Health Events 0224

Crescent Clinic
to hold social

SPRING HILL Crescent Community Clinic will hold an after-hours social from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at the Fun Fitness Factory, 2187 Kass Circle, off Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. The clinic is a nonprofit primary health care organization that provides access to free services for adults ages 18 to 64 that do not have health insurance including Medicaid and meet income guidelines. The clinic is open the first three Saturdays of the month at 656 S. Broad St., Brooksville; and the clinic will open a primary health and basic dental care clinic in the Winchester Plaza, 5246 U.S. 19, Spring Hill by late spring. The mission of the clinic is to improve the health and well-being of the community. Physicians, dentists, medical support staff and office personnel are volunteers. The clinic does not receive any federal, state or county funding and relies on individual donations. For more information, visit www.crescentclinic.org or contact Maureen Soliman at [email protected] or 352-650-9005 or Barbara Sweinberg at [email protected] or 352-799-5500.

Blood drive at
Brooksville Reg.

BROOKSVILLE Brooksville Regional Hospital associates and physicians donated 91 units of blood in 2010, and the hospital will hold its next blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, in the conference room located on the first floor of the hospital located at 17240 Cortez Blvd. The public may also donate blood at this event. Many people think they cannot donate blood because they take medication, have diabetes, high blood pressure or have had cancer in the past; but many times, they are still able to donate blood. All donors must be at least 17 years of age and must present a valid photo I.D. For more information, call 352-797-4645.

CPR training at
Medical Complex

BROOKSVILLE Four separate CPR/AED classes will be offered at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 3, March 17, April 7 and April 21, at the new Brooksville Regional Hospital Medical Arts Complex, Room 120, located at 17240 Cortez Blvd. The course meets the guidelines of the American Heart Association. The class is designed for the professional health care provider, but anyone is welcome to attend. At the successful completion of the class, the student will receive a two-year certification card. The cost is $20 per person for the complete course to include CPR and Automated External Defribulation. Since seating is limited, early reservations are advisable. For reservations or information, call 352-597-8875.

Free screenings at
HCA hospitals

HCA Pasco-Hernando hospitals – Oak Hill Hospital, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, and Community Hospital – will offer free blood pressure and body composition analysis screenings throughout February, which is American Heart Month, to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke. Screenings will be offered on select dates and times at each of the facilities as follows: Oak Hill Hospital, Outpatient Entrance F, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville; Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Entrance A, 14000 Fivay Road, Hudson; and Community Hospital, Birthplace Lobby, 5637 Marine Parkway, New Port Richey. Reservations are required. For reservations or information, call 877-HCA-DOCS (877-442-2362).

RSVP to host
health showcase

BROOKSVILLE RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) will host its third annual Health and Informational Showcase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at Elks Lodge 2582 located at 14494 Cortez Blvd. Various types of informational vendors will be featured, such as senior housing, home health care, assisted living, chiropractic, pharmacies, Career Central, Sheriff’s Department, Experience Works, insurances, acupuncture, funeral homes, hearing, vision, electronic food stamp registry, IRS (Volunteer Income Tax Program), animal care, hospice, rehab centers, Elder Options (SHINE and Aging), Alzheimer’s support groups, volunteering, medical supplies, veterans services, Crime Watch, podiatric care, recreation, minor testing on premises and more. A silent auction, raffle and snacks will also be featured. The event will be sponsored by Mid Florida Community Services and supported by United Way. The showcase is for the benefit of the public as a means to provide an awareness of what is available to them. For information, call RSVP at 352-796-8117.

Relay for Life
fundraiser sale

SPRING HILL Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union will hold a fundraiser rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at its facility located at 4176 Mariner Blvd. Proceeds of the event will benefit Relay for Life. For more information, call Denise Cintino at 800-999-5887 Ext. 57599.

Man to Man to
meet March 7

BROOKSVILLE Florida Cancer Institute will hold its “Man to Man” prostate cancer support group at 6 p.m. Monday, March 7, at the Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope’s Brooksville Center located at 7154 Medical Center Drive, off Kadri Boulevard, across from the High Point community. Topics that are frequently discussed are: importance of early detection, signs and symptoms, prognosis, disease stages, incontinence, impotence, various treatment options including hormone therapy and medications, and especially the latest research and treatment modalities. Speakers will include physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, social workers and others. Co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society, “Man to Man” meets from 6 to 7 p.m. the first Monday of every month. For information, call Mary Capo at 352-596-1926.

