Digest

Health and support

By Times Staff Writer
Published September 6, 2007

Alcoholics Anonymous: For Hernando County locations, call 683-4597.

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.

Alzheimer's Family Organization: The following programs are offered to residents of Hernando, Citrus, Pasco, Sumter and Lake counties:

- Alzheimer's Caregiver Day - Information and Training, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 14, Highland Terrace, 700 Medical Court E, Inverness. The cost is $10 for AFO members and $15 for nonmembers. The cost includes lunch, refreshments and a certificate of attendance. Topics include Alzheimer's disease and dementia, personal care, behaviors and a safe home. Registration is required; seating is limited. Free respite care is available with advance arrangements. 727 848-8888 or toll-free 1-888-496-8004.

- Caregiver support groups - 1 p.m. Mondays, Spring Hill Enrichment Center (behind Oak Hill Hospital), 11375 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill; Maria Curley, (727) 856-2196.

- Respite Assistance Program - Respite assistance is provided for caregivers of a dementia or Alzheimer's disease sufferer. The Alzheimer's Family Organization also will provide other national respite resources that can reimburse costs to caregivers.

- Wanderers Identification Program - This program provides the person with a memory disorder with an identifying bracelet or pendant with a code number and direct telephone number to the participating Sheriff's Office. If the person becomes lost or wanders from home, they can be identified through a shared database that houses essential patient information and caregiver contacts.

For information, call AFO at (727) 848-8888 or toll-free at 1-888-496-8004.

"The Art of Healthy Aging" lecture series: Atria Senior Living Group will host a series of lectures as part of Healthy Aging Month. The lectures will be presented by Stanley M. Giannet, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, a master's in psychology and a master's of ministry in Christian counseling. Light refreshments will be served. There is no cost to attend.

- "Reflections of Healthy Aging," 6:30 p.m., Atria Windsor Woods, 13707 Dallas Drive, Hudson. Learn strategies that improve the psychological and physical aging process. RSVP by Sept. 17 to (727) 869-3533.

- "Mind, Body and Spirit: Aging and Wellness," 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26, Atria Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. Learn ways to reduce stress, increase happiness and strengthen overall quality of life. RSVP by Sept. 24 to (727) 863-5808.

- "Compassion and Love: The Art of Caregiving," 6:30 p.m. Oct. 3, Atria Evergreen Woods, 7030 Evergreen Woods Trail, Spring Hill. This seminar will provide reflections on the challenges and opportunities inherent in caregiving. RSVP by Oct. 1 to 596-2055.

Narcotics Anonymous: For Hernando County locations, call 754-7200.

Senior Rx Assistance Program: This is for Hernando County residents 60 or older who need financial assistance for 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.

SHINE Program Assists Seniors with Health Insurance: The Florida Department of Elder Affairs offers the free SHINE program (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) at the following locations in Hernando County:

- 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays at Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (behind Oak Hill Hospital), Spring Hill.

- 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Brooksville Enrichment Center, 670 S Broad St., Brooksville.

- 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Ridge Manor West.

SHINE counselors offer information and assistance with Medicare (figuring out paperwork, bills and filing appeals), Medicare supplemental insurance, Medicare prescription drug coverage, long-term care planning and pharmaceutical assistance programs.

No appointments are necessary. For information or for counseling locations outside of Hernando County, call the Elder Hotline toll-free at 1-800-262-2243.

Weight Watchers: For area meetings, call toll-free 1-800-651-6000.

Brooksville

Community Health Awareness Day: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Spring Oaks Assisted Living Facility, 7251 Grove Road. The event will include eye screenings, blood pressure checks, skin care, chair massage, home health care, Mary Kay, Avon, Mona Vie and other vendors. Food will be available. Sponsors include Med Fleet Medical Transportation, Stolte Eye Center, Nurse-OnCall, Maxim Health, Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Quality of Life, Suncoast Health and Rehab, Seriesse International, Mederi Caretenders, Horizon Home Care, Mrs. Mobility and the Florida Cancer Institute. 592-1150.

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

Ridge Manor/Ridge Manor West

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

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

Compassionate Friends of Brooksville/Spring Hill: 7 p.m. Sept. 13, Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (behind Oak Hill Hospital). Open to bereaved parents, siblings and other family members who have experienced the death of a child at any age, whether recent or long ago. Lorraine, 684-1308, or Marie, 683-8038.

The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: 2 p.m. Saturday, Green Bean Organic Market, 11020 Northcliffe Blvd. This is a free class with Richard Klein, a doctor of Oriental medicine and an acupuncture physician. He also has an extensive background in yoga and alternative therapies and has an undergraduate degree in sports science. Registration is recommended. 688-7979.

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

Hernando County Medical Society Alliance presents "Achieving Happiness, Balance and Success in Your Life": Noon Sept. 28, Silverthorn Country Club, 4550 Golf Club Lane. The cost is $20 per person, which includes lunch. The speaker is licensed clinical social worker Nancy Makar of Pathways Counseling Center. Reservations are required by Sept. 24. Maureen, 650-9006, or Kim, 544-0181.

Hernando-Pasco Hospice needs volunteers, offers orientation: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Hospice team office, 12260 Cortez Blvd. (next to the Hospice House). Participants will learn about the organization's philosophy, programs and services to determine where there is a volunteer opportunity that matches their interests. Preregistration is required. Mary Kay Sandell, 597-1882.

La Leche League of Hernando County: 6 p.m. Monday, Oak Hill Hospital, cafeteria conference Room 2, 11375 Cortez Blvd. The topic is "Nutrition/Weaning." The group leader is Cherish Nero, (727) 856-8693 or cherishnero@yahoo.com

"Lose Weight" Wellness Seminar: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17, Oak Hill Hospital, Entrance C, fourth-floor conference room, 11375 Cortez Blvd. The seminar combines hypnosis with behavior modification. Participants learn to lose weight without feelings of deprivation or denial, and break free from unwanted habits of overeating, bingeing, snacking and emotional eating. The first 45 minutes is a free orientation; those who wish to continue pay $69, which includes the hypnotic session, behavior-modification booklet, home reinforcement audiocassette tape (CDs are available) and unlimited free repetitions of the hypnosis, if needed. No reservations required. Call toll-free 1-800-848-2822. A $10 discount is given to those who preregister online at easywillpower.com.

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. Tuesday, Florida Sleep Institute, 4075 Mariner Blvd. Dr. William Kohler will give a presentation on restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. He will also answer questions. RSVP to Betty and Bill Kinahan, 200-5440, or send e-mail to bkinahan@tampabay.rr.com

Spring Hill Parkinson's Support Group: 1 p.m. Sept. 17, Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (behind Oak Hill Hospital). Charlene or Don, 688-7261.

Spring Hill Stroke and Support Group: 11 a.m. Thursdays, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive. Family and friends are welcome. Coffee and cake follows the meeting. A. Schaffer, 688-2594, or the church, 683-9016.

Survivors Grief Support Group: 1 to 2 p.m. Fridays, Oak Hill Hospital conference room (near the cafeteria), 11375 Cortez Blvd. Rose, 596-6752, or Dee, 686-3196.

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.

Weeki Wachee

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 pday@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 September 5, 2007, 20:32:40]