Vol. 11, Issue 06, June 2020
®
Your community. Your magazine. ™
The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 20,000 Homes In Odessa, Lutz & Land O’ Lakes Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To:
Ashley Lakes, Ballantrae, Belle Meade, Calusa Trace, Canterbury, Cheval, Citrus Greens, Concord Station, Devonwood, Dolce Vita on Lake Keystone, Echo Lake, Farmington Village, Fern Glenn, Grey Hawk at Lake Polo, Heritage Harbor, Ivy Lake Estates, Keystone Groves, Keystone Manors, Keystone Reserve, Keystone Shores, Lake Charles, Lake Church, Lake Parker Estates, Lakeside Grove Estates, Northlake Village, Northbridge at Lake Pretty, Northton Groves, Oakstead, Orange Blossom Creek, Reflections, Steeple Chase, Starkey Ranch, Stillwater, Stonegate, Suncoast Crossings, Suncoast Meadows, Swan Cove, Van Dyke Estates, Van Dyke Farms, Villa Rosa, Wyndham Lakes
Coronavirus Brings Trinity Family Physicians’ Televisits to Forefront of Practice
By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
From acne, diabetes management, immunizations, depression, skin cancer screenings and treatment, to well-woman visits, and nutritional counseling for weight loss, Trinity Family Physicians literally has a patient covered, A to Z. A list a half of a page long on their website showcases the vast number of issues they treat. Little did board-certified family physicians of Trinity Family Physicians,
husband and wife team, Dr. Stephanie Eldridge and Dr. Amir Shirmohammad (Dr. Shirmo) know that adding convenient telemedicine services to accommodate their patients’ schedules would become their main
connection to them in early 2020. Serving elementary schoolers to senior citizens in Trinity and beyond since 2007, the doctors knew sameSee “Trinity Family Physcians” on page 20
Medi-Weightloss® Lutz Offers Telemedicine and Curbside Pick-Up During Pandemic By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
One unpleasant byproduct of being in social isolation during the pandemic is eating out of boredom, and with overeating comes weight gain.
From the Editor..............................5
Medi-Weightloss® owner Gerri Willett doesn’t want you to lose hope. During Covid-19 previous patients have returned to the clinic because of their first-hand past successes with the weight loss program. Whether a brand new or returning patient, The Medi-Weightloss® Program is a 3-step
Tech Talk With Bob........................16
See “Medi-Weightloss” on page 10
2 JUNE 2020
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
JUNE 2020 3
4 JUNE 2020
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
As Tampa Bay Slowly Reopens Let’s Exercise Our Patience & Kindness Even though the number of confirmed Coronavirus cases keeps growing at a stable rate, and the curve is far from being officially “flattened,” Governor DeSantis recently decided to reopen Florida. But are we really ready? Phase one of reopening the sunshine state went into full effect early May, and lots of people in the Tampa Bay seemed eager to get out of their homes. Folks of all ages (with and without masks on) have been seen out and about at beaches, malls, restaurants, gyms, nail salons, barbershops, and other retail businesses, which are currently operating at 50% capacity. Sporting venues will begin to operate soon but without spectators. I don’t know about you, but I am personally looking forward to seeing the Lightning play again, even if it’s only through my TV screen. Go Bolts! Specific Social Distancing guidelines are still in effect, which may vary from business to business. Some places may require you to wear masks and gloves to provide you with goods and services, while others may not deem it necessary. So wherever you and your loved ones decide to go, please make sure to follow and respect each establishment’s unique safety regulations during this pandemic. Do not get irritated if business owners or their employees politely ask you to stand farther from other customers. Don’t complain about the service taking longer than usual. It’s been a rough year for most of us, and everyone is doing their best to regain
some normalcy. Understand that we’re all in this together, even if we are 6 feet apart from each other. Remember, patience over panic! Slowly but surely, we can flatten the curve and rebuild the economy, but we have to be kind to everyone. Whether we agree or passionately disagree with Gov. DeSantis’ decisions to reopen this quickly, one thing we should all agree with; COVID-19 is no joke, and it should be taken seriously. Florida’s second phase of reopening will allow businesses at 75% capacity, although we don’t have a specific date for when it will begin. In the meantime, whatever you decide to do for yourself and your loved ones to stay well, please do it with caution and sensitivity. Small Business Assistance? If you own and operate a small business and you’re looking for Coronavirus Relief, please visit www. sba.gov. You’ll find multiple resources to help you overcome the economic challenges created by this health crisis. They offer numerous funding options for those seeking relief. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and would like additional information on how to stay afloat while safely and successfully reopening your small Tampa Bay local business, please visit sbdctampabay.com/coronavirus. They offer helpful resources, guides, tips, and templates on how to strategically reopen your business while adhering to Governor DeSantis’s phased reopening plan. Stay safe, stay kind. Until next time,
Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi
6 JUNE 2020
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
JUNE 2020 7
8 JUNE 2020
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
JUNE 2020 9
“Medi-Weightloss” story a KM95 mask, and review your medical history. When continued from page 1 lifestyle change customized to your needs. Phase one begins with the initial consultation with Dr. Weitzman. The 60-minute initial consultation includes a general physical, including an EKG and comprehensive blood panel. Weight and body fat analysis are recorded, and you will discuss exercise and nutrition as well as the expectations for both going forward. Supplements combined with B1 and B6 injections may be prescribed, which have been proven to curb cravings, giving a massive advantage over someone who is going at weight-loss alone. Dr. Weitzman will design a specific plan for you based on your medical health, lifestyle, and mobility. Diets are also intended for Vegetarians and patients with other particular needs. Dr. Weitzman will periodically adjust your program until you reach your goal weight. To comply with the Centers for Disease Control recommendations, the clinic would schedule a time when there be no one in the office. A mask is provided to you if you don’t have one of your own. “Everything is sanitized in front of the patient and then sanitized again when the patient leaves the room,” said Gerri. “You would come in and talk to the doctor who’s wearing
10 JUNE 2020
you start the program, we do the EKG and blood work in the office. Going forward, you can have your visits by telemedicine over the phone. If you had medication, we would dispense from this location.” For patient’s convenience and safety, you call on the way and again in the parking lot. The clinic staff delivers supplements and medications directly to your vehicle, wearing fresh gloves for every curbside pick-up. For a televisits, patients weigh before the phone call, use a blood pressure cuff to advise of current blood pressure, and check their ketone levels. Each week a different topic and a lifestyle change goal are addressed. “We email the patient all their homework, written paper information. Your first homework is to re-read all the paper information that they received at their first visit.” Patients then visit a website devoted strictly to them, from exercise routines to easy recipes to plan meals for the week. On a weekly basis, the team reviews items like portion control with a food scale provided by the clinic, ketones with supplied ketone strips, the number of recommended steps which can vary between patients, decluttering the pantry of junk food, and drinking between three-quarters to a gallon of water or healthy liquid per day.
“By the time our patients finish the program, they will be able to look at a plate of food and know exactly how many calories are involved. It’s all about education,” said Gerri. “If they’re doing 600 steps per day, we ask at the next televisit, what do you think you can do to increase that? We put
that in our notes, and the following week, we would check on that.” Gerri said that especially right now during the pandemic, the vitamins provided to their patients are stronger and more reliable than over the counter versions. “We encourage all of
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
many that sing high praise for the evidence-based program. “I have tried every diet and miracle pill under the sun and lost a few pounds. All of that changed at MediWeightloss, Lutz,” he said. “I have lost over 50 pounds, and the weight is staying off. The staff and doctor are very knowledgeable and know what works. I would recommend Medi to anyone who is looking to lose weight and to get a healthier life!” Medi-Weight loss professionals have developed a plan that works. The Medi program can be customized just for you regardless of past medical history or failed weight-loss attempts. Even socially distanced, the Lutz our patients to make sure that they are taking vitamins because it helps the immune system.” Another unique benefit of The Medi-Weightloss® Program is the metabolic booster injections, a combination of B-12 and amino acids that boost the immune system included at no cost. For immunecompromised patients who do not want to come into the clinic, they offer metabolic melts – a B12 pill you take under the tongue. This product can be scheduled for curbside pick-up. Short Term Maintenance begins when patients have achieved their GOAL weight. The goal is to gradually increase your
Medi staff will encourage you every step of the way. “Our patients who complete the program and need assistance can restart without cost. This is a lifestyle change, but it doesn’t mean it will last forever. We need to be rebooted now and then. It’s exciting to see the transformations. We care about our patients and want to keep them on their weight-loss journey, even during the pandemic.” The Lutz MediWeightloss Clinic is located at 24420 SR 54 Lutz, FL 33559 For more information or to make an appointment, call (813) 909-1700 or visit www. mediweightlossclinics.com.
