News

Digest

Health and support

By TIMES STAFF
Published June 28, 2007

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Alzheimer's Association: Caregiver support groups are offered at several locations:

- 2:30 p.m. the first Friday of each month, Lykes Memorial Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. Jerry Fisher, 688-4537.

- 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month, Crown Pointe Senior Living Community, 11291 County Line Road, Spring Hill. Sandy Croson, 799-1422.

- 2 p.m. the third Monday of each month, Residence at Timber Pines, 3140 Forest Road, Spring Hill. Diane Koenig, 683-9009.

American Cancer Society Needs Volunteers for "Road to Recovery" Program: There is a desperate need for drivers for the Road to Recovery program in Hernando County. Volunteer drivers provide transportation for local cancer patients to and from chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Schedules are flexible and training is provided. Requirements include a safe driving record, valid driver's license, insurance and a smoke-free vehicle in good running condition. Call Joan at 799-9078.

Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program: This program is a service provided by the Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging. It provides one-time assistance for households with both an energy crisis and a member who is 60 or older. An energy crisis is a shutoff or impending shutoff of electricity, a lack of heating supplies or a broken heating system. The program helps the household by providing assistance with paying the electric bill, buying heating supplies or fixing the heating system.

To be eligible, the household must meet income guidelines by household size. To find a service provider or apply for the program, call the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-963-5337.

The Mid-Florida area Agency on Aging is a nonprofit organization in Gainesville that serves 16 counties, including Hernando, as an advocate and focal point to develop coordinated and comprehensive services for the elderly.

Free Antibiotic Drug Program: Sunshine Wellness Center has a free antibiotic drug program that covers leading, oral generic antibiotics, with a special focus on prescriptions most often filled for children. There is no membership fee or fees. The center is located at 90 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Brooksville. 796-7200.

Hernando County Health Department: The local Health Department offers the following services:

Free childhood vaccines/immunizations, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays except Thursdays at the Brooksville and Spring Hill offices. Bring immunization records to determine which vaccines a child requires. Appointments not necessary.

"Freedom from Smoking" program. This is the American Lung Association's smoking cessation program. The clinic runs for seven weeks, one meeting per week, except for "quit week, " when two meetings are scheduled (meetings are 1 1/2 hours each). The cost is $25. Call for class schedule/location. Becky Martin, 540-6800, ext. 82148.

Health Department offices are at 300 S Main St., Brooksville, and 7465 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. For information, call the Health Department at 540-6800.

National Alliance on Mental Illness/NAMI Hernando: NAMI Hernando offers the following:

- The Beautiful Mind consumer-run drop-in center, 10554 Spring Hill Drive (Brothers I and II Plaza), Spring Hill. This is a self-help rehabilitation and recreation center for consumers and provides support groups, computer classes, bingo, arts and crafts, speakers and social activities. Call the center at 684-0004, or Ginny, 686-2687.

- Consumer Friendship Group meets 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays at the Beautiful Mind. This is an informal group for those with mental illnesses to visit and socialize. Call the center.

- Family Support Group, 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays at the Beautiful Mind. This group meets separately from the friendship group. It is for families of the mentally ill to exchange insights about mental illness and learn how others are coping. Call Ginny, 686-2687.

- Evening Family Support Group, 7 to 8:30 p.m. on first and third Wednesdays at the Beautiful Mind. This is a discussion group is for families of the mentally ill to talk with others who understand adult mental illness. Call 544-0352.

- Family-to-Family education program, a 12-week program for families and friends of those with mental illness, will be offered in August. Classes are 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Beautiful Mind. Reservations are required. Because class size is limited to 20, early reservations are recommended. The course and all materials are free. Call Bill or Judy, 544-0352.

- T-shirt fundaiser. Shirts are $10 (NAMI consumers pay $5). Call Ginny, 686-2687.

- Volunteers are needed to become support group leaders for parents of children with mental illness. Training is provided. Call Darlene, 686-0004.

- A speakers group is available to area church, civic and social organizations. Call Darlene, 686-0004.

- Visit the Web site at www.namihernando.org.

Senior Rx Assistance Program: This program is for Hernando County residents 60 or older who need financial assistance in purchasing prescription medications. For details, call 597-6331 or stop by the Oak Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (behind the hospital), Spring Hill. This is a nonprofit organization; donations are tax-deductible.

Aripeka

Alcoholics Anonymous: Open speaker group, 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Aripeka Community Center, Osowaw Boulevard. 683-4597.

