06.20.19 Health Matters

Observer

Health Matters JUNE/JULY 2019

SAFE & HEALTHY TRAVELS It’s summer — the season of family vacations and crosscountry travels. But before you board that plane or pile into your SUV for some R&R, make sure you’re taking the proper steps to ensure your family’s health away from home.

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HEALTHY DESIGN

CAR SEAT CHECK

WARRIOR POSE

New rehab center is built for health and comfort.

More than half of all car seats are installed incorrectly.

Warrior ONE opens new studio in Summerport.

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Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Managing Editor / Tim Freed, tfreed@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Hannah Swayze, hswayze@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Terri Hope, thope@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Office Coordinator / Accounting Ashley McWilliams, amcwilliams@OrangeObserver.com

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Bariatric program receives accreditation The bariatric program at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital received accreditation as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program — a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

“The accreditation recognizes the quality care our team delivers,” said Dr. Wiljon Beltre, bariatric surgeon and medical director of the program. “Everyone has a part, and our team members are dedicated to their roles and give their best to the program to ensure positive outcomes and improved lives for our patients.”

The MBSAQIP Standards ensure patients receive care from a multidisciplinary program, not just a surgical procedure, which improves patient outcomes and long-term success.

Beyond the traditional and robotic surgery options performed at Health Central, a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, nurses, registered dietitians and other medical professionals with specialized training work to ensure positive outcomes for patients before and after the procedures.

Support prior to surgery includes comprehensive examinations.

Ongoing care following surgery includes physician appointments, and monthly support groups to encourage healthy eating habits, exercise and other lifestyle changes.

“Not only are we focused on excellent clinical results in the surgical procedures we currently perform, we review outcomes, and explore opportunities through clinical research (internal and external) and other continuous improvement efforts, for even better outcomes and potential new surgical options for patients,” Beltre said.

To earn the MBSAQIP designation, the program met essential criteria for staffing, training and facility infrastructure and protocols for care, ensuring its ability to support patients with severe obesity before and after surgery.

The center also participates in a national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its processes and outcomes, identifying opportunities for continuous quality improvement.

In addition to the program accreditation, Beltre and Dr. Lou Harold have been designated verified surgeons by the MBSAQIP.

National HIV testing day is June 27 In honor of National HIV Testing Day June 27, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County will offer free rapid HIV testing to the community at different locations.

This year’s theme is “Doing It My Way,” which highlights how and why people make testing part of their lives — on their terms and in their way.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all individuals 13-64 years old be tested for HIV at least once during their lifetime and people at increased risk for HIV infection be tested at least annually.

With early diagnosis, individuals can begin appropriate treatment and care resulting in better health outcomes. Studies have shown that providing antiretroviral therapy as early as possible after diagnosis improves

a patient’s health, reduces transmission, and can eventually lead to undetectable HIV viral loads.

Free and confidential HIV testing will be offered near West Orange at the following locations: n Walgreens, 920 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 26 n Walgreens, 2550 N. Hiawassee Road, Orlando: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 26 and 27 n Walgreens, 13502 State Road 535 Orlando: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 27 n Walgreens, 6651 Old Winter Garden Road, Orlando: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 27

Dr. P. Phillips Hospital announces new CNO

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ISSUES BAT WARNING During this time of year, bats are active and seeking locations inside homes and buildings. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County wants to remind residents that any bat can have rabies, a deadly disease. Take these simple steps to protect yourself and your family: n Never handle bats and be sure that children understand the importance of this; n Make sure your pets are upto-date on their rabies vaccine;

Kelly Edmondson

Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital has named Kelly Edmondson as the new chief nursing officer and assistant vice president for Dr. P. Phillips Hospital.

In this position, Edmondson will oversee and coordinate the nursing department and its daily operations including ensuring the highest level of patient care is delivered to achieve performance goals.

Edmondson brings almost two decades of health care experience from bedside nurse to nursing-leadership proficiency.

Prior to this appointment, she served as the CNO at Bon Secours Mercy Health/Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Virginia. Under her leadership, the hospital earned significant recognition including both a safety grade of “A” and a “Top General Hospital” designation from the Leapfrog Group in 2018. In 2017, the hospital became Magnet Designated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which demonstrates excellence in nursing and nursing culture.

“Kelly will be a great addition to our leadership team,” said

n Use screens in all open windows; and Thibaut van Marcke, president of Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. “She has solid experience and an aptitude for developing strong teams that provide superior care and service.

Her leadership will be invaluable as we strive to deliver on our vision of excellence.”

Originally from Ohio, Edmondson began her nursing career as a staff nurse before assuming the role of clinical manager in the emergency room at a hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She has a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University, a master’s degree in nursing and healthcare administration from Otterbein University, and she is currently pursuing her doctoral degree. Edmondson is an affiliated member of the American Organization for Nurse Executives.

Knox Medical rebrands as Fluent Cansortium Inc., a Florida-based medical cannabis company, recently commenced a major rebranding with the global launch of Fluent to reflect the company’s

n Secure any openings to your attic/roof Bats play an important role in the ecosystem, especially in controlling insects and aiding agriculture. They pose virtually no danger to people who do not handle them, however, a small percentage can carry rabies. If you find a bat during daylight hours, it is most likely unhealthy and should be avoided.

If you or a family member has been bitten or scratched by a bat, you should seek medical attention and contact Orange County Animal Services at (407) 254-9150.

successful evolution and growth.

Fluent replaces Knox Medical, which operates in Florida with an expanding cultivation facility and dispensary network and is investing in increasing its presence in Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Canada and other international markets.

“Rebranding as Fluent reflects the next step in our journey to redefining the medical cannabis experience for customers,” said Jose J. Hidalgo, founder and CEO. “Today’s society is becoming fluent in cannabis, learning and gaining a deeper understanding of its impacts on health and wellness.

“Since the company’s first sales in 2017, we have served tens of thousands of customers,” he said. “Our expanding network of Fluent dispensaries will continue this commitment, offering premium medical cannabis at locations that provide our customers with an unrivaled experience.”

VITALITY ENDOCRINOLOGY OPENS IN DR. PHILLIPS Dr. Saadia Alvi opened her membership-based care practice, Vitality Endocrinology, in Dr. Phillips, at 7932 West Sand Lake Road, Suite 307.

Alvi is a board-certified specialist in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. Her previous staff positions include Orlando Health South Lake Hospital in Clermont, Florida and Mercy Hospital & Medical Center in Chicago.

“I’m focusing on my passion for disease prevention, to help my patients achieve long-term optimum health,” Alvi said. “I believe in managing, treating and preventing many chronic diseases including diabetes through the combination of evidence-based conventional and lifestyle medical approaches, with an emphasis on plantbased nutrition.”