calories and rebalance your diet in two easy steps, allowing your body to adapt to increased levels of energy and carbohydrates. Once you have maintained your goal weight, you will start the Wellness phase where a plan is designed specifically for you by the doctor, and you are slowly weaned off medication. You come once a month for a follow-up. These monthly wellness visits are designed to provide you with the medical, nutritional, and fitness support you need to maintain your weight loss and keep you accountable. Additionally, the clinic suggests continuing weekly booster injections. Testimonials like Ryan Cuddy’s are but one of
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
JUNE 2020 11
12 JUNE 2020
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
JUNE 2020 13
14 JUNE 2020
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
JUNE 2020 15
Tech Talk with Bob: Folks are staying safer! I am pleased to announce that since last month’s TECH TALK many folks have stepped up and taken responsibility for their computer’s security. We have done numerous remote security scans on many systems. It warms my heart so much to see how many people are being proactive and not reactive when it comes to their computer’s safety. Of all the security scans we have done, only two systems have shown to come up to be completely clean. Every other system we have scanned so far has had some kind of malware infection on it. From the sample of computers that my techs and I have scanned to date, we are finding that many computer systems we scan are asymptomatic. Folk’s computers are infected without even showing signs of infection. That’s one of the malware’s most dangerous characteristics. Your computer
16 JUNE 2020
can appear asymptomatic on the surface, meanwhile underneath, the attack moves in. Now we are also getting calls from some folks who are concerned about the safety and the integrity of their computer systems now after giving someone they do not know access. These people are also wondering if they were scammed or even worse. What is worse than being scammed out of some money? It is letting someone you don’t trust have 24/7 access to your computer who might use it for nefarious purposes without you even knowing. If you have given others access to your computer, don’t worry. The security scans we have been doing have found not only malware infections, but remote access programs installed on systems. These are programs that are installed to give scammers complete
control of your computer at any time of the day. This can happen when someone let’s someone else have remote access to their computer recently, or even months ago. My techs can clean out any threat or potential threat on your system. I am currently offering folks a three-step service call: First, we will work with you to help determine what software on your computer might be a security risk. Then remove any programs that have the potential to hurt you. Second, we will use multiple methods to analyze and find any malware that is not so obvious but may be crawling around your computer. And finally, we set you up with a one-year subscription to a high quality antivirus software. Not trial software that expires after a few days, and not that freeware that other computer repair people or some internet service providers
might give away. We have the best solutions already in place. Plus, we can do it all remotely without you having to leave your home or office, and without us coming to your location. See not only does your computer stay safe, so do you and your family, and my team and our families, while we provide this vital service to you. Cyber criminals will exploit the easy victims and unprotected systems. Protecting yourself online is your responsibility. Don’t go it alone. We’re here to help. If you are not sure your system is safe, please have it looked over by a Professionally Certified IT Specialist. Call us now at 727-534-4000. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades. Be Safer In Your Digital World!
