Central Florida Health News June 2023

tude of excited Jollibee patrons waiting to get their hands on their Jollibee favorites, but also first-timers waiting to have their own Jollibee experience," said Jose Miñana, Jollibee Foods Corporation's Group President for North America. "There's no greater joy for us than serving the needs and tastes of Jollibee fans in the community. At Jollibee, we aim to bring families together for happy moments over great tasting food with superior value, served with warm and friendly service –our own brand of joy." The brand has become a symbol of nostalgia and warm childhood memories for many overseas Filipinos in the U.S. To many, Jollibee is the go-to restaurant of Filipinos for both special

volume 13 | issue 3 | june 2023 FREE — TAKE ONE!

Men’s Health

get to try Jollibee's signature menu items such as the world famous Chickenjoy. This dish is delicately breaded to be crispylicious on the outside and juicylicious inside. The well-loved Jolly Spaghetti is a favorite of both kids and kids-at-heart because of its signature sweetstyle sauce, loaded with chunky slices of savory ham, ground meat, and hotdog. Other classic menufavorites include the juicy and cheesy Jolly Hotdog, and the Peach Mango Pie, which is made with real Philippine sweet mangoes and a flaky golden brown crust.

largest Asian restaurant company, is now open in Jacksonville. This is the 36th store in the US, as well as

THE ENDORSED PUBLICATION OF THE POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

PROSTATE CANCER

Survivors Emphasize PSA Test Importance

PAVING THE WAY

BayCare, Colleges Team Up For Immersive Experience

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Cloudy Vision? Keep an Eye Out for Cataracts

Meet Your Providers…

K.S. Chandrasekhar, MD, FCC

…established his clinic over 20 years ago. He is well known in the community and trusted for his accurate diagnosis and compassionate care.

• Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine

• Executive Director the Heart Function Clinic, Low Risk Chest Pain Center and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

• President of Medical Staff for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

• Chairman of Cardiology for Lake Wales Medical Center

• Clinical Associate Professor, FSU College of Medicine

Ritu Aparajita, MD, RPVI

A Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon who earned her MBBS at University of Delhi, India. She then completed a research fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center and a residency in general surgery at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, she completed her fellowship training in Vascular Surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey. She’s co-authored more than two dozen journal articles. She was recently nominated for the American Medical Association Inspiration Award that recognizes physicians who have contributed to the achievements of women in the medical profession.

Roan Cadavona, ARNP, FNP-C

…brings a high level of education and experience in Cardiac Catheterization, Electrophysiology and working in the Cardiovascular Progressive Care unit. He serves a vital role in providing patients with optimal cardiovascular care through counselling and screening, as well as disease prevention and management strategies.

• Board certified Family Nurse Practitioner

• Member of Staff for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

On the Cover

Although prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers found in older men, many who are diagnosed with the disease have it treated successfully and go on to live normal lives. We talked to two local men who share their experiences being diagnosed and subsequently treated for prostate cancer, and why simple PSA testing is important. Read more, page 10.

8 9 14

Pop Quiz! Get a Head Start on Headache Disorders

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, and people can experience many kinds of pain. Is it a migraine? A cluster headache? Maybe a tension headache? The more you know, the easier it will be to get relief. Take our quiz and learn more about headache disorders.

Cataracts Are a Common Vision Problem That Comes With Age

Something many people struggle with as they get older is a decline in their eyesight. Cataracts are a major cause of vision problems in individuals as they age. We talked with Central Florida Health Care optometrist Dr. Barbara Miller to learn what cataracts are and how you can protect your vision.

Paving a Path for the Profession

BayCare Health System’s Polk Region is teaming up with local colleges to provide immersive experiences for students training to become nurses. The goal is to attract and prepare individuals for rewarding careers in health care here in Florida to mitigate the effects of a nationwide nurse shortage.

Departments & Columns

Kollagunta Chandrasekhar, MD, FACC Cardiologist

Ritu Aparajita, Vascular Surgeon MD RPVI

Roan Cadavona, ARNP FNP-C Nurse Practitioner

PUBLISHER

Staying On Top of Change

NELSON KIRKLAND, PUBLISHER nelson@centralfloridamediagroup.com

As many of our readers know, Central Florida Health News has been embedded in the medical community since 2011. Ever since, we’ve been sharing your stories of success, awareness, and inspiration.

Over the years, we’ve seen such an incredible expansion in the healthcare industry. If there’s one thing we’ve noticed, it’s that the growth we’re experiencing means fresh faces and new opportunities. With all these changes, it can be hard to keep up on where your favorite healthcare provider works, which establishment your family physician just joined, and what new specialists are at the clinic around the corner from you.

To that end, we’ll be introducing a new department in Central Florida Health News that will summarize the most recent medical and healthcare hirings, promotions, achievements, and news for our area.

Make sure to send your press releases and photos to Jessica McDonald, our managing editor, at jessica@CentralFloridaMediaGroup.com so we can be sure to include your news.

Speaking of news, this edition is our Men’s Health edition, and we’re taking a closer look at prostate cancer. Two men who were diagnosed with this disease share their insights and thoughts on treatment and testing. There’s much more inside, so be sure to check it out.

Thanks for reading, and we look forward to helping you spread the word of your latest news. HN

Nelson Kirkland

MANAGING EDITOR

Jessica McDonald

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Cinda Shelby

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Tyler DiGiovine

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erika Aldrich, Teresa Schiffer, Carol Corley, Dr. Joy Jackson, Jennifer Goodson, LMHC

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS

Ritu Aparajita, MD; Edith Weppelmann, OD

CONTRIBUTING ARTIST

Dawn Lewandowski

DELIVERY

DLS Distribution

POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Ready to Lead The Polk County Medical Community

863-644-4051

2023 OFFICERS

SERGIO B. SEOANE, MD President

GARY SCHEMMER, MD Secretary

ARVIND SONI, MD Treasurer

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

RALPH NOBO, JR., MD, Chair JACKIE COURTNEY Executive Director

Welcome to the June edition of Central Florida Health News. To some, I may be a new face for this greeting as Dr. Booker has served as president of the Polk County Medical Association President since June of 2019. I’d like to thank Dr. Booker for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the PCMA and organized Medicine. Though I’ve served as president in two previous terms, I’d like to share a little about myself for those who don’t know me.

