Digest

Health notes

By MICHELLE JONES
Published July 1, 2007

Prevent eye injuries on the Fourth of July

Prevent Blindness Florida urges people to celebrate the Fourth of July safely without fireworks. Each year Americans celebrate Independence Day with food, get-togethers and fireworks. According to the U.S. Eye Injury Registry, bystanders are more often injured by fireworks then operators themselves. Sparklers can burn up to 1, 800 degrees Fahrenheit. In 2005, there were 500 children younger than 5 hurt by sparklers. For a free copy of the Safe Summer Celebrations brochure, offering fun fireworks-free activities for families or information on fireworks safety, call toll-free 1-800-331-2020 or visit the Web site www.preventblindness.org.

Support groups

The Aging Assistance sponsored Caregivers Support Group will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the administrative offices of Gulfside Regional Hospice, 6117 Trouble Creek Road, New Port Richey. Carolyn Olson of the Department of Children and Family Services will speak about family issues in caregiving. This free meeting is open to the public and aimed especially at caregivers who provide assistance to anyone with a long- or short-term debilitating disease. Call Betty Croft at 727 847-1857.

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Nicotine Anonymous meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the first, second and fourth Thursday of each month at St. Vincent DePaul Church, 4843 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday. Call (727) 937-1396.

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A caregiver support group, hosted by Gulfside Regional Hospice and the Hook Law Group, is scheduled from 10 to 11:30 a.m. beginning July 11 and continuing each week until Aug. 29 at Atria Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. Led by William Wolfe, M.A., this group is for anyone caring for a loved one, family member or friend. The group offers opportunities for members to share their challenges and successes with others. To reserve a place, call Nancy Terkeurst at (727) 845-7507, ext. 244.

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The West Pasco Fibromyalgia Support Group meets from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday at the conference center behind HCA Bayonet Point Hospital, 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson. This is an open meeting where questions can be asked and suggestions given to help improve the group. Lists of doctors and medicines should be brought to help make folders for new members. There also will be a video called On Being Fit with Fibro. Bring a light lunch or snack; beverages will be provided. Call (727) 863-4738.

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The Depressive Bipolar Support Alliance of West Pasco meets at 2 p.m. each Tuesday at the A Club, 5650 W Missouri Ave., New Port Richey, behind Jimmy's Restaurant. Call (727) 819-9427.

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The Alzheimer's Family Organization meets at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Clubhouse at Atria Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. Call Maria Curley at (727) 856-2196 or Joan Thaxton at (727) 863-3081.

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The Pasco County Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support group meeting four times a month for family and friends of those with mental illness such as all types of brain disorders, including OCD, depression, autism, bi-polar, schizophrenia and multiple personalities. Daytime meetings are from 3 to 5 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month at the Regency Park Civic Association Building, 10240 Regency Park Blvd., Port Richey. The evening meetings are from 7:30 to 9 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of the month at Resource Room at Community Hospital, 5637 Marine Parkway, New Port Richey. Call (727) 992-9653.

Look good, feel better

The Florida Cancer Institute has announced that it is now hosting the American Cancer Society's "Look Good ... Feel Better" program once a month in the conference room at 8763 River Crossing Blvd., New Port Richey. The next program is from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday. This free program teaches beauty techniques to women cancer patients to help combat the appearance-related side effects of treatment. Anyone in active treatment is invited to attend. Reservations required. Call (727) 842-8411.

Blood drive

A blood drive is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 10 outside Shoreline Cafeteria at the Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 1400 Fivay Road, Hudson. Call (727) 861-5141.

Volunteers needed

The Gulfside Regional Hospice Thrift Shoppes - in New Port Richey, Hudson and Zephyrhills - need volunteers. A new shop will open soon in Dade City. Volunteers help keep the shops running smoothly by pricing items, making minor repairs, sorting and stocking merchandise and helping customers. No retail experience needed. All proceeds help care for patients with no insurance and support Gulfside Regional Hospice Houses. Call (813) 788-5461 or (727) 861-4900.

Please send any health related meetings or information to Michelle Jones at mjones721@tampabay.rr.com or fax to (813) 684-2457 or mail to P.O. Box 558, Valrico, FL 33595. Call (813) 685-2200.

[Last modified June 30, 2007, 22:16:28]