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Hernando County health events and activities

 
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Published Dec. 17, 2013

Health and support

Affordable Care Act and You

2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 27, Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. In a program provided by the Nature Coast Community Health Center, experts will be on hand to explain eligibility requirements, outline the different plans available and assist with signing up. (352) 754-4043. hernandocountylibrary.us.

Alcoholics Anonymous: For Hernando County locations, call (352) 683-4597.

Alzheimer's Association: The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association offers support groups at several locations:

• 2:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month, Oak Hill Hospital H2U Partner's Club, 11361 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. Jerry Fisher, (352) 688-4537.

• 2:30 p.m. the first Friday of each month, Lykes Memorial Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. Jerry Fisher, (352) 688-4537.

• 2 p.m. the third Monday of each month, Residence at Timber Pines, 3140 Forest Road, Spring Hill. Free day care available with advance reservations. Diane Koenig, (352) 683-9009.

• 11 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 550 U.S. 41 S, Inverness. Sue Piatek, (352) 228-4399.

• 1 p.m. the second Monday of each month, First United Methodist Church, 8831 W Bradshaw St., Homosassa. Free day care provided with advance reservations. Sue Piatek, (352) 228-4399.

• 2 p.m. the third Saturday of each month, Crystal River Health and Rehabilitation Center, 136 NE 12th Ave., Crystal River. Free day care provided with advance reservations. Christina DiPiazza, (352) 795-5044.

Visit the Alzheimer's Association website at alz.org. To reach the local office, call (352) 688-4537, or toll-free 1-800-272-3900.

Alzheimer's Family Organization: Caregiver support group — 1 p.m. Mondays, Brooksville Regional Hospital, Medical Arts Building, Suite 120, 17222 Hospital Blvd., Brooksville; John Winans, (352) 232-0081.

Elder Abuse Hotline: To report suspected cases of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation, or those 60 or older who are being hurt or taken advantage of by someone you know, call toll-free 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) or 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). Sponsored by the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Narcotics Anonymous: For Hernando County locations, call (352) 754-7200.

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, Brooksville Enrichment Center, Suite 120 of the Medical Arts Building at Brooksville Regional Hospital, 17222 Hospital Blvd. Call (352) 544-6022.

• 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays at Spring Hill Enrichment Center, Suite 105 of the Medical Arts Building at Spring Hill Regional Hospital, 10441 Quality Drive, Spring Hill. Call (352) 684-7568.

• Appointments may be scheduled at the Hernando County Mining Association Enrichment Center, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville. Call (352) 544-6022.

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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 (unless otherwise noted). For more information or for counseling locations outside 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

Caregiver Support Group: 1 to 2 p.m. Thursdays, the Grande, 725 Desoto Ave. Provided by HPH Hospice, the program is designed to assist caregivers with their daily tasks. Facilitated by a hospice social worker. No registration is required. (352) 597-1882.

CoDA (Co-Dependents Anonymous): Words of Wisdom group, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Salvation Army Fellowship Hall, 15464 Cortez Blvd. The purpose of this program is for the development of healthy relationships and the building of self-esteem. Email to valwow@tampabay.rr.com.

Hernando ACS Resource Room: This free service, provided by the American Cancer Society, is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays at 14540 Cortez Blvd., Suite 203, in the Pinebrook Regional Medical Center, west of Brooksville. The ACS Resource Room provides uninsured and underinsured patients with free wigs, hats and head coverings (scarves, kerchiefs, beanies and knitted caps) and mastectomy bras, as well as emotional support for people going through chemotherapy. To learn more, call the American Cancer Society toll-free at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

Hernando County Ostomy Association: Christmas party, noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Brooksville Regional Hospital, first-floor conference room, 17249 Cortez Blvd. Bob Barnard, (352) 442-9787, or Linda Ravenhorst, (352) 686-1956.

Life Center of Hernando: This is a residence for young, single mothers and their children who are homeless or have unstable living conditions. A variety of life skills classes are available at no cost, including classes on money management and consumer awareness, survival skills, food management, childhood development, interpersonal skills and hygiene and health. Seminars are offered on topics such as time management, couponing, basic money management, nutrition, and household fire and safety. Classes are offered at the residence from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Saturday classes, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., focus on cooking and crafting skills. For location information, class schedules and to reserve a spot in one of the classes, contact Angela Welsh, (917) 578-6954; also, those wishing to volunteer in teaching a class should contact Welsh. For other volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, send email to thelifecenterfl@gmail.com. Web: lifecenterofhernando.com or facebook.com/thelifecenterofhernando.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly 208: 6 p.m. Thursdays, Gulf Ridge Park Church, 20200 Manecke Road. Linda Ward, (352) 796-1236.

Ridge Manor West

Take Off Pounds Sensibly 530: 8:15 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, First Lutheran Church, 30419 Park Ridge Drive. Meeting starts at 9 a.m. Evelyn, (352) 796-0477.

Spring Hill

Al-Anon: Adult Children Focused Step meeting, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Oak Hill Hospital H2U Partner's Club, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (behind the hospital). Toll-free 1-888-425-2666.

Caregivers Day Out: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, First United Methodist Church, 9344 Spring Hill Drive. Provided by Community Aging and Retirement Services, the program offers a fun, supervised atmosphere for individuals with memory challenges, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia, while caregivers take some time off. There is no cost for first-time participants; subsequent days are $20. CARES is a nonprofit organization that provides services to meet the needs of older persons and their families in west-central Florida. Dianne, (352) 686-2614, or Chris Powers, (727) 862-9291, exts. 2002 or 2040.