I’ve been practicing medicine for more than 33 years, 24 of which have been right here in Polk County. I have completed two residencies — a Family Medicine residency at Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine and an Internal Medicine residency at Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation in New Orleans — as well as

a fellowship in Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

I look forward to working with Central Florida Health News as I begin another exciting term serving the Polk County medical community.

The Polk County Medical Association works to raise awareness for a variety of health-related topics, including some you’ll read about in this issue. If you’re a medical provider in the community, we’d like to invite you to become a member. The PCMA’s concerns are heard in the Florida Legislature because of its strong ties with the Florida Medical Association. HN

Some of the benefits of a PCMA membership include the following:

✱ Physician referrals

✱ Medical malpractice discounts with The Doctors Company

✱ Ongoing relevant communication

✱ Access to CME Programs

✱ Workers compensation insurance benefits

✱ Complimentary Socials/ dinners

✱ Strong PCMA physician representation in Central Florida Health News

✱ Listing advantages in the annual Central Florida Physicians Directory & Medical Providers Guide

✱ Physician and medicine advocacy at all legislative levels.

Lakeland, Florida 33813

Sincerely,

Sergio B. Seoane, MD

Sergio B. Seoane, MD President, Polk County Medical Association

If you’d like more information about becoming a PCMA member or need to check your membership status for renewal, contact our Executive Director Jackie Courtney at (863) 644-4051 or email director@ polkcountydoctors.com.

Be a Mirror of Self-Worth

by JENNIFER GOODSON, MA, LMHC

We have all had that thought: “Life was so much easier as a kid!” No responsibilities, no bills, and no heavy relationships except for sharing (or not sharing) in the sandbox. Wow! When did it change? Eighth or 12th grade, college away from home, the first job that paid for the first car, or our first reality check that we are responsible for another human?

Life suddenly got serious when responsibility, obligation, accountability, and dependency came into the picture. We grow up so fast, and within a nanosecond, we have all this “stuff” in our laps. For some, these responsibilities and obligations started at an early age due to various circumstances. For others, it started right after our parents handed us the car insurance bill and said, “Your turn.”

The roles we play in this life are no different. However, we can pick and choose some of these — some we can ignore or respond to, and some we take on because no one else will. Regardless of the roles we play or the responsibilities we carry with us, each of us influences others. Whether positive or negative, we hold monumental, life-changing impacts in the words we say, the behaviors we model, and the choices we make. So, we could say we are responsible for shaping today’s culture. Sure, we could pass it on to the next guy, who looks, acts, or talks like he is more adequate.

But what if … just what if … we are the only ones who can reach that person. What if we are the only one that one person will listen to or trust?

What then? We’ve passed the buck, shrugged our shoulders, and walked away with no second thought of how someone’s life has missed out on something great we carry. Yes, we have something someone else needs; big or small does not matter. Only we can give. Why else would we be here? We have a purpose. We have the power to influence a life. Yet we have so many things that berate us that tear us down, from our jobs or employers, partners, children, parents, or siblings. It’s the words we heard when we were a child that we weren’t good enough, smart enough, strong enough. Yes, we even allow our past to shake our worth. We entertain it, play the movie script in our head, and allow it to dictate how we love others, speak to others, and treat others.

Self-worth is recognizing “I am greater than all of those things.” It is a deep knowing that I am of value, that I am loveable, necessary to this life, and of incomprehensible worth. (Hibbert, 2013)1

This is what I want you to grasp, if anything: I firmly believe that to recognize self-worth in ourselves, we must see it in others. We must be a part of showing someone it is present

within them.

So how do we stop the cycle and stop listening to the lie that we are not enough? How do we show someone else something we cannot see within ourselves?

Stop entertaining the negative. Stop giving POWER to it. Just stop!

How?

Oh, this is where it gets good. It is so simple, so hold on.

If we want to feel worthy, we must mirror it.

• Begin to speak simple words to others that bring hope, security, and love. These bring the lifelong change element that is the foundation of self-worth.

• Spend the time. Invest in others not with monetary means but with time. This strengthens and develops the inner core of self and guides the ship on the journey of becoming.

• Prefer others above ourselves, and have the desire to see someone else succeed.

As we begin to pour into others what we need for ourselves, we will see the void filled not only in someone’s life but also in ours.

Embrace your worth by showing someone else theirs. HN

1Hibbert, C. (2013). Self-esteem vs. self-worth. Dr. Christina Hibbert

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jennifer Goodson, MA, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor with offices in Winter Haven. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. For more information, visit www.pathwaycounselingservice.com.

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A more human way to healthcare™

POP QUIZ!

Get a Head Start on Headache Disorders

There’s a pounding in your head, and you realize you’re about to have yet another headache. If you have recurring headaches, then you likely have a headache disorder. You might wonder if you’re having a regular headache, migraine, cluster headache, or something else. You might wonder if it’s caused by stress, tension, or by a health issue like high blood pressure. Take our quiz on headache disorders and get ahead of your next headache.

1. True or false? Headache disorders, characterized by recurrent headache, are among the most common disorders of the nervous system.

2. Which of the following is an example of a headache disorder?

A. Migraine C. Cluster headache

B. Tension-type headache D. All of the above

3. True or false? The long-term effort of coping with a chronic headache disorder can also predispose the sufferer to other illnesses, such as anxiety and depression.

4. Which of the following is NOT true of migraine headaches?

A. Migraines most often begin at puberty and affect those aged between 35 and 45 years the most, and they are more common in women.

B. Migraines are often accompanied by hair loss.

C. Migraines are caused by the activation of a mechanism deep in the brain that leads to release of pain-producing inflammatory substances around the nerves and blood vessels of the head.

D. Migraines are often a lifelong illness characterized by recurring attacks.

5. Which of the following symptoms characterize migraines?

A. A headache of moderate or severe intensity that can be one-sided, pulsating in quality, aggravated by routine physical activity, with a duration from hours to 2-3 days.

B. Head pain that includes nausea.

C. A headache with an attack frequency that is anywhere between once a year and once a week.

D. A headache including physical manifestations like an extreme sensitivity to light and sound; visual disturbances, such as an aura, flashes of light or blind spots; or other disturbances, such as tingling on one side of the face or in an arm or leg and difficulty speaking.