The practice offers membership-based care options as an affordable way for patients to access a higher level of endocrine health care and focus on long-term prevention alongside the management of symptoms.

Through a combination of ongoing management, monitoring and multi-level treatment, patients have ongoing access to Dr. Alvi for a monthly rate. Feefor-service appointments are also available.

“I want to ensure my patients understand their treatment options, have plenty of time to get their questions answered and really take control of their endocrine health,” Alvi said. “I believe the membership-based care practice model works best for patients with chronic conditions, allowing us to become partners in their ongoing endo-

Dr. Saadia Alvi

crine condition management.”

Alvi is a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

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Comfort by design Courtesy photos

The new facility at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital is designed to make patients feel like they are at home — or on vacation.

TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

O

Tim Freed

ne of West Orange’s latest facilities for post-acute care is blurring the line between hospital and hospitality.

Orlando Health recently celebrated a new option for locals in need of post-acute care in Ocoee with the opening of its new Orlando Health Center for Rehabilitation at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, May 23.

The 91,000-square-foot, 110bed skilled-nursing facility is located at the intersection of Old Winter Garden Road and Hempel Avenue at the Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital campus.

It includes 60 beds for shortterm, skilled-nursing care, 40 beds in a specially designed memory care wing serving Alzheimer’s/ dementia patients and 10 beds for a hospice inpatient unit managed

by Cornerstone Hospice.

Local leaders lauded the project not only for how it combines three different uses but also for its carefully designed interior and layout that puts comfort first.

“It’s going to be huge for not just West Orange, but Central Florida,” Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital President Mark Marsh said. “It’s unique — it’s really a hotel with long-term care and

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— Elena Pathak, senior project designer, KTH Architects

rehab. It’s a huge need — we see it every day. These are really important beds, needs and services. …

This will be one of a kind in Central Florida.”

For Elena Pathak, senior project designer with KTH Architects, the guiding premise was to design the facility as a hotel with exceptional medical care.

“We always tried to keep it in the back of our head — ‘Would a hotel do that?’” Pathak said. “If the answer was ‘no,’ then we kind of had to revisit and go back to the drawing board and make some decisions.”

That mindset led to the implementation of several different design choices, Pathak said. One of which was the decision to build the hallways and the exterior walls of the skilled nursing and hospice wings at an angle instead of a straight line, based on a prototype Pathak and her firm had been developing for over a decade called “acuity capable rooms.”

“What it does is it sets the headwall of the bed at an angle, which then allows the patient to be turned toward the window,” she said. “It looks like the window is coming at you. As we know with Florence Nightingale many, many years ago, the body naturally turns to light. When patients are in bed, they don’t normally have a tendency to turn their head 90 degrees to a normal window in a straight corridor with perfectly straight walls. … This literally angles the windows to them, so it’s right in their view corridor and in their line of sight.”

The angled design also leaves space for a larger bathroom where patients can be assisted. It allows the doors leading into the rooms to swing out into the hallways as well, while still maintaining an 8-footwide space to walk through.

“It prevents barricade situations,” Pathak said. “By the doors swinging out, if they were to fall at the door trying to get out for

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the front door off a main promenade or access. Right when you pull up Hempel (Avenue), you’ve got that promenade, and we lined it with palm trees so that you’d have more of a resort-like feel.”

That type of atmosphere is catching on with new medical facilities throughout the region — and there’s a reason for that, Pathak said.

“What I find is that when you design with more of a hospitality, hotel-like manner, humans just seem to respond to it well, because they associate it with being on vacation or relaxing or healing or getting away from the buzz of the daily grind,” Pathak said.

Construction on the $37 million facility in Ocoee began back in late 2017, and the center is expected to hold 150 full-time employees.

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“What I find is that when you design with more of a hospitality, hotel-like manner, humans just seem to respond to it well, because they associate it with being on vacation or relaxing or healing or getting away from the buzz of the daily grind.”

some reason, they could easily be assisted because the door swings the other direction.”

In addition to the room service-style food and posh furniture, other nuances within the center include large old-time photographs of water sports in the skilled nursing areas — to get patients thinking of being active and heading to physical therapy.

The memory care facility also was designed to have more of a household feel, with rooms surrounding a central living room space instead of long stretching corridors that feel more like a hospital.

A hotel look and feel even was considered when placing the building itself.

“The facility was originally — back in its pre-design, early planning stages — (set for) what they considered a quiet part of the campus off in the corner where no one would necessarily see it,” Pathak said. “A lot of new hotels don’t really want to do that — they want to be front and center. They want a resort-like feel. You want

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A type 2 reset button?

AdventHealth Orlando recently tested a new outpatient procedure that could be a permanent solution for type 2 diabetes patients.

TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

A new treatment for type 2 diabetes might be on the horizon for patients — and AdventHealth is at the forefront of testing it.

Doctors at the AdventHealth main campus in Orlando recently tested a Revita duodenal mucosal resurfacing system — a groundbreaking new procedure that researchers hope will lead to a new treatment for type 2 diabetes — for the first time in the United States back in May. The system — created by Massachusetts-based Fractyl Laboratories — is currently in a pilot study phase that involves testing the procedure with patients.

Research from Fractyl suggests a diet high in fats and refined sugars can damage the lining of the gut and lower the body’s insulin sensitivity.

According to a statement from AdventHealth, Fractyl has collected a body of evidence suggesting there’s a way to reverse this — by removing the unhealthy layer of overgrowth that has developed in the duodenum, the uppermost part of the small intestine. The procedure could potentially be a “reset button”

BE A PART OF THE STUDY A study is seeking participants regarding the Revita DMR system. Five clinical trial sites nationwide, including AdventHealth Orlando, will enroll a total of 18 participants — between 28 and 65 years of age — with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. To be eligible, individuals must have been diagnosed with diabetes for at least three years and must have a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) level of 7.5 to 9.5% (59-80 mmol/mol).

The other trial sites are located in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Texas —a full list of trial sites and criteria is available at clinicaltrials. gov.

For patients in Florida with interest in participating in the trial, contact the recruitment team at TRI@flhosp.org or (407) 303-7100.

to rejuvenate the lining and ultimately restore insulin sensitivity.

This allows the body to properly regulate blood sugar without the need for additional medicines, according to AdventHealth.

“It leads to a remodeling of

how the body handles glucose, because there are different hormones — some are helpful for glucose control, some are probably not helpful,” said Dr. Steven Smith, chief scientific officer of the AdventHealth Research Institute. “That remodeling seems to reduce blood sugar in a way that is unlike any other treatment.”

Smith said the Revita DMR system was developed by Fractyl over the last few years. The outpatient procedure starts with a physician endoscopically inserting a balloon catheter into the duodenum. The balloon is then inflated and heated, destroying the excessive layer of the lining to rejuvenate it. The balloon catheter is removed after the procedure is complete.