Neuropathy seminar
at Wellington

SPRING HILL Martinez Chiropractic will offer a seminar entitled “Understanding Neuropathy” at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at the Wellington at Seven Hills clubhouse, 400 Wexford Blvd., off Mariner Boulevard. Dr. Robert Martinez will present the seminar, which is free of charge. Topics will include seven signs of neuropathy, what it is and who gets it, how it affects a person, and available treatments. Since seating is limited, reservations are required. For reservations or information, call Susan at 352-686-1686.

Cancer Institute
to host caregivers

SPRING HILL Florida Cancer Institute holds its Caregiver Support Group at 4 p.m. the second Thursday of every month at the Florida Cancer Institute’s Spring Hill Center located at 10441 Quality Drive, Suite 203, in the Medical Arts Building next to Spring Hill Regional Hospital. The next scheduled meeting will be held March 10. For information, call Pamela McGee, support group facilitator, at 352-688-7744.

Super-prep class
at The Birthplace

NEW PORT RICHEY The Birthplace at Community Hospital will conduct its Childbirth Super-Prep class from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at the Birthplace located at 5637 Marine Parkway. The super-prep class is a one-day accelerated refresher course, and the fee is $50 per person. Since seating is limited, reservations are required. For information or to register for classes, call 727-834-5630.

NAMI seeking
event sponsors

SPRING HILL NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Hernando is planning its first Bowl-a-Thon to be held Saturday, March 19, at Spring Hill Lanes, 3447 U.S. 19. NAMI is currently in need of sponsors for the event or as a lane sponsor. Prizes are also being sought for bowlers. Companies or organizations will be recognized in all publicity before and during the event, including prominent placement in the NAMI newsletter of the company name as a tournament sponsor. Businesses can be advertised on numerous levels, and the deadline for participation is March 1. All proceeds of the event will benefit NAMI Hernando, which is dedicated to providing education, support and advocacy for persons with mental illness and their families. To donate or for more information, call 352-684-0004 or visit online at www.namihernando.org.

Birthplace offers pediatric CPR

NEW PORT RICHEY The Birthplace at Community Hospital will hold a pediatric CPR class from 9 to 11 a.m. the fourth Saturday of every month at the Birthplace located at 5637 Marine Parkway. The next class will be held March 19. Pediatric CPR teaches how to save the life of a child. Participants will learn the skills of the American Heart Association course, “CPR for family and friends.” The fee is $15 for one person and $25 for two people. For reservations or information, call 727-834-5630.

Tours offered
at Birthplace

NEW PORT RICHEY The Birthplace at Community Hospital offers tours through its Family Education Program at the hospital located at 5637 Marine Parkway. The next scheduled tour will be held Saturday, March 19. Tours are conducted by a Registered Nurse educator who will meet with small groups and guide them through the Birthplace. Participants will visit the labor, delivery, recovery, post-partum rooms and will observe the Birthplace’s Infant Safety and Security Program. Participants are welcome to bring questions with them. Since spots are limited, reservations are required. For reservations or more information, call 727-834-5630.

Breastfeeding
class at Birthplace

NEW PORT RICHEY The Birthplace will offer a motivational class outlining the health benefits of breastfeeding from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at Community Hospital located at 5637 Marine Parkway. The class will focus on fundamentals and how to access support. Since seating is limited, reservations are required. To register or for information, call 727-834-5630.

‘Look Good’ program
at New Hope

SPRING HILL Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope has announced that it will host the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good…Feel Better” program once a month in its conference room located at 7154 Medical Center Drive. The program is held periodically on Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m., and the next scheduled meeting will be held Feb. 24. This is a free group program that teaches beauty techniques to female cancer patients to help combat the appearance-related side effects of treatment. “Look Good… Feel Better” is free and open to all women cancer patients in active treatment. Reservations are required. For information, call Mary Capo at 352-596-1926 Ext.150. For information about the Florida Cancer Institute, call 1-888-206-0054 or visit www.FloridaCancerInstitute-NewHope.com

In addition, a Look Good Feel Better Support Group meets from 3:30 to 5 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month at the Florida Cancer Institute’s Spring Hill Center, 10441 Quality Drive, Suite 203, in the Medical Arts Building, next to Spring Hill Regional Hospital. The next scheduled meeting will be held March 16. For information, call Peggy Beckett, R.N., support group facilitator, at 352-688-7744.

