Central Florida Health News September 2021

largest largest Asian Asian restaurant restaurant company, company, is is now now open open in in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville. This This is is the the 36th 36th store store in in the the US, US, as as well well as as the first in the state and the first in the state and Southeast Southeast US. US. It It opened opened to the public to the public on on March March 18, 18, 2017.

2017.

Jacksonville Jacksonville ii ss tt h h ee m mo o ss tt populous populous city city in in the the Sunshine Sunshine State, State, as well as home as well as home to to the the largest largest FilipinoFilipinoAmerican American community community in in Florida.

Florida. The The longlongawaited arrival awaited arrival of of Jollibee Jollibee in in the the city city has has

get get to to try try Jollibee's Jollibee's signature signature menu menu items items such such as as the the world world famous famous Chickenjoy.

Chickenjoy. This This dish dish is is delicately delicately breaded to be crispylicious breaded to be crispylicious on on the the outside outside and and juicylicious juicylicious inside.

The well-loved inside. The well-loved Jolly Jolly Spaghetti Spaghetti is is aa favorite favorite of of both both kids kids and and kids-at-heart kids-at-heart because because of of its its signature signature sweetsweetstyle style sauce, sauce, loaded loaded with with chunky chunky slices slices of of savory savory ham, ham, ground ground meat, meat, and hotdog. and hotdog. Other Other classic classic menu menu fafavorites include vorites include the the juicy juicy and and cheesy cheesy Jolly Jolly Hotdog, Hotdog, and and the the Peach Peach Mango Mango Pie, Pie, which which is is made made with with real real Philippine Philippine sweet sweet manmangoes and a flaky goes and a flaky golden golden brown brown crust. crust.

tude tude of of excited excited Jollibee Jollibee patrons patrons waitwaiting ing to to get get their their hands hands on on their their Jollibee Jollibee favorites, favorites, but but also also first-timers first-timers waiting waiting to have their own Jollibee to have their own Jollibee experiexperience," ence," said said Jose Jose Miñana, Miñana, Jollibee Jollibee Foods Foods Corporation's Corporation's Group Group President President for North America. for North America. "There's "There's no no greater greater joy joy for for us us than than serving serving the the needs needs and and tastes tastes of of Jollibee Jollibee fans fans in in the the community. community. At At Jollibee, Jollibee, we we aim aim to to bring bring families families together together for for happy happy moments moments over over great great tasting tasting food food with with superior value, served with superior value, served with warm warm and and friendly friendly service service –– our our own own brand brand of joy." of joy."

The The brand brand has has become become aa symbol symbol of of nostalgia nostalgia and and warm warm childhood childhood memmemories ories for for many many overseas overseas Filipinos Filipinos in in the the U.S. U.S. To To many, many, Jollibee Jollibee is is the the go-to go-to restaurant restaurant of of Filipinos Filipinos for for both both special special

volume 11 | issue 6 | September 2021

FREE­— TAKE ONE!

See See JOLLIBEE JOLLIBEE page page 15 15

ENROLL PAGE 12

Youth in Health

EDITION

DETERMINATION & DREAMS

Respiratory Care Student Works Hard to Reach Goals THE ENDORSED PUBLICATION OF THE POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

NEW DOCTORS IN A NEW ERA

Residents Start Careers Amid a Pandemic

POP QUIZ

Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?

DEEP DIVE INTO THE DELTA VARIANT Dr. Haight Talks About Latest Surge in Cases

HEALTHY COOK

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8 9 14 18 Many health experts have noted that the pandemic has wreaked havoc on mental health as of late. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to focus on how to help those who are suffering. While the national attention turns to children and teens as they begin the school year, it’s important to remember that they, too, can struggle with suicide.

Deep Dive Into the Delta Variant

As new cases of the COVID-19 delta variant fill up hospitals across Florida, we turn to Lakeland Regional Health’s Dr. Haight to learn more. Haight talks about vaccinations, “breakthrough” infections and how variants form.

Appetizers:

l Total Joint Arthroplasty l Robotic Hip & Knee Replacement l Complex Hip & Knee Reconstruction l Musculoskeletal Oncology l Tendon & Ligament Injuries l Cancer of the Bones

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Jacksonville, Jackson FL -- After ville, FL After much much anticipation and ipation and excitement, Jollibeeanticlargest Asianexcitement, Jollibee the largest Asian restaur restaurant compa ,, the ant company, now open ny, is open in now is in Jackso Jacksonville. nville. This This is 36th store is the store in the 36th in the the US, US, as as well as the first first in the in the state well as and Southeast US.the state and Southe ast US. It It opened opened to the the public to public on March 18, 2017.on March 18, 2017.

Jacksonville Jackso nville h ee m ii ss tt h mo o ss tt populous city populo us city in in the Sunshi Sunshine State, the ne State, as well well as as as home home to the largest largest Filipin to the FilipinooAmerican comm Americ an community in Florida Florida. The unity in . The longlongawaite d arriva awaite d arriva ll of of Jollibee in the Jollibee in the city city has has

been the the talk been talk of of the the town town since since 2016.

With the openin With the opening, Floridi2016.

"As Jollibe Jollibee debuts "As get to ans will to try e debuts in get will try Jollibee g, Floridians in Florida Florida, we anticipate seeing 's signatu anticip signature menu , we ate seeing not items suchJollibee's not only items re menu such as as the tude of multithe world of excited tude excited Jollibe only aa multiworld famou Chickenjoy.

Jollibee patron waitChicke ing to njoy. This This dish is famouss to get ing get their their hands e patronss waitdelicately bread ed to dish is delicat on their bread their Jollibee ely favorites, but hands on Jollibee ed to be be crispy favorit crispy liciou es, but also also first-tim first-timers on the liciou ss the outsid on outside and to have waiting have their to their own Jollibeers waiting juicylicious inside. The e and juicylic inside. ence," said own Jollibe experiee experi ence," The well-lo well-loved ious said Jose Jose Miñan Miñan ved Jolly Spaghe a, Jollibe Spaghetti tti is Foods Corpor is aa favorite favorite of both Jolly Foods Corporation's ation's Groupa, Jollibeee of kids and kids-at President for North kids-at-heart both kids and North Americ Group Preside for -heart becaus because a. "There's nt of its greater joy America. its signatu of no greate signature sweet-e no r joy for us than"There's re sweetserving the needs and for us than style sauce, servin needs sauce, loaded style g the tastes of Jollibe and tastes loaded with with the comm fans in chunky slices community. of Jollibe ee fans the in chunky slices of of savory unity. At At Jollibee savory Jollibee, we bring aim , we ham, ground bring familie to families togeth aim to ham, ground meat, er for happy meat, moments overs together mome and hotdog hotdog. Other and nts over great tastingfor happy . food with superior value,great tasting food superi classic menuOther classic or value, served served with with menu faand friendl with warm warm friendly service and vorites include favorites y service –– our include the the our own own brand of joy." brand joy." of juicy and juicy and cheesy The brand Jolly Hotdo cheesy brand has becom The Jolly Hotdo g, g, and symbol of nostalgia and has becom ee aa symbo the Peach nostalg Peach Mango and the l of ia and warm warm childho Mango Pie, Pie, childhood od which is made ories for memwhich ories for memmany overse is made with many with real real overseas as Filipinos the U.S. Philippine sweet U.S. To the in Philipp To many, many, Jollibee Filipinos in ine sweet manJollibee is the go-to restaurant of goes and restaur and aa flaky mangoes ant of Filipin Filipinos for is the go-to golden os for both both special brown crust. flaky golden special brown crust.

STEAKHOUS HOUSE page E page 11 11

Jollibee's U. S. with first Fl expansion continues orida locatio n opening

Polk State College’s Shaledra Turner is on a mission, and that mission involves a career as a respiratory therapist.