According to statistics from the Florida Diabetes Advisory Council, more than 2 million Floridians are believed to have type 2 diabetes, and nearly 6 million have pre-diabetes.

Most people in the United States don’t have adequately controlled blood sugar, according to AdventHealth. This can lead to serious complications such as vision loss, heart disease and even amputations.

“There’s a great need for more permanent solutions and one of the promises of this particular

Courtesy

The Revita DMR system can potentially rejuvenate the lining of the intestines and ultimately restore insulin sensitivity.

approach is that, after the treatment, you won’t need another treatment into the future,” Smith said. “In that sense, it’s a little bit like a vaccine that you take and it works, and you don’t have to worry about it again.”

This treatment could be revolutionary, Smith said, adding that those with diabetes should be hopeful for new treatments.

“There are people out there working really hard to try to

come up with new and innovative solutions to help people who do develop diabetes,” Smith said.

“It’s not a hopeless cause to be diagnosed with diabetes.”

The study is currently in the midst of recruiting and enrolling participants — a phase that should be finished later this year, Smith said. It will take at least a year after that for results to come back.

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Car seat 101 Before you hit the road this summer, check to ensure your child’s car seat is both installed and fits properly.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

W

ith summer being the prime time for family road trips and traveling, ensuring the safety of all passengers in your vehicle should always be part of any pre-vacation preparations.

According to the American Society for the Positive Care of

SEAT SAFETY If you would like a certified car seat technician to evaluate or help install your car seat, contact the Children’s Safety Village of Central Florida at (407) 521-4673 or email carrisa.johns@ocfl.net.

The Ultimate Car Seat Guide: safekids.org/ultimatecar-seat-guide UPCOMING CSV CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECKPOINTS: JULY 11 — 9 to 11 a.m. at Orange County Fire Station 70, 1027 E. Wallace St., Orlando JULY 16 — 9 to 11 a.m. at Orange County Fire Station 30, 20 S. Hastings St., Orlando AUG. 8 — 5 to 7 p.m. at Orange County Fire Station 83, 11950 Lake Underhill Road, Orlando AUG. 20 — 9 to 11 a.m. Orange County Fire Station 70, 1027 E. Wallace St., Orlando

Children, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children in the United States.

The ASPCC also states an estimated 59% of car seats and 20% of booster seats are installed or used improperly. That means it’s worth double-checking your child’s car seat to ensure that it’s installed properly before taking off on a road trip.

Carrisa Johns — the Occupant Protection Program coordinator for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office — is a certified car seat technician who also is the OPP safety instructor at Children’s Safety Village of Central Florida.

When it comes to car seats, she has seen thousands of them over her 16 years as a car seat tech.

FIND THE BEST FIT

Johns said the first step in ensuring proper car seat safety is choosing the right one for your child — and your vehicle.

“What’s really most important is that they get the seat that fits their child,” Johns said. “It has to be the right compatibility with the vehicle — it needs to fit both the child and the car. It’s aways a bonus if it fits your budget, but you want to make sure you’re able to use it correctly and consistently every time. Having them in the proper type of seat is most important over brand and style.”

When choosing a car seat, Johns recommends parents go to the store and play with the car seat models on display to find the one they are most comfortable with buckling, unbuckling and adjusting. If you don’t know how to make the changes and adjust-

ments, you may not do it right and in turn your child is riding with it fitting incorrectly, which puts them at risk, Johns said.

POSITIONING THE SEAT

Regarding the length of time a child should be in a car seat, and which direction he or she should be facing, Johns said most certified car seat techs follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. Currently, AAP recommends children remain in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat.

Additionally, the back seat is always the best place for a child to be. The ASPCC states the car seat should be installed in the middle if possible. However, behind the driver’s seat is the second-best location.

COMMON PROBLEMS

Regarding improper restraints, there are two categories: mistakes made with the car seat installed in the vehicle, and mistakes made with the child buckled into the seat.

“When we think about the mistakes they make with the child buckled in, there’s three main places we tend to see them go wrong if they do,” Johns said.

“The first thing would be what height or slot the harness comes out of, depending on the direction they’re facing. The second is how tight the harness should be, and the last part with the harnessing is the harness retainer or chest clip.”

With installation in the vehicle, Johns said, there are many more ways a seat could be installed improperly. These depend on the type of car seat, what direction it’s facing, what kind of vehicle you have and the vehicle’s anchoring system.

“The beauty of it all that is that our program, along with many others across the country, offer free car seat installation technicians,” Johns said. “We are out in the community every single month and we will check to make sure it’s installed correctly.”

COMMON CAR SEAT MISTAKES n Harness height. If forward-facing, harnesses should come from at or above the shoulder; rear-facing is at or below the shoulder. n Harness tightness. Use the PINCH test. With your pointer finger and thumb, if you can pinch any webbing on the harness straps horizontally in the shoulder area or just above it the chest clip is too loose. n Chest clips. The ends of the clip should point to the armpits, not any lower.

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JUNE 2019

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Courtesy

Ed Tenuto and Shelly Riedemann are co-owners of Castaway Dream Travel in Winter Garden.

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SUPPORT Castaway Dream Travel is certified to plan vacations for families on the autism spectrum.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Shelly Riedemann has completed her certification and now is equipped to plan vacations for families with members on the autism spectrum. The travel agent and her business partner, Ed Tenuto, own Castaway Dream Travel in Winter Garden and want parents to know there are many options available for planning a vacation with the entire family.

“There was a recent study of 1,000 parents questioned, and 87% don’t take family vacations — (they) don’t know what’s available and where to go,” Riedemann said. “It seems like too big an obstacle for them, and matching the needs of a child on the spectrum with that of another child in the family just becomes overwhelming for a lot of families.”

Families can take cruises and go to theme parks, water parks, resorts, museums, zoos and aquariums, for instance, Riedemann said.

She recently gained Certified Autism Travel Agent status through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards and is trained in planning vacations suited to every individual’s needs.

Both Tenuto and Riedemann have family members on the spectrum and have planned vacations for them.

“We start planning a vacation for these families like we would any family,” Riedemann said. “The first thing we would do is a client interview, what they want to do, the where, when, what of what they would like to experience on their vacation. Then if they have a child on the spectrum, we will delve into … prior experiences: Were they good or bad, did they go to a water park and it turned out

badly? If they went somewhere and it turned out badly, we don’t want to visit that again.”

Riedemann said she and the family discuss the child’s sensory challenges.

“Maybe they don’t like water touching them,” she said. “Maybe loud noises or clapping or people looking at them is a challenge. One of the more common ones has to do with smell, and when there are too many smells, it can be overwhelming.”