Respite Program
has openings

Catholic Charities, one of United Way of Hernando County’s partner agencies, has openings in its Respite Program. The program is for people with early stage Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss illnesses including stroke, Parkinson’s disease or senile dementia. The program offers caregivers some short-term, dependable relief from their day-to-day responsibilities, providing their loved ones the opportunity to participate in planned activities and friendships. For more information, contact Marie Monahan at 352-686-9897 Ext. 22 or e-mail [email protected].

SHINE program announces new sites

Florida Department of Elder Affairs will offer the free SHINE program (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) at the following locations:
Tuesdays
11 a.m. to noon, Brooksville Enrichment Center, 17222 Hospital Blvd., Medical Arts Building, Suite 120, Brooksville. For information, call 352-544-6022.
Wednesdays
Noon to 1 p.m., East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Brooksville. For information, call 352-754-4443.
Thursdays
11 a.m. to noon, Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 10441 Quality Drive, Medical Arts Building, Suite 105, Spring Hill. For information, call 352-684-7568.
SHINE counselors offer information and assistance with Medicare (filling out paperwork, bills and filing appeals), Medicare supplemental insurance, Medicare prescription drug coverage, long-term care planning and pharmaceutical assistance programs. An appointment is not necessary. For information or for counseling locations outside Hernando County, call the Elder Hotline toll-free at 800-262-2243.

Oak Hill announces
new Partner’s Club

Oak Hill Hospital announces the formation of its new organization – the Oak Hill Hospital Partner’s Club. Membership is open to all existing Enrichment Center members, H2U members, Oak Hill Hospital volunteers, or any Hernando, Pasco, or Citrus county resident. The Partner’s Club offers a variety of activities and events that focus on health, education, staying active, and meeting new friends. The club will be headquartered in the soon-to-be remodeled facility formerly occupied by the Enrichment Center. The hospital will provide further information about enrollment in the near future. For information about the hospital, visit its website at www.OakHillHospital.com

Assistance for
low-income elders

Florida Department of Elder Affairs has launched a pilot project to help low-income elders enroll for benefits. Florida’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, requires that most applicants for benefits fill out their requests online. However, a large portion of Florida’s 4.45 million seniors are not regular computer users, and statewide 58 percent of eligible elders do not participate in SNAP. The three-year pilot project will enable elders who are reluctant or unable to visit an office location or apply online to call the state’s Elder Helpline and have a trained professional enter the online data for them. Seniors who need help with a SNAP application should call the state’s Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-963-5337.

NAMI offers
free classes

SPRING HILL NAMI of Hernando (affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness) invites anyone who is dealing with a mental issue, or has a family member or loved one who is, to join its support activities. Its Consumer and Family support groups meet from 3 to 5 p.m. every Wednesday; and another consumer group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday, both at the Beautiful Mind Outreach Center in the Brothers 1 and 2 Plaza, 10554 Spring Hill Drive. Art classes, programs and speakers to inform the public about various aspects and treatments for mental illness will be featured. For more information, call 352-684-0004.

New location for
Ostomy Group

BROOKSVILLE Hernando County Ostomy Association meets from 2 to 4 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at the Brooksville Regional Hospital medical building, first floor, 17222 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. New members are welcome. For information, call Joan at 352-686-1077 or Ellen at 597-5426.

Divorce Care at
Church in Wildwood

WEEKI WACHEE Christian Church in the Wildwood will offer Divorce Care in February at the church located at 10051 Country Road. A session will meet weekly in Room 102 of Building B of the church. Divorce Care provides support for those who have experienced a past divorce or are currently going through a divorce. The cost will be $13 per person for workbook, and childcare will be provided free of charge for children through eighth grade. For information, call the church at 352-596-1388 Ext. 224.

TOPS meets
each Tuesday

SPRING HILL TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter 604 of Spring Hill meets from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd. Weigh-in is held from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m., followed by an informative meeting from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Visitors are welcome to attend the first meeting free of charge. Meetings include programs offering advice for losing weight. In addition to the meetings, social functions such as auctions, fashion shows and picnics are held throughout the year. New members, both men and women, are welcome. For information, call Nancy at 352-592-1088 or Doris at 352-666-9525.