Catholic Charities Mini-Adult Day Care (Respite) Program: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Catholic Charities, 8370 Forest Oaks Blvd. The program is specifically designed for people with early-stage memory disorder illnesses, such as Alzheimer's, dementia, stroke or Parkinson's disease. Gary Chapin, (352) 422-7731.

Crescent Community Clinic: The clinic, 5244 Commercial Way (Winchester Plaza), provides medical, dental and mental health services to uninsured adults ages 18 to 64 who meet the federal poverty guidelines. Those wishing to receive services from the nonprofit, volunteer-staffed clinic must first apply for services. To apply, potential patients must visit the website at crescentclinic.org and download the application on the first page. The clinic is staffed by volunteers from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays, except Thursdays. For more information, call (352) 610-9916. Potential patients are not to call the office for appointments.

Gamblers Anonymous: 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive. New members are welcome. Coffee and refreshments are served. (352) 688-9034.

Hospice Bereavement Support Group: 3 to 4 p.m. Thursdays, HPH Hospice, 12260 Cortez Blvd. This is an ongoing bereavement support group for adults grieving over the death of a loved one. There is no cost, and no reservations are required. Toll-free 1-800-486-8784. Web: hph-hospice.org.

I-Pad Users Group for Stroke Recovery: 10 a.m. today, Oak Hill Hospital H2U Partner's Club, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (behind the hospital). Open to those who wish to improve memory and dexterity after having a stroke. Renee Payne, (352) 263-9265 or renee@handleit4u.com.

Moving On: 12:15 p.m. Thursdays, Perkins Family Restaurant, 4685 Commercial Way. This is a self-help support group for seniors who have difficulty dealing with the loss of a loved one. Marilyn, (352) 593-4736, or Rita, (352) 684-3916.

National Alliance on Mental Illness/NAMI Hernando: Support groups, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays; 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Beautiful Mind Outreach Center, 10554 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. There are two separate meetings: one for those with mental illnesses, the other for family members. NAMI also offers free ongoing classes for those with mental illnesses and for their families. NAMI Basics is a six-week class for parents or caregivers of children younger than 18. There is also a Peer-to-Peer class for those with mental illnesses. A variety of life enrichment activities is offered, such as bowling and art classes. For details and schedules, call the Beautiful Mind, (352) 684-0004. Web: namihernandofl.org or NAMI.org.

Nature Coast Multiple Myeloma Support Group: 6 p.m. today, Oak Hill Hospital H2U Partner's Club, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (behind the hospital). Speakers include Sandy Hirsch, patient ambassador from North Carolina, and Kathy Daily, Moffitt Cancer Center transplant coordinator. For myeloma patients, families and friends. A complimentary dinner buffet will be served. Richard Blustein, (352) 428-4536 or blustein22@aol.com.

'Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis — Two Different Problems, Both Need Attention' lecture: 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Access Healthcare, 5350 Spring Hill Drive. Presented by Dr. Maria Scunziano-Singh. RSVP to (352) 688-8116.

Overeaters Anonymous: 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd. Optional coffee and fellowship will follow the meeting. This is a newly formed group. Ann, (352) 428-5142, or Julie, (352) 688-2877. New Beginnings group, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Fridays, also at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Nettie, (352) 556-5485. This is a 12-step program for those suffering from compulsive overeating. There are no dues, fees or weigh-ins for this support group.

Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG and T-Net): 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Spring Hill United Church of Christ, 4244 Mariner Blvd. T-Net is PFLAG's Transgender Network. (352) 234-6702 or info@pflaghernando.org. Web: pflaghernando.org or facebook.com/pflaghernando.

Quit Smoking Now: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 8-Feb. 12, Hernando County Health Department, 7551 Forest Oaks Blvd. Provided by the Gulfcoast North Area Health Education Center. This is a free six-week tobacco cessation program. Participants can receive, at no cost, an optional four-week supply of free nicotine replacement therapy, including patches, lozenges or gum. Registration is required. Call (813) 929-1000, ext. 213. Web: gnahec.org.

Spring Hill Stroke Support Group: 11 a.m. Thursdays, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive. Family and friends welcome. Coffee and cake will follow the meeting. A. Schaffer, (352) 688-2594, or the church, (352) 683-9016.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly: TOPS 746, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Grace Presbyterian Church, Building B, 8375 Spring Hill Drive. Toni, (352) 796-6045, or Sue, (352) 688-5209. TOPS 604, weigh-in from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. and meeting from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd. Doris, (352) 666-9525, or Nancy, (727) 378-4460. TOPS is a weight-loss management program that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness education and support from others.

Weeki Wachee

Overeaters Anonymous: Bridge to Serenity group, 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way. This is a 12-step program for those suffering from compulsive overeating. There are no dues, fees or weigh-ins for this support group. Belinda, (352) 293-3455.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly: TOPS 461, 9 to 11 a.m. Thursdays, Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way. Dorothy Kuta, (352) 596-6697, or Pat Gall, (352) 688-6755. TOPS is a weight-loss support group that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness education and support.

Pasco County/Trinity

'Chatterboxes' support group: 3 p.m. Thursday, Medical Center of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54. The group is for individuals suffering from communication deficits, such as aphasia, apraxia or dysarthria. Caregivers and spouses are encouraged to attend. (727) 834-4946.

Send information for the Health and Support column to Phyllis Day, Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613; fax to (352) 754-6133; or email pday@tampabay.com. Deadline for this news is two weeks before the event or reservation deadline. Must include time, date, place, ticket price (if applicable), contact person and phone number. For more information, call (352) 754-6101 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.