E. All of the above

6. Though it varies from person to person, which of the following can trigger migraines?

A. Sudden changes in weather or environment, strong odors or fumes, loud or sudden noises, bright or flashing lights

B. Too much or not enough sleep, overexertion, head trauma, motion sickness

C. Emotions, stress, depression, anxiety

D. Low blood sugar, skipped meals

E. Tobacco use, hangovers, some medications, hormonal changes

F. All of the above

7. True or false? Tension-type headaches (TTHs) are the most common primary headache disorder.

8. Which of the following are true about tension-type headaches (TTHs)?

A. TTHs often begin during the teenage years, affecting three women to every two men.

B. The cause of TTHs may be stress-related or associated with musculoskeletal problems in the neck.

C. Episodic TTH attacks—which are described as pressure or tightness, often like a band around the head, sometimes spreading into or from the neck — usually last a few hours, but can persist for several days.

D. Chronic TTH, or headaches occurring on more than 15 days per month, can be unremitting and is much more disabling than episodic TTH.

E. All of the above

9. Which of the following is NOT true about cluster headaches (CHs)?

A. CHs are relatively uncommon, affecting fewer than 1 in 1000 adults and six men to each woman.

B. CHs are characterized by frequently recurring (up to several times a day), brief but extremely severe headaches, usually focused in or around one eye, with tearing and redness of the eye, the nose runs or is congested on the affected side and the eyelid may droop.

C. CHs are more common in women.

D. There are episodic and chronic forms.

E. None of the above

10. Which of the following are treatments for headache disorders?

A. Medications, such as analgesics, antiemetics, specific anti-migraine medications, and prophylactic medications.

B. Lifestyle modifications to avoid triggers

C. Efforts such as napping, laying down in a dark room, placing a cool cloth or ice pack on the forehead, drinking lots of fluid, and ingesting small quantities of caffeine

D. Non-drug therapies like biofeedback and relaxation training E. All of the above

compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH / Resources: Information provided by The World Health Organization, National Institutes of Health, and the Mayo Clinic.

Cataracts Are a Common Vision Problem That Comes With Age

by TERESA SCHIFFER sponsored by Central Florida Health Care

Something many people struggle with as they get older is a decline in their eyesight. Cataracts are a major cause of vision problems in individuals as they age. Central Florida Health Care optometrist Dr. Barbara Miller provides some valuable insight into what cataracts are and how you can protect your vision.

“A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye, and depending on the size and location it can interfere with your vision,” Miller says. “Most cataracts develop over the age of 55. Usually they develop in both eyes, but one may be worse than the other.”

Although age is the most common cause of cataracts, there are some other health and lifestyle factors that can also play a role in their development.

“Some of the causes and risk factors could be diabetes – people with diabetes are at higher risk for cataracts; certain medications are associated with cataract development, like steroids, and some other medications; UV light; smoking; and nutritional deficiencies,” she says.

While there are no clinically proven treatments to prevent or slow cataracts, Miller says there are simple strategies that may be helpful, like reducing exposure to sunlight with UV-

blocking lenses, decreasing or stopping smoking, and increasing antioxidants. Once the cataracts have progressed to the point of severely impeding a patient’s vision, the only remedy is surgery. The procedure involves removing the affected portion of the patient’s eye (the lens) and replacing it with an artificial lens. The operation is safe and effective and is generally performed as an outpatient procedure.

“Treatment is based on the level of impairment they cause,” Miller explains, “and they’re diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam.”

Miller recommends regular visits with an eye doctor to monitor any potential development of cataracts. This is especially helpful for patients who wear prescription eyeglasses, as changes in the prescription can be an indication of cataracts or other eye problems developing.

“Symptoms can be blurred or hazy vision, decreased intensity of colors, increased sensitivity to glare from light, and increased difficulty seeing at night,” she elaborates.

Excessive exposure to UV light is known to contribute to numerous health concerns, including eye problems such as the development of pterygium. This is a

noncancerous growth that can occur in one or both eyes. It usually starts on the clear tissue of the eye and may spread to the cornea. It is characterized by its slightly raised surface and has the potential to cause irritation and vision problems. Like cataracts, the only real treatment for pterygium is surgery, though eye drops can provide some relief.

Just as UV damage accumulates over the course of one’s lifetime in a person’s skin, eyes are similarly affected by sunlight. That’s why it is never too early to begin taking precautions and protecting yourself from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. As you stock up on sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection for the summer months, invest in a few pairs of sunglasses that also provide protection from UVA and UVB rays. Sunhats and caps with brims over the face can further reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation that reaches the delicate tissue of the eyes and face.

Make sure you are protecting your eyes this summer, and visit the professionals at Central Florida Health Care for routine vision exams and other important health screenings. A proactive approach to your well-being is the best way to stay healthy and fit through the years.

THE POWER OF THE PSA TEST

Prostate Cancer Patients

Emphasize Importance of Crucial Screening Tool

by TERESA SCHIFFER

Among men in the U.S., prostate cancer is the second most common cancer. When it was first discovered by surgeon J. Adams at The London Hospital in 1853, it was considered “a very rare disease.” It took about 50 years for doctors to be able to differentiate prostate cancer more accurately from other problems that could cause urinary obstruction.

Over time, as diagnostic techniques have been developed and refined, the incidence of prostate cancer began to rise, primarily due to the increased ability to detect the disease. This increase in detection has made it possible for doctors to act in time to prevent many deaths.

Testing for prostate cancer has declined in recent years, as medical researchers have learned that in many cases, there is no real need for treatment. That’s because prostate cancer is often so slow to progress that many men who are diagnosed with the disease ultimately pass away from an unrelated cause before

the cancer causes any real issues.

Prostate cancer is far more prevalent in older men than in younger men, with roughly 60 percent of all cases occurring in men 65 and older. It is rarely seen in men younger than 40. Age, ethnicity, and family history are the biggest risk factors. Globally, black men in the United States and the Caribbean have the highest incidence of prostate cancer.

Dr. Wasif Riaz is an oncologist with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute. He sees patients with many types of cancer, including men diagnosed with prostate cancer. He describes the usual symptoms they experience and how the disease initially presents.

“They may have mostly urinary symptoms,” he says. “Sometimes they may have difficulty urinating, or sometimes they get up a lot at night to urinate because they’re unable to completely empty their bladder. Sometimes they may have blood in the urine.”

When these symptoms are present, an individual’s

doctor may want them to see a urologist and have screening for prostate cancer performed.

“Generally, it gets diagnosed through a biopsy,” Riaz explains. “When we are suspecting prostate cancer, many times doctors and urologists will order a PSA test. If the PSA is high, then we are really suspecting it and will recommend a biopsy then.”

A PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) present in a man’s system. A high level of this protein can indicate that cancer may be present in the prostate, though it is not definitive.

Kenneth Lucas, 74, was alerted to the presence of cancer in his prostate during a routine PSA screening about 10 years ago. The Sebring resident’s PSA was 39.6; a level between 4.5 to 5.5 is considered normal for men between the ages of 60 and 70. Before his diagnosis, Lucas did not have symptoms.

“I was fine,” he recalls. “I had no idea there was anything wrong.”

Lucas had his prostate removed, and aside from a couple of days in the hospital following the surgery. No further treatment was required. He has his PSA tested every three months and has had no further issues in that department. He recommends that men not hesitate when it comes to getting screened.

“I would say get tested – go get your PSA tested. I wasn’t doing that, and my PSA was very high when I had the surgery done,” Lucas urges.

Robert Glade, 69, was diagnosed in 2019, when he visited his doctor to address gout in his finger. He had never had his PSA tested before, and his level was found to be 50. His healthcare team suspected the cancer had been present for about three to five years already at that point, and it had spread to the Lake Wales resident’s pelvic bone.

Glade received 44 days of radiation treatment for the cancer in his prostate and pelvic bone. Once that was completed, he was given a shot of Lupron hormone therapy twice a year.

When Riaz took over Glade’s care, he found that his PSA levels were again climbing, so he ordered a PET scan and MRI. Riaz prescribed Xtandi, an anti-androgen (anti-testosterone) medication used to treat prostate cancer. Glade has been taking the Xtandi for about a month and his PSA levels are decreasing to a nearly undetectable level. Riaz assured Glade that the Xtandi medication should also halt the growth of two small spots that have been detected in his lungs and may even reverse their development.

The Xtandi does have some negative effect on muscle tissue, so Glade makes sure to stay active to prevent excessive loss of strength. He agrees with Lucas that men need to be proactive about getting screened.

“I’ve been giving advice to people 50 years old since I found out about this,” Glade says. “I’m like, ‘Man, just go in and get a PSA test. It’s a blood test. That’s all it is.’” HN

Brown

Syed E. Ahmed, MD

Wasif Riaz, MD Swati Pathak, MD

Mahender Yellu, MD, MBBS, MHA

The Importance of Wearing Sunglasses

EDITH WEPPELMANN,

Do you enjoy watersports, fishing, golfing, hiking outdoors, or going to the beach?

Sunglasses are not only a fashion accessory. They keep you looking good by preventing wrinkles, and more importantly, they protect your eyes from the development of various diseases. Your shades work to protect your vision health and maximize your vision potential. Just as you always remember putting sunscreen on when you are going to the beach, your sunglasses should be worn each time you leave your home. Here are some reasons why:

• Direct sun exposure may cause photokeratitis, a sunburn of the eye. This can cause pain, teary eyes, and blurry vision. It is a temporary condition and usually goes away by itself in a few days.

• Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause more serious health concerns such as skin cancer on the eye itself, which is called conjunctival melanoma. There are also various types of tumors that can form around the eyelids, with basal skin cancer being the most common.

• If you have ever noticed a yellowish growth on the white part of your eye, it is called a pinguecula and is a result of sun damage. If that growth extends to the colored part of your eye, it is called pterygium. It can continue expanding with prolonged sun exposure and may cause irritation while also affecting your vision. In worse cases, it may have to be surgically removed.

• With age, we all will develop cataracts that cause cloudy vision and glare problems. However, wearing sunglasses can slow the progression of cataracts.

• Prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during the summer months of your 20s and 30s will put you at risk for early onset of macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the U.S. This may also be a factor in developing exfoliation glaucoma, which causes abnormal buildup of protein in the eye drainage system and other areas of the eye.

• Last but not least, sunglasses make you see better! Prescription lenses can maximize your vision and comfort. They will also decrease eye strain and keep your eyes safe from the brightness, especially while driving. When you are outdoors, your sunglasses will protect you from elements such as wind, sand, dust, or debris.

When selecting your sunglass lenses, make sure they are 100% UVA and UVB protective. Polarized glasses will reduce glare and enhance your vision. Larger frames would be better as they offer larger protection for your eyes and face. Make sure they fit well and that the frames are not too heavy, so that you will be comfortable wearing them each time you leave your house. Come to one of our locations and we will be able to help you pick out your new sunglasses!

PAVING THE WAY FOR THE FUTURE

BayCare Polk Teaming Up With Local Colleges to Provide Immersive Experience

by TERESA SCHIFFER

Aspiring nurses must be dedicated to their education before they enter the field professionally, but classroom instruction alone will not prepare them for the daily duties of nursing. That’s why BayCare Health System’s Polk Region is now partnering with several local colleges to provide intensive hands-on training to nursing students.

Kristen Smith, BayCare Polk’s Chief Nursing Officer, understands the urgency of not only attracting more people into nursing but also making sure student nurses get the skills and experiences they’ll need to be effective professionals upon graduating.

Smith explains why BayCare is proactively working to immerse student

nurses in a professional setting before they’ve graduated.

“The country is experiencing a nursing shortage,” she says. “BayCare Polk is no exception, and the pandemic amplified and accelerated the shortage. It’s been common knowledge for some time that a nursing shortage was on the horizon, projected to incrementally trend upward as the Baby Boomers began to retire. What was not anticipated, however, was a worldwide pandemic, nor its extreme impact.”

While hospitals may be scrambling to fill their ranks, they still need to staff their units with highly trained and qualified professionals. Providing opportunities for student nurses to gain firsthand experience serves a

O.D.

This column is sponsored by Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.

Bio:

Edith Weppelmann is a board-certified optometrist who sees patients at multiple locations for Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida. She specializes in primary care optometry and is currently accepting new patients. Call us at 800-282-3937 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Weppelmann or visit us online at EYESFL.COM.

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1$175 per month, up to $2,100 yearly. 2One set of complete or partial dentures every 5 years. Unlimited extractions for dentures. 3From a retail or preferred mail-order cost-share pharmacy for most commonly used drugs.