Volunteers sought
for hospital/clinic

Brooksville Regional Hospital and Good Shepherd Medical Clinic are seeking volunteers for various positions. Shifts can be morning or afternoon at the hospital located at 17240 Cortez Blvd.; and from 7 a.m. to noon at the medical clinic located at 8425 Northcliffe Blvd., Spring Hill. Year-round residents are preferred. For more information, call 352-544-6117 or 352-544-6080 or visit the hospital’s website at www.BrooksvilleRegional.net.

Diabetes Support
meets at YMCA

SPRING HILL Diabetes Support Group meets from 3 to 4:30 p.m. the third Saturday of every month, year round, at the YMCA of the Suncoast, 1300 Mariner Blvd. The support group is open to all diabetics – Type 1, Type 2, gestational, Type 3 (spouses, parents, partners of a diabetic), and is open to all ages. Attendees are invited to share thoughts, feelings, frustrations, fears, tips, recipes, encourage others and receive encouragement themselves. The meeting is free of charge, and membership at the YMCA is not required to attend the meeting. For more information, call the YMCA at 352-688-9622 or Mollie Edwards at 352-610-4793.

Volunteers needed
to drive
cancer patients

American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program is in need of volunteers to drive cancer patients in Hernando County to their chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Schedules will be flexible, and training will be provided. Requirements will be a safe driving record, valid driver’s license, insurance and a smoke-free vehicle in good running condition. For information, call Joan at 352-799-9078.

Hospice offers
support groups

BROOKSVILLE HPH Hospice holds bereavement support groups from 3 to 4 p.m. Mondays at HPH located at 698 S. Broad St. or from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays at HPH located at 12260 Cortez Blvd. The organization invites any adult who is grieving over the death of a loved one. The groups are led by an HPH bereavement counselor and are open to the community. The support group is free of charge, and reservations are not required. For information, call 1-800-486-8784 or visit www.HPH-Hospice.org.

Wesleyan Church
to offer Grief Share

BROOKSVILLE Brooksville Wesleyan Church will offer Grief Share sessions at 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the church located at 8168 Jasmine Drive, just north of the intersection of State Road 50/50A and U.S. 98. The sessions are designed for anyone who has recently lost a loved one and will include “The Journey of Grief,” “When your Spouse Dies,” and other related topics. The public is welcome. For information, call 352-799-3066.

Elder Helpline
offers support

West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging’s Elder Helpline offers support for caregivers and their aging parents. The Helpline provides information for older adults and their caregivers by helping callers make informed decisions about available assistance. It is the starting point in getting connected with programs or services that can meet the needs of the older adult or caregiver. For more information, call 800-96Elder (800-963-5337) or visit www.AgingFlorida.com.

Al Anon meetings
at Holy Trinity

MASARYKTOWN Holy Trinity Lutheran Church conducts an Alcoholics Anonymous Family Group meeting at 7 p.m. each Tuesday in the Ministry Center of the church located at 1214 Broad St. (U.S. 41). Meetings are open to the public. For information, call 352-796-4066.

Resource Room
at Pinebrook

BROOKSVILLE American Cancer Society has a Hernando Resource Room which is open from noon to 4 p.m. every Wednesday in Suite 203 of the Main Entrance at the Pinebrook Regional Medical Center, 14540 Cortez Blvd. Bras, wigs, prosthesis, turbans, and scarves are available free of charge for uninsured or underinsured patients. For information on other American Cancer Society free programs and services, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit online at www.cancer.org.

Amplified phones
for residents

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Florida offers amplified and text telephones and ring signaling devices free of charge to Florida residents through its contract with Florida Telecommunications Relay. An individual must be over the age of 3 and certified as being deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, or speech impaired. Equipment will be available by appointment every Tuesday morning at the Spring Hill Enrichment Center located behind Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd. To schedule an appointment for equipment or for more information, call 1-866-685-9477 or 727-853-1010 or visit online at www.ftri.org/ptrichey.

Northcliffe Baptist
offers GriefShare

SPRING HILL GriefShare recovery seminar and support group will meet from 9 to 10:30 a.m. each Saturday at Northcliffe Baptist Church, 10515 Northcliffe Blvd. GriefShare features nationally recognized experts on grief and recovery topics. Seminar sessions will include “The Journey of Grief,” “The Effects of Grief,” “When Your Spouse Dies,” “Your Family and Grief,” “Why?” and “Stuck in Grief.” For information, call the church at 352-683-5882.

