Health Notes

By MICHELLE JONES, Times Correspondent
Published November 26, 2007

The Florida Cancer Institute "Look Good...Feel Better" program is set for 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at the center, 8763 River Crossing Blvd., New Port Richey. This free program teaches beauty techniques to female cancer patients. This is open to all women who are in active treatment. Reservations are required by calling 727 842-8411.

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The Jingle Bell Walk is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 8, during the downtown New Port Richey Main Street Holiday Night Parade. A Holiday Party is set for 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at Gold's Gym, U.S. 19, New Port Richey. There will be entertainment, food and prizes. Both events are to raise awareness for the local chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Call (727) 514-9797.

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The Dyslexia and Related Learning Styles Support Group of Tampa Bay will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the Land O'Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O'Lakes. This group is open to all who have a family member struggling in school or the work place because of difficulty in reading, spelling, writing, math, focusing attention or physical skills. Call (813) 956-0502.

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Gulfside Regional Hospice Annual Fall Memorial Service is set for 3 p.m. Friday at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 4204 Thys Road in New Port Richey. This is open to the public as well as hospice patients and families. Call (727) 844-3946 to RSVP. Refreshments will be served.

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The Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is hosting a reception for all new residents of the community. It is at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 6 at the center at 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson. A breakfast, introduction to the hospital, drawings for prizes and an optional tour of the hospital are on the agenda. Reservations are required by calling (727) 869-5498 or (888) 741-5119.

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A caregiver support group, hosted by Gulfside Regional Hospice and the Hook Law Group continues each Wednesday until Dec. 12. Facilitated by Vanessa Price, MSW, the group meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Atria Windsor Woods, 13707 Dallas Drive in Hudson. Open to all caregivers the group will help them deal with the stress of full-time caring for a loved one. Call (727) 845-7507, ext. 244 to reserve a seat.

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The Pasco County Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers three types of support group meetings each month for family and friends of those with mental illness and those with mental illness. This includes all types of brain disorders, including, but not limited to OCD, depression, autism, bi-polar, schizophrenia and multiple personalities. Daytime meetings are from 3 to 5 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month at the Regency Park Civic Association Building, 10240 Regency Park Blvd., Port Richey. The evening meetings are from 7:30 to 9 p.m. the second and fourth Monday (except holidays) of the month at Conference Room C at Community Hospital, 5637 Marine Parkway, New Port Richey. Call Gloria at (727) 992-9653. The Family and Friends Adolescent Support Group meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the North Pinellas Children's Medical Center, River Crossing Professional Center, 5508 Little Road, New Port Richey. Call Charity at (727) 457-8514. A consumer support group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at Community Hospital Resource Room, 5637 Marine Parkway, New Port Richey. Call Mike at (727) 842-3372.

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The Alzheimer's Family Organization offers support today and Friday. Today, a group meets at 3 p.m. at the Zephyr Haven Health and Rehab Center, 38250 Ave. A in Zephyrhills. Call Chaplain George Carpenter at (813) 782-5508. On Friday, at 2 p.m. a group meets at the Cottages of Port Richey, 5905 Pinehill Road in Port Richey. Call Vicky Hudgins at (727) 845-0527. The organization has a Wanderers Identification Program for people with memory disorder. Each person is given an identifying bracelet or pendant with a code number and telephone number to the participating Sheriff's Department. Call the office for details at (727) 848-8888 or toll-free 1-888-496-8004.

Please send any health related meetings or information to Michelle Jones at mjones721@tampabay.rr.com or fax to (813) 684-2457 or mail to P.O. Box 558, Valrico, FL 33595. Call (813) 685-2200.

[Last modified November 25, 2007, 20:57:36]