largest Asian restaurant company, is now open in Jacksonville. This is the 36th store in the US, as well as the first in the state and Southeast US. It opened to the public on March 18, 2017. Jacksonville is the most populous city in the Sunshine State, as well as home to the largest FilipinoAmerican community in Florida. The longawaited arrival of Jollibee in the city has
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 menu favorites 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.
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
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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.
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been the talk of the town since 2016. With the openin "As Jollibee g, Floridi get to try debuts in Florida Jollibee's signatu ans will anticipate seeing , we items such re menu not only a as the world tude of excited multiJollibee patron famous Chickenjoy. ing to get their This dish is s waithands on their delicately bread ed to favorites, but Jollibee be also first-tim on the outside crispy liciou s ers waiting to have their and juicylic own Jollibe ious inside. The e experience," said well-loved Jose Miñan Jolly Spaghetti is a a, Foods Jollibe favorite of both Corporation's e kids Group Preside and kids-at for North nt -heart becaus America. "There e of its signatu greater joy 's no for us than re sweetserving the needs and style sauce, loaded tastes with the community. of Jollibee fans in chunky slices of savory At Jollibee, we bring familie aim to ham, ground s together meat, for happy moments over and hotdog. great tasting Other food with superior value, classic menu served with faand friendly warm vorites include service – our the own brand of joy." juicy and cheesy The brand has Jolly Hotdo g, become a symbo nostalgia and the Peach Mango and l of warm childho Pie, od memwhich is made ories for many with overseas Filipin the U.S. To many, Philippine sweet real os in Jollibee is the restaurant of goes and a flaky mango-to Filipinos for golden both special brown crust.
STEAKHOUSE
Jollibee's U. S. with first Fl expansion continues orida locatio n opening
Jacksonville, FL - After much ipation and anticexcitement, Jollibee largest Asian restaurant compa , the now open in ny, is Jacksonville. This is the 36th store in the US, as well as the first in the state and Southeast US. It opened to the public on March 18, 2017. Jacksonville is the m ost populous city in the Sunshine State, as well as home to the largest Filipin American comm ounity in Florida. The longawaite d arriva l of Jollibee in the city has
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CONTENTS | May 2022 For more photos from this edition, follow us on Facebook. Scan the QR code here with your smart device.
ENROLL PA GE 12
E ONE!
EDITION
Nursing
THE ENDO RSED PUBL ICATION OF POLK COUN TY MEDICAL THE ASSOCIATI ON
Educational Insti S, STAT! To Meet the Risintutions Work g Demand
MORE NURSE
BayCare Polk’s
HAIL TO THE CHIE
Peace River CenteTAL HEALTH MATTER r Plans Panel Discu ssions
MAKING MEN
Understanding
A NEW NORMAL the Role of Ment
Kristen Smith
F NURSING OFF Talks Nursing, al Health
CentralFlorid
ICER Twists of Fate
You Say Tomato, K We Say Stuff It!
HEALTHY COO
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Pop Quiz!
Back pain is an unpleasant part of life that most people will experience at some point in time. While back pain is uncomfortable, most back pain is not a medical emergency. However, there are some instances where back pain is a symptom of something more serious. Take our quiz to learn the basics of back pain and how to determine whether it’s an emergency.
It’s Time to Normalize Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, making it a great time to work toward reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Dr. Yadira Torres, a licensed clinical psychologist with Central Florida Health Care, explains the importance of understanding the role of mental health.
Hail to the Chief Nursing Officer
Kristen Smith, BayCare Polk County’s new Chief Nursing Officer, didn’t always plan to work in health care. But by a twist of fate, she found her calling. Central Florida Health News talks with Smith about nursing and her goals for her new role.
Making Mental Health Matter
Peace River Center is one local resource committed to battling negative perceptions and providing care to individuals who are seeking assistance in managing their mental health or substance use issues. Now, Peace River Center is teaming up with Polk Vision’s Behavioral Health Committee to host Mental Health Matters, a series of panel discussions designed to educate the public and also provide resources to address various mental health issues.
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
A Game Plan For the Future NELSON KIRKLAND, PUBLISHER nelson@centralfloridamediagroup.com
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cross the country on May 6-12, people of many professions and all walks of life will share their appreciation for our healthcare heroes as part of National Nurses Week. Actually, we celebrate these individuals all year long here at Central Florida Health News, and we want to urge others to do the same. Why? Aside from the fact that they work tirelessly to provide care during the most critical of times and they are often the ones who hold out hope when their patients are too tired and defeated to do so themselves, their numbers are on the decline. And trust me: We need every single one of them. According to the American Nurses Association, there are 4.3 million registered nurses providing care across the country, but a recent Fierce Healthcare survey paints a more dire picture. The survey revealed that a third of nurses plan to leave their job by the end of this year, citing factors such as burnout, stress, and workplace conditions. Granted, some of those nurses are simply moving to different institutions. But the report says a third of them are leaving the profession. The future of health care in this country relies on these individuals. In this edition, we speak to some local colleges and universities to better understand how they are adapting to the increased need. They explain that it’s not just about recruiting more people. It’s about changing the way we teach and prepare nursing students for the changing dynamics of the profession. Our local institutions have a game plan, but a little more appreciation on our end can still go a long way! Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to #ThankANurse this month! HN MS. KAIA 4 | CFHN
David Kiessling
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Juanita Halter, Cinda Shelby
DIGITAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Alexis Duncan
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Erika Aldrich, Mary Joye, LMHC, Teresa Schiffer, Carol Corley, Dr. Joy Jackson, Tim Craig
CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Ritu Aparajita, MD; Dr. Alex Kennon, MD; Daniel Smith, OD
CONTRIBUTING ARTIST Dawn Lewandowski
DELIVERY DLS Distribution Published by Central Florida Media Group in cooperation with the Polk County Medical Association
56 Fourth Street Northwest, Suite 100 Winter Haven, Florida PHONE 863.248.7537 Copyright © 2022 Central Florida Media Group. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This issue of Central Florida Health News is a trademark of Central Florida Media Group. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine without written permission is prohibited. Central Florida Health News makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of content published. In the event of an error found herein however, neither the publishers or advertisers will be held responsible, nor do the publishers accept any liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers in advertising and promotional materials. Furthermore, the opinions and claims expressed in advertisements and promotional materials do not necessarily reflect those of the Polk County Medical Association or Central Florida Media Group and do not imply an endorsement.