Oak Hill announces
ambassador service

Oak Hill Hospital announces the establishment of a new position of Patient Ambassador. The ambassador is an advocate for their patients’ needs while respecting the confidentiality of all involved. The patient advocate’s job duties entail greeting each patient at least twice per four-hour shift to determine whether the patient’s needs are being met – whether the patient needs a newspaper, directions, a water refill or simply a friendly ear, the ambassador will attempt to fulfill the needs and information request. If medical assistance is needed, the ambassador will alert the necessary medical staff. For information, contact the hospital at 352-596-6632 or visit online at www.OakHillHospital.com.

Volunteer positions
available at Oak Hill

SPRING HILL Oak Hill Hospital Volunteer Association has a wide range of volunteer opportunities at the hospital located at 11375 Cortez Blvd. Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available in both patient contact and non-patient contact areas. For information, call the Oak Hill Hospital Volunteer Association office at 352-597-3038.

St. Andrew’s offers support groups

SPRING HILL St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2030 Deltona Blvd., is offering the following Community Support Groups:
Divorce Care will meet at 7:30 p.m. in Krysher Hall of the church. Trained facilitators can assist and give support to people who are separated or divorced. For more information, call Geri at 352-683-7013.
Griefshare will meet from 3 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday. The program is for people who have lost a spouse or close friend. Trained facilitators will be available to offer advice and support. For information, call the church office at 352-683-2010.
Both programs are ongoing and can be joined at any time.

DivorceCare meetings

SPRING HILL DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar and support group will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at St. Frances Cabrini Parish, 5030 Mariner Blvd. Seminar sessions will include “Facing My Anger,” “Facing My Loneliness,” “Depression,” “New Relationships,” “KidCare” and “Forgiveness.” For information, call 352-686-9954 Ext. 409.

Health Dept. offers
family services

Hernando County Health Department offers family planning assistance at both of its facilities located at 300 S. Main St in Brooksville and in the government complex located at 7465 Forest Oaks Blvd. in Spring Hill. The Health Department family planning services are based on FDA-approved methods which include condoms, birth control pills, Depo-Provera, IUDs, diaphragms, along with abstinence and natural family planning methods; counseling regarding vasectomy services; pregnancy testing; and a comprehensive exam (health history, health promotion and community resource information, physical examination and lab tests including Pap smear and testing for sexually transmitted diseases). Fees for services are based on the client’s income. The services are free of charge for those who have incomes up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level. To make an appointment or for information, call 352-540-6800.

Lymphedema
support groups

NEW PORT RICHEY Community Hospital, the future Medical Center of Trinity, will host Lymphedema support group meetings at 3 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at the Medical Center located at 5637 Marine Parkway. Meetings will be conducted by Alisha Cover, a licensed physical therapy assistant. Since seating is limited, reservations are required. For reservations or information, call 1-877-4-HCA-DOCS (1-877-442-2362).

NEW PORT RICHEY Florida Cancer Institute – New Hope will host its Lymphedema support group from 3 to 4 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at its center located at 8763 River Crossing Blvd. Lindsey Wisniewski, licensed physical therapy assistant at Community Hospital, plans and conducts the meetings. For information, call Lindsey at 727-845-0757.

Overeaters Anon. lists meetings

Overeaters Anonymous of Hernando County offers a 12-step recovery program for anyone who is suffering from compulsive overeating or food addictions. Weigh-ins, fees or diets will not be conducted. The meetings are held weekly as follows:
* At 1 p.m. every Tuesday at West Hernando Public Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., off State Road 50, near Weeki Wachee.
* At 7 p.m. every Thursday at DaySpring Presbyterian Church in the Fellowship Hall, 6000 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill.
* At 1 p.m. every Friday at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in the Coulton Building of the church located at 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill.
* At 2:30 p.m. every Saturday.
For more information, call Overeaters Anonymous toll-free at 1-800-544-6353 or call Karen at 352-200-8433 or e-mail [email protected]. For detailed information, visit its website at www.oafreedom.org.

