Pasco County Commission meetings.

“I don’t know if I would have done that with a wig. I didn’t want to look sick. It was real important to me not to look sick,” O’Neil said.

She underwent chemotherapy, but she kept most of her hair.

“I did the chemo cold caps to save my hair. I was able to freeze my scalp to save my hair,” she said. “It thinned. It thinned a lot.”

Patients wear a specially designed cap that is cooled to a very low temperature to constrict the blood vessels to prevent them from carrying the harmful drug agents to the scalp, thus preventing the drugs from damaging the hair follicles.

The chemo cold caps are not covered by every insurance plan, but were covered by hers, O’Neil said.

In addition to the chemotherapy treatments, O’Neil also underwent breast reconstruction, which resulted in an infection in her stomach for six months, she said.

As she shared her story, other women in the group opened up. Some talked about how hard it is to tell others they have cancer. Other women talked about how grateful they are being able to share their experiences at the support group, which meets at The Center for Women’s Health at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

The women shared their pain, but also offered each other practical advice.

For those who have trouble sharing their story, there’s a website called CaringBridge.com that allows communications to be shared with whomever they want to keep in the loop, one woman said.

Another said there’s a website geared to helping organize the contribution of meals by others who care. That’s called, TakeThemAMeal.com.

O’Neil told the women she was honored to meet with them.

“We’ve all been through the same things,” she said. “I can tell you this: It’s not a path I would have chosen, but I’m very grateful, grateful for the experience. It gives you a different perspective on life and on how precious it is.”

O’Neil said she’s always believed she would one day work at a cancer camp for kids. Now, when she does, she’ll be able to relate to them on a deeper level.

“I’ll be able to say, ‘I’ve been through chemo, too,’” O’Neil said.

Published March 26, 2014

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