With the help of Shana Kent-Smith, her RT program director, Turner is making progress toward her dreams. Read more about her journey on page 10. photo by PAUL CATALA

Entrées:

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FLORIDA EDI TION

On the Cover

PAID PAID

When medical resident Dr. Akhila Reddy started medical school, she never imagined she would be starting her career in the midst of a worldwide pandemic that would change the entire medical landscape. Learn how Florida State University’s College of Medicine Residency Program at Winter Haven Hospital has adapted to the changing conditions.

FLORID A’S FOO DSERVI CE INDUST RY NEW SPAPER ◆ ◆ $3 VOLUME 2017 forec 21 NUMBER ast: ◆ MAR 3 ◆ CH 2017

Youths and Suicide: Spot the Warning Signs WWW.TRN USA.COM

It’s time for school-age kids, adolescents and teenagers to say goodbye to summer and return to a school routine. One important component of the routine for students should be getting enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for everyone, regardless of age, but it’s especially important for kids and even teenagers. Take our quiz to discover the facts on the importance of sleep for young people.

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Pop Quiz!

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volum e 11 |

issue 6 | Septe

Respiratory Care

DETERMINATIO

mber 2021

Student Works

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See JOLLI JOLLIBEE See page 15 BEE page 15

CONTENTS | September 2021 For more photos from this edition, follow us on Facebook. Scan the QR code here with your smart device.

Youth in Health N & DREAMS Hard to Reach

ENROLL PA GE 12

E ONE!

EDITION Goals

THE ENDO RSED PUBL ICATION OF POLK COUN TY MEDICAL THE ASSOCIATI ON

POP QUIZ

Residents Start

NEW DOCTORS

Is Your Child Getti

Nutritious Scho ol Lunches May Call for Some Stealth

HEALTHY COOK

Dr. Haight Talks

Careers Amid a ng Enough Sleep

DEEP DIVE INTO

IN A NEW ERA Pandemic

About Latest SurgeA VARIANT in Cases

THE DELT

?

Centra CentralFlorid lFloridaHealt aHealthNews hNews.com .com

New Doctors in a New Era

Departments & Columns 16 HEALTHY COOK 17 ADVENT HEALTH 20 CALENDAR 22 ORTHOPAEDIC HEALTH 22 BODY, MIND & SPIRIT 23 EDITOR’S DOSE

GENERAL ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY l Fractures & Dislocations l Tumor Excision l Sports Injuries l Amputations l Congenital Disorders

Dr. Timothy J. Evans, M.D.

• University of Central Florida Bachelor of Science degree in Biology

• Georgetown University, Master of Science degree in Physiology - top in his class

• Creighton University Medical School

• Henry Ford Hospital, orthopaedic surgery residency

• Moffitt Cancer Center, training in orthopaedic oncology, complex bone & joint reconstruction & innovative treatments for metastatic disease of the bones

863.666.3436

2000 E. Edgewood Drive | Suite 112 | Lakeland, Florida 33803

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Keeping You Healthy and Safe Schedule your appointment today: Primary Care

Specialists

Auburndale 2028 U.S. Highway 92 W. Auburndale, FL 33823 (863) 965-9327

Cardiac Electrophysiology 200 Ave. F N.E. Suite 9118 Winter Haven, FL 33881 (863) 292-4004

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 Winter Haven 400 Ave. K S.E. Suite 11 Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 294-4404 7599 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Winter Haven, FL 33884 (863) 324-4725 1201 First St. S., Suite 100A Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 280-6080 21-1656876-0821

Cardiovascular Surgery 200 Ave. F N.E. Suite 9118 Winter Haven, FL 33881 (863) 292-4004 General Surgery 2000 Osprey Blvd.

Suite 205 Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 733-4390 Hematology-Oncology 200 Ave. F N.E. Winter Haven, FL 33881 (863) 292-4670 Structural Heart and Valve Program 200 Ave. F N.E. Suite 9118 Winter Haven, FL 33881 (863) 292-4004

We’ve enhanced our safety measures to protect your health. We’re screening everyone for fever and COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering our offices.

All doctors, team members and patients are required to wear masks and we’re sanitizing our offices throughout the day.

Urology 7599 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Winter Haven, FL 33884 (863) 845-2688

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Investing in Future Healthcare Professionals NELSON KIRKLAND, PUBLISHER nelson@centralfloridamediagroup.com

T

here is an underlying, longtime problem that the pandemic is bringing to light once again — the shortage of healthcare workers. Florida certainly isn’t unique when it comes to the battle; the struggle is playing out across the nation, as well.

A recent report showed that 13 percent of Florida facilities are experiencing a personnel shortage amid the pandemic.

Just three months ago, we brought you the findings of Avant’s 2021 Trends in Nursing Staffing Study. That sobering report detailed the extent to which the nursing shortage was being felt. Add to that the swelling number of recent delta variant cases now filling hospitals, and the need for nurses and other healthcare personnel is further underscored. A study by the consulting firm Mercer went even further, projecting the shortage to stretch years into the future.

We know the future of healthcare is in the hands of our youth.

The good news is that there are many schools and colleges in Polk County that are hard at work training for the future! I’m sure I will inadvertently leave out some institutions in our area that offer excellent medical and healthcare training, but here are a handful of schools that offer opportunities right in our backyard.

• Ridge and Traviss Technical 4 | CFHN

www.CentralFloridaHealthNews.com

PUBLISHER Nelson Kirkland

MANAGING EDITOR Jessica McDonald

PROJECT MANAGER Colleges offer career programs in practical nursing, medical coding and billing, medical assisting and patient care. polkedpathways. com/career-programs/ • Polk State College offers nursing associate and baccalaureate degree programs, as well as concentrations in cardiovascular technology, diagnostic medical sonography, emergency medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, radiography and respiratory care. polk.edu/academics/ • Southeastern University offers a baccalaureate degree in nursing. seu.edu/academics/ programs/nursing/ • Florida Southern College offers a direct-entry baccalaureate degree in nursing. flsouthern.edu/ undergraduate/programslist/programs/nursing • Webber University offers an online baccalaureate degree in nursing, as well as an on-campus pre-nursing track that provides students the chance to complete the first two years of general education and pre-requisite courses needed to apply for admission into a traditional nursing program.

We’re proud of our area healthcare workers and we look forward to the future these educational institutions are making possible! HN

David Kiessling

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Juanita Halter

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Erika Aldrich, Mary Joye, LMHC, Teresa Schiffer, Carol Corley, Dr. Joy Jackson, Paul Catala, Pamela Palongue

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Ritu Aparajita, MD; Timothy Evans, MD; Dr. Alex Kennon, MD; Tiffany Oglageo; Courtney Beaumont, O.D.

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 © 2021 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.

centralfloridahealthnews.com

INTRODUCTION

PCMA LETTER

PCMA LETTER

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

Hello, School Days!

POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 4315 Highland Park Blvd, Suite B Lakeland, Florida 33813 863-644-4051

2021 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 — — — — — —

JACKIE COURTNEY

S

ummer is over whether we like it or not and the kids are back in school. Every September, Central Florida Health News focuses on Youth in Health, encompassing everything from how to keep your kids healthy and safe this school year to a look at some of the young adults who are training for their careers in health care.

In this edition, we introduce you to Shaledra Turner, a student in Polk State College’s Respiratory Care Program who is working hard to achieve her goals despite multiple challenges along the way. Turner talks about the motivating factors in her life and the support she receives from Polk State College instructors.

We also introduce you to Dr. Akhila Reddy, a first-year medical resident in Florida State’s Winter Haven Hospital residency program. We all know that residency can be a challenging time,

✱ Physician referrals ✱ Medical malpractice discounts with The Doctors Company

but imagine starting your career amid a pandemic! Reddy talks about her experiences, and Program Director Nathan Falk discusses the unique challenges posed by the pandemic.