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INTRODUCTION
PCMA LETTER
PCMA LETTER
POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Spotlight on the Nursing Profession
4315 Highland Park Blvd, Suite B Lakeland, Florida 33813 863-644-4051
2022 OFFICERS JAMES J. BOOKER, MD President
GEORGE LYLE, MD Secretary
STUART PATTERSON, MD Treasurer
BOARD OF TRUSTEES RALPH NOBO, JR., MD, Chair
GEORGE LYLE, MD STUART PATTERSON, MD GARY SCHEMMER, MD SERGIO SEOANE, MD ARVIND SONI, MD
A
s the country has navigated through the past couple years of the pandemic, one thing became clear: Our nurses are indispensable. Nurses Week is celebrated from May 6-12, and this edition of Central Florida Health News takes a closer look at the profession. Sadly, while the pandemic increased appreciation of nurses around the globe, it also fueled burnout in the profession, exacerbating a shortage of nurses that was already evident prior to 2020. A research study reveals that more than one-third of nurses plan to leave the profession by the end of this year, and about 40 percent of those nurses cited burnout and excessive stress as the reason. The good news is that colleges and universities are aware of the
— — — — — —
JACKIE COURTNEY Executive Director 4315 Highland Park Blvd Suite B Lakeland, Florida 33813
Sincerely,
James J. Booker, MD
trend and are actively working to address the shortage. In this edition, we talk with Central Florida institutions responsible for training tomorrow’s nurses to learn what is being done to attract more people to the profession and to better prepare those candidates. Inside, you can also learn more about BayCare Polk’s new Chief Nursing Officer Kristen Smith and the goals she has for the medical group. May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, and we spoke with Central Florida Health Care about the importance of removing the stigma from mental health. Plus, we offer a sneak peek at Peace River Center’s panel discussions, called Mental Health Matters, that will focus on this very topic. 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 and Central Florida Doctor publications ✱ Listing advantages in the annual Central Florida Physicians Directory & Medical Providers Guide ✱ Physician and medicine advocacy at all legislative levels.
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.
James J. Booker, MD
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Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Winter Haven President, Polk County Medical Association
CFHN | 5
PCMA LETTER
BODY, MIND & SPIRIT
Seven Self-Care Tips For Compassion Fatigue by MARY JOYE, LMHC
T
his month we are celebrating the brave people who proudly serve as nurses. Due to the pandemic, they are finally receiving the accolades they so richly deserve. There are also unsung heroes who are at home nursing others back to health. Though they may not have degrees, they are in the trenches serving those who could not survive without them. Unlike licensed nurses, these caregivers do not have the luxury of working a shift and then going home to recoup and regroup. They are on call 24/7 and even if they can take a break, it never seems to be enough. Without self-care, the caregiver can continue to give until they themselves can become ill.
to their loved one. They do day-to-day tasks with constant worry and the anxiety can lead to many health issues both physically and mentally. Watching someone suffer long-term can cause a lack of ability to empathize. There may be feelings of guilt peppered with resentment, and this can cause the caregiver to isolate and retreat as they feel irritable and unable to enjoy life to the fullest. This explains why many caregivers expire before the person they are caring for because they are not caring for themselves. Their life is on hold, and any semblance of happiness feels like a distant memory. But there are ways to combat compassion fatigue.
Compassion fatigue is much more than being tired or stressed out; it can lead to a medical diagnosis of burnout, defined in the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) as feelings of emotional or physical exhaustion. This can happen with anyone in professional health care or caring for someone at home. When a professional healthcare provider goes home to someone who is ill, this is known as double compassion fatigue.
1. Carve out daily time for yourself: This may only be 10 minutes, but simply connecting with yourself and taking short and silent breaks during the day can work wonders.
From the outside looking in, others may not understand how this presents symptomatically. If someone is a family caregiver, they are not able to “clock out.” Simply going to the grocery store can be an ordeal, as a solo caregiver may worry while they are gone that something may happen
2. Get out in nature: Vitamin D aids the body and is in the sunshine. We have a never-ending supply of it in Florida. 3. Ask for help: It takes more bravery to ask for help than to suffer in silence. If you think you cannot afford it, reframe that thought as the price of your own poor health is much higher than getting some respite care at least once or twice a week from a certified nursing assistant or trusted home healthcare worker. 4. Connect with friends: Compassion fatigue
often has the same symptoms of hypervigilance and feelings of wanting to isolate that are similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. It is imperative to connect with people who make you feel good about yourself and are encouraging. 5. Find support in person or online: There is safety in numbers and you are not alone. There are many local caregiver groups in Polk County, and many are listed in every edition of the Central Florida Health News calendar. Individual therapy is also helpful so you can be heard in a nonjudgmental environment. 6. Read: When I had compassion fatigue caring for two ill parents, Alexis Abramson’s book, The Caregivers Survival Handbook: How to Care for Your Aging Parents Without Losing Yourself, became my go-to guide. Find one that works for you. 7. Move your body: Any form of exercise will increase good chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine and will decrease the stress hormones of cortisol and adrenaline, which over time can give you adrenal fatigue or lower immune responses. Being responsible for others can be overwhelming, but you do not have to give out until you burn out; you can reach out and find out what will best help you help others. You can better care for others if you care for yourself, too. HN
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Joye, LMHC, PA, is a licensed mental health counselor with offices in Lakeland and Winter Haven. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information, visit winterhavencounseling.com.
6 | CFHN
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3. True or false? Though back pain may make you want to lie down and remain immobile, continued light activity and stretching can help in recovery. 4. Which of the following are options for treating most back pain? A. Doing regular activities and even light exercise. B. Taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. C. Applying ice and/or heat. D. All of the above 5. Preventing back pain is the most desirable option. Which of the following are things you should do to prevent back pain? A. Exercise, including strength training for your back and core muscles, and activities that increase flexibility. B. Sit, stand, and lift correctly. C. Maintain a healthy weight. D. Stop smoking. E. All of the above
7. E. All of the above. The nature of your back pain can indicate a serious issue as well. 8. D. All of the above. Back pain accompanied by certain symptoms can indicate a more serious problem. 9. True. Back pain can be a symptom of several more serious medical conditions.
8 | CFHN
7. Which of the following pain symptoms are signs that your back pain may be something serious? A. The pain results after a fall, blow to your back, or other injury. B. The pain is constant or intense, especially at night or when you lie down. C. The pain spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below your knee. D. The pain causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs. E. All of the above 8. Which of the following are additional symptoms accompanying back pain that may indicate a more serious problem? A. The pain occurs with swelling or redness on your back, which could indicate an infection. B. T he pain accompanies unintended weight loss. C. The back pain is accompanied by new bowel or bladder control problems. D. All of the above 9. T rue or false? Serious medical issues that feature back pain as a symptom include a torn muscle or ligament, a problem with an internal organ, a nerve compression condition, a stroke, or a spine infection.