The goal is to work around these challenges to create a vacation experience everyone is comfortable with and to meet the vacation desires of everyone in the family.

The travel agent said she looks for vacation destinations with trained staff, a proper environment and meal accommodations. Limited transportation connections sometimes are important, so Riedemann works to find direct flights.

More destinations are now providing sensory guides for various activities, and she looks for suppliers who have this option.

“I don’t think there’s anything that can’t be accommodated,” she said. “It’s just that initial interview with the family, and the understanding of that child’s sensory challenges is what guides me for the best type of vacation for them.”

Riedemann said some airports and airlines offer a program in which the child on with Autism Spectrum Disorder can make a trial run through the TSA line and see the boarding process before actually taking a flight.

Orlando International Airport has this program.

“Some families have never flown so they have no idea if they can fly or not,” she said. “There are a lot of accommodations out there, and many families just aren’t aware of their options today.”

ERIC GUTIERREZ

HEALTH IN HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS

STAFF WRITER

W

ith children out of school

and summer in full swing, many families all over the country will be hitting the road for vacations.

While families are away, it’s important to ensure everyone’s medical needs will be met — especially in cases of emergencies.

The best way to prepare for any potential medical need while you’re away is to know before you go.

Whether it’s a vacation overseas or within the United States, travelers often are exposed to high-traffic areas — such as airports, airplanes and hotels — during their trips.

Being around those large volumes of people could potentially increase someone’s risk of getting sick. The first step in preventing this is good hand hygiene, according to Dr. Antonio Crespo, of Orlando Health’s Travel Medicine Clinic.

“Be sure that you wash your hands frequently — that’s actually the most important measure anyone can take,” Crespo said.

“If you want to bring with you an alcohol-based gel — commercially known as Purell or an equivalent — that helps to clean your hands more frequently. “ When traveling abroad, Crespo suggested to get a pre-travel medical evaluation and make sure im-

TRAVELING WITH PRESCRIPTIONS Dr. Ashley Falk is a family physician at AdventHealth Winter Garden. When traveling with prescription medication, her first suggestion is to make sure to bring enough medication to last the duration.

“One thing we often see is people calling in lastminute (for refills) or realizing they’re going to run out

during their travel,” Falk said.

“Make sure ahead of time that you have an adequate supply, and if you’re going to be traveling for a long period of time, oftentimes, there are some ways — if you discuss this with your pharmacist and with your doctor — to get a longer supply of your medication, if needed for travel.”

Falk added that medication always should be kept in its original container with the prescribing information on it when traveling. If traveling by plane, keep prescription medications in carry-on luggage to reduce the risk of it being lost.

“I also recommend if

munizations are up-to-date before leaving. He suggested even getting a flu shot and advised to check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to see if any additional vaccines or prophylactics are needed based on the destination country. Additionally, if people need medical care while they’re in other countries, Crespo said they should check with the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate for guidance in the best way to proceed with receiving care.

“If you’re going to places where the water is not safe, there’s some (purification) tablets you can use to clean the water if you want to feel safer,” Crespo said. “Know exactly where you’re going, and be as prepared as you can.”

For information on travel health tips from the CDC, visit, bit. ly/2h23xKz.

you have some chronic medical condition that you bring a list of those conditions, the medications that you’re taking for them and the different physicians that are prescribing them,” Falk said.

“That way, if you run into any health issues while you’re traveling, you have that information easily accessible.”

When traveling with temperature-sensitive medication, Falk suggested checking with the airline or with Terminal Security Administration to see how those medications should be brought aboard the plane. According to the TSA website, liquid medication in excess of 3.4 ounces are allowed in carry-on bags.

However, a TSA officer must be informed of the medication at the start of the screening process, and the medication will be subjected to additional screening.

For more information from the TSA about traveling with medications visit, bit.ly/2t3WHuq.

HEALTH MATTERS

OrangeObserver.com

HEALTH INSURANCE WHILE YOU’RE AWAY Melissa Kincaid, director of the Florida Blue Center in Winter Park Village, said those who plan on traveling — whether it’s outof-state or abroad — should be aware of and understand what their insurance plans would cover.

“Knowing how their benefits work outside of their home state (is important), because the plans all vary,” Kincaid said.

“Some plans would extend into other states and the network is throughout the U.S., so it would work just how it would back at home. But other plans, depending on the type of network and the type of plan that person has selected, may have different guidelines for what they’ll cover when you go outside (your home state). They might cover — for example — emergencyonly situations if they’re medical.”

Kincaid added the best way to learn about what an insurance plan will cover while traveling is to check with the provider. Most insurance providers list a customer service phone number on the back of insurance cards that people can call to learn more about their plans, Kincaid said.

“Get in touch with your insurance company before you go traveling just so you can the benefits and know how your plan would work and, should you need care, what is the best thing for you to do?” she said.

For those traveling outside of the country who have plans that may not include coverage abroad, Kincaid suggested purchasing temporary traveler’s insurance plans for the duration of the trip.

PET CARE For pet owners looking to travel during the summer, one of the first decisions to make is whether to bring the pet along. Whether the pet is staying behind or

hitting the road with the family, it’s important to make sure the pet is up to date on vaccinations, said Dr. Thomas J. Oakes, of Oakes Animal Hospital.

“A lot of the boarding facilities nowadays are requiring a flu

AIRPLANES AND SMALL CHILDREN Traveling on airplanes can be a scary and anxiety-inducing experience for babies and small children. When traveling with them, make sure the child’s vaccinations are up to date to reduce the child’s risk of getting sick.

“Get in (with your doctor) and make sure you’re current with your wellness checks to make sure that both you and

your children are in good health to be traveling,” Falk said, adding to make sure children’s hands stay clean as well.

“Being up-to-date with vaccines … is probably the most important, (because) they may be exposed to diseases we no longer have here but may still be prevalent in other

RULES OF THE ROAD DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

For most families, summertime translates to primetime for family vacations — some of which include road trips.

One might associate road trips with frequent fast-food stops — or stops for sugary and salty snacks in general — but eating on the go doesn’t have to mean eating unhealthy.

Lisa Cooper, a dietitian at the Center for Health Improvement , located at Orlando Health’s Horizon West medical pavilion, said the key to snacking smartly on the road is to plan ahead.

“That would be my No. 1 tip,” Cooper said. “Think about where you need to stop. Are you going to eat on the road, in the car, at a rest stop? What will that look like for your family? If you have little kids you may want to (stop) more often.

“I recommend having something packed, like a cooler with snacks and drinks and easy-tocarry meals (such as) peanut butter and jelly or wraps of some sort,” she said. “Or you might want to stop at a restaurant (such as) Panera or Chipotle, where you have a few healthier options.”