✱ Ongoing relevant communication ✱ Access to CME Programs ✱ Workers compensation insurance benefits

For you parents out there, be sure to check out our Pop Quiz on the sleep needs for children and teens. You may be surprised!

✱ Complimentary Socials/ dinners ✱ Strong PCMA physician representation in Central Florida Health News and Central Florida Doctor publications

As the kids head back to school, one topic that has been on everyone’s mind is COVID — or more specifically, the Delta variant. We spoke with Dr. Daniel Haight about the variant and the risk it poses.

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

On behalf of the Polk County Medical Association, we hope you have a healthy and safe start to the school year!

✱ 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.

Sincerely,

James J. Booker, MD James J. Booker, MD

Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Winter Haven President, Polk County Medical Association

CALLING ALL PHYSICIANS

Renew your 2021 Membership with Polk County Medical Association now!

MEMBER BENEFITS

✱ Physician referrals ✱ Medical malpractice discounts with The Doctors Company ✱ Ongoing relevant communication ✱ Access to CME Programs ✱ Workers compensation insurance benefits ✱ Complimentary Socials/dinners

Interested in becoming a member?

Join the leading professional association in Polk County for physicians.

MEMBER BENEFITS

✱ 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

director@ polkcounty doctors. com

Executive Director 4315 Highland Park Blvd Suite B Lakeland, Florida 33813 centralfloridahealthnews.com

CFHN | 5

HEART NEWS

MEDICAL ADVICE

Meet Our Doctor

Diagnosis and Treatment Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

arajita is a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon and has been g the Polk County community for the past 1 year. She earned achelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree at sity of Delhi, India. She then completed a research fellowship cular surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New nd a residency in General Surgery at Staten Island University al in New York, she completed her fellowship training in Vascular y at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Barnabas al Center in New Jersey. arajita is also a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of rgh, UK (MRCS Ed) and completed her Basic Surgical Training in d soon after her medical school. ast month, I explained what an aortic anarajita is the co-author of more than two dozen journal articles, is, how itincluding can be detected, its pre-as ations and oral eurysm presentations, topics such ascular treatment sentation for thrombosis, aorticfactors. aneurysm repair, stroke, and risk eral artery disease and other vascular conditions. onal posts and volunteer work include a teaching position at a Northwell School of Medicine and as a Member of the Public and An abdominal be sional Outreach Committee as wellaortic as the aneurysm Internationalcan Relations ttee at the Society for Vascular (SVS). diagnosed withSurgery the help of an ultrasound, parajita was recently nominated thedoes American Medical a safe, painless testforthat not involve ation (AMA) Inspiration Award that recognizes physicians anytoradiation.

If confirmed and found be ave contributed the achievements of women in the to medical sion. larger than 5 centimeters, the next step is

L

RITU APARAJITA, MD, RPVI KSC Cardiology

Protect Yourself, Your Family From The Flu

by DR. JOY JACKSON

How Is It Diagnosed?

getting a CT scan with IV dye, which provides usefulAPARAJITA, information regarding the MRCS anatomy (Ed), MBBS RITU MD, and is helpful inVascular planning a repair.

Specialty: & Endovascular Surgery

Joining KSC Cardiology November 9, 2020 Treatment

There are several options for repair. aortic If an aneurysm is small, then it does not Abdominal aneurysm (CT angiogram need to be repaired. However, it’s important that the patient stop smoking, make changes to medications and get regular scans to make sure it’s not increasing in size at a rapid pace.

For aneurysms larger than 5.5 centimeters, or those increasing in size at a rapid pace or causing pain, the options would be to repair it by traditional open surgery and placing a graft, or going for the newer, minimally invasive way of endovascular stent grafting Open repair of abdominal aortic — both of which can be done aneurysm by a vascular surgeon.

Medicare Screening Benefit

Medicare offers a free, one-time AAA ultrasound screening for qualified seniors as part of their Welcome to Medicare physical during the first 12 months of their enrollment.

Men who have smoked sometime during their life and men and women with a family history of AAA are eligible for this benefit.

Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR)

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).

6 | CFHN

P

olk County schools are back in session which means your child is likely encountering many viruses every day. To protect their health and that of your family, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County encourages people 6 months of age and older to seek a flu shot on a yearly basis. The flu shot is the best way to protect families and communities against the spread of influenza.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and some serious outcomes of infection can result in hospitalization or death.

Certain groups of people are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot. These groups are adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women and residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities. Individuals of all ages with certain chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or people who are morbidly obese are also at increased risk.

There are a few situations when a flu shot is not recommended, reach out to your family doctor if you have questions. Flu shots are offered at many locations including doctor’s offices, clinics, pharmacies, schools and through the health department.

This year, it’s especially important for everyone to get a flu vaccine. The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by a different respiratory virus, has had a disastrous effect on our community. Getting the flu can also pose challenges for your family causing you to miss work or your children to miss school. Fortunately, we have vaccines available for both COVID-19 and the flu. Taking each of these vaccines will reduce your likelihood of getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, or dying as well as helping reduce the burden on healthcare workers. Our epidemiology program manager Dr. Greg Danyluk shared, “Many people don’t realize how severe a flu infection can be, and the flu virus changes from year to year so it’s important to get the most recent vaccine every year.”

Here are some steps that can be taken to help protect against the flu: • Get the flu shot.

• Stay home when sick.

• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or elbow.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

• Keep hands away from the face.

If a person is experiencing symptoms of the flu including fever, headache, severe cough, runny nose, or body aches, see a primary care provider as soon as possible.

Treatment can help people recover more quickly and can decrease the likelihood of complications.

Let’s be proactive and take these simple steps to minimize the chances of getting sick this flu season. For more information about the flu, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov/flu. HN

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.

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6TH ANNUAL

the Supporting the Winter Haven Women’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Winter Haven Hospital Patients

All proceeds from the 2021 events will go to support the Winter Haven Women’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

A Golf and Tennis Event at Country Club of Winter Haven Presented by:

Legacy Sponsor:

THANK YOU SPONSORS AND TEAMS The Cassidy Family

Fore the Love Sponsors:

John & Tracy Scheck | Mike & Janine Mahalak

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15

Online Auction & Raffle Event FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15 - 6:30 PM

Friday Night Bash

Venue 650 | 650 6th Street, SW, Winter Haven SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 9:00 AM

Golf Tournament

Country Club of Winter Haven

4200 Country Club Road South, Winter Haven

For More Information WHH Foundation: (863) 297-1781 whhfoundation@baycare.org

FEATURE PREVENTION

POP QUIZ!

compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH / Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Sleep.org, and the Mayo Clinic.

7. E. All of the Above 8. True. A sleep deficit has been linked to an increased risk of selfharm, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in teens.

9. D. All of the Above.

10. D. All of the Above

8 | CFHN

3. A. 8–10 hours. Kids 13 to 18 years of age need 8 to 10 hours of sleep in a 24-hour day.

4. True. This shift in a teen’s circadian rhythms makes them want to go to sleep later and get up later.

5. B. The second developmental stage of cognitive maturation that teens are going through is best fueled by adequate sleep.

6. True. Some teens’ sleep needs can increase above that of a child’s or an adult’s.

I

t’s time for school-age kids, adolescents, and teenagers to say goodbye to summer and return to a school routine. One important component of the routine for students should be getting enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for everyone, regardless of age, but it’s especially important for kids and even teenagers. Take our quiz to discover the facts on the importance of sleep for young people.

7.

What are signs or symptoms that your child, adolescent or teen is not getting enough sleep?