5. E. All of the above. Exercising with a focus on core muscle strength and flexibility, maintaining a healthy weight, using correct form, and not smoking can all help prevent back pain. 6 True. Watch for back pain that doesn’t lessen after three days or includes additional symptoms.
B
ack pain is an unpleasant part of life that most people will experience at some point in time. While back pain is uncomfortable, most back pain is not a medical emergency. However, there are some instances where back pain is a symptom of something more serious. Take our quiz to learn the basics of back pain and how to determine whether it’s an emergency.
2. Which of the following is NOT part of the most common causes of nonemergency back pain? A. Muscle or ligament strain, such as from repeatedly lifting heavy objects or twisting your back quickly. B. Bulging or ruptured disks; the cushioning between the bones in your spine can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. C. Arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, often causes back pain. D. Overeating. Eating too much in one sitting can lead to back pain.
6. True or false? Most back pain should go away within 72 hours after resting and applying ice.
ANSWERS: 1. True. Most back pain can be traced to a specific physical cause. 2. D. Overeating. All the rest are common causes of back pain. 3. True. Staying active can help to alleviate back pain. 4. D. All of the above. Any of those listed should improve most back pain.
What’s the Root Cause of Your Back Pain?
1. True or false? Most instances of back pain can be traced to muscle strain, a fall, or lifting something heavy.
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COMMUNITY HEALTH
It’s Time to Normalize Mental Health by TERESA SCHIFFER sponsored by Central Florida Health Care
M
ay is Mental Health Awareness Month, making it a great time to work toward reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues so that more people are empowered to get the help they need in order to lead healthy, productive lives. Dr. Yadira Torres is a licensed clinical psychologist with Central Florida Health Care who specializes in providing therapeutic services in English and Spanish to children, adolescents, and families. She believes it’s important for the public to understand what mental health is. “When we talk about mental health,” Dr. Torres explains, “what we’re really talking about is our emotional and social well-being and how this impacts how we think, how we feel, and how we behave. Our mental health is really important, including the role it plays in how we connect to others and how we make decisions, how we manage stress, and how we carry our life from day to day.” Mental health is just as important as physical health. But is poor mental health the same as having a mental health condition? With so much information available online these days, it’s easy for people to get confused about whether what they are experiencing is a persisting condition or simply a temporary decline in their mental health state. “It’s important to realize that having poor mental
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“It is very common for us to experience rough patches – sadness, anger, and a variety of feelings. What’s different is that when we talk about a mental health condition, we’re talking about a prolonged state. We’re talking about a few weeks, or in the case of anxiety, six months.” A mental health condition will involve the manifestation of various symptoms over a significant period of time. When this is the case, the recommended course of action is to seek treatment with someone like Dr. Torres. Mental health conditions are more prevalent than many people realize, Dr. Torres says. “Twenty-one percent of U.S. adults live with a mental health condition – that’s one in every five adults. It’s more common than we think. Since COVID, we’ve seen an increase in mental health conditions. Currently, about 46 percent of Americans will meet criteria for a mental health condition at some point in their lives.” Certain factors can increase the likelihood of a child developing a mental health condition, Dr. Torres continues. “Children who experience trauma are about 1.3 times more likely to develop a mental health condition as adults than children who don’t
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experience trauma. Research has found that the children of parents with generalized anxiety disorder are two to six times more likely than other children to receive a generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis.” Central Florida Health Care offers a variety of specialty services related to mental health issues, including medication management. Patients can be diagnosed and treated for conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, bereavement, ADHD, externalizing disorders, and more. The clinic is able to provide treatment for patients as young as 6 years old and can continue to provide care throughout most of the patient’s life. If you believe that you could benefit from mental health services at Central Florida Health Care, you are encouraged to reach out to their call center, where a dedicated mental health professional can help you schedule an appointment. You will need to let them know whether you are looking for medication management services or psychotherapy. Generally, the most challenging part of getting the mental health care that you need is simply making that first phone call. Once you are able to speak with a professional, you’ll find that they are well equipped to help you determine what type of services would be most beneficial for your specific needs.
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FEATURE EDITION
MORE NURSES, STAT! Central Florida Institutions Working Hard Today to Prepare The Nurses of Tomorrow by TIM CRAIG
I
f the COVID pandemic has brought awareness to anything, it has highlighted the importance of nurses and other healthcare workers and the roles they play in keeping society running in a healthy, efficient, and safe manner.
The pandemic did take a toll on the healthcare workforce, though. According to reports, 1 in 5 healthcare workers have left the profession since 2020, and some estimates indicate that up to 500,000 nurses will leave by the end of 2022. While this may sound alarming, it is not entirely unexpected. Even before the pandemic, a looming nurse shortage hung over the healthcare industry. A report from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing notes two studies from 2010 — including one that said the industry was projected to continue to fall short of anticipated needed increases of baccalaureate-prepared nurses. While an aging population and increased need
10 | CFHN
for nursing faculty to train students further exacerbate the challenge, Central Florida’s educational institutions are ramping up efforts to meet the challenges head-on. Polk State College President Angela Garcia Falconetti says she and the other Florida College System Council of Presidents have developed a five-part solution to address the nursing shortage. That solution focuses on faculty recruitment and retention, patient simulation facilities, clinicals, articulation, and public-private partnerships. “Polk State College and the Florida College System are well positioned to provide a longterm solution to filling the systemic gap in nurses,” she says. “We continue to produce highly skilled nursing professionals, illustrated by a licensure examination pass rate that far exceeds state and national averages.” Some staffing challenges are already being mitigated. According to a 2022 report by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, centralfloridahealthnews.com
careers, and nurses are positioned to change lives every day. In 2020, nurses were labeled heroes and, in my mind, they continue to fulfill that capacity.” Attracting more students to programs is one part of the solution, but once students get in, faculty and staff must be prepared to help the students tackle the rigor, reach for excellence, and understand the evolving sociological and technological opportunities the industry has to offer. DR. ANGELICA HERNANDEZ
That’s why Dr. Pal Good, professor of nursing at Polk State College, says that introducing students to different specialties of nursing is particularly important. “Having nurses such as flight nurses, nurse practitioners, and operating room nurses come to visit schools — or have students visit those areas of the hospital [is important],” she says.
