Digest

Health and support

By Times Staff Writer
Published October 18, 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. Oct. 26, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road, Hudson. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers, which includes refreshments, lunch and a certificate of attendance. Topics include Alzheimer's disease and dementia, principles of personal care, behavior management, safe home care, drive well and Alzheimer's caregiving. Free respite care is available; call to make arrangements. Seating is limited. Registration is required by Friday. 727 848-8888 or toll-free 1-888-496-8004.

- Caregiver support groups - 1 p.m. Wednesday, Hernando Beach Club, 3165 Flamingo Blvd., Hernando Beach. Betty Breeden, 596-2442. 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, for caregivers of people who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease. 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 is lost or wanders from home, they can be identified through a shared database that houses essential patient information and caregiver contacts.

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

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: The Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging 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 provides 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, 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.

Flu and pneumonia shots clinics: The Hernando County Health Department will offer flu-shot clinics on the following days:

- 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 25, Brookridge Clubhouse, 8150 Hampton St., Brookridge, west of Brooksville.

- 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 8, Heather Clubhouse, 9100 Nakoma Way, Weeki Wachee.

Shots will be given first-come, first-served. Flu shots are $25 and pneumonia shots are $35. Medicare, cash and personal checks will be accepted. Call 540-6800 ext. 82052.

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 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 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. Call 540-6800.

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

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 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.

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

- Volunteers are needed as 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.

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: Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients can get 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., 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 Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders program at the following locations in Hernando County:

- 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays at Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd., 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

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.

Community Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Brooksville Elks Lodge, 14494 Cortez Blvd. There will be 100 health care facilities that will offer information and health screenings. Flu shots will be available for $25 and pneumonia shots for $40, provided by Maxim Healthcare (Medicare and most insurances will be accepted). Complimentary samples from various food establishments will be available, including Starbucks, Honey Baked Ham, Chick-fil-A, Nature Coast Cafe, Max's Grill, Domino's Pizza and Cold Stone Creamery. There will be live music and entertainment. Parking and admission is free. Sponsors include Oak Hill Hospital, Brooksville and Spring Hill Regional Hospitals, Nature Coast Community Health Center and the Hernando County Health Department and others. 544-5206.

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

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.

Hernando Beach

Dr. Eldin's eighth annual Family Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 3, Linda Pedersen Park, 6400 Shoal Line Blvd. There will be health education, food and nonprofit organizations participating. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. 597-6331.

Spring Hill

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.

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

Griefshare: 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd. Open to anyone who has lost someone close to them. Janet Moorman, 200-7422, or Sally Cloughly, 666-8806.

Hernando County Ostomy Association: 2 to 4 p.m. today, Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (behind Oak Hill Hospital). Joan, 686-1077, or Nancy, 799-7933.

La Leche League of Hernando County: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill. The topic is "The Advantages of Breastfeeding." The group leader is Cherish Nero, (727) 856-8693 or cherishnero@yahoo.com

Leukemia/Lymphoma Support Group: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Florida Cancer Institute's Spring Hill Center, Suite 203, Medical Arts Building at Spring Hill Regional Hospital, 10441 Quality Drive. Jeff Haight, 688-7744.

[Last modified October 17, 2007, 20:22:08]