Health Notes | Health | chronicleonline.com

NEW THIS WEEK

Dementia Education Inc. asks for tech volunteers

Dementia Education Inc., a Citrus County-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the support of families living with dementia, is seeking a tech-savvy volunteer, or a company willing to offer pro bono service, to provide support and maintenance for its website.

Updating is not frequent. Technical demand is not high, but the individual should be familiar with WordPress systems and software.

Interested parties can contact Ed Youngblood at 614-519-2843 or email dementia [email protected].

ClearSky Health to hold ground-breaking ceremony

ClearSky Health invites the public to attend its ground-breaking ceremony for its first ever facility in the state of Florida, the ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital of Lecanto.

The ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. on July 13, 3967 W. Norvell Bryant Highway, Lecanto.

ONGOING, UPCOMING

HCA Florida Citrus Hospital to hold wellness seminar

HCA Florida Citrus Hospital will present a wellness seminar on July 19 at 2 p.m. at the Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA, 4127 W. Norvell Bryant Highway, Lecanto.

“Mind and Body Connection” will feature a presentation from physical therapist, ergonomist and yoga instructor Lynn Mendicino.

The seminar will focus on how thoughts, feelings, beliefs and attitudes can positively or negatively affect biological function. Mendicino will discuss how food, exercise and even posture can affect one’s mental state. A brief question and answer session will follow.

Seating is limited, so an RSVP is required to attend. Call 352-637-3337 or visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com to reserve a seat.

Department of Health to offer kids free immunizations

The Department of Health in Citrus County (DOH-Citrus) will offer no-cost school immunizations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday, thru Aug. 12.

DOH-Citrus will also offer immunizations on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. In addition, $35 school entrance physicals (not sports) will also be available.

Immunizations will be provided on a walk-in or appointment basis. Physicals are available by appointment only. For more information or to make an appointment, call 352-527-0247.

For more information about DOH-Citrus, visit citrus.floridahealth.gov or follow @FLHealthCitrus on Twitter.

Oncology Institute has book club for cancer survivors

Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute medical social worker Wendy Hall LCSW is offering a unique book club for those who are moving forward after surviving cancer.

This program is virtual and easily accessible on Zoom. Participants purchase or borrow a book called “Picking Up The Pieces – Moving Forward After Surviving Cancer.” The book is authored by Sherri MaGee and Kathy Scalzo, and available on Amazon and other book sources.

The 12-week program began June 27 on Mondays from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Any cancer survivor interested in this program, call Wendy Hall at 352-527-0106.

Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimer’s coming up

Coping with Dementia LLC and Dementia Education Inc. have announced that Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimer’s will take place in Floral City on Oct. 15.

This year’s event will include two options: a walk on the Withlacoochee State Trail or a tour of the Historic District of scenic Floral City. Pets are welcome as well.

The 2022 Walk will be the fifth year for the event. The event will dedicate its proceeds to dementia education, awareness and the support of families living with dementia.

Funds are raised through sponsorship fees, donations and participation fees, which are $20 per person. Prizes will be given, including plaques for the largest team and top individual fund-raiser.

In addition to the walks, there will be music, food and other entertainment in the Floral City Town Center with free parking close by. Activities will begin at 8 a.m. and finish by noon.

For information on how to register, how to form a walking team or how to become a sponsor, contact Janice Martin at 352-477-1866 or email seniorliaison [email protected].

ABC of Dementia schedule announced

Coping with Dementia and the Citrus County Library System have announced the schedule of free ABC of Dementia workshops for the second half of 2022.

Coping with Dementia president and workshop presenter Debbie Selsavage said, “Our ABC of Dementia workshop explains Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in plain language, suggests techniques for becoming a better and less-stressed care partner, and provides useful resources to families living with dementia.”

The remaining 2022 schedule will include:

July 18 – Central Ridge Library, 425 W. Roosevelt Ave., Beverly Hills.

Aug. 15 – Coastal Region Library, 8619 W. Crystal St., Crystal River.

Sept. 19 – Homosassa Library, 4100 S. Grandmarch Ave., Homosassa.

Oct. 21 – Lakes Region Library.

Nov. 21 – Central Ridge Library.

Dec. 19 – Coastal Region Library.

All workshops are presented from 10 a.m. to noon. Care partners and their loved ones living with dementia are welcome. While the workshops are free, reservations are encouraged.

For more information or to reserve seats at any of the workshops, call 352-422-3663 or email [email protected].

Zumba classes available every week

Zumba classes with Certified Instructor Donna are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to noon at the Central Citrus Community Center, 2804 W. Marc Knighton Court, Lecanto.

Classes are low impact and geared to seniors with a lot of laughter included. Get a good workout while dancing and having fun. The cost is $5 per class.

To pre-register or for more information, call 352-527-5993 or email [email protected]. Classes are not held on government holidays.

Socialize with others at Café Break!

Among the wellness programs offered by Friends of Citrus and the Nature Coast at its Wings Grief Center, 8471 W. Periwinkle Lane (gold building on right) in Homosassa Springs is Café Break!

At Café Break! Anyone grieving or lonely can find a safe place to socialize with others, work puzzles, play games or chat over a cup of coffee and snacks for 2-1/2 hours starting at 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. Thursdays.

For more information or to join this program that follows CDC guidelines, call 352-249-1470.

Salon offers free facial exercise classes weekly

From Head To Toe Salon offers free face lift exercise classes at 9 a.m. every Monday. The salon is located at 21 N. Croft Ave. in Inverness.

In this one-hour class, learn to sculpt and revitalize your face with 25 facial exercises that build volume, minimize wrinkles and lift and tone for a more youthful appearance.

Space is limited, so call master esthetician Stephanie Gombrelli at 352-613-6111 to reserve a spot.