DR. JANICE LOWDEN-STOKELY
there was a 3.3 percent increase in enrollment in entry-level Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2021. “Different colleges of nursing are being creative and innovative in adequately recruiting prospective nursing students to enroll and feel supported in nursing programs,” says Dr. Angelica C. Hernandez, an assistant nursing professor at AdventHealth University. “Preparing a new generation of entry-level bachelor nursing degree students to become safe, efficient and effective entrylevel registered nurses is crucial to ensure patient safety.”
“Nursing education is becoming infiltrated with technology, as are the clinical practice settings. Nursing students must be taught to think critically. Patients are in the hospital because they need nursing care. Nurses are not handmaidens and do not spend time waiting for a doctor to tell them what to do — nurses collaborate with many other professionals and are independent thinkers.” Technology isn’t just something to learn out in the field, either, says Polk State professor Danielle Delgiudice. “We are having to think outside the box – this
generation of students is more tech-savvy and is not interested in listening to us lecture and read our PowerPoints,” she says. “Finding ways to get them more involved and engaged is necessary. I also believe that the teacherstudent relationship is crucial. The more faceto-face time spent with each student, the better the connection with the teacher. That connection seems to fuel a more engaged learner.” While connection and engagement are vital to student success, opportunity must also be at the forefront. Dr. Janice Lowden-Stokely, a professor and Coordinator of Nursing Research and Student Success at AdventHealth University, says there is an opportunity to build a workforce that matches the population they serve and secure a bright future for the profession. “One area that interests me is the importance of increasing the diversity of the nursing workforce to better mirror the increase in the diversity of the population,” she says. “It is necessary to make plans to develop ways to encourage grade school, middle school, and high school students of underrepresented populations to pursue a career in nursing.” “Nurses need to be prepared to care for a complex patient population and nursing education must adapt to changes in health care and educate the nursing student to be able to deal with the realities of health care today.” HN
Dr. Joan Connors, the Interim Director of Nursing at Polk State College, is also seeing an uptick in interest in her program. “Students desire a program of excellence, and the Polk State Nursing Department continues to graduate nurses prepared for the rigors of the profession, and ready to meet the demands in the community,” Connors says. “Nursing is among the most respected centralfloridahealthnews.com
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FEATURE PEOPLE
HAIL TO THE CHIEF NURSING OFFICER Kristen Smith Talks About Her Plans for BayCare Polk and Why Nurses Are Indispensable by TERESA SCHIFFER
KRISTEN SMITH, MSN, RN
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ayCare Polk County’s new Chief Nursing Officer, Kristen Smith, MSN, RN, didn’t always know she wanted to be in health care. She studied marketing and communications in college and pursued a career in that vocation for seven years, but she soon realized something was missing. While she found her work enjoyable, it lacked the element of personal fulfillment that she sought. In 2005, Smith had an experience that laid open a new option for her career path. Her aunt, who was a nurse at the time, required open-heart surgery and then suffered from complications that extended her stay in the hospital afterward by several weeks. Smith stepped up to assist her aunt during her recuperation, offering care that would end up being life-changing for both of them. “I was just fascinated by everything going on around me when I was in her hospital room,” Smith recalls. “I was always asking a lot of questions of the nursing team. One day, I was in there helping her get from the bed to the chair, and one of the nurse practitioners came in and said, ‘Have you ever thought about becoming a nurse? Because you’re really good at taking care of people and you’re asking all the right questions. It just
seems like something you’d be really good at.’” Smith left that interaction with a lot to think about. For the next week, she reflected on the nurse’s words. Her bachelor’s degree in marketing left her lacking several critical science classes before she could enter a nursing program. Undeterred, Smith soon registered for those classes and followed through to ultimately attain a bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Petersburg College and then a master’s degree in nursing and healthcare leadership from Jacksonville University. Smith stepped into her new role with BayCare in February after working most recently as the Director of Patient Services at St. Anthony’s Hospital, a BayCare Health System facility located in St. Petersburg. Prior to that, she had worked in trauma care, women’s health, and oncology units. Smith has been with BayCare for 11 years. As medicine is an evidence-based science, and the work often takes place in a fast-paced environment, adaptability is an essential skill for a nurse to possess, Smith says. She explains that she believes continuing education is an obligation for a nurse to keep up with the latest developments in medical processes, centralfloridahealthnews.com
HEALTHY AGING procedures and equipment. Most nurses are lifelong learners, Smith says, and this rigorous, ongoing study must then be balanced with a healthy level of compassion and empathy for the patients, plus the ability to communicate effectively with other members of a medical team. “You have to be able to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team because you have to be able to work with physicians, you have to work with physical therapy, respiratory therapy, registered dieticians, and social workers,” Smith explains. While she may not be working in marketing and communications anymore, her communication skills definitely aren’t wasted. “You have to have strong communication skills,” she says. “Nurses are with the patient 24-7, so you’re the eyes and ears for all those other areas. You have to be able to communicate when you’re noticing changes. When things are going on, you have to be able to provide that feedback to physicians, and you need to do it in a way that they can understand and visualize what’s happening with the patient.” During a month when Central Florida Health News is honoring the immeasurable impact nurses have in society, Smith explains what being a nurse means to her. “I think being a nurse, you’re at the center of a patient’s healthcare journey. Nurses work tirelessly to care for the needs of their patients and the patients’ families. They’re providing highly specialized care with compassion and empathy. To me, nursing is like an art and a science, because you’re dealing and navigating with people when they are obviously not at their best, they’re receiving some pretty devastating diagnoses, and you have to navigate and work through that with them with care and compassion.” Smith is committed to contributing to the success and unceasing improvement of Polk County’s Winter Haven, Winter Haven Women’s, and Bartow Hospitals. Her devotion to serving the community she now calls home is evident by the goals Smith has set forth to accomplish during her tenure as BayCare Polk’s Chief Nursing Officer. “I really want to make our BayCare hospitals a premier place to receive care in the Polk region,” Smith expresses. “I want to create a nursing team that’s highly functioning, delivering compassionate care, and helping to meet our community’s healthcare needs, whether that means having our team volunteer at cancer screenings out in the community, blood pressure screenings for hypertension, and so forth.” HN centralfloridahealthnews.com
Demystifying the Eyedrop Aisle
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DANIEL SMITH, O.D. any eye disorders can be treated effectively with eye drops and products found over the counter at the local pharmacy and grocery stores. But with so many options on the shelves, finding the right product for your needs can be overwhelming and confusing. Your eye doctor can provide you with specific recommendations based on your symptoms, but this article may serve as a quick guide to help you navigate the eye drop aisle more knowledgeably. Most eyedrops will fall into one of three general categories, which we will examine in turn: lubricants, allergy relievers, and redness reducers. Ocular (eye) lubricants, or artificial tears, account for the majority of the eye drops on the shelves. They are the most frequently recommended type of eyedrop, and they typically are the first treatment option for patients with dry eye syndrome. While all artificial tears aim to do the same thing— moisturize and lubricate the eye’s surface—there are some points of difference among products. For example, while most artificial tears have added preservatives to reduce spoilage, some are formulated to be preservative-free.