A. Your student has a hard time waking up in the morning, is often late for school, and/or sleeps a lot on the weekends.

B. They have mood swings and become irritable early in the afternoon.

C. Has trouble in school and/or displays aggression.

D. Displays nervousness, confusion, and/or lack of motivation.

E. All of the above 8. True or false?

In addition to increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and depression, a sleep deficit is also linked to an increased risk of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in teens.

9. How can parents help kids and adolescents to get enough sleep?

A. Help kids and adolescents stick to a consistent sleep schedule.

B. Limit light exposure and electronics an hour or two before bedtime.

C. Encourage a quiet, calm time that’s free of food for about an hour or so before bed.

D. All of the above 10. What are additional ways that parents can help teens to get more sleep?

A. Limit a teen’s use of caffeine after 3 p.m.

B. Encourage short, midafternoon naps that last no longer than 30 minutes.

C. Tie getting enough sleep to privileges, like driving.

D. All of the above.

ANSWERS: 1. True. IStudies have shown that not getting enough sleep increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, accidental injuries, poor mental health, and problems with attention and behavior in teens.

2. C. 9-12 hours. Kids 6 to 12 years of age need 9 to 12 hours of sleep in a 24-hour day.

Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?

1. True or false?

Children, adolescents and teens who do not get enough sleep have a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, injuries, poor mental health, and problems with attention and behavior.

2.

How many hours of sleep does the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend children ages 6 to 12 years old should get every 24 hours?

A. 7-10 hours C. 9-12 hours B. 8-11 hours D. None of the above 3.

How many hours of sleep does the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend children ages 13 to 18 years old should get every 24 hours?

A. 8–10 hours C. 10-12 hours B. 9-11 hours D. None of the above 4. True or false?

Teens experience a natural shift in their circadian rhythms that makes it more difficult for them to fall asleep before 11 p.m.

5.

Why should teens get an adequate amount of sleep every night?

A. Teens are too moody when sleepy.

B. Teens are going through a second developmental stage of cognitive maturation and additional sleep supports their developing brain and physical growth spurts, and sleep helps protect them from undesirable outcomes like depression and drug use.

C. Teens are more likely to develop sleep-related illnesses and conditions without adequate sleep.

D. Sleep patterns for adulthood are set during the teenage years.

6. True or false?

Teens generally require more sleep per night than some younger children and adults.

centralfloridahealthnews.com

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Youths and Suicide: Spot the Warning Signs

by MATT COBBLE sponsored by Central Florida Health Care

M

any health experts have noted that the pandemic has wreaked havoc on mental health as of late. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to focus on how to help those who are suffering.

While the national attention turns to children and teens as they begin the school year, it’s important to remember that they, too, can struggle with suicide.

Nationwide, suicide ranks among the top 10 leading causes of death. In Florida, it ranks higher at number 8.

Statistics show that no age bracket is untouched, with suicide ranking as the second-leading cause of death for people 10 to 34 years of age, the fourth-leading cause among people 35 to 54 years of age, and the eighth-leading cause among people 55 to 64 years of age nationwide.1 These numbers do not include the vast amount of non-fatal sef-harm injuries that occur alongside suicide attempts.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention tracked an increase in emergency room visits for suspected suicide attempts in adolescent girls ages 12-17. From late July to late August 2020, suspected sucide attempts increased by 26.2% year over year. By 2021,

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those numbers had increased by 50.6% year over year.2 What are the red flags that parents, guardians or family members can watch for?

“When they start withdrawing from friends and family, expressing thoughts that no one loves them or that the world is falling apart, that’s when caregivers should intervene,” says Dr. Ingrid Atiles, Central Florida Health Care’s director of behavioral health.

“First and foremost, there must be open communication. Let them know that they are loved and supported, and that they have someone in their lives who is willing to listen to their concerns. When you listen, be as judgement-free as possible, and always pay attention to warning behaviors.”

If an adolescent is talking about self-harming behaviors, Atiles recommends locking up any weapons that may be in the home, as well as medications or chemicals that could be used for self-harm. In addition, Atiles adds, they need to be constantly monitored. If the behaviors intensify, a mental health consultation should be scheduled.

“We are very passionate about helping the community in general in the broad scope of mental wellness,” Atiles says. “We want to Medical

OB/GYN

Pediatrics

share that you don’t have to be depressed or anxious to see a behavioral health professional.” Still, she acknowledges many adolescents are hesitant to seek behavioral health help.

“The most important thing a young person can do is manage these thoughts in a safe and healthy way. It’s always best to speak to a professional, but this can be a guidance counselor, a spiritual leader or a therapist.”

Central Florida Health Care has taken steps to help identify adolescents who are struggling with mental health issues.

“Our pediatricians are now screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences,” Atiles explains. ACE is a nationally normed instrument that can catch many behavioral issues early.

“Mental wellness is holistic. People assume that suicidal thoughts or behaviors are an end result of depression, but these can just as easily arise from a lack of sleep, a hormonal imbalance or nutritional deficiencies. These behaviors are a cry for help. By identifying early, we can catch these thoughts before they become actions.

“We have to normalize the conversation. Yes, it’s scary — but there is help.”

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FEATURE EDITION

Polk State Respiratory Care Student Works Hard To Reach Her Goals story and photos by PAUL CATALA

S

DETERMINATION & DREAMS 10 | CFHN

haledra Turner says it was her “best friend” who motivated her to work hard, focus, study and strive for success in life.

That “best friend” was Turner’s grandmother Doris Wade.

And even though she died in December 2014, her words of wisdom and support inspired Turner to further her education, scholarships, training and a career in the medical field.

“She (Wade) was a strong force in my life, and me and my mom stayed with her most of my life. Between her and my mom, they are the reason I am what I am today,” she says.

Turner, 26, is currently enrolled in Polk State College Lakeland’s Respiratory Care program. She started the program in August 2020 and hopes to complete her courses and graduate by spring 2022.

The Lakeland native has a lifelong history of asthma, so as a child she would often end up in the hospital emergency room.

Those experiences allowed her to see and experience firsthand what respiratory therapists do to help those who are struggling.

“As a kid, you know someone is there to help you, and you learn the difference between the different medical fields. That made me want to help kids the way the therapists helped me when I was younger,” says Turner.

“When my grandmom died, I hit rock-bottom. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and I was always angry and upset,” says Turner.

Turner channeled those emotions into her education. With the help of a continuing education scholarship, she’s been able to climb back onto the ladder of success.

Through the Philanthropic Educational Organization based in Iowa, Turner received a $2,000 scholarship, offered to women who began college but left after a minimum of two years and decided to return.

Lynn Sward, president of the Winter Haven PEO, says Turner was selected for the scholarship based on what she overcame to get into and finish college.

“We were impressed with what she overcame in her life. Once she realized her goals, she’s been very dedicated in pursuing them and succeeded, she has good grades and a good work ethic. We were impressed with her drive to succeed,” says Sward.

That financial aid helped Turner advance her RT studies, which at one time, seemed unattainable.

Since enrolling in PSC’s RT program, Turner also had to deal

centralfloridahealthnews.com

HEALTHY SKIN

Skin Cancer Screening a Necessity For Floridians

I

t should come as no big surprise that simply living in Florida puts you at an ALEX W. KENNON, MD, increased risk for skin cancer. The reaFAAD son for this is simple: The biggest cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV light) from the sun. There’s a reason that Florida is called “the Sunshine State,” and while our famously sunny weather makes for great vacations and idyllic days spent lounging poolside, it’s not without its risks. That’s why regular skin cancer screenings are imperative for Florida residents.

Who Needs to Be Screened for Skin Cancer? You! SHALEDRA TURNER with helping her paternal grandmother, Prudence Everett, with dementia. Over the past six years, until Everett’s death in February, Turner had been involved with her grandmother’s care and helping her cope with dementia. Turner says the care was a full-time job.