Chemo patients receive free treatment

Chemotherapy patients receive free microblading (eyebrow permanent makeup) by Stephanie Gombrelli at From Head To Toe Salon in Inverness.

Call 352-613-6111 for more information and to schedule.

Blood donors needed as shortage continues

Blood donors are needed as the nation and local communities continue to feel the impact of blood shortages. All blood types are needed to help the local blood supply.

Donating blood is safe, takes about an hour and can save three lives. LifeSouth blood donors serve patients at HCA Florida, including Citrus Hospital, UF Health Leesburg Hospital and UF Health Villages Hospital.

Blood can be donated after receiving the Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccines for COVID-19 or the flu vaccination.

All blood donors receive a thank-you gift, refreshments and a mini-physical including cholesterol, iron level, temperature and blood pressure.

Find the nearest blood drive or donor center at lifesouth.org. Appointments can also be made online.

Citrus Libraries: Healthy mind, healthy body

Citrus Libraries wi
ll host several Health & Wellness events.

On Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at the Homosassa branch, belly dancing classes will be available.

On the last Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m., the Coastal Region branch hosts Doreen Lavista who guides an immersive meditation session. Bring a yoga mat, cushion, pillow or back support for using a chair.

Every Wednesday at 4:45 p.m. at the Lakes Region branch, Eric Poling teaches Yang Tai Chi 13. This form emphasizes building strength, balance and coordination through simple movements. Registration is required.

On Thursdays, Tai Chi classes are held at the Floral City branch. The first class is Beyond the Basics Tai Chi at 9:30 a.m. and is designed for seasoned participants. Those looking to learn more about Tai Chi should attend the 10:45 a.m. beginner class.

For more information, follow @CitrusLibraries on Facebook and Instagram or visit citruslibraries.org.

Lions Club offers vision care for vets

Any veterans in Citrus County who cannot afford their eyeglasses or are in need of vision care can contact Inverness Lions Club at 352-560-8741.

The club can help with any vision need. Residency and income requirements apply.

Community center adds classes

The East Citrus Community Center, 9907 E. Gulf-to-Lake Highway in Inverness, announced two new additions to their community class schedule.

Tai Chi will be offered from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays. From 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, certified Silver Sneakers Flex instructor Kathy Johnson will lead “Kathy’s Crazy Cardio Class.”

The cost for each class is $3 per person or $1 for Silver Sneakers members. For those who wish to participate in both classes, there is a reduced cost of $5 per person.

For more information, call 352-344-9666.

Water aerobics at Bicentennial Pool

Citrus County Parks and Recreation’s offer a water aerobics class from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at Bicentennial Park Pool, 8145 W. Bicentennial Park Drive in Crystal River.

The cost is $3 per person per class. These classes offer a fun, healthy fitness workout without added stress on joints. Participants must be 16 years or older.

For more information, call 352-795-1478.

‘Stepping Stones to Wellness’ meets weekly

Stepping Stones to Wellness will meet from 9:30 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday at the Friends of Citrus and the Nature Coast Wings Grief Center, 8471 W. Periwinkle Lane in Homosassa.

The group is facilitated by yoga teacher Ellen Armitage. By combining walking in place, guided meditation/relaxation exercises and a process group, it is designed to help promote overall well-being.

Provided as a community service, the class is offered at no charge. To reserve a spot, call 352-249-1470. For more information, call friendsofcitrus.org or visit Friends of Citrus on Facebook.

Wings Grief Center offers advanced yoga

The Friends of Citrus and the Nature Coast advanced yoga group meets from 4 to 5 p.m. every Thursday at the Wings Grief Center, 8471 W. Periwinkle Lane in Homosassa.

The class is facilitated by Ellen Armitage, a yoga teacher with more than 20 years of experience helping others find their way to their highest self.

Sessions are provided as a community service and are offered at no charge. To reserve a spot, call 352-249-1470. For more information, call friendsofcitrus.org or visit Friends of Citrus on Facebook.

Free pregnancy testing, sonograms available

Citrus Pregnancy Center is offering free pregnancy testing and free early pregnancy sonograms at both locations: 726 NE U.S. 19 in Crystal River and 3185 E. Thomas St. in Inverness.

For more information, call 352-341-5176.

Attend Dr. Bennett’s ‘Fireside Chats’

Dr. Joseph Bennett offers monthly “Fireside Chats” beginning noon the first Wednesday of each month at the Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute (RBOI), 522 N. Lecanto Highway.

Sessions often feature guest speakers, as well as open discussion regarding health and cancer care. A light lunch is provided, therefore RSVP is requested.

Bennett welcomes questions and open discussion, so bring your questions or email them ahead of time to [email protected]. Those who have not received their COVID-19 vaccination will be asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing inside the building.

Call Shawn at 352-527-0106 to make a reservation.

RBOI has supplies for cancer patients

If you are in need of scarfs, wigs, or other helpful items for those going through cancer treatments, call Medical Social Worker Wendy Hall, LCSW, at 352-527-0106. Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute in Lecanto has a resource room with more than 100 wigs available for free. Stop in the Lecanto office from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call to make an appointment.

Medical Social Workers at RBOI will assist individuals needing support through the emotional turmoil caused by cancer with resources, including application for Citrus Aid Cancer Foundation assistance. Many services including Zoom meetings for support and education are available for patients with cancer, and their loved ones. Call 352-527-0106.

Free hearing screening available

Citrus Healing Impaired Program Services (CHIPS) is offering free hearing screenings for Citrus County residents at the old train depot, 109 NE Crystal St. in Crystal River.

Screenings are by appointment only. Low-income hearing aid assistance is available.

To learn more, call Maureen 352-795-5000.