Cooper said it’s also possible to order smart at fast-food restaurants. Customers can get a wrap or salad at Chick-fil-A, or grab a sub made with whole-grain bread

and vegetables. The main thing to remember: Avoid fried foods and sugary beverages.

“If you think ahead, you’re going to make a better choice,” she said. “As long as it’s not fried foods or heavy in sugar content. Maybe you could even plan to stop at a grocery store and buy premade items (such as) subs, salads and hard-boiled eggs. (You can have) things packed and maybe make a picnic out of it using picnic tables at the rest stops.”

If you opt to plan ahead and save some cash by packing your snacks or meals, Cooper suggests packing a cooler with kid-friendly options. Children often will be more apt to eat packed snacks if parents let them help in picking and packing the snacks in small containers.

Snacks and drinks should be packed separately and in insulated coolers filled with ice or frozen gel packs. You also can freeze water bottles and juice boxes to help keep them cold. Use individually packaged items for quick grabs, and be sure to use hand sanitizer before sticking your hands into a cooler full of food.

Additionally, Cooper said, a full cooler will remain colder longer than one that is partially filled.

“You can make your own granola bars or energy balls or mix dry cereal with trail mix,” Cooper said.

shot,” Oakes said. “If they’ve never had the flu shot, they require a three-week booster (shot), so you have to keep that in mind before boarding (your pet).”

If a pet is coming along, make

countries,” Crespo said.

“Diarrhea is common when you’re traveling, so you need to try to avoid (tap) water. Try to always use bottled water.”

Falk also recommended bringing something for the child to keep them engaged during the flight to help keep them calm.

“Having things to keep your child active and engaged while you’re

Orlando Health dietician Lisa Cooper shares her best tips for making smart choices and choosing healthier options on the go.

“Other good ideas are almondbutter packets or peanutbutter packets and you can dip celery or apples into those.

Try having little baggies filled with cherry tomatoes, apple slices, blueberries or snap peas.

If you’re packing cold it can be Greek yogurt, hummus and string cheese.”

Another important thing to consider when eating on the go is to avoid mindless eating — or eating out of boredom. Not being aware of this can lead to some serious snacking.

“You’re driving and just eating as you do it, so a way to get away from that is the prepackaged items,” Cooper said. “Have things in little baggies so you know you have to stop at the end of the

baggie instead of a whole bag of chips. You can use sugar-free gums as a snack or a way to avoid mindless eating.

“You also want sustained energy and want to make sure you get your rest and stay well hydrated, because dehydration can make you feel fatigued,” she said. “If you go more than three to four hours between meals you’ll have low blood sugar and get tired.

Fueling yourself is just as important as putting gas in your car.”

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JUNE 2019

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sure the destination is petfriendly. For pets who are prone to getting anxious during car rides, Oakes suggested seeing a veterinarian to get medicine to help calm the pet down. Additionally, Oakes said, pet owners should get a traveler’s certificate for their pet 14 to 30 days before leaving if they’re traveling abroad. He added owners should check with airlines ahead of time to ensure their pet carrier is the appropriate size.

If a pet is on any type of medication, be sure to bring enough for the duration of the trip, along with any related documentation as well as the pet’s veterinarian information. And make sure to pack enough of the pet’s food to last the duration of the trip.

These same suggestions apply if the pet will be staying at a boarding facility while the owners are away, Oakes said.

“Take your shot records with you, just in case,” Oakes said.

“Make sure to bring a copy of your (pet’s) records, so if you have to stop by a vet, they can know what’s going on with the (pet) and treat it, if need be.”

traveling are helpful,” Falk said. “(Bring) activities and objects they are familiar with (to keep) them engaged during the travel.”

Crespo said feeding a child during an airplane descent can help with the ear pain associated with landing.

“Drinking or eating during the descent of the airplane, that tends to prevent some of the ear pain that they can have,” Crespo said.

HEALTHY SNACK IDEAS n Almond butter packets or peanut butter packets with apple slices or celery sticks n Apple or fruit/vegetable squeeze packets n Babybel cheese n Cereal/granola bars (less than 10g sugar; more than 3g fiber and 3g protein) n Crunchy edamame n Dried blueberries, cherries, mangos, cranberries, raisins n Dry cereal mixed in trail mix n Freeze-fried fruits or vegetables n Fruit (bananas, oranges, grapes, apple slices, blueberries) n Fruit leather n Greek yogurt n Hummus n Homemade bars/energy balls n Low-fat string cheese n Organic shakes n Popcorn (such as Skinny Pop) n Roasted chickpeas n Shelf stable milk n Sunflower and pumpkin seeds n Tortilla chips with sea salt or Beanitos n Vegetables (cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, baby carrots, celery sticks, sliced green/red peppers) n Whole-grain crackers (such as Crunchmasters or Triscuits) n Unsalted nuts (pistachios, almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews)

HEALTH MATTERS

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OrangeObserver.com

JUNE 2019

Quadruple digits

Courtesy photos

Jennie Joseph reunited in April with many of the babies she delivered, including a 23-year-old and a 4-week-old.

Midwife Jennie Joseph recently celebrated her 25th anniversary and about 1,000 births. She reunited with many of the babies she has delivered in her career.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Jennie Joseph has delivered close to 40 babies each year for the last 25 years. The British-trained midwife and women’s health advocate is celebrating nearly 1,000 births since she founded Commonsense Childbirth Inc. and opened The Birth Place, a birthing center and maternity medical home in Winter Garden.

Joseph hosted a reunion of her “Florida Babies” in April and reconnected with about 200 parents and the babies she has delivered through the years. The youngest was 4 weeks old; the oldest, 23.

One mother traveled from Rhode Island for the event. In a

few instances, there were families in which Joseph delivered the mother and then a generation later delivered her baby.

Joseph started her career in Orlando and opened The Birth Place in Winter Garden in 2001.

She currently is located at 213 S. Dillard St., Suite 340.

The staff comprises a full-support team, Joseph said — three midwives and several doulas who are on call as needed, as well as childbirth and lactation educators.

Clients have the option of having natural or water births at the center or delivering at a local hospital.

“By proving the support that we do, we help educate and empower women and families to have

Midwife Jennie Joseph, right, has assisted in close to 1,000 births. One of those children is 23-year-old Daniel Tyrrell, center, whose mother, Jenny Tyrrell, left, is a doula at Joseph’s birthing center in Winter Garden.

more control over the process, and that’s where we think the safety comes from,” Joseph said.

“Women who have this support have better outcomes, healthier pregnancies and healthier births, and … postpartum depression is less likely.

“It’s so important to support and empower mothers through the birthing process,” Joseph said. “It’s not just the day of birth but the full wrap-around support during pregnancy, birth and

afterward. … We work with them from the day they come in.”