Preservative Free Artificial tears are ideal for individuals with sensitivities to preservatives or those who need to use the tears more than 4 or 5 times a day. These drops will be clearly marked as “preservative-free” and come in small, individual-use plastic vials rather than a traditional bottle. Some popular examples are Refresh Optive and Soothe PF. Gel-based tears are formulated to be more adhering and are an excellent choice for those with more severe dry eyes. The added thickness provides a more protective coating to the surface of the eye and offers longer-lasting relief to those with more significant dryness or irritation. Systane Gel is a popular choice, and Refresh Celluvisc is an excellent preservative-free alternative. Lipid-based artificial tears are targeted for those who may also have eyelid oil gland dysfunction. These are formulated with additional oils to restore what may be deficient in the tear film, resulting in better quality tears and improved comfort. A popular example of such a drop is Retaine. Allergy relief eye drops are another commonly recommended type of product. Eye allergies (especially here in Florida!) can lead to significant redness, itchiness, puffiness, and discomfort. Products such as Pataday and Zaditor are antihistamines that combat the body’s response to allergens and effectively treat most mild to moderate eye allergies. While many products may promise itchiness relief, it is best to look for active ingredients like olopatadine and ketotifen to ensure you are really getting an antihistamine eyedrop. Redness relievers should be approached with caution. These drops function by constricting the blood vessels on the eye’s surface, giving the eye a whiter appearance. While these drops serve a unique purpose, it is important to realize that the benefit is only cosmetic. They do nothing to address the actual cause of the eye redness. Generally, it is more appropriate to treat the redness at its underlying source rather than mask the problem. Furthermore, many of these products have been found to cause a “rebound redness” when the drop is no longer used. This can lead to dependency and overuse, leading to further problems and chronically red eyes. While there are hundreds of products out there, and not all fall neatly into one of these categories, hopefully, this guide has provided some insight into the various types of eye drops available today. The eye doctors at Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida would be happy to answer any further questions and give specific guidance tailored to your needs. Call 800-282-3937 to schedule an appointment or visit us online at EYESFL.COM. 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: Dr. Daniel Smith is an optometrist who practices at the Clermont location for Eye Specialists of MidFlorida. Dr. Smith is currently accepting new patients, and his optical staff is always ready to assist with new eyewear purchases.
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May 2022 | CALENDAR RECURRING ONLINE EVENTS BrainFlex Wellness Club This “body, mind, and spirit” approach to aging well is geared toward seniors looking to stay sharp and fit as they age. The class incorporates four key concepts: exercise/ meditation, social connections, interactive nutrition education, and brain training/life-long learning. The goal is to slow or prevent cognitive decline and improve quality of life. This class takes place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3876883694. Before the class, please download and print class materials from www.BrainFlexWellness.com. If you have any other questions, please email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth.com.
Join board-certified music therapists on the first Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m. The Maturing Minds Music Therapy group uses neurologic music therapy techniques to boost brain and behavior functions, such as memory, communication, attention, and movement. The meetings are taking place online using Zoom. The link for the recurring meeting is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3876883694. Please email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth.com if you have any questions.
Restorative Yoga Cancer Program Virtual
This group meets every Monday at 11 a.m. to discuss care giver concerns and provide fellowship and support for one another. Meetings are currently taking place online using the Zoom platform. You can join the recurring meeting using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86739398714, or email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth.com for more information.
This is a stress reduction yoga program designed to help cancer patients cope with their treatments and improve their quality of life. Learn techniques such as regulated breathing, visual imagery, meditation, and various stretching poses to improve balance, flexibility, and strength. The class is taught by a registered yoga teacher and exercise specialist. Microphone and camera access is encouraged but not required. The free lessons will take place from 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. every Wednesday. Register online at www.baycare.org/events or call 855-269-4777 for more information.
Diabetes Support Group Virtual
EVENTS AND FUNDRAISERS
Caregiver Support Group – Weekly
On the second Monday of each month, St. Anthony’s Hospital hosts a virtual support group for diabetics from 12 – 1 p.m., led by a certified diabetes care and education specialist. Educational information is provided, followed by an open discussion. Access to a microphone and camera is required to attend this free online meeting. For more information, please call 855-269-4777 or go to www.baycare.org/events.
Functionally Fit – Virtual Exercise During this online class, participants are guided through a series of functional strength training exercises to improve cardiovascular fitness, mobility, motor control, and balance. Caregivers are encouraged to join in on the exercises. This workshop is delivered through Zoom teleconferencing platform and takes place every 3rd Thursday of the month from 2 – 3 p.m. The link to join is https://us02web. zoom.us/j/3876883694. For more information, please email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth.com.
Monthly Caregiver Support Group (Previously Met at Faith Assembly)
This monthly group meets to share advice and experiences, and encourage one another. The group meets at 1 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month using the Zoom online platform. The link to join the meeting is https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/89447209844. If you have any questions, please email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth.com.
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Music Therapy
May 1, 21, and 28 – BayCare HealthHub Farmer’s Market BayCare HealthHub is hosting a farmer’s market on the third and fourth Saturdays of each month. Local vendors will be offering fresh produce, hot food, and more, including fun activities for children. This takes place from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. every third Saturday at BayCare HealthHub (Bloomingdale), located at 2470 Bloomingdale Ave in Valrico, every fourth Saturday at BayCare HealthHub (Land O’ Lakes), located at 18600 Fernview St in Land O Lakes, and the second Sunday of each month from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at BayCare HealthHub (Bardmoor), located at 8787 Bryan Dairy Rd in Largo. If you need more information, please call 855-269-4777.
May 2 – Stop the Bleed – Emergency Blood Loss & Tourniquet Training This is a free 30-minute skills training and assessment session that is part of the Stop the Bleed Interactive Learning program developed by the American College of Surgeons, Committee on Trauma and is appropriate for anyone age 12 and older. This training is provided as a community service by In-Gauge of Polk County at 3812 Cypress Gardens Rd in Winter Haven at various times throughout the day, starting at 1 p.m. Register online by visiting www.eventbrite.com and searching for “Stop the Bleed.”
centralfloridahealthnews.com
compiled by TERESA SCHIFFER
May 2 – Maternity Center Orientation Virtual
May 5 – 8 – AdventHealth Bariatric Retreat
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. There will be several more sessions throughout May as well. For more information, please visit www.baycare.org/events or call 855-2694777.