“There was a lot of emotional and mental stress with that; there was a lot on my mind but when she died, it offered me a bit more flexibility with my schedule. It made my clinical rotations easier since I had been dealing with my grandmother’s issues,” says Turner.

Outside of school, Turner works as a firstresponder Emergency Medical Technician for a private ambulance company in Lakeland. She became certified as an EMT through PSC’s Emergency Medical Services Program in December 2019 and hopes to transfer those skills into her future work as a full-time RT. Turner says her RT program is challenging and her first two semesters were rough, with in-depth training. She adds that she forces herself to focus.

“I’m a role model for my sisters,” she says.

“I want them to see me and see that they can do anything if they apply themselves.”

Shana Kent-Smith, Turner’s RT program director, says with Turner’s current grades, learned skill sets and graduation goals, there’s nothing standing in the way of Turner’s ability to succeed in the field.

Turner is one of 12 students currently

centralfloridahealthnews.com

enrolled in the RT program.

Kent-Smith, who is in her third year at Polk State College, says Turner is “a phenomenal student” who has already completed her clinical rotations. She says the clinical instructors also say Turner is a proficient team player who works to help her colleagues achieve success.

Turner credits Kent-Smith with motivation throughout various crises in her personal life and helping her become a strong leader as the RT class president.

Even when the coronavirus pandemic began and the college library shut down, Kent-Smith says Turner made an effort to still come to the RT laboratory to study, spending three hours after work to further her skills.

“She’s very organized and determined to be successful,” says Kent-Smith. “She has overcome a lot to do what it takes to achieve the grades to be successful in our program.”

As for her future, Turner, who says she enjoys working out and traveling with her sisters, would like to become a children’s flight therapist on a medical helicopter, helping children in respiratory crisis.

“I’m not a behind-the-desk type of person,” she says. “I went into the medical field because I’m meant to help people, not be on a headset or behind a desk all day.” HN

While some groups of people are at greater risk for developing skin cancer than others, it is still important to get checked regularly by a dermatologist. While skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and it can definitely be fatal, it is often treatable when caught early on, resulting in a high survivorship rate. The key is getting the disease out of your body before it gets to your lymph nodes or other organs.

Individuals who have fair skin, light-colored eyes, blonde or red hair, or skin that burns or freckles easily need to be especially aware of their risk. Also, those who have had numerous sunburns throughout their lives, spend a great deal of time outdoors, or have a family history of skin cancer are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

No matter what your level of risk is, we recommend having a skin cancer screening performed annually, at the very least. If you are in a high-risk group, you should consider being screened more than once a year. Skin cancer screenings are very easy and noninvasive. A dermatologist simply does a thorough visual examination. Having this procedure performed regularly will allow the doctor to notice any changes in moles, birthmarks, or other anomalies that could indicate cancerous growth.

An easy way to check yourself for suspicious skin growth is to remember “ABCD.” ✔ Asymmetry: If one half of the growth is not like the other half. ✔ Borders: Poorly defined or irregular borders. ✔ Color: Variation in color. ✔ Diameter: 6mm or larger (size of a pencil eraser). ✔ Evolution: Changing in size, color, or shape.

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 | 11

12 | CFHN

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CFHN | 13

FEATURE EDUCATION

Pandemic Offers Unique Education for Medical Residents Starting Their Careers

by PAMELA PALONGUE

NEW DOCTORS IN A NEW ERA DR. AKHILA REDDY

D

r. Akhila Reddy likes practicing family medicine because it provides her with the opportunity to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds, from babies to geriatric patients, with a plethora of medical needs. One thing she couldn’t possibly have foreseen when she started medical school was the arrival of a virus that would change the entire medical landscape.

A first-year resident in the Florida State University College of Medicine Winter Haven Hospital Residency Program, Reddy began her journey into medical education at St. George’s University in the Caribbean. She completed her third and fourth years of medical school in Los Angeles and Miami.

While in these urban environments, she was required to see patients in the field, rather than the more controlled environments of a hospital or clinic. She admits to being apprehensive about treating patients when COVID-19 first emerged.

“I was unvaccinated, and I was still seeing patients,” Reddy explains. “We didn’t know who had COVID and who didn’t.”

Those early days when testing equipment was in

14 | CFHN

DR. NATHAN FALK

short supply were challenging for everyone, but especially the medical professionals in particular, who were continually exposed to the virus and working on the front lines.

She just began her residency in July with the program, which aims to give young doctors much-needed experience while also filling the need for more family practice physicians in Polk County. centralfloridahealthnews.com

Through the Winter Haven Residency Program, six new residents are enrolled each year in hopes that at least half of those new doctors will remain after their residency is finished. This partnership between Florida State University College of Medicine, Winter Haven Hospital and BayCare Medical Group helps to improve access to primary care for local residents.

According to the Residency Program Director, Dr. Nathan Falk, the pandemic has generated some unique challenges in medical education, but the residents have adapted well to virtual learning and telehealth visits, along with increased patient numbers.

“Hospital volumes have been quite high, leading to an abundance of opportunities to learn to care for critically ill patients,” Falk says.

Reddy has found her experience in Central Florida to be quite different from practicing medicine in the urban environments of Los Angeles and Miami.

One particularly welcome change is that she actually has a chance to get to know her patients and their needs as she sees them more than once — something that rarely happens in a large city.

Falk says the new residents have settled into the community quite nicely.

“They have already started providing outstanding care for many of our most vulnerable patients. ... One of our new residents has already helped deliver more than 15 babies.”

A native Floridian, Reddy grew up in the Orlando area. Despite the close proximity, she had never been to Winter Haven.

“It’s such a charming place with a small-town vibe. I love the little boutiques and that the stores are locally owned.”

She sees it as a community that gives back to itself and has found it to be an easy place to make new friends. At this point, she is planning on staying in the area after her residency ends. Her unique experience with the pandemic will certainly be an asset.

“In med school, we didn’t get exposed to a pandemic. COVID is so different from anything we’ve ever seen before, with so many different symptoms.”

Though she’s seen cases increasing locally, she remains hopeful about the future and dealing with the disease. They routinely screen incoming patients to help protect medical staff and the patients. Also, effective vaccines, cutting-edge therapeutics and a rapidly increasing base of knowledge of the disease have all helped to lessen the threat of COVID-19.

For now, Reddy is seeing patients in an outpatient, pediatric clinic with an 8 to 5 weekday schedule. She has been spared the grueling, sometimes endless hours that many of the residents face in this phase of their careers.

It’s been a long road for Reddy who showed an early interest in the science of medicine. While still in high school, she began volunteering at a local hospital and she recommends anyone who’s interested in pursuing a career in medicine to volunteer in order to see if it’s really right for them.

“Be as hands-on as possible, doing whatever you can to interact with patients.”

With the continuance of the Winter Haven Residency Program, the community will likely see more doctors like Akhila Reddy who are invested in the local communities and the patients which they serve.

Falk is proud of the residency program’s accomplishments so far, and he is hopeful for its future.

“We are incredibly excited to have continued our track record of recruiting a diverse group of Florida natives to train here in Polk County. The residents and faculty are proving to be an incredibly resilient group during one of the most difficult times in medicine.”. HN centralfloridahealthnews.com

HEALTHY AGING

Happiness Happens…

In the Sun!

D

espite the recent rain, we residents of the Sunshine State still make time to enjoy the Florida sunshine. Nothing COURTNEY BEAUMONT, says happiness like a day at the lake with O.D. family and friends. But, while we all know that the sun can cause damage to our skin in the form of sunspots and skin cancers, did you know that the sun can also cause damage to your eyes and the skin around your eyes? What does damage to your eyes from the sun look like, you ask? Sun damage to the eyes can cause scar tissue on the white part of your eye (pinguecula), worsening cataracts and macular degeneration, and skin cancer on the eyelids. So, protecting your eyes from the sun is vital to protecting your happiness!