FROM MOTHER TO DOULA

Jenny and Greg Tyrrell were new to Winter Garden 23 years ago and were looking for a midwife for the delivery of their sixth child, Daniel. They discovered Joseph, then in Orlando, and were blessed with a wonderful home-birthing experience and a “caring, interested, compassionate” midwife.

“With Daniel’s birth, she just

went that extra mile to make sure everything was OK,” Jenny Tyrrell said. “I just remember that it was a wonderful experience and she was there all the way encouraging me.”

Tyrrell recently completed the doula certification program and serves as a labor coach — providing physical and emotional support and encouragement — for the mothers who choose The Birth Place.

Daniel, now 23, was giving moral support to friends giving birth in January, and that’s when he met Joseph.

“Daniel was encouraging a friend and a friend’s wife giving birth in January, and he met Jennie then, and that’s when they reunited, and he sent me a text, like, ‘Mom, did Jennie deliver me?’” Tyrrell said.

“Jennie is amazing, and she touches many lives,” she said.

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HEALTH MATTERS

OrangeObserver.com

From now through Nov. 30, hurricane season affects all Florida residents one way or another, promising damaging winds, possible flooding and excessive rain.

This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a near-normal hurricane season with nine to 15 named storms — those with winds higher than 39 mph — and two to four major hurricanes.

And although storms in Florida are inevitable, staying healthy and safe isn’t.

“Being prepared before the storm comes is the No. 1 thing that I would tell people to do,” said Christian Zuver, medical director of Orange County Emergency Medical Services.

Zuver has served as medical director since 2007 and was a paramedic before that. His office assists with the management of special-needs shelters that open when a large storm is expected.

He said everyone should have both a hurricane and evacuation plan ready, but there are extra steps to ensure a healthy, safe season for everyone.

START WITH YOUR HURRICANE KIT

Every household should have a hurricane kit, Zuver said.

Along with items such as non-perishable food items, three days’ worth of water, flashlights, extra batteries and a radio, Zuver said to be sure to include a basic first-aid kit, any medical equipment and up to a week’s worth of any prescription medication.

“And it’s always better if those prescriptions are in labeled bottles and not just kind of thrown into a bag and held,” Zuver said.

For residents with any health issues, another way to prepare is by talking to doctors and medical teams to develop a back-up plan for prescriptions and communicating with family, particularly concerning medication that needs to be refrigerated.

Because EMS may not be able to reach certain areas of the county during and after a storm, Zuver said the best way to stay out of emergency situations is through common sense.

Anyone recommended to evacuate should do so.

n A change of clothes n Blanket and pillow n Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, hairbrush) n A caregiver, if you have one. n IDs and medical information n Medications (prescription or not) n Any medical equipment or supplies n Food/snacks if on a restricted diet n Phone charger n A book or other entertainment to pass the time SPECIAL NEEDS

Year-round, Zuver’s office prepares for the rush of sheltering those who need extra assistance.

Each shelter, which Orange County announces on a storm-by-storm basis, provides steady electricity, oxygen and climate control for county residents who may need the services not guaranteed with the unpredictability of the storm.

“We have a lot of folks in today’s society (who) are electronic-dependent,” he said. “A lot of it is respiratory components for nebulizers or CPAP machines at night to help them breathe … or people who require ventilators.”

Because many residents who use the special-needs shelters are mobilityimpaired, Orange County works to provide transportation to the shelters by partnering with Lynx bus services and other partners.

To register for the use of a specialneeds shelter, residents can use the Orange County Citizens Line by dialing 311. Registration is not required for use of the emergency shelter services.

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Just because a hurricane dissipates does not mean the threat is over.

Zuver said that after the storm is when the county EMS deals with calls concerning dehydration, injuries and even wildlife exposure.

“In the immediate phase afterward, the people (who) sheltered at home — (who) may have been without power but typically use power for their medical devices — they may have an exacerbation of their chronic problems,” Zuver said.

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Orange County officials recommend those going to any shelter bring any necessities used during day-to-day life outside of the storm.

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New Patient Exam

Preparation is key As hurricane season spins up in Florida, knowledge and preparation will be key in keeping you and your loved ones healthy.

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HEALTH MATTERS

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OrangeObserver.com

JUNE 2019

Finding your inner Warrior

Everything changes with time – some things change for the better!

At Warrior ONE Yoga — Winter Garden/ Windermere, owner and instructor Julie Sanchez helps visitors find self growth and clarity.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Inside the four walls covered with paintings of butterflies and colorful patterns, Julie Sanchez leads her yoga class through the motions.

It’s her Wednesday night hot power class, and the small heater at the back of the room of Warrior ONE Yoga — Winter Garden/ Windermere reads “90 degrees.”

That’s the perfect temperature for the class, so Sanchez never pushes the thermostat any further.

And the temperature — combined with the transitions from pose to pose — has her students drenched with sweat, but the

atmosphere in the cozy, intimate space is one of total tranquility.

It’s an incredibly beneficial style of yoga, Sanchez said.

“They help you to create innerstrength, help you tap into your own inner-power,” she said.

“Whether it’s your first day of yoga or your 25th year, it’s all levels. But the beautiful thing about hot yoga is once your body is at a nice warming point, you’re really able to create length and create space.

“Your body is like glass, so if glass is cold and you try to shape it and mold it, it doesn’t happen,” said Sanchez, owner and instructor at the studio. “But if you get it warm, you can find a lot of space in your body.”

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HEALTH MATTERS

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Troy Herring

Julie Sanchez loves sharing her passion for yoga with students at the new Warrior ONE Yoga in Summerport.

their computer, then they get back in their car, and then they drive back home, and they sit at their table and eat,” Sanchez said.

“If you look at studies right now, sitting has become as dangerous as smoking. Why? Because sitting constricts blood flow, not allowing breath … so we have classes that are yin classes that can make people feel comfortable and create stretch, create blood flow and create strength without injury.”

The role of healthy living is something that extends beyond the studio, and it’s what got Sanchez started in yoga. When she arrived to Florida with her

family five years ago from Texas, she already had years of experience as a personal trainer and had dabbled in yoga for her own personal health.

It was her mom, who suffers from severe rheumatoid arthritis, who inspired her to become a personal trainer and yoga instructor all those years ago.

“She didn’t want to go to a gym, she felt self-conscious, she couldn’t do the things that other people did,” Sanchez said. “And here I am, looking at this mother of mine, who is this amazing strong woman. … So I became a personal trainer. I help people who needed community and

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Although the class is a popular one, it’s just one of the many offered by Sanchez and the several other instructors who call Warrior ONE home.