Autistic children
support group

BROOKSVILLE The Harbor Behavioral Health is offering a free support group for families with autistic children from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at The Harbor located at 7074 Grove Road.
The support group is for caregivers of children with autism. Babysitting will not be offered during the meetings, so prior arrangements must be made for child care. For information, call 352-346-1677.

Respite Room
at First UMC

SPRING HILL First United Methodist Church of Spring Hill will feature The Respite Room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday in Burns Hall of the church located at 9344 Spring Hill Drive. The Respite Room provides a weekly program for persons with memory challenges such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Participants engage in meaningful and age appropriate activities. This opportunity enables a person to be part of a social setting and participate in activities that are specially designed with them in mind. The program provides caregivers a brief break from tasks and time for themselves. For information, call Christine Powers at 727-863-6868 or Cindy McLoud at 352-683-2600.

ER wait times
available online

HCA Oak Hill Hospital, Community Hospital and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point now post Emergency Room wait times to see a qualified medical practitioner on their Websites and via text messaging. Visit www.HCAdocs.org or text ER to 23000. The Emergency Department wait times for these hospitals is updated approximately every 30 minutes using an average from the previous four hours.

Health Dept. offers
childbirth classes

SPRING HILL Hernando County Health Department/Nature Coast Community Health Center will offer Childbirth Education classes from 6 to 8 p.m. each Wednesday at the Health Department located at 300 South Main St. Facilitated by Margaret Purdy, MS, ED, CBE, the series will offer pregnant women and a partner information, instruction and resources to promote a healthy delivery. A partner is not required to participate in the classes. The cost of the program is $60; and participants can pay by cash, check or credit card. The program is free of charge for Healthy Start clients. Registration is limited to 10 participants and 10 partners. To register or for information, call Susan DeLise at 352-540-6819.

Elder Options
offers help

Elder Options, of the Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging, exists to promote the independence, dignity, health and well-being of elder citizens; to plan, fund and administer a coordinated continuum of services; and to advocate for the needs of older Americans. Anyone who is 60 or older and is being hurt or taken advantage of by someone they know or trust, should report suspected cases of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation by calling 1-800-96-ELDER or 1-800-965-5337. To report elder abuse, call the confidential Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).

Memory program
at CARES

HUDSON CARES Early Memory Loss Program will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday at the CARES Rao Musunuru, M.D. Enrichment Center, 12417 Clock Tower Parkway. The program is for individuals who are experiencing early memory losses and need a proactive day program to provide social support and memory retraining skills. The CARES “Senior Moments” Early Memory Loss program offers individuals and their families opportunities to reduce the progression and challenges of potential memory disorders through early intervention. For reservations or information, call Christine Powers at 727-863-6868.

Hearing Clinic
held at CARES

HUDSON The St. John’s Hearing Institute will hold a hearing clinic at the CARES Rao Musunuru, M.D. Enrichment Center, 12417 Clock Tower Parkway, from 9 to 11 a.m. the second Monday of each month. Ear wax checks and ear wax removal, hearing screenings and hearing aid checks will be provided. Participants who wear hearing aids will receive one free package of batteries. Amplified telephones are distributed to the hearing impaired by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at no charge to qualified Florida residents. For information, call the Center at 727-868-6363.

RSVP seeking volunteers

BROOKSVILLE The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is seeking volunteers, and the only requirement of the program is to be 55 years of age or older. A representative of the RSVP Welcome Center located at 880 Kennedy Blvd. will find a position that will fit the interests and needs of interested volunteers. Some of the areas available are mentoring, tutoring, teacher’s aide, teen pregnancy, Meals on Wheels, senior centers, nature, museum docent or researcher, library, food banks, thrift stores, clerical, and animal care. If interested in volunteering or for information, call from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 352-796-8117.

Miracle on Wheels qualification

Miracle on Wheels announces that Medicare’s regulations make it easier for seniors and others with debilitating conditions such as arthritis, stroke, heart and breathing problems, or diabetes to obtain a power wheelchair at little or no cost. Anyone who is suffering from any condition that severely limits their mobility should call Miracle on Wheels toll-free at 1-800-400-4210.

Co-Dependency group to meet

BROOKSVILLE The Co-Dependency (CoDA) Words of Wisdom (WOW) Group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday at the Salvation Army, 15464 Cortez Blvd. The group is a 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and fulfilling relationships. For information, call Valarie at 352-596-2492.