West and Central Florida. CarePlus is an HMO SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Florida Medicaid Program. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on contract renewal. This plan is available to anyone receiving both Medicare and Medicaid: Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB/QMB+), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB/SLMB+), Qualifying Individuals (QI), Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) and other Full Benefit Dual Eligibles (FBDE). No amounts on the CareEssentials Card can be used to purchase Medicare-covered prescriptions or services, nor can it be converted to cash.Important: At CarePlus, it is important you are treated fairly. CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, religion, or language in their programs and activities, including in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their programs and activities. The following department has been designated to handle inquiries regarding CarePlus’ non-discrimination policies: Member Services, PO Box 277810, Miramar, FL 33027, 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). Auxiliary aids and services, free of charge, are available to you. 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). CarePlus provides free auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified sign language interpreters, video remote interpretation, and written information in other formats to people with disabilities when such auxiliary aids and services are necessary to ensure an equal opportunity to participate. This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our Member Services number at 1-800-794-5907. Hours of operation: October 1 - March 31, 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 1 - September 30, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may leave a voicemail after hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and we will return your call within one business day. Español (Spanish): Esta información está disponible de forma gratuita en otros idiomas. Favor de llamar a Servicios para Afiliados al número que aparece anteriormente. Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole): Enfòmasyon sa a disponib gratis nan lòt lang. Tanpri rele nimewo Sèvis pou Manm nou yo ki nan lis anwo an. H1019_MKBNDMFNPRcareneedsplus2023_M

compiled by TERESA SCHIFFER

Events and Fundraisers

June 1 – Total

Joint Replacement

This free class is for patients who have a total joint replacement surgery scheduled, plus one guest per patient. All attendees must wear a face mask over their nose and mouth at all times while inside the building. The class will be held from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Winter Haven Hospital – Wellness Conference Room, 200 Ave F NE in Winter Haven. For more information, please call 855-269-4777, or go online to register at www.baycare.org/events.

June 1 –

Maternity Center Orientation Virtual

Prepare for delivery at BayCare by attending a virtual tour of the Maternity Center. This is a free class for expectant mothers. One support person may also attend. The class will take place from 5:30 –7 p.m. and is sponsored by St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital. For more information, please visit www. baycare.org/events or call 855-269-4777.

June 2 –

Relay for Life at Lake Mirror Promenade

Sponsored by AdventHealth, this fundraiser for the American Cancer Society will take place from 6 –9 p.m. at Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 S Lake Ave in Lakeland. Celebrate Survivors, Caregivers, Teams, and Volunteers! Sign up at www.RelayForLife.org/ PolkFL, or contact Suzanne Frank at Suzanne. frank@adventhealth.com.

June 3 – Hoopin’ for Health (Basketball Tournament)

Lakeland Regional Health and the YMCA of West Central Florida proudly present this opportunity to take charge of your health through cardio activity and participation in health screenings at this oneday, fast-paced, 3-on-3 basketball elimination tournament, open to players age 18 and up. Get your team assembled and meet at the Lakeland Family YMCA, 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd in Lakeland, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Registration is $100 per team (up to four individuals per team). For more details and to register, please go to www.mylrh.org/event/hoopin-for-health-basketball-tournament-2/ or contact Lauren.Springfield@myLRH.org. .

June 3 – Sunshine State

Deaf Fest

Celebrate the language, art, diversity, and talent of the Florida Deaf and Hard of Hearing community from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at RP Funding Center, located at 701 W Lime St in Lakeland! Admission is $10 per person and that includes parking. There will be vendors, ASL workshops and performances, kids’ activities, raffles, and lots more. You can find more information online at www.itsadeafthing.com.

June 5 – Supporting Motherhood & More Virtual

St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital is sponsoring this free virtual gathering of women who experience unexpected and difficult emotions during their pregnancies and the first year of motherhood. The group meets from 12 – 1 p.m. For more information, please call 855-269-4777 or go to www.baycare. org/events to register.

June 11 –

Let’s Talk Puberty for Boys

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is sponsoring this informative session for boys ages 10 to 13 to help them understand the physical and emotional changes of puberty, the male reproductive system, and ways to maintain a healthy body during the first half of the class. The second half will give an overview of the female changes of puberty, female reproductive system, and a discussion of conception and abstinence. This course is $35 and will be held from 1 – 3:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North – Garden Classroom A, 4211 Van Dyke Rd in Lutz. For more information, please call 855-269-4777 or visit www.baycare.org/events.

June 12 –

Forget Me Not Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group

Families and individuals who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or early infant death can gather with others to explore their grief while honoring their loss by learning how to strengthen communication with loved ones and engage in self-care activities. The meeting takes place from 1 – 2 p.m. at Winter Haven Women’s Hospital, Classroom C, 101 Ave O SE, in Winter Haven. It is a free meeting. You can register online at www.baycare.org/events.

June 14

– Better You Men’s Health

You can feel great at any age, so come learn about common health issues like heart disease, prostate disease, stroke, and more, plus get tips for reducing your risk and guidelines for preventive screenings from 12 – 1 p.m. at Florida Blue Center, 385 Cypress Gardens Blvd in Winter Haven. For more information, please call (863) 291-0140.

June 20 –

Boot Camp for New Dads Virtual

BayCare Health Systems is offering a virtual class just for expectant fathers, taught by a certified facilitator. Access to a camera and microphone is encouraged but not required. The $25 course will cover fatherhood, life changes, relationship changes, and hands-on experience. Previous participants will be involved with their own infants to offer their personal wisdom. You will receive course materials by mail before the class. This class will be held from 6:30 – 8 p.m. You can get more information by calling 855-269-4777, or go to www. baycare.org/events to register online.

June 28 –

Better You Boosting Brain Health

Maintain the health of your brain throughout life by learning how you can incorporate daily activities to boost your brain health and improve your quality of life. Presented by Florida Blue and Your Winter Haven Neighborhood Care Team from 12 – 1 p.m. at Florida Blue Center, 385 Cypress Gardens Blvd in Winter Haven. Contact (863) 291-0140 if you need more information.

IS THERE ANY GOOD NEWS ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER?

Aprostate cancer diagnosis is never considered “Good News.” However, with this disease, the last decade has brought great progress that can be thought of as good news.

The efforts of educators and support groups have greatly raised awareness of prostate cancer. But it remains a challenge to get middle age men to think about the disease. One of 8 men will be diagnosed with this cancer in their lifetime. Moreover, looking at all cancer diagnoses, statistics from the past decade have seen great reductions in deaths, except for prostate cancer.

1 (Dattoli et al, 3-D CFD Ultrasound-Guided Transperineal Biopsy: Safest and Most Accurate Prostate Biopsy, ASCO Feb 2018).

