Health and support

By Times Staff Writer
Published November 1, 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, and memory screenings for caregivers and people with Alzheimer's disease or other memory-related disorders. Jerry Fisher, 688-4537. The Memory Mobile schedule:

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

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

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

Alzheimer's Family Organization: The following programs are offered 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 1-888-496-8004.

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

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

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

-2 p.m. Nov. 15, Hospice 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. For other times, dates and locations, visit www.hphospice.org.

Hernando Beach

Dr. Adel Eldin's eighth annual Family Health Fair: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, 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

"All About Knees" seminar: 3 p.m. Nov. 14, Hernando Endoscopy and Surgery Center, Hernando Medical Park, 12208 Cortez Blvd. The speaker will be Dr. Michael Higgins, an orthopedic surgeon. Refreshments will be served. The seminar is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. 596-4999.

Compassionate Friends of Brooksville/Spring Hill: 7 p.m. Nov. 8, 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. Lorraine, 684-1308, or Marie, 683-8038.

Dyslexia and Related Learning Differences Support Group: 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Arc Nature Coast's Community Cafe, 4560 Commercial Way. The group is for parents of children who have, or are suspected of having, dyslexia or related learning differences. Children are welcome; a large craft-style room is available for them during the meeting. Nikki, 584-5512, or visit the Web site at www.hernandodyslexia.com.

Fibromyalgia Support Group: 2-3:30 p.m. today, 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.

Florida Cancer Institute's Caregiver Support Group: 4 to 5 p.m. Nov. 8, Florida Cancer Institute, Spring Hill Regional Hospital's Medical Arts Building, Suite 203, 10441 Quality Drive. Dorothy Hiller, 688-7744.

Gastric Bypass Support Group: This is a new group that will meet 6:45 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at 4212 Las Palmas Ave. Information and knowledge on post-op after-care will be shared. The group will be led by Ed Poltonowicz, who has lost 201 pounds after having gastric bypass almost five years ago. Ed, 597-2895.

"Man-to-Man" Prostate Cancer Support Group: 6 p.m. Monday, Florida Cancer Institute, 7154 Medical Center Drive (behind Johnny Carino's). The speaker will be Dr. Harvey Schonwald, a board-certified urologist who will discuss options and treatments for prostate cancer, incontinence and penile implants. This support group is co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Betty Lawrence, 596-1926.

Restless Legs Support Group: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13, Florida Sleep Institute, 4075 Mariner Blvd. Complementary and alternative treatments for RLS will be discussed. Mary Firminger will provide a presentation on OPC-3, an isotonic, all-natural antioxidant that has helped with her RLS. Dr. William Kohler of the Florida Sleep Institute will be available to address questions. RSVP to Betty or Bill Kinahan, 200-5440 or bkinahan@tampabay.rr.com

Women's Breast Cancer Support Group: 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Florida Cancer Institute, 7154 Medical Center Drive (behind Johnny Carino's). Light refreshments will be served. Tambra Randazzo, 592-8128.

"You and Your Back" presented as part of the Healthy Living Community Education Series: 3:30-5 p.m. today, 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.

Weeki Wachee

Flu and pneumonia shots clinic: 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 8, Heather Clubhouse, 9100 Nakoma Way, Weeki Wachee. Provided by the Hernando County Health Department. Shots will be given first-come, first-served. Flu shots are $25; pneumonia shots $35. Medicare, cash and personal checks will be accepted. 540-6800, ext. 82052.

[Last modified October 31, 2007, 19:05:44]