Health and support

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 Tuesdays, Jerome Brown Community Center, 99 Jerome Brown Place, off Darby Lane, Brooksville.

• 11 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Spring Hill United Church of Christ, 4244 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill.

• 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, Little Red Schoolhouse Bookstore, 1208 Kenlake Ave., Spring Hill.

• Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Ridge Manor West.

• 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays at Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (behind Oak Hill Hospital), Spring Hill.

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 necessary (unless otherwise noted). For information or for counseling locations outside Hernando County, call the Elder Hotline toll-free at 1-800-262-2243.

Spring Hill

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Florida offers free hearing screenings and wax removal: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, 1163 Spring Hill Drive. Free amplified telephones from Florida Telecommunication Relay is available for those who qualify. The free hearing screenings and wax removal is offered on the first and fourth Mondays of each month. Call for an appointment. (727) 853-1010 or toll-free 1-866-685-9477.

Fibromyalgia Support Group: 2 to 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 experience. Irene, (352) 666-2803, or Joan, (352) 686-0238.

Florida Cancer Institute offers Caregiver Support Group: 4 p.m. April 8, Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope, Medical Arts Building at Spring Hill Regional Hospital, 10441 Quality Drive, Suite 203. Pamela McGee, (352) 688-7744.

Horizon Homecare's Diabetic Support Group: 4 p.m. April 12, Brooksville Regional Hospital, conference room, 17240 Cortez Blvd. The topic is "Hands-On Label Reading and Menu Planning," presented by AnneMarie DiBlasio, registered dietician. Refreshments will be served. (352) 684-3550 or kathy@horizonhomehealthcare.com.

"Man to Man" Prostate Cancer Support Group: 6 p.m. Monday, Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope, 7154 Medical Center Drive, off Kadri Boulevard. A representative from the American Cancer Society will speak. Mary Capo, (352) 596-1926.

"Understanding Neuropathy" free seminar: 2 p.m. April 13, Wellington Clubhouse, 400 Wexford Blvd. Topics include the seven signs of neuropathy, who gets neuropathy, how it affects balance and available treatment options. The speaker is Dr. Robert J. Martinez of Martinez Chiropractic and Wellness Center. Seating is limited; reservations required. Susan, (352) 686-1686.

Women's Breast Cancer Support Group: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope, 7154 Medical Center Drive. The speaker is Dr. Timothy Terlep, who has been practicing in the area for approximately 20 years. Light refreshments served. Tambra Randazzo, (352) 592-8128.

New Port Richey

Community Chatterboxes: 3 to 4 p.m. today, Community Hospital Health Care Center, 5400 School Road. For those with communication deficits as a result of a cerebral vascular accident or other neurological disorders. (727) 845-0757.

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 (352) 754-6133 or e-mailed to pday@sptimes.com. The deadline for this news is two weeks 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 (352) 754-6101 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.