Brooksville

Alcoholics Anonymous: Sunset group, 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Christ Lutheran Church, 475 W North Ave. Women's group, 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, St. John's Episcopal Church, 200 S Brooksville Ave., Brooksville; 544-8227. Back to Basics, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, the Harbor, 7074 Grove Road (across from Springbrook Hospital). Garden Grove group, open speaker's meeting, 8 p.m. the last Saturday of each month, First Presbyterian Church, 250 Bell Ave. Heavy Hitters group, 8 p.m. Wednesdays, First Presbyterian Church, 250 Bell Ave. Welcome group, 8 p.m. Thursdays, St. John's Episcopal Church, 200 S Brooksville Ave. TGIF group, 8 p.m. Fridays, First Presbyterian Church, 250 Bell Ave. 683-4597.

Al-Anon: Spring Lake AFG Group, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Spring Lake United Methodist Church, 4191 Spring Lake Highway. Carolyn, 799-1513.

Co-Dependents Anonymous: Words of Wisdom group, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Salvation Army Fellowship Hall, 15464 Cortez Blvd. This is a 12-step program geared toward the development of healthy relationships and the building of self-esteem. Step work is done on the first Wednesday of each month. Newcomers are welcome. Joan, 597-3926.

Grief Share Sessions: 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Brooksville Wesleyan Church, 8168 Jasmine Dr. Sessions designed for individuals who have recently lost a loved one. Open to the public. 799-3066.

Narcotics Anonymous: Stairway to Serenity group (open discussion), 8 p.m. Fridays, Faith Fellowship Church, 19255 Camp Ground Road. Open discussion group, noon Tuesday, Faith Fellowship Church. Just for Today group (closed discussion book study), 8 p.m. Tuesdays, First United Methodist Church, 109 Broad St.; open discussion meetings are at 8 p.m. Thursdays at First United Methodist. Stairway to Serenity/Newcomers Meeting (open discussion), 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Faith Fellowship Church, 19255 Camp Ground Road. 754-7200.

Reiki Clinic: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Inner Peace Metaphysical Bookstore, 425 W Jefferson St. Maria, 544-0304 or 585-1681.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly 208: 6 p.m. today, Gulf Ridge Park Baptist Church, 20200 Manecke Road. Linda, 796-1236.

Weight Watchers: 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, First United Methodist Church, 109 S Broad St. Meetings open 30 minutes early for weighing in. Toll-free 1-800-651-6000.

Hernando Beach

Alcoholics Anonymous: Open discussion, noon Tuesdays, First Baptist Church of Hernando Beach, 4446 Shoal Line Blvd. 683-4597.

Ridge Manor Ridge Manor West

Alcoholics Anonymous: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Ridge Manor Community Center, Cortez Boulevard. 683-5497.

Narcotics Anonymous: Getting Better Group (open discussion), 7 p.m. Sundays, Ridge Manor Community Center, 34240 Cortez Blvd. 754-7200.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly 530: 8:15 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, First Lutheran Church of Ridge Manor West, 30419 Park Ridge Drive. Eve, 796-0477.

Spring Hill

Al-Anon/Alateen Groups: Harmony Al-Anon family group, 7 p.m. Mondays, Spring Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center, 12170 Cortez Blvd. Use rear building entrance, Unit One, Activity Room. 683-4597. Al-Anon Family Group/Adult Children of Alcoholics, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Spring Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center. 683-3987. Spring Hill New Beginnings Alateen/Alanon, 7:30 p.m. (for beginners) and 8 p.m. (general meeting) Wednesdays, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Cabrini Center Room 7, 5030 Mariner Blvd. Al-Anon Serenity group, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd. 683-4597.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Tranquility group, 7:15 p.m. Mondays, Grace Presbyterian Church, 8375 Spring Hill Drive. Fun & Frolic group, 11 a.m. Thursdays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd. Living Sober group, 8 p.m. Thursdays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Friendship group, 8 p.m. Fridays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. 683-4597.

Care Connection/Care Too: Respite/social program for people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or other memory-related illnesses, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, Catholic Charities, 1423 Kass Circle. 686-9897.

Christian Based Addictions Recovery Group: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, First Baptist Church of Spring Hill, 7279 Pinehurst Drive (at Cobblestone Drive). Frank, 442-1314.

Fibromyalgia Support Group: 2 to 3:30 p.m. July 6, West Hernando/S.T. Foggia Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave. The group shares the latest information on current research, medications, alternative approaches and personal experiences. Irene, 666-2803, or Joan, 686-0238.

Gamblers Anonymous: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive. Diane, 263-2962.