‘Children Loved’ support group

SPRING HILL St. Frances Cabrini Center will offer an “Our Children Loved and Remembered” support group at 7 p.m. the first and third Friday of each month in Room 3 of the Cabrini Center located at 5030 Mariner Blvd. The support group is for parents and grandparents that have lost a child of any age or religion. For information, call Dorothy at 352-684-1369 or Carol at 352-686-1310.

Celebrate Recovery at Life Center

SPRING HILL Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step program for those with hurts, habits and hang-ups, will be held at 7 p.m. Fridays and Mondays at Bridge Family Life Center, aka First Baptist Church, 7279 Pinehurst Drive. The Friday program is a time of worship and a lesson followed by small groups for fellowship and discussion. Child care is provided on Friday nights only. The Monday program is the men’s and women’s 12-step study groups. For information, call 352-683-2863 or visit the church’s Website at www.firstbaptistchurchsh.com

Yoga classes at Inner Peace

BROOKSVILLE Hatha Yoga classes will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and at 6 p.m. Thursdays at the Inner Peace Bookstore and Wellness Center, 421 West Jefferson St. Bring a mat or towel and bottled water. The cost is $7 per person, but the first yoga class is free of charge with instructor Rachel Oleson, 352-346-8619. For information, call the Bookstore at 352-544-0304.

A Reiki clinic will be held at 7 p.m. each Wednesday at the Inner Peace Bookstore and Wellness Center. Reiki is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Energy, an energy all around people. Reiki allows the person to feel deeply relaxed, calm and peaceful. The cost for the clinic is $10 per person or $22 per month, and Reiki books will be available for purchase. For information, call Maria at 352-544-0304 or Vicki at 352-442-1240.

Outreach Center offers support

SPRING HILL Beautiful Mind Outreach Center, 10554 Spring Hill Drive, in the Brothers I and II Plaza, is a self-help rehabilitation and recreation center which helps those with a mental illness help themselves and also offers support and education to their families. The Center provides support groups, education groups, friendship groups, bingo, arts and crafts, computer classes, bowling, scrapbooking, guest speakers, social activities and more. For information, call the Center at 352-684-0004 or Ginny at 352-686-2687.

Brooksville Regional introduces EUS

BROOKSVILLE Brooksville Regional Hospital has introduced its full-service gastrointestinal program incorporating a relatively new procedure, the Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS). EUS combines the techniques of endoscopy and ultrasound examination to obtain images and information about various parts of the digestive tract through a less invasive procedure than surgery. The procedure enables physicians to detect and determine treatment for cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, masses and lesions in body tissues at earlier stages, as well as determine how aggressively these masses should be treated. The hospital is located at 17240 Cortez Blvd. For information, call 352-799-5019 or visit www.BrooksvilleRegional.net.

DivorceCare meetings

SHINE program announces new sites

Florida Department of Elder Affairs will offer the free SHINE program (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) at the following locations effective Feb. 1:
Tuesdays
11 a.m. to noon, Brooksville Enrichment Center, 17222 Hospital Blvd., Medical Arts Building, Suite 120, Brooksville. For information, call 352-544-6022.
Wednesdays
Noon to 1 p.m., East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Brooksville. For information, call 352-754-4443.
Thursdays
11 a.m. to noon, Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 10441 Quality Drive, Medical Arts Building, Suite 105, Spring Hill. For information, call 352-684-7568.
SHINE counselors offer information and assistance with Medicare (filling out paperwork, bills and filing appeals), Medicare supplemental insurance, Medicare prescription drug coverage, long-term care planning and pharmaceutical assistance programs. An appointment is not necessary. For information or for counseling locations outside Hernando County, call the Elder Hotline toll-free at 800-262-2243.

Celiac Group to
meet 4th Saturday

CRYSTAL RIVER Celiac Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the fourth Saturday of the month in the Community Room at Coastal Region Library located at 8619 West Crystal St. The support group is for those who have celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis. Everyone is welcome; bring friends or relatives who also may be gluten intolerant. Anyone who would like to bring a gluten-free snack, bring the recipe and/or list of ingredients for those with other allergies. For information, call Mary Lou Thomas at 352-628-9559.

