Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles. Westchase/Citrus Park Magazine. Vol. 11, Issue 10, October 2022

The Winning Team at MOSAIC

Maxillofacial Surgical Arts and Implant Centers

As their website notes: “Maxillofa cial Surgical Arts and Implant Centers provides comprehensive oral and maxillofacial treatment to patients in Tampa, Clearwater, and surrounding areas. From dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, and bone grafting to corrective jaw surgery, TMJ disorders, and facial trauma, we tailor treatment to each patient’s unique needs to optimize their oral function and their quality of life.”

Owner and founder, Dr. Mark W. Mitchell D.D.S. has been practicing for over 36 years. As his practice contin ues to grow, he adds additional staff, as needed, to his successful practice.

The practice is pleased to an nounce the addition of the services of a new doctor, Dr. Clayton Hamrick DMD, MD, to their already outstand ing team.

Dr. Hamrick, as his impressive

By Tom Bostock

What do five doctors/dentists from disparate backgrounds have in common?

These include one doctor from Camaguey, Cuba, and another from Nairobi, Kenya. No group of doctors in the fields of oral (maxillofacial)/implant surgery and aesthetic care epitomizes professionalism and excellence more than the dedicated surgeons at MOSAIC Maxillofacial Surgical Arts and Implant Centers.

Together, this team of dedicated oral surgeons continues to provide for the dental and facial surgery needs of their grateful patients in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, the entire Tampa Bay community.

TAMPA BAY - MAKING PINK STRIDES

One of the most significant tools we have today is the power of human connection. Awareness months, weeks, and days are so important: They rally us together to spread a message and show support for much-needed causes. They help us create a comforting feel ing that no matter what you’re going through, you don’t have to do it alone.

The support of your loved ones and the community you live in can make a huge difference in anyone’s life. I love being part of the supportive commu nity of Tampa Bay!

This month of October happens to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, LGBT History Month, ADHD Awareness Month, Emotional Wellness Month, and Italian-American Heritage Month, just to name a few. Whichever movement you choose to support, make it count!

As someone whose childhood friend just got diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and it’s undergoing weekly chemo sessions, I want to say Brenda I love you, stay strong! Have faith, and don’t stop fighting!

For everyone reading, I also want to say that early detection can make all the difference. I can’t really stress enough the importance of preventive care and regular checkups.

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Movement will host several fundraising events and non-competitive walks/runs in Tampa Bay during the month of October.

“Since 1993, the American Can cer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® (MSABC) campaign has united communities, companies, and individuals with a collective goal to end breast cancer as we know it. Over the past two decades, the 3- to 5-mile noncompetitive walks have collectively grown into the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer move

ment providing a supportive com munity for courageous breast cancer survivors and metastatic breast can cer thrivers, including caregivers and families alike. This year, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer celebrates its 30th anniversary and will take place in more than 150 communities nation wide. We invite you to join the Making Strides movement to help save lives and end breast cancer as we know it.” (cancer.org)

For more information and to par ticipate in upcoming awareness events taking place throughout the month of October in Tampa, please visit https:// www.cancer.org/involved/fundraise/ making-strides-against-breast-cancer. html.For resourceful information on breast screening exams and mam mograms for low-income households, please check: https://www.freemammo grams.org/city/fl-tampa

During October, numerous small businesses will offer amazing promo tions and perhaps even hold their own fundraising events, so make sure to check out your Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles magazine or visit tbnews andlifestyles.com to stay up to date with what your community businesses and non-for-profits are doing and offer ing every month!

With Halloween festivities fast ap proaching, the City of Tampa wants to keep families participating in trick-ortreating events safe from COVID. For a detailed list of Halloween safety tips and an incredible list of family-friendly Halloween events, please visit: https:// www.tampa.gov/news/city-tampashares-covid-19-safety-tips-trick-ortreating-and-other-halloween-festivities

Until next time, stay safe!

Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi

“Medicare is as Simple as A, B, C, D.” Just Ask Laurie Champion

By T.J. Bostock

On July 30, 1965, Presi dent Johnson signed the Medicare and Medicaid Act into law. It was a part of the Social Security Act Amend ments and established Medicare; health insurance for seniors at least 65 years of age, as well as younger recipients with certain disabilities while simulta neously creating a similar program for low-income Americans, Medicaid. To day, experienced, licensed insurance agents train to be able to assist seniors in en rolling them in the program and understanding their assorted options under Medicare.

There is an easier way to learn about Medicare. When was the last time you performed your own brain surgery? Now, that is silly, isn’t it? You would consult a surgeon in the field in question to ensure a more favorable outcome, wouldn’t you? The same thing should apply to your understanding of the nu ances of Medicare.

Why don’t you take the uncertainty and any lack of understanding out of the equation by getting to know Laurie Champion? She is your experienced local insurance agent for a major Medicare healthcare insurance provider. Laurie said she learned to under stand the confusion associ ated with Medicare when

her father had a stroke. He did not know where to get the specialized care he needed from his regular Medicare provider. With Laurie’s help, he was able to get the proper treatment to put him on the road to recovery. This incident and her husband’s later sug gestion encouraged her to enter the Medicare field.

Laurie said, “I have been a licensed insurance agent for 15 years and have specialized in the intrica cies of Medicare for the last 10 years.” Her husband, a financial advisor, had many older clients who were aging into Medicare. He needed someone to help his clients with their Medi care needs. It was a perfect fit for her, as, years later, her many grateful, satisfied Medicare clients today can attest to.

When I asked Laurie about the different sec tions of Medicare and what coverage they provide, she said that each portion represented a specific area of Medicare coverage

As I understand it, Part A refers to the coverage for hospital stays and includes 80% of the costs incurred. Part B is similar but covers expenses for services out side of hospital stays, not including drugs. Again, the same 80% limit applies.

Part C relates to Medi care plans. Major healthcare companies offer a variety of individual programs that

include the benefits of all parts of Medicare, and additional coverage that might include dental, vision, and gym memberships, to name just a few of the many possible additional benefits offered by the individual plans.

Part D refers to cover age for prescription drugs and medicines. Many of these programs include mail options from their online pharmacies. It is a tiered system and drug costs rise as various medications are found on a higher tier

This is just a brief lay man’s view of what I under

info@nnlflorida.com

stand about Medicare and its options. If you have any questions, you should be talking to Laurie Champion, your local Medicare ad viser. She is the expert and can explain the Medicare process in terms that every one can understand. She periodically conducts group presentations in easy-tounderstand language. She represents one of the largest Medicare health care insurance providers in the country with some of the most comprehensive Medicare Advantage, and supplement programs, and benefits available anywhere.

visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com

Do not worry if you are not available to attend one of her group meetings that explain Medicare. Laurie also offers one-on-one, in-home consultations if you contact her in advance at 727 741 2481. Visit her website at www. MyUHCagent.com/laurie.champion for more information.

In addition to the group presentations, and one-onone meetings, Laurie also offers virtual meetings to ac commodate any less mobile clients’ needs. “My clients,” she said, “are extremely important to me. I treat them the way I want to be treated.” This confirms her willingness to go the extra mile for her clients.

Laurie stresses Medicare education with all her clients. That way, she keeps them up to date about any current changes to the program. Clients can feel confident when they choose one of her Medicare plans that best meets their individual healthcare needs.

There are many Medicare agents available around the country, but Laurie is your local, knowledgeable, and pro fessional one. She is conveniently located to anyone in the Tampa Bay area and professionally serves all her clients. If you miss the initial Medicare enrollment period, contact Laurie. She might be able to help. There is nothing to lose but a phone call and a minute of your time. Call 727 741 2481 today for your peace of mind tomorrow.

online biography indi cates, “joined the University of Florida in July 2019 as a visiting professor in oral and maxillofacial surgery, or OMFS, where he focused on didactic and clinical instruc tion for predoctoral dental students and residents in the department’s advanced education program.” Dr. Hamrick fits seamlessly with the practice’s core values of compassion, quality care, and surgical excellence.