Green Bean Organic Market hosts Summer Health Fair: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 11020 Northcliffe Blvd. There will be free samples, prize giveaways every 15 minutes and discounts on merchandise. 688-7979.

Hip-Hop HIV/AIDS Awareness Night: 9 p.m. Saturday, Saints and Sinners Lounge, 11060 Spring Hill Drive. Hosted by the Hernando County Health Department and local businessmen Mark Sabadishin and Rob Starz. The lounge will provide hip-hop music by DJ Risk. Free, anonymous and confidential HIV testing using the Orasure test kit will be provided; this test does not require drawing blood. Certified HIV/AIDS educators Joan Felix-Sepulveda and Laura Dunn will administer the tests. Results are generally available within two weeks. Call Felix-Sepulveda at 540-6800, ext. 82173.

"Man to Man" Prostate Cancer Support Group: 6 p.m. Monday, Florida Cancer Institute, 7154 Medical Center Drive. Cosponsored by the American Cancer Society. Betty Lawrence, 596-1926.

Narcotics Anonymous: Let It Go group (open discussion), 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Hope Community Bible Church, 13241 Spring Hill Drive. Vision of Hope group (closed discussion book study), 7 p.m. Sundays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd. Work Your Program group, 8 p.m. Fridays, Grace Lutheran Church, 411 Mariner Blvd. The Last Straw group, 8:30 p.m. Saturdays, A Club, 18922 Titus Road, off County Line Road. 754-7200.

Overeaters Anonymous: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, Spring Hill Health and Rehab, 12170 Cortez Blvd.; Pat, 688-1236, or Ernie, 596-4082. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Fridays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd.; Pat, 688-1236, or Dee, 686-4213.

Restless Legs Support Group: 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 10, Florida Sleep Institute conference room, 4075 Mariner Blvd. Dr. William Kohler, the group's medical adviser, should be available to address questions the group or individuals may have. RSVP to Betty and Bill Kinahan, 200-5440, or e-mail bkinahan@tampabay.rr.com.

Road to Recovery: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Northcliffe Baptist Church, 10515 Northcliffe Blvd. This will be the last Friday meeting. Starting next week, meetings will include a step study group from 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays, and an open group meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. This is a Christ-centered recovery program. The program is sponsored by the church. Steve Celinski, 683-5882, or www.nbchurch.org.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly: TOPS 604, weigh-in from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. and meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd.; Doris, 666-9525, or Nancy, 592-1088. TOPS 701, weigh-in at 9 a.m. and meeting at 9:30 a.m. Fridays, United Methodist Church, Shady Hills Road; Beverly, (727) 856-2436, or June (727) 856-4988. TOPS 716, 10 a.m. Fridays, Fellowship Wesleyan Methodist Church, 11250 Spring Hill Drive; 683-2063 or 686-0261. TOPS 746, weigh-in from 8:30 to 9 a.m., immediately followed by the meeting until about 10 a.m., Grace Presbyterian Church, Building B, 8375 Spring Hill Drive. Mary, 200-7869, or Mary, (727) 869-1814.

Weight Watchers: 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Saturdays, Suncoast Elementary School, 11135 Quality Drive. 10 a.m. Tuesdays and 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Spring Hill Community Center, 1202 Kenlake Ave. 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mondays and 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Fridays, Senior Citizens Center, 7925 Rhanbouy Road. Meetings open 30 minutes early for weighing in. Toll-free 1-800-651-6000.

Women's Breast Cancer Support Group: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Florida Cancer Institute, 7154 Medical Center Drive. Light refreshments will be served. Tambra Randazzo, 592-8128.

Weeki Wachee

Celebrate Recovery: 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Christian Church in the Wildwood, 10051 Country Road, off Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered 12-step program. Men's and women's discussion groups are offered. Visit the Web site at www.celebraterecovery or www.ccwildwood.com, or call 596-1388.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly: TOPS 461, 9 a.m. Thursdays, Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way. Marilyn, 686-5120, or Dorothy, 596-6697. TOPS 547, weigh-in from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. and meeting at 9:30 a.m. Fridays, Nativity Lutheran Church. Betty, 686-8719.

Information for the Health and Support column should be submitted to Phyllis Day, Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613. Information can be faxed to 754-6133 or e-mailed to day@sptimes.com The deadline for this news is seven working days before your event or reservation deadline. Information cannot be published if the time, date, place, ticket price (if applicable) or contact person and phone number are missing. For information about the Health and Support column, call 754-6101 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

[Last modified June 27, 2007, 19:58:26]

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