From 6 a.m. until about 8:30 at night, Warrior ONE holds every kind of yoga class imaginable. Some classes promote relaxation, while others focus on stretching. Then there’s the yin yoga class, which concentrates on deep stretching. And in this day and age, simply stretching is important for good health, Sanchez said.

“People sit all day — they drive in their car, they go to their office, and they sit, and they work on

who needed health and wellness. I knew that somehow I had to empower them and bring them together, and I didn’t want them to feel left out and feel alone.”

The sense of community and the benefits yoga brings play a huge role in Sanchez’s day-today life as a yoga instructor and practitioner. She saw how yoga helped bring people together, and she ran with it. The hope was that she could help those like her mom, or the young woman who used to watch her children that took her own life a few years back.

“It hit me like a ton of bricks,” Sanchez said. “Yoga can help bring a community together, and yoga can be individual at the same time. People needed that connection more than ever, so I chose to dive into all different kinds of yoga.”

Since that deep dive into the yoga world, Sanchez can be found, not only in her studio, but also out in the community. She has done numerous chair yoga classes for the seniors in retirement homes and has gone out to teach yoga to Orange Count Public Schools teachers.

Just the act of teaching and helping people is enough to keep the fire in Sanchez’s belly lit and burning brighter than ever.

“I really believe that when you are passionate about something, and when you are up to something bigger, it’s a different energy — it doesn’t feel draining or that it’s depleting me,” Sanchez said. “On the other hand, I see people’s lives that are impacted in a positive way, and it just makes me want to reach out and do more.”

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HEALTH MATTERS

HEALTH CALENDAR

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OrangeObserver.com

JUNE 2019

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

BOOT CAMP FOR DADS 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, June 21, at Winnie Palmer Hospital OB/GYN Hospitalist Group, 83 W. Miller St., Orlando. This is a “men-only” class for both new and expecting fathers as well as “veteran” fathers. The one-time, three-hour class provides hands-on realistic experience, and participants learn how to calm a crying baby, how to change a diaper, and more. The relaxed, “locker room meets nursery” setting allows participants the opportunity to get answers to all of their questions directly from other “veteran” fathers who are currently navigating their way through fatherhood. Along with knowledge confidence, and fun, participants will also receive a copy of “Crashcourse for New Dads,” the only fatherhood book written from the experiences and advice of more than 200,000 dads. Boot Camp For Dads is hosted on the first floor next to the cafeteria; check in at the concierge desk. (407) 325-7352.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

MALL WALKERS WOW (WEST ORANGE WALK) 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 22, at West Oaks Mall, 9401 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. Join the Mall Walkers at the first Mall Walkers WOW. The group will be walking a 5K together in glorious air-conditioned comfort with Orlando Health and the Roper YMCA. While you’re at the event, sign up for the Mall Walkers Program and keep walking all summer long. With free monthly breakfasts, activities, and prizes, getting in your steps just got a whole lot easier. For more, visit healthywestorange.org/mallwalkers.

TUESDAY, JUNE 25

TIME OUT FOR TEENS 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, and Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26, at the Southwest Branch Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Get together with other teens to talk about school and other issues while participating in fun activities to help you relax, de-stress, learn new life skills and become a better you. (407) 835-7323.

TUESDAY, JULY 2

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, and Aug. 6, at the Southwest Branch Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Promote well-being through mindfulness meditation. Develop abilities to cope with stress and anxiety, and promote well-being through mindfulness meditation. Meditation coach Lucia Beninati has practiced mediation for several years. For beginners to advanced; ages 13 and up. Registration preferred; walk-ins welcome. Chairs provided. (407) 835-7323.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10

STORIES AND STRETCHES 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, at the Southwest Branch Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Calling all little yogis and wiggle-worms.

Join the library for a special movement storytime focusing on motor development filled with stories, songs and fun. Ages 2 to 5. (407) 835-7323.

TUESDAY, JULY 16

SPACE SPA 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at the Southwest Branch Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Create a Haley’s Comet fizzing bath bomb and exfoliating sugar scrub for relaxation that is out of this world.

This class is for adults. Limited supplies. Registration required.

(407) 835-7323.

SATURDAY, JULY 20

STRESS BUSTER ART: COLOR YOUR UNIVERSE 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Southwest Branch Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Color, create, paint, and meditate. Join the library for a de-stressing holiday art adventure creating a yarn painting. No art experience required. All supplies are provided.

For women and men ages 18 and up. Registration required. Limited seating. (407) 835-7323.

TAI CHI FOR HEALTH 1 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Southwest Branch Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Experience a tai chi class for a strong body and mind with master instructor Jon Malone. Malone teaches tai chi and qigong at the Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center in downtown Orlando and at HarborChase of Dr. Phillips. No prior experience needed. Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes; no sandals please. Registration required. For ages 13 and up. (407) 835-7323.

THURSDAY, JULY 25

AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, and Friday, July 26, at Sonata West, 420 Roper Road, Winter Garden. Take a driver’s license and AARP membership card, if you are a member. AARP, (888) 227-7669.

MONDAY, AUG. 26

AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Aug. 26,

and Tuesday, Aug. 27, at Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. Take a driver’s license and AARP membership card, if you are a member. AARP, (888) 227-7669.

SATURDAY, JULY 27

STRETCH ACROSS THE UNIVERSE 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden.

Transform into a meteor, a shooting star or even the moon! Gather the family for a space-themed introduction to yoga. Recommended for families. Any person requiring special accommodations to participate in any class or event because of a disability may arrange for accommodations by contacting the location at which the event is held at least seven days prior to the event. (407) 835-7323.

CLASSES & GROUPS

AUTISM GYM PROGRAM 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays at the Jim Beech Recreation Center, 1820 A D Mims Road, Ocoee. It is open to all ages and disabilities.

Any family member is welcome. It is an open gym night so kids of all ages can run, jump and play while the parents talk and relax. For more, visit ocoee.org/155/YouthPrograms.

50+ EXERCISE CLASS 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. For more, visit st.lukes.org/sports, email sports@st.lukes.org.

50+ STRENGTH CLASS 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vine-

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land Road, Orlando. For more, visit st.lukes.org/sports, email sports@st.lukes.org or call (407) 876-4991, Ext. 290.

ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA SUPPORT 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month, in the second-floor conference room at Health Central Hospital, 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. For more, call (407) 843-1910.

CAR SEAT CLASSES 9 a.m. to noon, July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at Health Start Coalition of Orange County’s Ocoee Service Center, 475 W. Story Road, Suite 1, Ocoee.

Three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly. In the Safe Ride 4 Babies car seat class, attendees will learn how to properly install a car seat in an instructional class setting. The second portion of the class is spent outside actually installing the car seat into your car. The class costs $30, and you will receive a convertible car seat valued at $90. For more, visit healthystartorange.org.