Additional achievements for Dr. Hamrick include obtaining his dental de gree from the University of Florida in 2012, his medical degree in 2016, completing his OMFS resident program at UFCD in 2018, and earn ing a general surgery intern ship certificate from the UF College of Medicine in June 2019. Board certified, like the other doctors at the practice, Dr. Hamrick looks forward to sharing his stateof-the-art skills and knowl edge with all the patients at Maxillofacial Surgical Arts and Implant Centers.

Dr. Hamrick joins Dr. Mehta, who is a partner of Dr. Mitchell He was born and raised in Nairobi, Ke nya. He brought an equally impressive background to the MOSAIC staff. After immigrating to the United States in 1998, he com pleted his undergraduate degree at the University of South Florida, his D.M.D. at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and his M.D. at the University of Florida College of Medi cine.

This was followed by his Oral & Maxillofacial Sur

gery Program, also at the University of Florida where he was Chief resident. He then completed a year of General Surgery at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. His valuable addition was wel comed by all of the staff.

Another valuable team member, Dr. Young, is shar ing his surgical expertise, lecturing around the country about the latest in surgical techniques. Becky Sanchez noted, “All of the surgeons at MOSAIC Maxillofacial Surgical Arts and Implant Centers are certified and practice regularly in area hospitals.”

I also wondered, dur ing my interview with their marketing director and surgical assistant, Becky Sanchez, where Dr. Mitchell came up with the com pany’s name, specifically the reference to the word “MOSAIC.” Continuously stressing teamwork and the family atmosphere, Becky said, “MOSAIC” was born from the idea that we make a whole from every small piece. We wouldn’t be whole without each other,” she stated emphatically.

“We consider ourselves to be the absolute best choice when it comes to oral surgery. We really try to live a culture of care and concern between one an other.” Surgical excellence, compassionate care, and availability are their mission statement.

Since Covid 19 remains on everyone’s mind, I asked Becky how it impacted Maxillofacial Surgical Arts and Implant Centers and their patients.

Becky said,” our main focus has been to bring Hope to Our patients and each and every one of our staff members. We strategi cally found ways to bring our staff closer to one an other to create a community amongst ourselves where everyone enjoys coming to work. Working together, we can lean on each other, cre ating a stronger team and a better all-around experience for our patients individually. We are always striving to provide the absolute, best surgical experience!

That may seem like lofty ideals, but did it work? Let’s read what some of the satis

fied patients at MOSAIC Maxillofacial Surgical Arts and Implants Centers had to say: Professional Staff:

“My experience was with Dr. Shaun Young. I had a cracked root on a molar that had already had a previous root canal. The only solution was to have the tooth extracted. I made an appointment with MOSAIC Center and was given a Consultation with Dr. Young. After examining my X-Rays he offered to extract the tooth. I had no pain whatsoever and was amazed how efficient and pain free my extraction was.

I never needed any pain medication after the visit. I would recommend Dr. Young for any dental proce dure. He was very thorough and explained what would happen.”

Just Wonderful – I would give the Six Stars if I could:

“I can’t say enough about the professionalism, courteous and compassion

ate treatment that I received from the staff and doctors of MOSAIC. Dr. Mitchell and his staff took the time to go over my procedure in great detail as well as patiently answer my many questions. The procedure itself was handled with an impressive degree of expertise and I highly recommend MOSAIC for those seeking implants or maxillofacial surgery. Thanks so much!”

Tooth removed:

“I have been to the MO SAIC office before! Always a good experience…which is not usual for me, as I do not like going to the dentist!” However, they are wonder ful! Very caring efficient and helpful. Dr.Samuel Landrian was my Dentist/Surgeon today! He is simply wonder ful! No problems at all and I was done in no time at all! His assistant was also very

thorough! Anytime that I have to have any Jaw or Bone problems, I will defi nitely go to them! Thanks.”

These a just three samples of the many more unsolicited testimonials found on the MOSAIC web site, www.MOSAICsurgery. com.

