Health and support
By Times Staff Writer
Published November 29, 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.
Hernando County Health Department: The local Health Department offers these 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.
Hernando-Pasco Hospice to offer Holiday Grief Workshops: Hospice will offer 90-minute holiday grief support 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 bereavementcounselors. The workshops schedule is as follows:
- 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Hospice West Hernando office, 12260 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill.
- 2 p.m. Dec. 6, Hospice East Hernando office, 698 S Broad St., Brooksville.
Preregistration is requested. Call toll-free, 1-800-486-8784.
Medicare workshops with SHINE officials and U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite: Two workshops will be offered Friday: 9 to 11 a.m. at Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (behind Oak Hill Hospital), Spring Hill; and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Land O'Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, Land O'Lakes. The workshops are to inform seniors about the open enrollment period for the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and Medicare Advantage plans. Enrollment will end Dec. 31 for eligible seniors. SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) representatives will be on hand to help seniors enroll in the plan most appropriate for their needs. 799-8354.
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.
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.
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
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.
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. Open to the public. 799-3066.
"Healthy Living with Diabetes" symposium: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Brooksville Elks Lodge, 14494 Cortez Blvd. Those diagnosed with diabetes are invited. Local experts will discuss topics on managing blood sugar, medication management, nutrition, coping with diabetes and other topics. Speakers include: University of Florida Pharmacist Shawn Anderson, certified diabetes educator Sandra Dixon with the Hernando County Health Department, opthalmologist Dr. Srin Dutt, podiatrist Dr. John Baker, Dr. William Kohler of the Florida Sleep Institute and others. This free symposium is hosted by the Gulf Coast North Area Education Center and the Suwannee River Area Health Education Center. Lunch will be served. Space is limited and registration is required. Call toll-free 1-877-673-3121, ext. 11.
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
"Atrial Fibrillation - Treatment and Irregular Heart Rhythm" Healthy Living Community Education Series seminar: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Dec. 6, Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., fourth floor classroom, Medical Arts Center. The speakers are N.S. Rattehalli, M.D. and Luis R. Annoni, M.D. Those attending will learn about a new innovative breakthrough procedure for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Dr. Rattehalli specializes in cardiac surgery and is Board-certified in thoracic surgery. Dr. Annoni specializes in cardiovascular disease and in internal medicine, and is Board-cerfitied in electrophysiology. Complimentary refreshments will be served and free blood pressure and blood oxygen level checks will be offered. There is no cost to attend. Seating is limited and reservations are advised. 597-6333.
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.
Dyslexia and Related Learning Differences Support Group: 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Arc Nature Coast's Community Cafe, 4560 U.S. 19. 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: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Dec. 7, Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. Anyone diagnosed with this syndrome is invited to attend. The group shares 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.
Griefshare: 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd. This is a new support group that is open to anyone who has lost someone close to them. Janet Moorman, 200-7422, or Sally Cloughly, 666-8806.
"Man to Man" Prostate Cancer Support Group: 6 p.m. Monday, Florida Cancer Institute, 7154 Medical Center Drive. Brooks Edwards will speak on health and diet, nutrition and prostate cancer. Cosponsored by the American Cancer Society. 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.
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.
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 recovery 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 Parkinson Support Group: Christmas luncheon buffet, 11 a.m. Dec. 9, Wellington Clubhouse, 400 Wexford Blvd. All Parkinson's patients and caregivers are welcome. Charlene or Don, 238-2447.
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.
Statewide Advocacy Network on Disabilities to provide Level I Advocacy Training: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday and again from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Arc Nature Coast's Community Cafe, 4560 Commercial Way. The free training will help participants learn what their children's rights are, and how to use such rights to obtain a free and appropriate education. Handouts and materials will be provided. Seats are available on a first come, first serve basis. No child care will be provided. Hosted by the Dyslexia and Related Learning Differences Support Group. To register, call Nikki Pierce at 584-5512 or send an e-mail with your name, address, phone and e-mail address to Npierce@tampabay.rr.com Registration can be done online at www.hernandodyslexia.org.
Survivors Grief Support Group: 1 to 2 p.m. Fridays, Oak Hill Hospital conference room (near the cafeteria), 11375 Cortez Blvd. This is a support group for men and women who have lost a spouse. 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. Tambra, 592-8128.
"World AIDS Day" free HIV education and testing: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Wal-Mart Supercenter, 1485 Commercial Way. Sponsored by Wal-Mart and the Hernando County Health Department. Health service representatives Laura A. Dunn and Joan D. Felix-Sepulveda will provide information on the disease, prevention and disease management. Free, confidential and anonymous testing will be available for individuals older than 13, using the Orasure test, a test that does not use needles or require blood. 540-6800, ext. 82173.
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.