2 (Dattoli et al, Radiotherapy (RT) Guided by Ultra Small Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide (USPIO) ASCO-GU 328741, Feb 2020)

3 (Dattoli et al, Long-term Outcomes for Patients with Prostate Cancer having Intermediate High-Risk Disease Treated with Combination External Irradiation and Brachytherapy and ASCENDE-RT: IJROBT, Vol 108, 3, Nov.2020)

Good news includes better methods of diagnosis. The barbaric “blind biopsy” of recent years can now be replaced with a highly accurate 3-D Color-Flow Power Doppler Ultrasound-guided Transperineal biopsy.1 Once diagnosed, there are methods of determining the extent, aggressiveness and location of the cancer. Tests such as PSA, PAP, Gleason Score, Polaris and Decipher assist the doctor in designing a treatment plan specific to the cancer.

Meanwhile, imaging using nanoparticles and PSMA PET Scans detect microscopic cells and tissues beyond the prostate gland.2

While surgical removal of the gland was once the most common choice, today there are many alternatives. The older, yet currently used DaVinci robotic prostatectomy often leaves active cancer cells in the body, and causes damage to tissues around the prostate gland, leaving the patient with permanent urinary issues and sexual dysfunction.

Treatments that have replaced surgery include methods addressing the cancers from outside the body. Primary among these is daily radiation application over time. Daily micro-beamlets, aimed at specifically assigned dot-sized targets, deliver sufficient radiation to the tumors while avoiding and protecting healthy tissues. Computerized physics analysis indicates exactly how much radiation is required to kill cancer cells, while maximally sparing healthy tissues.

Specially trained radiation oncologists break down the total dose into external and internal doses. External radiation is delivered utilizing sophisticated linear accelerators, while the internal radiation (Brachytherapy) is delivered by placing tiny radioactive seeds permanently into the gland itself. This combined External + Inter-

nal method has produced the longest Prostate Cancer cure rate in the world, published in international medical journals.3

Dynamic Adaptive Radiation Therapy (DART), the most precise form of external radiation therapy, was developed at the Dattoli Cancer Center and is in daily use at their Sarasota facility.

More encouraging good news is the fact that today most cases of recurrent prostate cancer after initial surgery or radiation can be successfully treated at Dattoli Cancer Center using (DART) and targeted therapies including PROVENGE, monoclonal antibodies, immunotherapies and PARP inhibitors. These treatments are tailored to the patients’ genetic profiles obtained by “liquid biopsies.” Meanwhile, promising novel approaches such as Xofigo and Pluvicto are radiopharmaceutical injections that travel to sites outside of the prostate, where rogue cancer cells are nesting.

It is now up to the patient to avail himself of the advances from the last decade, and new, un-dreamed of treatments currently being tested in international research facilities.

Our advice is to do your research – search generalized websites like the American Cancer Society and National Institute of Health. Check physicians’ webpages and patient reviews. Look for a specialized Prostate Cancer Center. Ask for their “cure rates,” not just generalized statistics. Be cautious of large hospital programs where you are likely to receive less individualized care. Interview several providers before selecting a team to guide you through your prostate cancer experience. Don’t be afraid. The sooner you act, the sooner you will be on the way to a cure!

Virginia Carnahan, APR, CPRC

Sponsored by Dattoli Cancer Center & Brachytherapy Research Institute

Skewer Power Kebabs Bring a Taste of Something New to the Grill

by CAROL CORLEY

We think of grilling as quintessentially American. Fire up the coals in the grill, place the meat on the cooking grates, and welcome friends and neighbors who are bringing side dishes to share. Dad is the cook, of course.

Grilling dates to the Paleolithic era, according to food52.com. That takes it back maybe 2.5 million years, to as recent as 10,000 BC, reported by history.com. Some scientists feel that grilling played a crucial role in human evolution. Harvard University professor of anthropology and primatology Dr. Richard Wrangham explains that eating meat, with its high protein, made it possible for early humans to use energy to grow large brains instead of spending all their energy chewing and digesting plants, much like cattle do. Since human teeth couldn’t handle raw meat, cooking was necessary.

Regardless of its origins, we’ve certainly perfected the concept of backyard grilling.

Americans might throw a huge steak or beefy burgers on the grill, but Middle Eastern countries favor kebabs — small pieces of lamb or beef on a skewer. While kebabs have gained popularity in the U.S., as well, we use spices that are very different from those in the Mideast.

To make kebabs in the U.S., consider fish, beef, chicken, and lamb. And don’t forget to get the youngsters involved. They can even make dessert.

Pineapple Salmon Skewers

(Adapted from delish.com)

Ingredients:

Salmon, 1 pound

Pineapple, 3 cups

Olive oil of choice, 3 tablespoons

Toasted sesame oil, 2-1/2 teaspoons

Sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons or more to taste

Ginger, 2 teaspoons freshly grated

Garlic, 2 cloves minced

Red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon or to taste

Salt to taste

Garnish: toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, and lime wedges

Directions:

Cut salmon into evenly sized cubes, then skewer pineapple and salmon pieces, alternating. Use wooden skewers that have been soaked in water. Place on a large baking sheet. Meanwhile, whisk together olive oil, sesame oil, chili sauce, red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, and salt to taste. Brush combined sauce over salmon-pineapple skewers, then place skewers on the grill.

Cook until salmon is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, turning once. Continue brushing with remaining sauce through cooking.

Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with lime wedges.

Grilled Tandoori Chicken Kebabs

(Adapted from culinaryginger.com)

Ingredients:

Chicken breasts, 4 boneless and skinless

Indian red chili powder, 2 teaspoons or to taste

Olive oil, 2 tablespoons

Salt to taste

Greek yogurt, 4 tablespoons

1 teaspoon each Indian red chili powder again, fresh grated ginger, turmeric

1/2 teaspoon each garam masala, ground coriander, cumin, cardamom

1/4 teaspoon each cinnamon and ground nutmeg

Black pepper, pinch, works with the turmeric

Garlic clove, 1 peeled and grated Lemon, juice of 1

Dessert Kiddie Kebabs

(Adapted from foodnetwork.com)

Ingredients: Brownie bites, 6 Marshmallows, 6 Strawberries, 12 Chocolate syrup for garnish

Directions:

Create a paste with red chili powder, salt and oil, then massage half the paste over the chicken, which has been cut into large pieces and set aside.

Take the remaining chili paste and add the rest of the ingredients, mixing well. Coat the chicken well, cover and allow to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers and grill on high heat on a grill that has been preheated, about 5-8 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature of meat reaches 165F.