If you need maxil lofacial surgery such as but not limited to: Dental extractions, Dental Implants, Facial surgery, Bone grafting, Sinus eleva tions, etc., to name just a few of the many services they offer, just call the local MOSAIC Maxillofacial Surgical Arts and Implant Center nearest you for the compassionate care in the family-like atmosphere you deserve.

With offices conveniently located near you in the Tampa Bay area: New Port Richey/Trin ity – 727 842 5180 Clearwater – 727 791 6529

Westchase – 813 749 0903.

Bring MOSAIC Maxillofacial your oral surgery problems today. They will be your solution!

Terrifying Tales of Scammers!by Bob the Computer Guy

By Bob Dalles & Nikki Dalles

Hello Friend! In case you didn’t know, October is Cybersecurity Aware ness Month, so I’d like to start by telling you a story about a phone call my wife received. Over Labor Day weekend we received a phone call from “Officer Johnson” in the warrants and citations department of the county sheriff’s office. He used her full name and left a phone number for her to call back. Naturally, we were very suspi cious of this message. We went to the sheriff’s office website, found the nonemergency phone number, and spoke with an officer there. When we ex plained the message we received, he advised my wife that this is a common phone call scam going around lately and that it was best to just ignore the phone call.

This incident got me thinking about how these scammers scare and intimidate their victims. It’s all psycho logical. These cybercriminals are prey ing on your fear. Whether they send you an email that your credit card was used to make an expensive purchase, a pop-up message on your screen telling you that your computer had a security breach, or “Officer Johnson” calling to discuss the warrant out for your arrest, they are hoping you’ll spring into action to resolve the issue quickly, and with as few questions, as possible.

The only way to combat this psychological attack on your sensitive information is by changing your behav ior. That’s why my cybersecurity team and I have produced an informational guide for you to reference if one of these scammers tries to take advan tage of your fears. In this guide we

include information on the four types of scams that we get the most phone calls about. Our goal is to help you identify these different types of scams, so you don’t fall victim to them. And if you do get scammed, we give you the next steps to take to get you safe and secure.

There are four types of scams that we identify within the guide. The first scam we discuss is the email and text message scam. Email scams are incredibly common, but I’ve been get ting more calls about text scams lately. When presented with these scams we always recommend reaching out to your trusted IT professional to check them out, but within our guide we give you a comprehensive check list to de termine whether they are real or not.

The second type of scam we dis cuss is the phone call scam. Much like the email and text scam this is one of the most common scams that people experience. We recommend that you don’t answer any calls from phone numbers you don’t know. Unfortunate ly, many people do not know to ignore the call and get sucked in. If you do answer, or they leave a voicemail, our guide can help you figure out how to resolve any issues the caller might have mentioned.

The third scam we discuss is a bit scarier than the former two and is the one that folks tend to fall for the most: the pop-up scam. This type of scam truly plays on your fears and can happen to anyone while online with a simple click of your mouse. These types of scams tend to mimic true security warnings that your computer might show but, in our guide, we show what this type of scam might look like and provide a list of characteristics this

scam might have.

The final scam we discuss is less common than the rest but is the most detrimental to its victims: the sim card swap scam. A sim card is the device in your mobile phone that provides your cellular connection with your carrier. If scammers get enough of your per sonal information, they can imperson ate you and get your phone number changed to another carrier, therefore stealing your phone number and any other information tied to that phone number. In our guide we give you the warning signs to watch for and what to do if this does happen to you, as well as how to help protect yourself from becoming a victim in the first place.

If you would like to get your hands on one of these FREE guides all you have to do is give us a call at 727534-4000 and we’ll get one sent to you. The next time you get a phone call, email, or pop-up message you can grab this guide to help keep you from becoming yet another cybercrime statistic.

Are you certain your computer is safe? You don’t have to do this alone my friend. My team and I are here to keep your computer safer and keep it running. My team repairs comput ers and secures them, on our bench, on-site in your home or office, and even remotely. We have the best solu tions already in place and we’re only a phone call away. Call us anytime at 727-534-4000. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades.

We Keep You Safer In Your Digital World!