Health News, July 28
Men’s health seminar
SPRING HILL – Oak Hill Hospital, in collaboration with the YMCA of the Suncoast, will present a seminar titled “Maintaining Men’s Health from A-Z” from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the YMCA of the Suncoast/Hernando County branch at 1300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. The program will be presented by Dr. Rashid Saba, board certified in internal medicine. Admission is free and the doors open at 11:45 a.m. A complimentary lunch will be served. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. To RSVP or for more information and to register, call (352) 597-6333, or register online at OakHillHospital .com.
CPR/AED course
Crescent Clinic is offering the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver Adult/Child/Infant CPR/AED course. Paramedic Jose Miguel Juarez, who is AHA certified, will be the instructor. Upon successful completion of this class, you will receive an AHA Heartsaver CPR AED card. Certification period is two years.
This course will be given 4-8 p.m. Aug. 12, at Spring Hill United Church of Christ, 4244 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. The classroom is located in Fellowship Hall. Cost to attend is $45.
For more information and to register, call (352) 610-9916. Checks may be mailed to Crescent Community Clinic, 5244 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606. Please clearly print your name for your certification card.
HPH seeking volunteers
HPH Hospice is recruiting volunteers to help out in the kitchen at its Sturgill Hospice Care Center. HPH is also in need of volunteers to visit patients in their homes in the Brooksville area or assist the agency performing clerical duties. A two-part orientation will be provided from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, and Thursday, Aug. 22, at the Care Center, 12242 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Attendance is mandatory both days and lunch will be provided. There is no cost, but registration is required as seating is limited. Call Jacquie Lambert at (352) 796-2611 to register.
Stroke recovery group
The H2U Partner’s Club will host a new stroke recovery group titled “iPad Users Group for Stroke Recovery.” The group will at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, in the H2U Partner’s Club at Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. For more information, call Renee Payne at (352) 263-9265.
Paper donations
The Crescent Community Clinic is asking for donations of old newspapers and clean paper to be deposited in the green and red recycle bin located at the northeast corner of Jericho Road Thrift Store in Winchester Plaza, 5244 Commercial Way, Spring Hill.
Proceeds from the recycled paper help to fund the operating expenses of the clinic. Everyone at the clinic is a volunteer, thus operating expenses are kept to the bare minimum.
Outreach program
SPRING HILL – The GFWC Spring Hill Service League, in conjunction with the Hernando Mental Health Alliance, will host a community outreach awareness program titled “Faith in Action” from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the First United Methodist Church, 9355 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill.
Participants will have an opportunity to introduce their social programs, learn about available community resources and interact with community advocates.
Guest speakers include Diane Rowden, county commissioner; the Rev. Anthony Caruana, pastor at FUMC Outreach Ministries; and Barbara Sweinberg, director of Crescent Community Clinic. Lunch will be served. Space is limited; call (352) 650-9006 by Sept. 20 to RSVP.
Hep C support group
BROOKSVILLE/SPRING HILL – A hepatitis C support group for veterans is forming. Contact Art Fryer at (352) 503-2569.
Comfort caregivers
SPRING HILL – HPH Hospice offers a Comfort for Caregivers support group for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, with a safe retreat with other caregivers in a relaxed and confidential setting. The group meets the first Thursday of the month at 11 a.m. to noon, located at 8055 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill.
Free to attend and open to the public. Call (352) 597-1882.
Visitor program
The Hernando County Ostomy Association offers a visitor program for new ostomy patients who need counseling and support. Call Ellen Boldt at (352) 597-5426 or Linda Ravenhorst at (352) 686-1956.
Caregiver support
SPRING HILL – Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope holds its Caregiver Support Group meeting 4:30-5:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month at its Spring Hill Center, 10441 Quality Drive, Suite 203, Medical Arts Building next to Spring Hill Regional Hospital. Call Pamela McGee, support group facilitator, at (352) 688-7744.
Prostate cancer group
BROOKSVILLE – Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope holds its “Man to Man” prostate cancer support group 6-7 p.m. the first Monday of every month at its Brooksville Center, 7154 Medical Center Drive, off Kadri Boulevard, across from the High Point community.
Topics frequently discussed are: importance of early detection, signs and symptoms, prognosis, disease stages, incontinence, impotence, treatment options including hormone therapy and medications, and especially the latest research and treatment modalities.
Speakers will include physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists and social workers.
The support group is co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society. For information, call Mary Capo at (352) 596-1926.
AFO support
BROOKSVILLE – Alzheimer’s Family Organization offers support group meetings at 1 p.m. every Monday at the Brooksville Regional Hospital, Medical Arts Building Enrichment Center, Suite 120, 17222 Hospital Blvd.; 1 p.m. every third Tuesday of the month at the Hernando County Mining Association, Enrichment Center, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd.; or 1 p.m. every second Wednesday of the month at Spring Hill Regional Hospital, Medical Arts Building, Suite 105, 10441 Quality Drive, in Spring Hill.
For more information, call John at (352) 232-0081 for Brooksville locations or Pam at (352) 688-1262 for Spring Hill. To volunteer, call (727) 848-8888 or toll free at (888) 496-8004. The DFLA is a program of the Volunteer USA Foundation. Go online to www.volunteerusa foundation.org.
