From the Editor

May is a busy month! Full of holidays, commemorations, proclamations, awareness events, and Mexican food!

Let’s start with Memorial Day, formally known as Decoration Day. This is a federal holiday observed yearly on the last Monday of May. This year, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 31st, 2021, and it is a day to commemorate all men and women who have died while serving in the military for the United States of America.

Many local business owners understand the significance of this Holiday and show their support by offering amazing Memorial Day specials, one-of-a-kind offers, and fantastic discounts on merchandise, products, and services. Make sure to carefully browse this issue of Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles, so you can take advantage of those great deals and save big this upcoming Memorial Day!

Aside from Memorial Day, the month of May houses a few other special days as well.

On the 2nd Sunday of May, we celebrate International Mother’s Day. This 2021, we will be celebrating on Sunday, May 9th. I would like to personally wish all mothers, grandmothers, foster mothers, and even pet moms a very Happy Mother’s Day!

I would also like to take this opportunity to personally wish my own mother, Berardina Tedeschi, a very Happy Mother’s Day. I couldn’t have asked for a better role model. I love you so much. Thank you for never giving up on me.

Remember, successful mothers are not the ones that never struggle or get frustrated; they are the ones that never give up, despite the struggles and continue loving unconditionally.

Are any of our readers Star Wars fans? May the 4th be with you! Star Wars Day, May 4, celebrates George Lucas’ Star Wars. Fans of the media franchise observe it by re-watching the Star Wars movies, wearing costumes, sharing movie quotes, and posting funny memes on social media. The date was chosen for the pun on the catchphrase “May The Force Be With You” as “May The Fourth Be With You.”

Also, in May, many of us look forward to “Cinco de Mayo,” which is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. You wouldn’t guess it, but Cinco de Mayo is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, but in the United States has evolved into a huge commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, and the Holiday is frequently confused with “Mexico’s Independence Day,” which takes place on September 16th. So make sure you celebrate safely, and if possible, support some of our local restaurants, even from the comfort of your own home.

Lastly, I want to bring your attention to something of importance that also takes place during this beautiful spring month, Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

Many states and counties have taken steps to raise awareness regarding Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Declaring May “Lyme Awareness Month” is one move to help remind people spring is here, ticks are out, prevention, and proper education are your best tools to staying healthy. With the spread of the disease to all 50 states, Lyme awareness, education, and early intervention are critical.

Even though Lyme disease may not be common in Florida, you can still get infected. Take it from someone who is currently battling this debilitating and life-altering condition. Please be prepared and learn the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. If you have symptoms such as; high fevers, chills, body aches, weight gain/loss, TMJ, headaches/ migraines, extreme fatigue, muscle and joint aches, arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, particularly on the knees and other large joints, severe inflammation, heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, and problems with short-term memory amongst others, please contact your primary physician. Ask him or her to advise you and refer you to a Lyme Disease specialist near you. If you’d like to personally talk to me about my Lyme disease journey and the doctors that have helped me, please feel free to email me directly at carla@nnlflorida.com. You are not alone!

Fighting Lyme has been an uphill battle, but with the proper diagnosis and treatment, you’ll be one step closer to a healthier you. It’s been tough to open up to everyone about this, but if I can help raise awareness with my own story, then so be it.

The COVID pandemic is still in full force, but there are many kinds of diseases still out there that can also mimic similar symptoms. Proper diagnosis is key. If your health fails, it can overshadow everything else that’s going on in your life. Please take care of yourself, eat a healthy diet, make sleep a priority, find a fitness habit that works for you, and don’t get too stressed out. Stress can wreak havoc on your body. Treat everyone with kindness, starting with your own self.

You may be thinking twice about going to the emergency room at your local hospital if you don’t feel well. Maybe you’re not sure that it’s a true emergency. Or perhaps you’re concerned about getting sick from a virus while there. However, we want to assure you that you should always get care quickly in a medical emergency, and we’re taking extra steps to protect you and keep you safe in our emergency departments. Because nothing is more important to us than your safety.

If you think your symptoms may signal a medical emergency, don’t wait to get care. We’re taking protective measures to for your safety in our emergency rooms and other facilities. Delaying medical care for serious health problems could be dangerous. Here’s some guidance on when to seek emergency care.