Directions:

Using 6 skewers, assemble using for each: 1 strawberry, 1 marshmallow, 1 brownie bite, and end with 1 strawberry. Place on a serving platter and drizzle with chocolate syrup.

Lamb Kebabs

(Adapted from themediterraneandishcom)

Ingredients:

Leg of lamb, 1-3/4-pound boneless

Salt and pepper to taste

Onion, 12 medium

Garlic cloves, 5

Olive oil, 1/3 cup

Allspice, 1 teaspoon

2/3 teaspoon each nutmeg and cardamom

Parsley, 1 cup fresh, packed

Lemon, 1, juice and zest

Directions:

Combine onion, garlic, spices, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice in a food processor fitted with a blade, and liquify until all finely chopped and it becomes a thick marinade.

Pour marinade over lamb, which has been cut into 1-inch pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper. Coat lamb well with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. (If in a hurry, it can marinate at room temperature for no longer than 30 minutes.)

Thread lamb pieces on long skewers, allowing space between pieces, and shaking off excess marinade. Use wooden skewers that have been soaked in water. Grill on grates that have been preheated and brushed with oil.

Grill lamb kebabs on high heat, turning each 1/4 turn every 2-3 minutes until browned evenly, about 7 to 9 minutes, depending on how well done you like your lamb. I like mine medium rare. Sprinkle zest at the end.

We’ve got GOOD NEWS for

HEART

Meet Our Doctor

Foot Care Is Key to Preventing Diabetes-Related Amputations

Dr. Aparajita is a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon and has been serving the Polk County community for the past 1 year. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree at University of Delhi, India. She then completed a research fellowship in vascular surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York and a residency in General Surgery at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, she completed her fellowship training in Vascular Surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey.

Dr. Aparajita is also a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK (MRCS Ed) and completed her Basic Surgical Training in England soon after her medical school.

MDr. Aparajita is the co-author of more than two dozen journal articles, publications and oral presentations, including topics such as endovascular treatment for thrombosis, aortic aneurysm repair, stroke, peripheral artery disease and other vascular conditions.

Additional posts and volunteer work include a teaching position at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and as a Member of the Public and Professional Outreach Committee as well as the International Relations Committee at the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS).

Dr. Aparajita was recently nominated for the American Medical Association (AMA) Inspiration Award that recognizes physicians who have contributed to the achievements of women in the medical profession.

ore than 25% of American seniors have diabetes and 10% to 15% of people with diabetes have leg and or foot ulcers. Simple things like managing your diabetes and performing daily foot care can help prevent ulcers, which can be difficult to treat and may eventually require amputation. More than 80% of am putations begin with foot ulcers, so regimented care and prevention is essential. Every year, more than 70,000 people with diabetes have a lower extremity amputated. Amputation rates are two to four times greater in the black population than in the white population. Evidence shows that most amputations in patients with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease can indeed be prevented!

Prevention of Ulcers and Diabetic Foot Amputations

RITU APARAJITA, MD, MRCS (Ed), MBBS

• Inspect your feet daily.

Specialty: Vascular & Endovascular Surgery

• Wash your feet daily.

Joining KSC Cardiology November 9, 2020

• Do not pick at or remove calluses, corns, bunions or warts yourself.

• Trim your toenails carefully.

• Do not go barefoot, even around your home.

• Wear clean dry socks.

• Do not smoke.

• Buy shoes that fit properly.

• Schedule three monthly foot checkups with your primary doctor or podiatrist. Every individual who has lost protective sensation must regularly and properly examine their feet on a daily basis. This is the single most effective way to protect feet in the absence of the pain warning system.

Footwear Selection

A person with normal sensation in their feet can wear almost any shoe style with little risk of injury. However, if the patient has lost protective sensation, poorly designed or improperly fitting shoes can seriously complicate the condition of the feet. Once the patient has lost protective sensation, they should never wear narrow-toed shoes or boots, heeled shoes, shoes with vinyl tops, thongs, or any shoe that is too loose or too tight. Ideally, this person should receive special assistance in selecting the appropriate style and fit of shoes. The shoes should fit the shape of the foot, and there should be at least a half-inch between the longest toe and the end of the shoe.

In addition to causing loss of protective sensation, neuropathy can also affect the autonomic nerves in the foot. This can lead to dry, cracked skin that can increase the probability of foot injuries and wounds. Therefore, proper moisturizer and emollient application is of supreme importance in the prevention of ulcers.

This column is sponsored by KSC Cardiology, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Dr. Aparajita is a fellowship-trained vascular and endovascular surgeon. She is a co-author of 20+ journal articles and publications and was recently nominated for an Inspiration Award by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Diagnoses of HIV Among Men On the Rise

by DR. JOY JACKSON

In Polk County, rates of new HIV diagnoses among men have been on the rise. As of 2021, men are nearly four times as likely as women to be diagnosed with HIV.

During Men’s Health Month, we can work toward reducing new HIV infections and promoting men’s overall well-being by reiterating fundamental knowledge about HIV.

How Is HIV Spread?

If fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluid, and breast milk) from someone with a detectable HIV viral load enters a person’s bloodstream, they can get HIV. Most men who get HIV get it through sexual contact, including anal and vaginal sex. Another common way HIV is spread is through injection drug use. That means the sharing of needles, syringes, and other injection drug supplies.

How Do I Reduce My Risk of Getting HIV?

The key to reducing new HIV infections is prevention.

Condoms can prevent the exchange of bodily fluids. Consistent and correct condom usage during anal, vaginal, and oral sex is one of the most effective ways to prevent HIV. It’s important to discuss condom use before engaging in sexual contact.

Another effective prevention method is to take HIV medication. Pre-exposure

prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily HIV medication prescribed to an HIV-negative individual who is at high risk of getting HIV. Those at high risk might include individuals who are having unprotected sex or those having sex with HIV-positive partners. PrEP can significantly reduce HIV transmission. Those interested in PrEP should discuss it with a healthcare provider. If an individual has been exposed to HIV, they can take HIV medications called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours to prevent HIV. PEP is for emergency situations only.

If a person is living with HIV, taking HIV medication as prescribed can reduce transmitting HIV to HIV-negative partners. HIV medication can be highly effective in reducing HIV viral loads in an individual’s body to undetectable levels. An undetectable HIV viral load means that the HIV virus in the body is so low that it can’t be detected. Not only does that benefit the person with HIV (it helps them live a long healthy life!), but it also means the virus can’t be transmitted to HIV-negative partners. Remember: Undetectable is untransmittable. HIV transmission via IV drug use can be prevented by not sharing needles and syringes with others.