The Bariatric Society is hosting this seminar for the weight loss surgery community to network while attending educational workshops and enjoying opportunities for personal growth. Registration is $400. The event will be held at Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, located at 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd in Lake Buena Vista. Rooms have been discounted to $209 plus tax and fees. Onsite COVID testing will take place, and masks could be required, so please check. You can register online at www.eventbrite.com, search for “AdventHealth Bariatric Retreat.”
May 2 – Pregnancy and Beyond: Hypertension and Preeclampsia Virtual This is a free, informative virtual class only for expectant mothers. Learn about preeclampsia and its symptoms with the goal of protecting your health during and after pregnancy. Access to a microphone and camera is not required to attend this program, but it is encouraged. One support person may attend with the mother. This class will be held from 7 – 8:30 p.m. You can find more information and register online at www.baycare.org/events.
May 3 – A Walk in the Park & Health Fair A mile-long walk through Peterson Park, located at 3700 Cleveland Heights Blvd. in South Lakeland, hosted by Fabian Insurance Services and sponsored by Simply Healthcare and Trinity Medical Group will end in a health fair where you can grab a snack, chat with a healthcare provider, and have a chance to win a prize. The event will take place from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. To register, please go to www.fabianinsurance.com/walkerregistration. The first 50 people to register will receive a free t-shirt.
May 3 – Breastfeeding Support Group Virtual
May 6 – FREE Skin Cancer Screenings From 9 – 11:30 a.m. the public is invited to do their part in protecting their health by visiting Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center at 3525 Lakeland Hills Blvd in Lakeland for a free skin cancer screening. Registration is required, so please go to www.eventbrite.com and search for “FREE Skin Cancer Screenings.”
May 10 – Breastfeeding Class Part 2: Key Points and Q&A Virtual This free online class is only for expectant mothers and one support person who have completed the Understanding Breastfeeding course offered by BayCare Health System. Access to a camera and microphones is encouraged but not required. A certified lactation nurse will lead the class in reviewing the key points of breastfeeding and then answer any questions. The virtual class will take place from 6:30 – 8 p.m. For more information, you can call 855-2694777, or register online at www.baycare.org/events/.
May 12 – Hospice Woman of Giving
This is a group solely for breastfeeding mothers, to allow them a safe environment in which to support each other, assisted by certified breastfeeding consultants. Access to a camera and microphone is necessary. The free event will take place from 10 – 11 a.m. Sponsored by St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital. You can find more information at www.baycare.org/events/, or call 855-269-4777.
For the 7th Annual Seasons of Service – The Power of Hope and Healing!, Hospice Women of Giving are hosting the bestselling author of The Stranger in the Lifeboat, Mitch Albom at Lake Mirror Auditorium, 121 S Lake Ave in Lakeland, from 12 – 1:30 p.m. Individual tickets to this event are $75. You can find more information and purchase tickets at www.chaptershealth.org/foundation/seasons-of-service/.
May 3 – Bariatric Support Group Virtual
May 21 – Boot Camp for New Dads (Virtual)
Sponsored by St. Anthony’s Hospital, this free virtual meeting will take place from 4 – 5 p.m. A microphone and camera are needed to participate. The topic for this session is the relationship between sleep disorders and sleep. For more
centralfloridahealthnews.com
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 10 – 11:30 a.m. You can get more information by calling 855-269-4777, or go to www.baycare.org/events to register online.
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HEALTHY COOK
You Say Tomato, We Say Stuff It! by CAROL CORLEY
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e all have been told that raw fruits and vegetables are healthier for us and that cooking cuts back on some nutritional benefits, but that may not always be the case. Scientific American reports that cooking helps us digest foods without expending a lot of energy and that raw is not always healthier. Studies show that lycopene, found in foods like tomatoes, watermelon, red bell peppers, and papaya, for example, is as much as 35% higher if the foods are cooked. Lycopene is said to be a potent antioxidant to help fight cancer. Boiling or steaming foods like tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, and broccoli tends to result in higher intakes of beta-carotene, as well. This antioxidant converts to vitamin A in the body. However, some of the less-stable Vitamin C is lost in the cooking process. Today we are looking specifically at tomatoes, which most sources consider a superfood. Medical News Today says the fruit — yes, we eat them as vegetables but they are classified as a fruit — helps protect against cancer and keeps blood glucose and blood pressure stable. Tomatoes also are pretty tasty, especially when stuffed and cooked. Let’s look at some recipes for stuffed tomatoes. The first step in all these recipes is to cut the tops off of the tomatoes and scooping out the flesh and seeds. 18 | CFHN
Greek Stuffed Tomatoes (Adapted from The Mediterranean Dish) Ingredients: Tomatoes, 6 large, whole Tomatoes, 2 cups canned, crushed Beef, 1/2 pound ground Rice, 1/2 cup long grain Red onion, 1 large, mince half and slice half Olive oil, 1/2 cup extra virgin, plus a bit extra Garlic, 4 cloves minced White wine, 1/2 cup Water, 1 cup Salt and pepper to taste Spices: ground cumin, dried oregano, allspice, ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon each or to taste Parsley, 3/4 cup chopped, fresh Spearmint, 1/3 cup chopped, fresh
Directions: Place rinsed rice in a bowl and cover with water, soak for 15-20 minutes, then drain. In a large skilled over medium-high heat add 1/4 cup olive oil, chopped onions, and garlic and toss, do not brown. Add ground beef with seasonings, including parsley and spearmint, and cook until fully browned, about 5 minutes. Then add rice, crushed tomatoes, white wine and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil then simmer for about 10 minutes to cook the rice. Chop the extra flesh scooped from the 6 tomatoes. Oil a 9x13 baking pan with olive oil, spread chopped tomato flesh and sliced onion on the bottom. Spoon meat and rice mixture into empty tomato shells, cover with reserved tops, arrange tomatoes in baking dish, add about 3/4 cup water, salt, and 1/4 cup more olive oil. Cover with foil and bake 30-45 minutes in oven preheated to 375F, then uncover and cook another 45 minutes to one hour so the rice will be fully cooked. Add extra water if needed.
Lamb stuffed tomatoes (Adapted from Lamb stuffed tomatoes) Ingredients: Tomatoes, 6 large whole Lamb, 3/4 pound ground Onion, 1 medium, chopped Egg, 1 medium Pine nuts, 1/8 cup Parsley, 1/4 cup chopped, fresh Mint, 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh Turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon ground, Olive oil as needed Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Mix lamb and all ingredients except oil in a bowl, blend. Fill prepared tomatoes with lamb stuffing, place on a lightly oiled 13x9x2inch glass baking dish, and bake in the oven preheated to 350F for about an hour. The meat thermometer should register 160F at the center. Let stand 10 minutes, then serve.
