Digest

Health and support

By Times Staff Writer
Published October 25, 2007

Alzheimer's Association: The Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter will offer the following in Hernando County:

Memory Mobile - This is a traveling office that provides information and referral services, consultation, memory screenings for caregivers and people with Alzheimer's disease or other memory-related disorders. Jerry Fisher, 688-4537. The Memory Mobile will be at:

-10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 1, Regions Bank, 1290 S Broad St., Brooksville.

-10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 2, Brooksville Enrichment Center, 607 S Broad St., Brooksville

-10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 3, Linda Pedersen Park, 6400 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach.

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:

- "Candles of Care" will be lit 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Forest Oaks of Spring Hill, 8055 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. The event is to remember and honor those affected by Alzheimer's disease or a related illness, as part of National Commemorative Candle Lighting, an annual event sponsored by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Cheryl Benders, 683-3323.

- Free memory screenings, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 13. The screenings will be offered at a location in Spring Hill. Appointments must be scheduled. Call 727 848-8888 or toll-free at 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 will provide other national respite resources that can reimburse costs to caregivers.

-Wanderers Identification Program - This 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.

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

-1-4 p.m. today, Brookridge Clubhouse, 8150 Hampton St., Brookridge, west of Brooksville.

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

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

Hospice offers holiday grief support workshops: Hernando-Pasco Hospice will offer 90-minute workshops on how to cope during the holidays. The workshops are for adults who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one, and are led by bereavement counselors. Free. The workshops will be offered at:

-2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 14, HPH West Hernando office, 12260 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill.

-2 p.m. Nov. 15, HPH East Hernando office, 698 S Broad St., Brooksville.

Preregistration is requested. Call toll-free 1-800-486-8784. Additional workshops will be offered in Hernando County in December. There are several others offered in Pasco and Citrus counties as well. For other times, dates and locations, visit www.hphospice.org.

Hernando Beach

Dr. Eldin's eighth annual Family Health Fair: 10 a.m.-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

Breast Cancer seminar: "New Facts for the Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patient," 3 p.m. Tuesday, Florida Cancer Institute, 7154 Medical Center Drive (behind Johnny Carino's). The speaker will be Dr. Sawsan Bishay, a radiation oncologist. She will discuss the latest facts and treatments for breast cancer. Light refreshments will be served. The seminar is free. Seating is limited and reservations are required. 592-8150.

Fibromyalgia Support Group: 2-3:30 p.m. Nov. 1, Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. Anyone who has been diagnosed with this syndrome is invited. The group shares information on alternative approaches, medicines, current research and personal experiences. Irene, 666-2803, or Joan, 686-0238.

"You and Your Back" presented as part of the Healthy Living Community Education Series: 3:30-5 p.m. Nov. 1, Oak Hill Hospital, Hernando Medical Center, fourth floor classroom, 11375 Cortez Blvd. The speaker is Dr. Frank S. Bono, who is Board-eligible in ortho/spine surgery. Refreshments will be served. The program is free, but seating is limited and reservations are advised. 597-6333.

Submit information 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.

[Last modified October 24, 2007, 19:52:46]