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Hernando health and support for Feb. 5

 
Associated Press
Associated Press
Published Feb. 5, 2014

Health and Support

'Affordable Care Act and You'

2-5 p.m. Thursday, West Hernando/S.T. Foggia Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., Spring Hill. Certified assistant counselors will be available to explain eligibility requirements, outline the different plans available and assist with signing up. Provided by the Hernando County Public Library System and the Nature Coast Community Health Center. Appointments are recommended. (352) 540-6842.

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

Alzheimer's Association: The Florida Gulf 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 advanced 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, First United Methodist Church, 8831 W Bradshaw St., Homosassa. Free day care provided with advanced reservations. Sue Piatek, (352) 228-4399.

• 2 p.m. the third Saturday, Crystal River Health and Rehabilitation Center, 136 Northeast 12th Ave., Crystal River. Free day care provided with advanced 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: The following caregiver support groups are offered:

• 1 p.m. Mondays, Bayfront Health Brooksville Enrichment Center, Medical Arts Building, Suite 120, 17222 Hospital Blvd., Brooksville; John Winans, (352) 232-0081.

• 1 p.m. the second Wednesday, Bayfront Health Spring Hill Enrichment Center, Medical Arts Building, Suite 105, 10441 Quality Drive, Spring Hill. Pam Penna, (352) 688-1262.

• 1 p.m. the third Tuesday, Hernando County Mining Association Enrichment Center, 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville. John Winans, (352) 232-0081.

• 5:30 p.m. the third Wednesday, Atria Evergreen Woods, 7030 Evergreen Woods Trail, Spring Hill. Lori Rocchi, (352) 397-1212.

Elder Abuse Hotline: To report suspected cases of elder abuse, neglect and 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.

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Hernando Diabetes Alliance: The alliance is a one-stop diabetes resource for Hernando County residents. It is offering the following programs:

•A Hernando diabetes support group will meet twice on Monday: 10 a.m. at the Oak Hill Hospital H2U Partner's Club, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill; 4 p.m. at Bayfront Health Brooksville, first-floor conference room, 17240 Cortez Blvd., west of Brooksville. The focus is on exercise and nutrition for pre-diabetics, Type II diabetics and caretakers. Call (352) 597-6331 or send an email to hernandodiabetessg@yahoo.com.

• Diabetic Complications and Risk Management, 1 p.m. Monday, Access Healthcare, 4270 Lake in the Woods Drive, Spring Hill. Call (352) 597-7249.

• Insulin workshop, 1 p.m. Monday, Access Healthcare, 5350 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill.

• Diabetes nutrition class, 1 p.m. Feb. 17, Crescent Community Clinic, 5244 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. Conducted by nutritionist Rita Diaz Kenney. Free, but reservations required due to limited seating. (352) 610-9916.

Contact the Hernando Diabetes Alliance at hernandodiabetes.com or call (855) 221-5031.

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 Bayfront Health Brooksville, 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 Bayfront Health Spring Hill, 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.

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.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly: TOPS is a weight-loss management program for men and women, and has a philosophy of combining healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness education and support from others. The following groups are available:

• TOPS 208, 6 p.m. Thursdays, Gulf Ridge Park Baptist Church, 20200 Manecke Road, Brooksville. Linda Ward, (352) 796-1236.

• TOPS 530, 8:15 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, First Lutheran Church, 30419 Park Ridge Drive, Ridge Manor West. Meeting starts at 9 a.m. Evelyn, (352) 796-0477.

• TOPS 547, weigh-in from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. and meeting from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Fridays, Oak Hill Hospital H2U Partner's Club, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. Lori Frazier, (352) 799-7249.

• TOPS 746, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Grace Presbyterian Church, Building B, 8375 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill. Toni, (352) 796-6045, or Sue, (352) 688-5209.

• TOPS 604, Weigh-in from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. and meeting 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Doris, (352) 666-9525, or Nancy, (727) 378-4460.

• TOPS 461, 9 to 11 a.m. Thursdays, Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. Dorothy Kuta, (352) 596-6697, or Pat Gall, (352) 688-6755.

'Understanding Your Medicare Choices': 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today, Lykes Memorial Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville; 1 to 2:30 p.m. today, Spring Hill Branch/Harold G. Zopp Memorial Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, West Hernando/S.T. Foggia Branch Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., Spring Hill. Topics include original Medicare and what it covers, Medicare Advantage, Medicare D (prescription drugs) and how to compare plans while looking at out-of-pocket limits. Advance registration suggested, but not required. Free. (352) 754-4043.

Weight Watchers: For area meetings, call toll-free 1-800-651-6000.

Brooksville

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 under-insured patients with free wigs, hats and head coverings (scarves, kerchiefs, beanies and knitted caps), mastectomy bras, and emotional support for people in chemotherapy. To learn more, call the American Cancer Society toll-free at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

Life Center of Hernando: This is a residence for young, single mothers and their children who are homeless or have unstable living conditions. Life skills classes are available at no cost, including: 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, 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 a class, 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, email to thelifecenterfl@gmail.com. Web: lifecenterofhernando.com or facebook.com/thelifecenterofhernando.

Separated, Divorced and Widowed Group Weekly Ministry: 7:30 p.m. Mondays, 10172 Patrick St. The purpose of this group is to resolve underlying issues for healing. Private counseling appointments are also available. (352) 754-1009.

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). Open to Al-Anon members wishing to get a better understanding of the 12 steps and those suffering from the confusion of being raised in a home where alcohol was a problem. Meetings are closed to the public. Toll-free 1-888-425-2666.

Alzheimer's program for caregivers: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 14 and 18, HPH Hospice, 12260 Cortez Blvd. This is a two-part series for those who are caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease, or anticipates doing so. Topics include how the disease changes communications and dealing with difficult behaviors. No cost, but registration is required due to limited space. RSVP to Carla Hayes, (352) 597-1882.

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 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 welcome. Coffee and refreshments served. (352) 688-9034.

Heart Failure Symposium 'Living with Heart Failure': 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Silverthorn Country Club, 4550 Golf Club Lane. Hosted by the Heart Institute at Oak Hill Hospital, the symposium is presented by a panel of Oak Hill specialists, including Dr. Mowaffak Atfeh, who is board certified in cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology and internal medicine; Lisa Cierpka, a registered nurse who is the care assure patient navigator; Betty Davis, a dietitian and nutritionist, and who is the director of clinical nutrition services at Oak Hill; and Jennifer Siem, a certified personal trainer and operations manager for the YMCA of the Suncoast. The panel will focus on defining the disease and providing information and tools needed to manage heart failure. A complimentary hot meal will be served. Admission is free; seating is limited. Reservations are required. (352) 597-6333.

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 the death of a loved one. There is no cost and no reservations required. Toll-free 1-800-486-8784. Web: hph-hospice.org.

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 illness 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 illness. 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.

Overeaters Anonymous: 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2301 Deltona Blvd. Option 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.

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

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.

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 dysathria. Caregivers and spouses are encouraged to attend. (727) 834-4445.

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 event or reservation deadline. Must include time, date, place, ticket price (if applicable), contact person and phone number. For information, call (352) 754-6101 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.