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Tomato Dessert Exotica
HEART NEWS
(Adapted from washingtonpost.com)
Meet Our Doctor
Ingredients: Tomatoes, 6 beefsteak whole Oil of choice, enough to grease baking dish Salt and pepper to taste Unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons, plus more for baking dish Roasted and salted pistachios, unsalted macadamia nuts, and roasted, unsalted pecans, 1/4 cup each Medjool dates, 4 pitted Apricots, 4 dried Cherries, 4 tablespoons dried Honey, 3-1/2 tablespoons Lemon juice, 3 tablespoons fresh Mint leaves, 1 tablespoon finely chopped, plus a few whole leaves for garnish
Cholesterol a Big Factor in Vascular Health
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Directions: Crush peppercorns and add to a small bowl with a pinch of salt, mix then sprinkle over each of the previously prepared tomatoes. Arrange tomatoes in a large, shallow baking dish that has been greased with your oil of choice. Take pistachios, macadamias, pecans, dates, apricots, and cherries and coarsely chop then place in a medium bowl. Meanwhile, carmelize honey in a medium non-stick skillet at medium-low heat for about 8 minutes. Add butter and melt, then stir in nut-fruit mixture until evenly mixed. Stir in lemon juice and minced mint then remove from heat and allow to cool before filling the tomatoes. At this point, bake tomatoes for 15-20 minutes in an oven preheated to 300F. Garnish with a mint leaf or two prior to serving.
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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. Dr. 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.
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his is the last part of the series focusing on lifestyle management for the prevention of MD, RPVI vascular disease. So far, we have discussed RITU APARAJITA, KSC Cardiology the role of a healthy weight, normal blood pressure, optimal level of blood sugar, exercise, and smoking cessation in the prevention and management of vascular conditions. Today, we will focus on the role of cholesterol in your vascular health. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the walls of human cells. It gets deposited in the inner lining of blood vessels and can result in narrowing (stenosis) or blockage (occlusion) leading to reduced amounts of blood getting to the organ it supplies. An easy way to understand it is to think of blood (which are narrow, tubular RITUvessels APARAJITA, MD, MRCS (Ed), structures) MBBS as the pipes in the kitchen sink. Cholesterol is produced by the human body, but Specialty: Vascular & Endovascular Surgery it also comesJoining from certain of animal origin, such eggs, cheese, KSC foods Cardiology November 9,as 2020 and meat. Over time, much as the kitchen sink clogs up, it builds up inside the vessel walls and causes blockages. There are two types of cholesterol: Total cholesterol should be less than 200 Good cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps Good cholesterol to keep the arteries from becoming HDL should be more than 60 blocked Bad cholesterol Bad cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) builds should be less than 130 up and causes blockages in the arteries. Triglycerides should If lifestyle changes, including modifying be less than 150 the food that you eat, are unable to control and improve your cholesterol levels, most doctors will prescribe lipid-lowering medications known as statins.
What Are Statins? They are medications that act at key control points in the metabolism of cholesterol in your blood. When bad cholesterol is high, the risk of heart attack and stroke is extremely high. All types of atherosclerosis are improved when patients take statins.
Who Should Take Statins? • People at higher risk of heart attack and stroke due to high levels of cholesterol in their blood. • Patients with hardening of the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain or their legs. • Vascular surgery patients: During a vascular procedure, people who take statins have fewer complications. 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).
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FEATURE OUTREACH
MAKING MENTAL HEALTH MATTER Peace River Center Teams With Polk Vision to Host Panel Discussions by TERESA SCHIFFER
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s COVID rocked the world during the past two years, there has been an increased focus on mental health. Even though there’s been a significant increase in the number of people experiencing and seeking treatment for mental health problems, the stigma surrounding mental illness persists. Peace River Center is one local resource committed to battling negative perceptions and providing care to individuals who are seeking assistance in managing their mental health or substance use issues. Now, Peace River Center is teaming up with Polk Vision’s Behavioral Health Committee to host Mental Health Matters, a series of panel discussions designed to educate the public and also provide resources to address various mental
health issues. Three panel discussions will be held throughout May, each dealing with a specific aspect of mental health care. Subject-matter experts will be featured to expound on key issues and answer questions from the audience. The first panel will take place on May 3, and it will focus on Mental Health and Youth. A second panel to be held on May 19 will address Trauma and the Pandemic. The final panel takes place on May 24 and will focus on Mental Health and the Workplace. Anyone in the general public who has been impacted by any of these individual panel topics is invited and encouraged to attend the discussions. Parents, teachers, and youth caregivers may benefit particularly from the first discussion on mental health and centralfloridahealthnews.com
HEALTHY SKIN youth. The third session on workplace issues is ideal for employers, HR professionals, and practically anyone who holds a job. Virtually everyone has been affected in some way by trauma or the pandemic, so the May 19 discussion could be insightful for just about anyone. The goal of these panel sessions is to help start important conversations among family members, co-workers, classmates, and other groups of people to begin guiding those who need assistance toward available resources. Ileana Kniss, director of Community Relations and Development at Peace River Center, is optimistic that the discussions will hit their targets. “We know people have questions about mental health and how to help their loved ones, co-workers, and friends,” Kniss explains. “We hope these sessions will shed a light on resources, programs, and services in our community.” Though Kniss acknowledges the growing need for trained professionals in Polk County to address the needs of both children and adults who have been affected by trauma or other factors regarding mental health, the panels will focus on raising awareness of programs and resources that currently exist in the community. The topics were selected by a Peace River Center committee and based on the 2021–2025 Polk County Community Health Improvement Plan from the Polk Vision and Polk County Community Health Assessment Workgroup. Panelists will include local professionals who specialize in the care and treatment of mental health concerns in children and adolescents. Tiffani Fritzsche is one of these panelists. She TOY has been with Peace PHOTO BY JESSICA centralfloridahealthnews.com
River Center since 2012 and serves as the Children’s Services Director. Her focus since attaining her master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Southeastern University has been on the needs of families affected by trauma in our community with the goal of assisting in their healing journey. Fritzsche is also a certified Mental Health First Aid trainer who works with the Crisis Intervention Training program for local law enforcement, in addition to providing Adoption Competency Training for individuals who work with child welfare and adoption cases. Other panelists will include Dr. Simon Chamakalayil, a psychiatrist with Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center who treats children and adolescents, and Christy Olson, a senior coordinator for the Polk County School Board certified as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Professional Educator. If you are affected by mental health issues pertaining to any of the abovementioned topics, you are warmly invited to take part in the relevant panel discussions either in person or virtually. Share this information with your friends, families, and associates, too. With roughly one in five American adults currently or recently impacted by some type of mental illness, chances are good that someone you know could benefit from this information. The discussions will be held at The Well, which is located at 114 E. Parker Street in Lakeland. They will also be broadcast online via Zoom for those who wish to take part remotely. The discussions will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m., with breakfast provided for those who are able to attend in person. To learn more and register, visit www. PeaceRiverCenter.org/mhm2022. HN PHOTO BY JESSICA TOY