Sunglasses have long been used to complete a fashion look, create a mysterious persona, or shield a celebrity from prying paparazzi.

While looking fabulous is definitely a time when happiness happens, we know that sunglasses are more than a fashion statement.

Sunglasses are an essential part of protecting your overall eye health and wellness. So what should you look for when choosing a pair of sunglasses for sun protection?

UV Protection Don’t be fooled, the darker the lens has NOTHING to do with the amount of harmful UV rays that the lenses block. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Size Remember that we are trying to protect the skin around your eyes, too! Small frames that sit far from your face aren’t offering an adequate level of protection for the delicate skin around your eyes.

Choose a frame that has a wrap-around style or that has a larger front.

Polarization Polarized lenses such as in a Maui Jim or Costa Del Mar pair of sunglasses reduce distracting glare and help sharpen your vision in bright sunlight.

Protect your happiness; protect your eyes. So let us at The Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida help you find the perfect pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Call us today at 800-282-3937 or visit us online at EYESFL.COM to schedule your appointment or visit our optical departments to find your next sunglasses!

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. Courtney Beaumont is a board-certified optometrist who practices at the Sebring location for Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida and is accepting new patients at this time.

CFHN | 15

HEALTHY COOK

Packing a Nutritious School Lunch May Call for Some Stealth

by CAROL CORLEY

W

e want our families to have a healthy diet, especially the youngsters going back to school. We give them a good breakfast and plan a nutritious dinner, but what about lunch? We can pack a healthy lunch for our children, but will they eat it?

Or will we need to get a little sneaky? Is there a way to hide the good stuff so that our children will gladly eat their healthy lunches?

There are different ways to get children interested in their lunches. An easy way is to get children deeply involved so they will have a sense of ownership. You could start them with planning “theme” lunches at the beginning of the week, then shopping to pick out ingredients, and finally preparing the lunch to take to school.

Another easy and often overlooked option is to make lunch attractive — even adults prefer a pretty plate to something thrown together at the last minute. Maybe have cookie cutouts for their sandwiches, include bright colors. Teach the child to arrange food attractively onto their plate.

And then there is downright sneaky. It works even for me. I know I need to eat vegetables and fruit, so sometimes I actually hide raw vegetables in my cheese sandwich, and fruits into a smoothie or buried in Greek yogurt. Easy and tasty.

There are also other ways to sneak vegetables and fruit into a school lunch — add to muffins, mini quiches, put it in chicken salad, vegetables pureed and put into meatballs.

Of course, you can always just add vegetables or fruit with a dip.

One of the most important aspects of sending a child to school with lunch is to have a way to keep hot foods safely hot and cold foods safely cold. Assuming you have that planned already, let’s look at foods.

We can start with wraps, which can be a fun and convenient way to have lunch. Start with a protein — beans, cheese, chicken, egg salad, ham, hummus, tuna. Then add your child’s favorite healthy vegetables — avocados, bell peppers, shredded carrots, chopped or sliced cucumbers, olives, spinach, tomatoes. Or add fruit, like apple or banana slices, berries, peaches, raisins. Finally, add a sauce or spread, depending on the wrap and choice of filling. Assembly is easy. Lay flat the wrap of choice, top with ingredients, fold sides, then roll. Separate veggie wraps from fruit wraps, unless complementary.

16 | CFHN

Turkey Wrap (Adapted from allrecipes.com) Ingredients: Whole wheat tortillas or wrap of choice, 6 (Or you could use lettuce as wraps) Deli turkey, 10 thin slices Swiss cheese, 3/4 cup shredded Bacon, 5 slices cooked, dried, and crumbled Avocado, 1 Tomato seeded and diced, 1 Iceberg lettuce, 1-1/4 cups shredded Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons Cream cheese with chives, 8 oz Directions: Spread each tortilla with a mixture of cream cheese and Dijon mustard, staying 1/2 inch from the tortilla edge. Top with shredded lettuce, turkey slices, shredded cheese, then top with tomato, avocado, and crumbled bacon. Roll up tightly, cut on the diagonal, and refrigerate prior to sending in the school lunch in a container that will keep food appropriately chilled.

Vegetable Beef Soup (Adapted from food.com) Ingredients: Tomatoes, 28 oz cans, diced Water, 4 cups Ground chuck, 3/4 lb Canned vegetables, drained — green beans, corn, English peas Carrots, 2 large, peeled and chopped Potatoes, 3 peeled and chopped Rice, 1/4 cup uncooked Garlic powder to taste Red cayenne pepper if child enjoys Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Brown meat in large pot with cooking spray, then remove and rinse spray from meat and wipe from pot. To pot, replace the meat and add tomatoes and water, and simmer for 20 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 1 hour. Can be taken to school in a thermos.

centralfloridahealthnews.com

ADVENTHEALTH

Unmasking the ‘Invisible Injury’: Knowing Concussion Signs Saves Lives

Berry Smoothie Bowl (Adapted from tasteofhome.com) Ingredients: Milk, 1 cup 2% Frozen unsweetened strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, 1-1/2 cups mixed Sugar, 3 tablespoons Ice cubes, 1 cup Optional, fresh fruit as above.

N

Directions: In a blender, process milk with frozen berries and sugar until smooth. Add ice if needed, and process. Gently blend in fresh fruit. Again, place in container safe for school, like a thermos.

Keep in refrigerator.

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ational Concussion Awareness Day is September 17. Its purpose is to raise awareness about the imTIFFANY OGLAGEO portance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of a concussion.

To a teen athlete, the health risk of a concussion can seem small compared to their powerful desire to stay in the game and help their teammates. That’s one reason adults on the sidelines have a critical role in assessing athletes for symptoms of concussions.

“Concussions can range from mild to severe, and while the symptoms are not always obvious even a mild concussion is a brain injury, and we have to take that seriously,” says Tiffany Oglageo, program manager for Advent Health Sports Concussion Program. An estimated 2.5 million high school students report having a concussion each year. There are significantly higher risks among students who play multiple sports.

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What Concussion Looks Like

A concussion occurs when the brain bounces around in the skull, often after a fall or hit to the head. There are two ways to think about concussion symptoms in youth athletes: how they act and how they describe their symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, parents can observe some of the following signs of a concussion in a youth athlete: • Changes in mood, personality or behavior • Forgetful about what happened just before or after the injury • Acting stunned, dazed, confused or forgetful, such as about their position or the game • Slow to answer questions or move clumsily • Losing consciousness, even briefly The players themselves often describe their symptoms in the following ways: • Balance problems • Bothered by light or noise • Feeling sluggish, foggy, hazy or groggy • Headache or “pressure” in the head • Confusion, memory or concentration problems These symptoms usually show up right after a hit, but it can take hours or days to notice something isn’t right, says Oglageo. Even if you’re not sure a concussion happened, children should not return to their game until they’ve been evaluated by a medical professional.

At the AdventHealth Sports Concussion Program, we know about the many physical, social and emotional benefits of youth sports. That’s why we work with individual children and families to develop treatments that work for them - and get them back on the field.

To schedule an appointment at the Sports Concussion Program, visit our website at AdventHealthMedicalGroup.com/concussion or call 407-303-6136.

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CFHN | 17

FEATURE COVID-19

DEEP DIVE INTO THE DELTA VARIANT Lakeland Regional Health’s Dr. Haight Talks About the Latest Threat

by TERESA SCHIFFER

W

ith new cases of COVID-19 rising throughout Florida, if you have been hesitant to get vaccinated, this could be a good time to commit to that. New cases have spiked in the past month from about 23,000 new cases per week throughout Florida in the beginning of July to over 134,000 new cases by the end of that month, according to the Florida Department of Health.