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
JUNE 2020 17
18 JUNE 2020
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
JUNE 2020 19
“Trinity Family Physicians” story continued from page 1
day and next-day appointments, early morning and late hours would help their patients, as well adding two Physicians Assistants, Rachel Azzarelli and Ian Simpson would increase their availability. “Our patients have been really happy with our Physician Assistants and we are proud to have them. We continue to increase our availability in the practice because of having the providers working under our direction and close supervision,” said Dr. Shirmo. But the doctors could never have foreseen a pandemic making their new, state-of-the-art telemedicine services absolutely paramount to the practice. “Who could predict telemedicine wouldn’t be just for comfort and convenience, but a pandemic? When the pandemic occurred, we were able to transition almost all of our patients to televisits immediately. Patients were able to get care without a lapse in their healthcare. Our staff did an incredible job to make that transition. We really have been keeping the momentum
20 JUNE 2020
Husband and wife team, Dr. Stephanie Eldridge (right) and Dr. Amir Shirmohammad (Dr. Shirmo) (left), Board Certified owners of Trinity Family Physicains.
going as best as we can despite this pandemic,” said Dr. Shirmo. “As we enter the next phase of getting people back out into the workforce, I think it important for people to realize that we’re still here and we’re still able to care for them through the televisits, as well as in the office.” Though an initial in-office appointment is needed to enroll in telemedicine – with two types available, a monthly subscription service or as-needed - the
virtual appointment is as simple as downloading an app, scheduling the tele-appointment and connecting with the doctors via laptop, desktop, or smart device in a private setting with a WIFI signal. For those who need to visit the practice, the doctors and their team are following all necessary procedures to protect their patients. “We’ve taken extra measures ever since the pandemic,” said Dr. Eldridge. “We’re screening
people over the phone to make sure they don’t have any upper or lower respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, etc). If they have those symptoms or have been exposed, we ask that they definitely set up a televisit. We really don’t have the sick patient traffic in the office.” Dr. Shirmo added, “They’re still getting their healthcare but through a different avenue without exposing other people or exposing themselves
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
Physicians Assistants, Rachel Azzarelli (left) and Ian Simpson (right)
potentially to other people who might be sick in different ways.” If it is medically necessary that a patient does need to come into the office, the doctors and their team have increased the frequency of their cleaning to ensure everything a patient comes in contact with is thoroughly disinfected. Following the recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control, they have expanded their waiting room and removed chairs to comply with social distancing. Patients are asked to bring their own pen and magazine to avoid potential transmission of
the Coronavirus. As so much misinformation is online and televised regarding the Coronavirus, the doctors, both with Masters in Public Health in Epidemiology, (the study of epidemics) started a YouTube channel that streamed on their Facebook page. “We felt we needed to give our patients unbiased information that came from a trusted source. With our background, who better to talk about this than Dr. Eldridge and myself? We started with instructional videos how to connect with us through televisits, then it led to discussing how patients
should be proactive. We have patients who are immune-compromised, so we started putting out these YouTube videos. We were astonished at how well they were received and how quickly they spread and climbed. We posted the videos on a weeknight at 11pm,” said Dr. Shirmo. Dr. Eldridge explained that when posted to their Facebook page, by morning, they had thousands of views on informational videos on how you can protect yourself, what should you do when going out, should you go to the doctor, etc. “What inspired the
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
YouTube videos was we were trying to calm people down, be the voice of reason, and give them some perspective of what to expect,” said Dr. Shirmo. “If our neighbor is immune-compromised, it’s not up to our neighbor to take the proper precautions, but it’s up to the entire community to take proper precautions. That neighbor may be the first person to get it, but they will not be the only person. If you don’t think that virus isn’t going to go around and come back to you and your loved ones, you’re mistaken. We all bear that burden of responsibility to be there for each other.” Trinity Family Physicians is located at the corner of Trinity Blvd. and Duck Slough Blvd. at 1817 Cypress Brook Dr., Suite 101 in Trinity. The hours are MonThurs 8:00-6:00 p.m., Friday 8:00-5:00 p.m. For more information, call (727) 834-8377 or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/ trinityfamilyphysicians, website at www. trinityfamilyphysicians. com or YouTube channel at https:// www.youtube.com/ channel/UCpFMVqaVL_ tvlskTvLH_Jew JUNE 2020 21
22 JUNE 2020
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
JUNE 2020 23
24 JUNE 2020
For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com