Health and support
By Times Staff Writer
Published September 27, 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 through the Alzheimer's Family Organization to residents of Hernando, Citrus, Pasco, Sumter and Lake counties:
- 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 present the series' final lecture, "Compassion and Love: The Art of Caregiving," at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, at Atria Evergreen Woods, 7030 Evergreen Woods Trail, Spring Hill. This seminar will provide reflections on the challenges and opportunities inherent in caregiving, 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. Reservations are required by Monday. 596-2055.
Elder Helpline: The Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging provides the Elder Helpline, which is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, by calling toll-free 1-800-963-5337. Through the National Caregiver Support Program, resources available include information, education, support groups, respite and other services for caregivers of persons 60 or older and grandparents 60 and older who are raising grandchildren. Visit the Web site at www.mfaaa.org.
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.
Narcotics Anonymous: For Hernando County locations, call 754-7200.
National Alliance on Mental Illness/NAMI Hernando: NAMI Hernando offers the following:
- A proclamation for Mental Illness Awareness Week will be presented at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Hernando County Commission meeting at the government center, 20 N Main St., Brooksville. Those who can attend are encouraged to wear their NAMI Hernando T-shirts.
- "National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding" prayer service, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 9, Hernando County Courthouse, 20 N Main St., Brookville.
- National Depression Screening Day, Oct. 11. Free screenings for suicide risk and depression, bipolar, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders will be offered from 1 to 5 p.m. at Springbrook Hospital, 13406 Cortez Blvd. Call for an appointment, 597-8877.
- "The Dialogue Begins," 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 12, Lake House, 1202 Kenlake Ave., Spring Hill. The program will feature Jeff Feller, associate director of WellFlorida Council in Gainesville, who will introduce the Hernando County Health Needs Assessment Survey. The Harbor Behavioral Health Care will address the local needs found in the survey. The speaker will be Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren of Broward County, who serves as the mental health court judge for the nation's first Mental Health Court, which is dedicated to the decriminalization and treatment of the mentally ill in the criminal justice system. Also, a NAMI participant will speak about her experiences with a mental illness. For information, call 686-0004.
NAMI Hernando offers the following on a continuous basis:
- 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 illness 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.
- Volunteers are needed to become support group leaders for parents of children with mental illness. Training is provided. Also, a speakers group is available to area church, civic and social organizations. Call Darlene, 686-0004. Visit the Web site at www.namihernando.org.
News Service for the Blind: The Hernando-East Pasco chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida offers a free Newsline service, an electronic text-to-speech national network that delivers both national and local newspapers, using synthetic speech, over conventional local telephone lines. The service is geared for the blind and print-impaired. Seven Florida newspapers are available through Newsline, including the St. Petersburg Times, Tampa Tribune, Bradenton Herald, Miami Herald, Orlando Sentinel, Tallahassee Democrat and Palm Beach Post. Users also have access to USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, Washington Post and New York Times. To enroll, call the Florida Talking-Book Library toll-free 1-800-226-6075. For information, call David Bearden at 754-2808 or Susan Cook at 584-0263.
Reach for Recovery: Individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer may receive information and support through this American Cancer Society program. Call toll-free 1-800-227-9954; those who ask to be contacted by Reach to Recovery can have a trained volunteer provide a one-on-one visit. The program is free.
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.
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
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. 799-3066.
National Depression Screening Day" free screenings: 12:20 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 11, Springbrook Hospital Outpatient Program, 13406 Cortez Blvd. Free, anonymous screenings for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and postraumatic stress disorder will be provided. There will be an opportunity to complete a brief screening test, talk with a mental health professional and assess the suicide risk of family or family members. Referrals to treatment services will be provided. Dori, 597-8877.
Reiki Clinic: 7 p.m. Fridays, 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.
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.
Dyslexia and Related Learning Difference Support Group: 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Arc Nature Coast's Community Cafe, 4560 Commercial Way. The group is for parents of children that have, or are suspected of having, dyslexia or related learning differences. Teaching strategies, legal issues, sharing of resources and school-related issues are discussed. Guest speakers on related topics will also be available. Children are welcome; a large craft-style room is available for them during the meeting. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month. Nikki, 584-5512, or visit the Web site, www.hernandodyslexia.com.
Evergreen Woods Health and Rehab Center hosts National Breast Cancer Awareness Month brunch: 10 a.m. Oct. 4, Red Lobster, Commercial Way. A free brunch will be served. Those attending can enter to win a free mammogram. The speaker will be Dr. Anitha Kolli. Seating is limited; reservations are required by Tuesday. 596-8371.
Fibromyalgia Support Group: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 4, Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. Anyone who has been diagnosed with this syndrome is invited to attend. The group shares the latest information on alternative approaches, medicines, current research 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 .
"Look Good, Feel Better" program for female cancer patients: 3 to 5 p.m. today, Florida Cancer Institute, 7154 Medical Center Drive. This is a free program that teaches beauty techniques to female cancer patients to help combat appearance-related side effects from treatment. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Women attending will receive free makeup. Reservations required. Mary Capo, 596-1926, ext. 150.
"Man to Man" Prostate Cancer Support Group: 6 p.m. Monday, Florida Cancer Institute, 7154 Medical Center Drive (behind Johnny Carino's). There will be a discussion on PET scans and their role in prostate cancer. Betty Lawrence, 596-1926.
Moving On: 12:15 p.m. Thursdays, Perkins Family Restaurant, 4685 Commercial Way. This is a self-help organization for seniors or others who have difficulty dealing with the loss of a loved one. An optional lunch will follow the meeting. Marilyn, 597-5315, or Bill, 683-7409.
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.
Parkinson Support Group: 1 p.m. Monday, Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (behind Oak Hill Hospital). All Parkinson's patients and caregivers are invited. Charlene or Don, 688-7261.
Professional Counseling Services: Catholic Charities offers professional counseling services at its Hernando Area Center, 1423 Kass Circle. The counseling services are available to individuals, couples, families and children experiencing a broad range of personal, relationship and family problems. Sessions are provided on a sliding fee scale to ensure mental health services are available to those in need. Daytime and evening appointments are available. Marty, 686-9897, ext. 1.
Prostate Cancer Screenings offered free: Oak Hill Hospital will provide the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.) weekdays, Oct. 1-15, at the hospital's ExpressLab, 11375 Cortez Blvd. Subsequent physician digital rectal exams (DRE) will be provided, by appointment, from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 only; appointments will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis (the location will be given when the appointment is made). There is no cost for these tests. 597-6333.
Road to Recovery: Open group, 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays; step study, 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays, Northcliffe Baptist Church, 10515 Northcliffe Blvd. This is a Christian 12-step ercovery program that offers healing for addictive behaviors, hang-ups and hurts. The program is sponsored by the church. Steve Celinski, 683-5882, or www.nbchurch.org .
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.
Women's Breast Cancer Support Group: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Florida Cancer Institute, 7154 Medical Center Drive (behind Johnny Carino's). Dr. Sawsan Bishay, a radiation oncologist, and Dr. Thomas Tang, a medical oncologist, will be on hand for a question-and-answer session. 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 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.