Chatterboxes group
NEW PORT RICHEY -Community Chatterboxes meets 3-4 p.m. every other Thursday at Community Hospital, 5637 Marine Parkway. Community Chatterboxes is a support group to assist individuals suffering from communication deficits (i.e., aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, etc.) as a result of a cerebral vascular accident or other neurological disorders. The group was originally established for outpatients who had been discharged from traditional speech therapy but still wished an outlet to practice and interact with others with the same problems. Call (727) 845-0757.
Alzheimer’s support
Alzheimer’s Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, offers support groups for family members, caregivers and others interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s disease. Support group facilitators have received training as required by chapter and National Alzheimer’s Association standards.
Program schedule is:
First Friday of each month, 2:30 p.m., Main Branch Public Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville, Jerry Fisher, (352) 688-4537.
First Thursday of each month, 2:30 p.m., Oak Hill Hospital-Senior Partners, 11361 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, Jerry Fisher, (352) 688-4537.
Third Monday of each month, 2 p.m., The Residence at Timber Pines, 3140 Forest Road, off U.S. 19, Spring Hill, Diane Koenig, (352) 683-9009.
First Tuesday of each month, 11 a.m., Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 550 U.S. 41 S., Inverness, Cathy Heaps, (352) 527-4600.
Third Wednesday of each month, 11 a.m., Avante Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, 304 S. Citrus Ave., Inverness, Cathy Heaps, (352) 527-4600.
Second Wednesday of each month, 2:30 p.m., Sunflower Springs Assisted Living Community, 8733 W. Yulee Drive, Homosassa, Cathy Heaps, (352) 527-4600.
The free meetings are open to everyone.
Also, visit the Alzheimer’s Association online at www.alzsupport .com for a live chat at noon every Wednesday.
Message boards are open at all times to post questions and leave replies. Call (352) 688-4537 or (800) 772-8672.
Crescent Clinic open
SPRING HILL – Crescent Community Clinic is open for services at the Winchester Plaza, 5244 Commercial Way. The primary health care and basic dental services clinic is for uninsured adults ages 18 to 64 who meet federal poverty guidelines. Patients must bring a photo ID and proof of income; e.g., paystub or other income verification. The clinic is open the first three Saturdays of the month, excluding holidays.
The policy for services has changed; a limited number of new patients can sign in 8:30-9:30 a.m. only. Patients on file can sign in 9:30-10:30 a.m. only. Lab patients with a script for blood work can sign in at 9:15 a.m.
Basic dental services consisting of infection control, extractions and cleanings are now offered. Patients needing refills on prescriptions should have the pharmacy fax a refill request to the clinic by Wednesday. Prescriptions and renewals can be picked up after 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Call (352) 610-9916. Fax is (352) 610-9915.
Arc seeks volunteers
The Arc Nature Coast is seeking volunteers for its POSSE (Promoting Opportunities and Skills with Special Equestrians) Program, Enrichment Program at the Education Center or Neff Lake Road facility, any of several office locations, community outings and special events.
Applications and background screenings are required for any position that involves direct contact with customers.
There is a one-time fee of $28 for submission of paperwork to two outside agencies.
For information and application forms, contact John DiRienzo at jdirienzo@thearc-nature coast.org or call (352) 544-2322.
Church support group
WEEKI WACHEE – Christian Church in the Wildwood offers a Cancer Support Group, which meets at 1:30 p.m. the second Monday of every month in the Building A Café of the church, 10051 Country Road. The purpose of the support group is to help caregivers, survivors or those currently dealing with cancer. The support group is free. Call Godfrey Eason at (352) 597-9916 or (352) 263-3784 or email [email protected]
Myeloma support
SPRING HILL – Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets at 6 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Partner’s Club behind Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd. Contact Pat Killingsworth at (715) 271-5037 or email pat@helpwith cancer.org.
Leukemia group meets
SPRING HILL – Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Moose Lodge, 5214 Mariner Blvd. For more information, contact Lourdes Arvelo at (813) 963-6461, ext. 11, email Lourdes.Arvelo@lls .org or visit www.lls.org.
Respite program
SPRING HILL – Catholic Charities has openings in its Respite program on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 8370 Forest Oaks Blvd., in Spring Hill.
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, providing their loved ones the opportunity to participate in planned activities and friendships.
For more information, contact Gary Chapin at (352) 686-9897 or Charles Locasto at (813) 624-8978.
Al Anon meetings
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, 1214 Broad St. (U.S. 41). Meetings are open to the public. For information, call (352) 796-4066.
Hospital volunteers
BROOKSVILLE – Regional Hospital and Good Shepherd Medical Clinic are seeking volunteers for various positions. Shifts can be morning or afternoon at the hospital,17240 Cortez Blvd., and from 7 a.m. to noon at the medical clinic, 8425 Northcliffe Blvd., Spring Hill. Year-round residents are preferred. For information, call (352) 544-6117 or (352) 544-6080 or visit www.Brooksville Regional.net.
Volunteers needed
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.
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 requests. 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.
Health news releases to be published in health events listing should be received 10 days in advance and will not be published without complete information, such as the time, date and physical address of the location of the meeting or event. Also, an information telephone number for the public and the name and telephone number of a contact person must be included. Email news releases to Michael Terry at [email protected], fax to (813) 579-9246 or mail to Hernando Today, 15299 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville FL 34613.