Is It an Emergency?

Knowing which symptoms may signal a medical emergency can help you and your loved ones get the care you need.

The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends seeking immediate medical care for these symptoms: • Bleeding that won’t stop • Chest pain • Choking • Confusion or other major changes in behavior • Loss of consciousness • Serious injuries like burns, large wounds or head trauma • Severe pain in your stomach or other body part • Sudden dizziness or weakness

• Trouble breathing • Trouble walking • Vomiting or coughing up blood • Vomiting or diarrhea that won’t stop

You should also seek emergency care if you or a loved one has swallowed a poisonous substance. And don’t delay care if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others.

Call 911 right away if you or a loved one is having a medical emergency. It’s the safest way to get care when seconds count, and harm may be imminent if care is delayed. If the person experiencing the

emergency has a chronic or underlying health condition, such as heart disease or asthma, be sure to tell the 911 operator.

How is AdventHealth North Pinellas Taking Steps to Protect Me?

If you need emergency care, know that specific procedures are in place to protect you in the emergency room. We are committed to taking steps to keeping you safe like: • Temperature screening at emergency room entrances • Staff wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves • Frequent cleaning and sanitation of the facility • Frequent hand-washing by health care providers and other personnel • Separate care areas for patients symptomatic and those with COVID-19

AdventHealth is following all of these best practices, in addition to other safety measures like universal masking of patients and staff, and enforced social distancing.

Why It’s Best to Get Prompt Care for Emergency Symptoms

It may be easy to choose emergency care for an injury that won’t stop bleeding or for severe abdominal pain, which may be a sign of appendicitis or another serious gastrointestinal problem. But you may be more apt to dismiss care for other symptoms like chest pain or dizziness, especially if they don’t last long or come and go. Unfortunately, symptoms such as these could be signs of a serious problem like a heart attack or stroke.

Why Get Emergency Care for Heart Issues?

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And nearly 150,000 people die every year from a stroke. These statistics underscore the importance of getting prompt emergency care for concerning symptoms.

Do you know the symptoms of a heart attack? These include chest pain or discomfort, heartburn, nausea, fatigue and shortness of breath. Recognizing these symptoms quickly can help protect you and loved ones from this leading cause of death.

Getting medical care right away can also reduce the amount of damage to your heart. Clot-busting medicines used as soon as possible can restore blood flow to your heart. These and other timely treatments can improve your chances of recovery and reduce your risk for long-term disability.

Why Get Emergency Care for Stroke?

Are you familiar with the signs of a stroke? According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, you or a loved one may be having a stroke if you notice the following symptoms, which can happen suddenly: • Confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding • Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body) • Severe headache with no known cause • Trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance • Vision changes in one or both eyes

As with a heart attack, prompt treatment for a stroke is vital. During a stroke, blood flow is cut off from your brain. Quick care at the emergency department with a medicine called tPA can save brain cells, reducing damage to your brain and your recovery time afterward.

Emergency Care for COVID-19

While most people with coronavirus have mild symptoms, emergency care is sometimes needed. Call 911 if you or a loved one develops these severe symptoms: • Bluish lips or face • Confusion or inability to stay awake

• Ongoing chest pain or pressure • Trouble breathing

When you call 911, tell the operator that you may have COVID-19.

We’re Ready When You’re Ready

AdventHealth is committed to providing the latest information to protect you and keep you and your family healthy. To learn more about the proactive measures we’re using to keep you safe, visit AdventHealth.com.

AdventHealth North Pinellas Now Offers Virtual Talks

AdventHealth North Pinellas has transitioned its health talks to an online platform. The free health talks broadcast on AdventHealth North Pinellas’ Facebook page.

Join us for our upcoming virtual health talk, Don’t Delay Your Care, on Wednesday, May 26th at 12pm with Michael Longley, MD, Chief Medical Officer.

To tune in, visit Facebook.com/ AdventHealthNorthPinellas. com. To register for this virtual health talk, call 844504-9378 or visit www. adventhealth.com/hospital/ adventhealth-north-pinellas/ events.