What’s fueling this surge? The primary factor is the Delta variant of the virus now circulating.

The National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease has reported to the CDC that the Delta variant of COVID-19 has been determined to be nearly twice as contagious as previous variants of the disease and is suspected to cause more severe illness among unvaccinated populations. This is the form of coronavirus currently most common in the United States. Although fully vaccinated individuals can still contract and spread this variant, they seem to be infectious for a shorter period of time than unvaccinated people.

Dr. Daniel Haight is a professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. For almost nine years, he has also served as the Vice President of Community Health at Lakeland Regional Health, as well as the Medical Director of Infectious Prevention there. He

18 | CFHN

has been working with COVID-19 patients at both Lakeland Regional Health and Tampa General Hospital.

Haight attributes the current rise in diagnosed cases to the area’s low vaccination rates.

“The most recent surge of infections has been due to a still very large number of unvaccinated, vulnerable people getting exposed to the virus,” he explains. “That, coupled with the natural process a virus goes through to produce variants as it continues infecting people, these variants can become more contagious or cause more serious illnesses.

We’re seeing that now with the Delta variant being more contagious.”

Any time a virus infects a person, it reproduces within that individual. It could create trillions of copies of itself, but not all of those copies will be identical. Globally, approximately 4,000 different variants of COVID-19 have already been identified.

Some variants are so close to the original form of the virus that there is no discernible difference in symptoms or treatment efficacy, while others differ so wildly as to be ineffective at infecting further individuals. Then there are those variants which are capable of infecting more people and causing more severe illness, being more difficult to detect through testing, and potentially resisting currently centralfloridahealthnews.com

available treatments.

of infection but also extremely low rates of hospitalization or death due to COVID-19.

“Often, when a variant becomes more contagious, it tends to become the more common virus spread in that geographical area,” Haight explains. “So it’s not surprising that now the majority of cases are the Delta variant, because it is the more contagious one.”

He goes on to say what steps will help slow the proliferation of dangerous variants of the virus: “If we can stop the spread, or at least slow down the spread, we can slow down the development of these variants. The more people who get infected, the higher the chance that more variants will develop. That’s why protective measures, such as staying home if you’re sick, being very careful if you’ve been exposed, and wearing a good quality mask in addition to vaccinations helps to reduce the spread of the virus, and that helps reduce the production of these variants.“ Though the Delta variant can cause more serious symptoms than previous iterations of the virus, medical treatments have continued to evolve alongside the disease, mitigat-

“The vaccines have been hugely effective,” Haight says. “What we have seen in the hospital is that 90 to 95 percent of those people getting so sick from their COVID infection are unvaccinated, and almost 99 percent of the people dying of COVID are unvaccinated. What we’re seeing is that in any community that has a large number of unvaccinated people, the disease is spreading very easily among that group, but unfortunately, it is spreading to the extent that vaccinated people are getting exposed to the sick, unvaccinated people, and some of the vaccinated people are catching COVID. The good news is that the vaccinated people who are catching COVID because of this massive outbreak are having milder cases, and many of them are not requiring hospitalization.”

DR. DANIEL HAIGHT

ing the overall impact of this dangerous new strain. With all vaccines, not all infections can be prevented. A heavily exposed vaccinated person might see the virus “break” the protection of the vaccine. Though not the best term to describe it, a “breakthrough” infection occurs when a vaccinated person becomes infected with the coronavirus. This does not mean the inoculation was ineffective, though, as vaccinated individuals are experiencing not only significantly lower rates

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September 2021 | CALENDAR RECURRING ONLINE EVENTS Active Kids 2.0 Keep the kids healthy and moving with these free, daily activity videos. Simply clear an area appropriate for movement for the children and search for Active Kids 2.0 on YouTube. A new 30-minute video is posted each weekday at 9 a.m. Past videos are also available.

All Fit Orlando All Fit Orlando is a gym offering a free 12-week boot camp style workout video during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little or no workout equipment is required for these energetic routines. You can access them anytime on their app or online at www.allfitorlando.com/freehomeworkout.

Bariatric Support Group Virtual St. Anthony’s Hospital sponsors this virtual support group for presurgical and postsurgical patients and their families. This session will take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 5 – 6 p.m. To learn more, please call 855269-4777. You can register for this free event at baycare.org/events, search for “Bariatric Support Group.”

BrainFlex Wellness Club This “body, mind, and spirit” approach to aging well is geared towards 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

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.

Music Therapy 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.

Ostomy 2-1-1 Ostomy 2-1-1 is a nonprofit organization that provides information and support to individuals and their families who are living with an ostomy bag. Their website, ostomy211.org, provides a wealth of resources to find online support groups, ostomy supplies, and answers to all your questions.

Caregiver Support Group – Weekly YMCA Central Florida This group meets every Monday at 11 a.m. to discuss caregiver 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.

20 | CFHN

Get your exercise in at home with these fun and invigorating videos brought to you by the Virtual YMCA Wellness Center at www.ymca360. org. There are videos for adults and seniors, as well as for children, including activities such as yoga, bootcamp, pilates, and stationary cycling.

Stay healthy and active in the safety of your own home.

EVENTS AND FUNDRAISERS Sept.1 – Maternity Center Orientation Virtual Prepare for delivery at BayCare by attending a virtual tour of the Maternity Center. This is a free class for expectant mothers. One support person may also attend. The class will take place from 6 – 8 p.m. on September 1, and 5:30 – 7 p.m. on September 8 and 15 and is sponsored by St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital.

For more information, please call 855-2694777.

Sept. 1, 8. 15, 22, and 29 – Ritmo Yoga This weekly class is presented with the goal of helping anyone who is interested in improving their health and wellness discover their inner potential through yoga. All ages, body shapes, and levels are welcome. Yoga instructor Evelyn Pena leads Shine Again Yoga on Mondays from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. and Ritmo Yoga on Wednesdays from 6 – 7 p.m. at Ultimate Dance Center, located at 2980 Lakeland Highlands Rd in Lakeland. The fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Classes are offered in English and Spanish. For more information, please call (305) 834-5021 or email love4youyoga@ gmail.com.

Sept. 1, 15, and 29 – Restorative Yoga Cancer Program Virtual 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 – 8:30 a.m. Register online at www.baycare.org/events or call 855-2694777 for more information.

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compiled by TERESA SCHIFFER

EVENTS AND FUNDRAISERS, CONTINUED Sept. 1 – 30 – Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida “POWer in Pink” 26.2 Virtual Marathon Challenge This hybrid event is a precursor to Breast Cancer Awareness Month! The inaugural in-person 5k will be held on September 18 at Tiger Town at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd in Lakeland, starting at 8 a.m. AdventHealth Mobile Mammography will be onsite during this time to offer mammograms from 7 – 10:30 a.m. The 26.2 Virtual Month-Long Marathon Challenge will be open to participants throughout September.

You can walk, run, bike, swim, or skate anywhere anytime, and then just log your miles. There will be prizes for various categories for both events.

You can register online at www.bcfcf.org/power-in-pink. For more information, please visit the website or call (863) 370-1927 or email Mandy@ bcfcf.org.

Sept. 7 – Breastfeeding Support Group Virtual St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital sponsors this support group that is exclusively for breastfeeding mothers. It takes place from 10 – 11 a.m. If you

need more information, please call 855-269-4777. You can register online by visiting www.baycare.org/events and searching for “Breastfeeding Support Group.”

Sept. 12 – BayCare HealthHub Farmer’s Market (Bardmoor) BayCare HealthHub is hosting a farmer’s market on the second Sunday of each month. Local vendors will be offering fresh produce, hot food, and more, including fun activities for children. This takes place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. BayCare HealthHub (Bardmoor) is located at 8787 Bryan Dairy Rd in Largo. If you need more information, please call 855-269-4777.