Platelet-Rich Plasma Can Prompt Hair Regrowth
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lopecia, or hair loss, can leave men and women alike struggling to accept their changing appearances. There ALEX W. KENNON, are many treatments available to treat MD, FAAD thinning hair and hair loss, including medications, shampoos, laser therapy, and microneedling. Another treatment option is PRP, an incredible option now available to patients at Lakeside Dermatology. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, and this treatment can be used for a number of conditions that benefit from the stimulation of various types of cells in the body. For hair loss, PRP activates certain growth factors that then act on stem cells around hair follicles, ultimately promoting the development of new follicles and hair growth. PRP is performed by first withdrawing blood from the patient, then processing it to extract the platelet-rich plasma. The blood plasma extracted this way contains growth factors and cytokines that have been found to help bone and soft tissue heal, as well as to stimulate hair growth. These enriched cells are then injected directly into the patient’s scalp in order to produce the desired rejuvenation. Although PRP treatment for hair loss is still relatively new, PRP therapy has been successfully used as a medical treatment for various conditions for several decades. PRP was developed in the 1970s, and first utilized medically in 1987 during an openheart procedure in Italy. This treatment has been widely used for more than 20 years in skin and wound healing treatments, in areas of dentistry, sports medicine, cosmetic surgery, and pain management. Now Lakeside Dermatology is happy to be able to offer this revolutionary treatment to our patients concerned about their hair loss. When you visit our office for the PRP procedure, you can be assured that we will do all we can to minimize any discomfort from the treatment, but you will still be able to drive afterward and return to your daily routine. The needs of individual patients will vary, but generally, three treatments scheduled six weeks apart are sufficient to achieve the desired results.
This column is sponsored by Lakeside Dermatology, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers. Dr. Alex W. Kennon, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist who is fellowshiptrained in Mohs micrographic surgery. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Florida State University and completed his dermatology residency at Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Lakeside Dermatology has offices in Sebring and Winter Haven.
CFHN | 21
EDITOR’S DOSE
MEDICAL ADVICE
Know When and How to Seek Help
JESSICA McDONALD, EDITOR
jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com
by DR. JOY JACKSON
M
ay is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to remembering the importance of mental health. According to the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Florida Department of Health, in Polk County, there were 94 lives lost to suicide in 2020. Suicide impacts not only the person affected but the constellation of people around that person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that although mental health conditions are often seen as the cause of suicide, there are usually many contributing factors to suicide. These factors can include problematic relationships, personal crises, substance abuse, and issues with physical health just to name a few. Stress and anxiety can also be contributing factors to suicide. When life’s circumstances become very difficult, mental or emotional stress can make it difficult to cope. Getting the right care and support can help process that stress and/ or anxiety. Here are some ways that can help people process stress/anxiety: 1. Take care of yourself. Eat a healthy diet and incorporate well-balanced meals into your daily routine, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. 2. Talk to others. Share your problems and how you are feeling or coping with a parent, friend, counselor, doctor, or mentor. 3. Avoid drugs and alcohol. These may seem to help with stress, but in the long run, they create additional problems and increase the stress. 4. Take a break. If there are events or circumstances in your life that are causing you stress, try to take a break from them or distance yourself from a situation. Sometimes stepping away can
help gain perspective and rest from a situation or conflict. 5. U nplug from technology and media. If news events or things you see on social media cause stress for you, take a break from listening or watching. It is also important to recognize when you may need additional help. If problems continue and are causing deep mental and physical stress, talk to a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor. It’s important to be aware of friends, family, and loved ones who may be going through a difficult time. Here are some things you can do for someone who may be struggling with suicide: • Ask- If there is someone in your life you are worried may be thinking about suicide, ask them. •K eep them safe- Reduce access to lethal means for those who are at risk. • Be there with them- Listen to them and what they need. •H elp them connect- It’s important for individuals who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide to have ongoing support. • Follow up- check-in and see how the person is doing. If you or someone you know may be having thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 1-800-273-TALK (1-800273-8255). There is an online Lifeline Crisis Chat as well. These services are free and confidential. For more information about suicide prevention or to access the chat, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
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.
22 | CFHN
Good Advice for a Good Cause
I
f you’ve ever thought fundraisers can be a little, well, unexciting, you’re probably not alone. But here’s one that promises to pack a punch. The Chapters Health Foundation and The Hospice Women of Giving are hosting a 7th Annual Seasons of Service Luncheon on Thursday, May 12, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Lake Mirror Auditorium in downtown Lakeland. The theme of the event is The Power of Hope and Healing. It’s the guest speaker that’s perked our interest: Internationally renowned author Mitch Albom of Tuesdays With Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven fame. Albom will offer insights on his new book, The Stranger in the Lifeboat. “Mitch has a way of helping you see loss and heartache through the lens of gratitude and hope, sprinkled with a little bit of humor,” says Hospice Women of Giving founding member Cindy Sternlicht. “I’m confident his words will have a lasting impact for our guests.” Admission is $75 and includes a catered lunch and a signed copy of Albom’s book. Proceeds go to patients of Good Shepherd Hospice. Seating is limited. For more information or to buy a ticket, go to seasonsofservicetickets.com It’s a chance to not only support a nonprofit organization but also gain some insight from a best-selling author. HN centralfloridahealthnews.com
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Make Your “Contact Us” Option Clearly Visible on Your Website
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CFHN | 23
Keeping You Healthy and Safe
Schedule your appointment today. Primary Care Auburndale 2028 U.S. Highway 92 W. Auburndale, FL 33823 (863) 965-9327 Bartow 2250 Osprey Blvd., Suite 102 Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 533-1448 Haines City 36245 U.S. Highway 27 Haines City, FL 33844 (863) 421-9801 Lakeland 619 Midflorida Drive, Suite 1 Lakeland, FL 33813 (863) 701-7188 22-2134312-0422
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