CHAIR EXERCISE 8:45 a.m. Tuesdays at the Tom Ison Seniors and Veterans Center, 1701 Adair St., Ocoee. This program is through the West Orange Seniors organization. Teresa or Mike Varela, (407) 592-4498.

CHAIR/STRETCH EXERCISE 8:45 a.m. Fridays at the Tom Ison Seniors and Veterans Center, 1701 Adair St., Ocoee. This program is through the West Orange Seniors organization. Teresa or Mike Varela, (407) 592-4498.

GENTLE YOGA 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310

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N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. The next session begins June 5. This class is great for beginners or anyone that wants to learn the basics of yoga. Cost is $9 for residents or $10 for non-residents per class; or $32 for residents and $36 for nonresidents per four-week session.

For more, call (407) 656-4155.

GENTLE YOGA 9:30 a.m. Fridays at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando.

For more, visit st.lukes.org/ sports, email sports@st.lukes.org or call (407) 876-4991, Ext. 290.

HEALTH CENTRAL WALKERS 8:30 a.m. daily at the West Oaks Mall, 9401 W. Colonial Drive, No. 728, Ocoee. If you enjoy walking and want to stay in shape, you will love the Health Central Walkers program. No matter your age or fitness level, you can participate in a clean, climate-controlled environment. Perfect for year-around walking. This program is perfect for new moms with strollers, too.

To sign up for the free program and to get started, visit the Registration Team from 9 to 10 a.m.

Mondays through Fridays in the food court. You may also email marketing@healthcentral.org for additional information.

JAZZERCISE 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Saturdays at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. This is a high-intensity dance workout that mixes modern moves with strength training. Ages 18 and older. Cost is $15 per class or $45 per four-week session. For more, call (407) 656-4155.

SEE CALENDAR PAGE 18

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JUNE 2019

LINE DANCING 10 a.m. Tuesdays at the Tom Ison Seniors and Veterans Center, 1701 Adair St., Ocoee. This program is through the West Orange Seniors organization. Teresa or Mike Varela, (407) 592-4498.

MOMS RUN THIS TOWN The Central Florida chapter of this women’s running club invites local women to get together to run/walk/jog and socialize. All skill levels are welcome. To join the group or for more information, visit facebook. com/groups/centralflorida.mrtt, email mrttcentralfl@gmail.com or visit momsrunthistown.com/ centralfl.

PRESCHOOL YOGA 10:15 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, July 9 to Aug. 27, at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. Classes introduce children to yoga using age appropriate stories to practice yoga poses, breathing, exercises and meditation. This program helps with focus, attention and self-regulation. Imposes body awareness and balance in young children. Cost is $60 for residents and $70 for non-residents per eight-week session. For more, call (407) 656-4155.

SYSTEMA 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

This Russian martial art focuses on self-defense methods, greater strength and endurance. Cost is $15 per class; or $45 for residents and $55 for non-residents per four-week session. Ages 18 and older. (407) 656-4155.

TAI CHI 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. Cost is $50 for residents and $55 for nonresidents per month. Ages 18 and older. For more information, visit returntogoodhealth.20fr.com.

WEIGHT WATCHERS 5:30 p.m. Mondays at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. Weight Watchers is a great way to lose weight and help keep weight off.

For more, call (407) 656-4155.

ZUMBA 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays, at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. Move your hips and exercise in disguise. This is an exciting, dance-fitness class that features exotic rhythms set to high-energy international beats. Cost is $5 for residents and $6 for non-resident per class; or $40 for residents and $46 for non-residents per month.

For more, call (407) 656-4155.

ZUMBA GOLD 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Mondays and 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Thursdays at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. This class is for active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves at a lower intensity. Cost is $3 for residents and $4 for on-residents per class; or $22 for residents and $30 for non-residents per four-week session. For more, call (407) 656-4155.

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Join us for 4 miles on the 4th of July!

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Age group awards.

Finisher medals.

Some great giveaways from Orlando Health and more!

Event starts/finishes in Oakland, Florida.

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HEALTH CALENDAR

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JUNE 2019

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OrangeObserver.com

JUNE 2019

Restoring Hope for an Active Life Microsurgical back surgery at the NeuroSpine Center of Excellence

For Will Whitlock, life in Central Florida always had meant enjoying the outdoors and his favorite pastimes of hunting and fishing. But in recent years, he spent more and more of his spare time sidelined on the sofa with chronic back pain. Some days it felt like somebody was “putting a screwdriver in my back,” he says. And then there were the multiple back spasms each day.

Will had been diagnosed with scoliosis and degenerative disc disease and had tried cortisone shots, but they no longer worked. After meeting with two doctors who said they couldn’t help him due to the complexity of his back problem, Will connected with spine surgeon Dr. Robert Masson. Dr. Masson leads the NeuroSpine Center of Excellence at Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital. It’s the only spine surgery program in Central Florida that’s certified by The Joint Commission.

“He asked me what I wanted to get out of surgery,” recalls Will. “I told him I want to be able to hunt and bleed.pdf

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fish and do my chores again without being stuck on the couch. And he said, we can do that.”

The Microsurgical Difference Dr. Masson helped Will by fusing together two of his vertebrae using a microsurgical technique.

Microsurgery uses an operating microscope and miniaturized instruments, and is less invasive than traditional orthopedic spinal surgery.

“Traditional spine surgery will have a wound of several inches that strips the muscle and ligament off of the spine above and below the surgical target,” explains Dr. Masson. “That causes future problems. When you do it microsurgically in a more focused fashion, you’re not causing your next problem.”

The procedure also included placement of a steel basket known as a “spine cage” in Will’s spine where the worn-down disk used to be, with rods supporting the vertebrae on both sides. The spine

cage contains bone graft and stem cell proteins to help Will’s vertebrae grow through the cage, acting as a disc replacement. For six months following the surgery, Will also wore a bone growth stimulator on his lower back for two hours a day.

Will’s recovery includes working with the rehabilitation team at Orlando Health – Health Central to regain his strength and retrain his muscles and posture.

“So far, I’m very pleased with the results,” says Will at 10 months post-surgery. “I don’t have any pain going down my legs, and I don’t have the chronic pain. Instead of having multiple back spasms a day, I’ve only had one since surgery.

“I’m happy to be back at work, and I’m looking forward to going fishing again soon.”

Learn more about the NeuroSpine Center of Excellence at OrlandoHealth.com/ SpineExcellence.

Will

A NEUROSPINE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR

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LIFE WITHOUT BACK PAIN. After decades of active living, my back pain became so bad that I could no longer do the things I love, like fishing. Then I discovered the NeuroSpine Center of Excellence at Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital.

After a minimally-invasive microsurgical procedure, my back is virtually pain-free, and I’m on my way to living a fulfilling life again.

K

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