Sept. 16 – Peace River Center – Club SUCCESS: Nod to Nonprofits Tour Series Celebrate the grand opening of this recovery center for individuals with mental illness at their ribbon-cutting ceremony! The free event will be held from 9 – 10 a.m. at 2014 Lakeland Hills Blvd in Lakeland. For further information, please call (863) 688-8551, ext. 230.

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CFHN | 21

ORTHOPAEDIC HEALTH

PCMA LETTER

BODY, MIND & SPIRIT

Robotics Help Refine Hip, Knee Replacement

A

s we move further into the 21st century, more and more of the amazDR. TIMOTHY EVANS ing things that science fiction promised us are becoming reality. One fascinating technological development is the use of robots in a variety of applications – including orthopaedic surgery. There are many reasons to utilize robots in various medical procedures, and the evidence is growing that the advantages of doing so are numerous.

Robotic-assisted hip and knee surgery is quickly gaining in popularity, and for good reason. The data shows that overall, clinical outcomes and joint prosthesis survivorship are improved when robotic-assisted surgery is performed for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, or UKA. This type of surgery is used to relieve the pain associated with partial joint degeneration caused by arthritis. UKA surgery targets only the damaged portion of the joint and preserves the remaining healthy cartilage.

The main advantage of using a robot in this context is that it improves prosthesis position and alignment, which leads to a more positive outcome for the patient.

Robotic-assisted surgery can also improve outcomes for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). When the pain and disability of arthritis become severe, it may be necessary to replace the entire knee joint with an artificial joint, or prosthesis. Again, the primary advantage to using roboticassisted surgery is to improve the position and alignment of the prosthesis.

As with knee surgery, hip surgery can also benefit from the high-tech touch. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) requires precise positioning of the hip socket for successful joint replacement, and surgical robots are able to achieve this precision more reliably than the naked eye.

There is a learning curve with robotic-assisted surgery that can add to the total time needed to perform the operation, on average 15 – 25 minutes. However, with experience, much of this extra time is cut down and the total procedure time approaches that of conventional hip and knee arthroplasty. As these technologies continue to be refined, their utility has become more apparent and has allowed orthopaedic surgeons to ensure the best outcome for their patients.

This column is sponsored by Central Florida Orthopaedic Surgery Associates, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Dr. Timothy Evans obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of Central Florida and his Master of Science degree in Physiology from Georgetown University. He went on to attend medical school at Creighton University in Nebraska. He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

22 | CFHN

The Age of Entitlement

by MARY JOYE, LMHC

E

very generation has voiced some form of critical opinions of youth. The old term “whippersnapper” labeled an overconfident or defiant adolescent. Today’s buzzword is “entitled,” and while blaming this on social media is convenient, it is not realistic.

It is essential for older generations to be responsible for raising children who feel secure and have healthy self-esteem so they don’t become entitled. Underneath the drama, demands, bravado, selfies and designer labels lies an insecure need for attention.

A secure and confident child or adolescent feels valued and values others. They do not feel entitled to everything, or conversely, feel unworthy of anything. Both extremes are unhealthy for self-esteem. An entitled, narcissistic child or a burgeoning codependent, (who feels worthy of nothing), may act out in different ways, but they are both a fear-based dynamic. Balance is key to becoming a healthy adult who raises secure children.

Narcissistic personality disorder is different than being intermittently self-centered.

Science is working on what causes narcissistic personality disorder and the complex links discovered, according to The Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, Fifth Edition are: • Environment – Mismatches in parent-child relationships with either excessive adoration or excessive criticism that is poorly attuned to the child’s experience • Genetics – Inherited characteristics • Neurobiology – The connection between the brain and behavior and thinking Personality disorders manifest rapidly in adolescence and early adulthood. This makeor-break stage is crucial as getting help early

will curtail a disorder from taking root and branching out into maladaptive behaviors that are difficult to deconstruct in adulthood.

So how do you know if a child or teen is engaging in healthy self-confidence or entitlement? First, you must be healthy yourself to recognize the behavior. Entitlement appears as inflated self-importance but at the root is a child who needs to be in control to feel safe.

A narcissistic child lacks empathy and strives to be popular with a shallow entourage of followers. It is all about them, and they often end up lonely, addicted or depressed in late adulthood because they have run out of willing participants in their one-sided relationships.

Healthy children have empathy and do not take advantage of others or allow others to take advantage of them. Unlike the narcissistic child, they have humility and never need to excessively tease or humiliate others to feel better about themselves. Healthy children do not demand to be the center of attention. They grow up to enjoy fulfilling and meaningful relationships.

What may seem like a sense of entitlement may also be a temporary experimentation in finding autonomy, identity and purpose.

Teenagers become anxiously insecure as they navigate careers and relationships. Giving a child everything or allowing them to get away with anything creates entitlement. An entitled child inwardly knows they are not as worthy as they profess to be. Setting boundaries while allowing a young person to dream big about their future creates balance and reality.

Nurturing a child to become a healthy adult requires introspection and reflection to be a role model and lead by example. In doing so, entitlement will give way to enlightenment.

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.

centralfloridahealthnews.com

EDITOR’S DOSE

THE SCREEN TIME BATTLE

JESSICA McDONALD, EDITOR

jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com

Roan Cadavona,

Ritu Aparajita,

Kollagunta Chandrasekhar,

Cynthia Wolford,

Nurse Practitioner

Vascular Surgeon

Cardiologist

Family Nurse Practitioner

ARNP, FNP-C

MD, RPVI

MD, FACC

ARNP, FNP-C, CHFN

K.S. Chandrasekhar, MD, FCC

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

I

t seems like everything has gone digital these days, and that doesn’t just mean it’s on the computer. Now it means there is an app for everything, too, so even when you’re out and about, there’s a good chance you’re still on your phone for one thing or another.

What once involved a phone call or running down the street to talk to a friend now is just a message away. Homework can be done with Internet research. Books can be downloaded. Calendars have moved from the fridge door to an app on a phone. The list goes on and on.

Now, after a year of distance learning that had kids staring at a computer screen all day, every day, it might be time to re-evaluate how much time is really being spent looking at a screen.

While screen time is not inherently bad, too much has been shown to have adverse effects in kids, including decreased quality of sleep, obesity, headaches, eye strain and decreased attention span.

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, children in the United States ages 8-12 spend four to six hours a day watching or using screens, and teens spend up to nine hours a day.

So what are some ways you can cut down on screen time without starting a civil war in the household?

Here are some suggestions from experts: • Turn off screens and remove devices from the bedrooms 30 to 60 minutes.

• Develop a screen-time plan and make sure the children are allowed to weigh in.

• Make sure meals are not eaten in front of the TV. • Don’t leave the TV on as background noise. If you’re not actively watching it, turn it off.

• Encourage kids to participate in activities that don’t require screens, like sports, music, art, etc.

• Designate a time for family activities and quality time.

Perhaps the most important step of all is to lead by example. HN

centralfloridahealthnews.com

• Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine •E xecutive Director the Heart Function Clinic, Low Risk Chest Pain Center and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital • President of Medical Staff for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital • Chairman of Cardiology for Lake Wales Medical Center • Clinical Associate Professor, FSU College of Medicine

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

Cynthia Wolford, ARNP, FNP-C, CHFN

…is known for her passion to educate patients about Cardiovascular Disease.

With additional heart failure certifications, she promptly identifies areas of concern, prescribing medications or lifestyle modifications to treat parients in all stages of heart failure.

• Board certified Family Nurse Practitioner • Member of Staff for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

Roan Cadavona, ARNP, FNP-C

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

• Board certified Family Nurse Practitioner • Member of Staff for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

CFHN | 23

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