Mid-Florida Services provides meals

Mid-Florida Community Services provides nutritious meals year-round to seniors age 60 and over. Seniors are welcome to visit any one of its four dining sites within the county. In addition, the Meals on Wheels program provides nutritious lunches five days a week to seniors who are homebound. The daily contact by the program’s volunteers ensures a visit by someone who provides companionship, while checking on the person’s health and well being. Volunteers are welcome, and donations are appreciated. For information, call 352-796-1425 or 352-796-0485.

Arc seeking volunteers

Arc Nature Coast is seeking volunteers for its POSSE Program, Enrichment Program at the Community Café or Neff Lake Road facility, any of several office locations, community outings and special events. Applications and background screenings are required for any position which involves direct contact with customers. There is a one-time fee of $28 for submission of paperwork to two outside agencies. Orientation and tours of the facilities will be available to all volunteers. For information and application forms, contact John DiRienzo at [email protected] or by calling 352-544-2322.

Leukemia group meets Tuesday

SPRING HILL The Florida Cancer Institute’s Leukemia/Lymphoma Support Group will meet from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Florida Cancer Institute’s Spring Hill Center, 10441 Quality Drive, Suite 203, in the Medical Arts Building, next to Spring Hill Regional Hospital. Topics that are frequently discussed are: the importance of early detection, signs and symptoms of leukemia-lymphoma, prognosis, disease stages, the various treatment options, and especially the latest research and treatment modalities. For information, call Jeff Haight, R.N., support group facilitator, at 352-688-7744.

Hearing services has phones

PORT RICHEY Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Florida has recently announced the addition of several new telephones, ttys and captioned telephones which are available through its no-charge equipment distribution program. Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers amplified telephones and related equipment free of charge to permanent Florida residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind or speech-impaired. The telecommunications access program is funded by a surcharge on all landline phones in Florida. Equipment is available Monday through Friday at the Main Office located at 8610 Galen Wilson Blvd. or at satellite locations throughout Pasco and Hernando counties. For information or to make an appointment, call 727-853-1010 or 1-866-685-9477.

Medicare recipients eligible for wheelchair

All Medicare recipients should now be aware that if they suffer from conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disorders, and have difficulty walking or propelling a standard wheelchair, they may be eligible to receive an electric wheelchair paid for by Medicare. For information on Medicare eligibility, call 1-800-810-2877.

Grief support group meets Fridays

SPRING HILL Survivors Grief Support Group meets at 1 p.m. Fridays in Conference Room 1 of Oak Hill Hospital located at 11375 Cortez Blvd. Everyone is welcome. For information, call Rose at 352-596-6752.
Enrichment Centers list activities
Department of Veteran Services of Hernando County will be addressing concerns and answering questions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday at the Brooksville Enrichment Center, 670 Broad St., Brooksville; and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday at the Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. Capri Home Care will be checking blood pressure and will host a question-answer session about general health concerns from 10 to 11 a.m. every Thursday at the Brooksville Enrichment Center. Contours Express will be sending a personal trainer to assist the exercise class at 8:45 a.m. every Wednesday at the Brooksville Enrichment Center. A volunteer will take blood pressure Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Spring Hill and Tuesdays at Brooksville. Support groups are available, such as Parkinson’s, diabetic, Alzheimer’s, Ostomy, nurses, well spouse and breast cancer. For information, call the Spring Hill Enrichment Center at 352-597-6331 or the Brooksville Enrichment Center at 352-544-5900.

Wishes on Wheels has wheelchairs

Wishes on Wheels has electric power wheelchairs available for nonambulatory senior citizens 65 years old and up, and the permanently disabled of any age, if they qualify. For information, call 1-800-823-5220 or visit www.threewishes2.com.

WOW program offered at YMCA

SPRING HILL Hernando County Family YMCA offers a Working on Weights program that meets twice a week for four weeks on the Wellness Floor of the facility located at 1300 Mariner Blvd. The program features one-on-one instruction with a personal wellness trainer to help achieve personal goals while addressing personal limitations and comforts. For information, call Olivia Matles at 352-688-9622.

Yoga in the park

BROOKSVILLE Yoga in the park will be offered Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at Hernando Park, 205 East Fort Dade Ave. The cost is $7. For information, call Rachel at 352-263-4923 or Hernando County Recreation Department at 352-754-4031.

Editor’s note: Healthy Happenings events will only be listed as space permits. E-mail submissions to Karen Raimondi at [email protected] or to Paula Nelson, the special sections editor, at [email protected].

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