How Do I Know If I Have HIV?

The only way to know if an individual has HIV is through HIV testing. About 1 in 8 people in the United States who have HIV do not

know they have HIV. Knowing HIV status gives people the tools to make informed decisions to protect their health and the health of their partners. Get tested regularly. The CDC recommends for people between the ages of 13 and 64 to get tested at least once in their lifetime and to get tested at least once a year if they have risk factors for getting HIV. Talk to healthcare providers about risk factors and how often testing should be done.

What Do I Do After I Get Tested?

If you’ve been diagnosed with HIV, get into care as soon as possible. Individuals with HIV can live long, healthy lives by getting into medical care and by taking HIV medications as prescribed. If you’ve tested negative for HIV, continue using condoms correctly and continue being tested for HIV regularly. In addition, it’s good to be open with sexual partners about your HIV status. For HIV testing and treatment, please call the Department of Health in Polk County at 863-519-8233.

By focusing on essential aspects of HIV prevention and testing during Men’s Health Month, we want to empower men to take charge of their health and make informed decisions. Together, we can strive toward reducing new HIV infections, promoting testing, and creating a healthier future for all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Joy Jackson, an internal medicine physician, serves the community as director of the Florida department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk). For more information about DOH-Polk, visit mypolkhealth.org. Follow DOH-Polk on Twitter at twitter.com/FLHealthPolk.

Paving the Way for the Future

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

To increase the allure of becoming a nurse in Florida, state legislators passed Senate Bill 2524 last year establishing the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund. This program provides grant money to incentivize collaboration between nursing education programs and healthcare providers. The LINE Funding Grant will match funds contributed by companies in the healthcare industry to advance educational opportunities for Florida nursing students.

While the three BayCare hospitals in the Polk Region have appreciated long-term, collegial relationships with local academic programs, the LINE Fund Program has provided additional momentum and sparked several new initiatives.

and licensure, the Fellows will start their nursing careers as a clinical nurse resident at Winter Haven Hospital.

dual purpose of ensuring that candidates for employment are sufficiently trained, plus it creates a pipeline for students to easily transition from training to working once they’ve graduated.

BayCare Polk partners with multiple academic programs, such as Florida Southern College, Polk State College, Southeastern University, Keiser University, and Traviss Technical College, and many of those students obtain hands-on training at the hospitals.

Nursing students are able to log plenty of clinical hours that count toward their future careers thanks to the collaborative efforts of local schools and hospitals. In 2022, 974 nursing students gained a total of 42,472 hours of clinical experience in BayCare’s Polk hospitals, which include Bartow Regional Medical Center, Winter Haven Hospital, and Winter Haven Women’s Hospital.

Florida Southern College Adjunct Nursing Professor Corie Cross, MSN, RN, serves as preceptor for two groups of nursing students at Bartow Regional Medical Center.

“These students have already shown a passion for the nursing profession,” says Cross, “and this is how they get that hands-on experience to understand what they’re getting into.”

For example, Polk State College and Winter Haven Hospital have launched a new Faculty Externship Program that allows the nursing school’s faculty members to experience immersion in Winter Haven Hospital during summer months in order to gain firsthand knowledge of the current healthcare environment. The experience, funded by the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation, can range from shadowing mentor nurses to practicing actual nursing skills. This will help school faculty members ensure that coursework is evidence-based and relevant to the practical experiences graduating nurses can expect to face upon entering the field in Central Florida.

Bartow Regional Medical Center and Winter Haven Hospital have provided funds that will be matched by LINE grant dollars to support the purchase of equipment for the Center for Human Simulation at Polk State College as well.

Also, Florida Southern College and Winter Haven Hospital will award up to six students (each) a $30,000 scholarship under the FSC Fellows Program to fund their senior year of nursing school. These scholarships are funded in equal parts by the Winter Haven Hospital and the FLDOE’s LINE fund. Recipients of the scholarships are employed by Winter Haven Hospital as nurse apprentices, a role that was created specifically for nursing students that involves flexible scheduling to accommodate classroom and study time. Upon graduation

Smith sums up what educational experiences students can expect to receive through these partnerships between hospitals and schools. “Students’ clinical experiences range from ‘shadowing’ (observing) hospital staff to performing patient care and nursing skills (such as taking vitals, assisting with activities of daily living, administering medications, inserting a urinary catheter or nasogastric tube, removing stitches or staples, etc), under the guidance of program instructors and/or hospital nurses,” Smith explains. “All students are encouraged to practice and build effective communication skills during their many patient interactions.” HN

SMITH

Tackling Challenges in the Healthcare Sector

At Central Florida Health News, we’re always trying to come up with newer, better ways to serve our ever-growing community. The rapid expansion of healthcare services in Central Florida is truly a blessing, but it presents its own challenges. Staffing is one of those. We often talk about the urgent need for more nurses in the profession, but we do recognize that healthcare staffing involves a variety of other positions as well. Everyone is important, from the custodial staff who disinfect hospital counters to surgeons preparing to operate.

We want to help make staffing for medical facilities effective and easy. That’s why

we want to create a medical job board to connect individuals in the healthcare industry with potential employers.

JESSICA McDONALD, EDITOR jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com

Our vision is not only to help healthcare facilities, clinics, and care centers find qualified team members but also to provide a central location where job seekers can upload their resumes to get seen by employers specifically in our area.

Our clients would get access to the Central Florida Health News network, including doctors, physicians, medical managers, and residents of the Central Florida area.

We’d love to hear from healthcare hiring managers for this pilot project. Let’s brainstorm and explore how Central Florida Health News can help you! HN

Blueprint for an Amazing Healthcare Website

“Our team will keep your heart in rhythm.”

It’s not just an ID badge. It’s a badge of honor.

At Winter Haven Hospital, the Bostick Heart Center focuses on you and your heart. You’ll get compassionate, extraordinary care from a team that includes heart rhythm specialists and cardiac care experts. Using minimally invasive procedures, we diagnose and treat heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), a disorder that occurs when your heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly. Left untreated, AFib can lead to something more serious, including heart failure and stroke. At Winter Haven Hospital and the Bostick Heart Center, we’ll make sure you get the exceptional care that you and your heart deserve. Learn more: (863) 292-4048 or WinterHavenHeart.org