Health Matters

East County Observer

• DECEMBER

2012

HEALTH MATTERS COVER STORY:

QUALITY CARE:

MAKEOVER:

Pinheads sew support one stitch at a time.

24/7 Emergency Room pediatric care off to strong start.

PAGE 3

Reduce stress by eliminating your clutter.

PAGE 2

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Health Matters | DECEMBER 2012

YourObserver.com

cover story π

The Pinheads sew support one stitch at a time Scraps of fabric, string, pincushions and half-sewn projects are scattered across Betty Roberts’ dining table. It’s Monday morning and these women are hard at work cutting, sewing and stuffing heart pillows in an assembly-line fashion.

“We are like the post office — rain or shine — we are open on Mondays,” jokes Betty Roberts, a member of the group that’s named itself “The Pinheads.”

Members make heart pillows, chemo caps, totes, quilts and a number of other projects for cancer patients.

“We joined the group either having survived cancer or being a caregiver and what we found is that it’s like family,” said Pinhead member and breast-cancer survivor Cheryl Martin.

Members initially met at the Wellness Community Center, on Clark Road, before it moved to Lakewood Ranch and became the Center for Building Hope.

The Center for Building Hope provides free services for cancer patients and those effected through support, educational and mind-body connection programs.

Ladies in the Pinheads joined the Stitch and Chat group at the Wellness Community Center, which started as a quilting group for support with their own battles.

Roberts joined the group more than 10 years ago, when her daughter lost her battle against cancer. Others are newer additions.

They soon formed friendships and decided to sew in Roberts’ home on Siesta Key instead of driving out to Lakewood Ranch.

“They have formed bonds that go beyond just sewing,” said Center for Building Hope Outreach Coordinator Diane Whitten. “These women are so dedicated to give back to the community to show that there are other people that have gone through it and that you will be okay, and that’s what its all about.”

In the three years since the Pinheads

Anne Seigel, Diane Pace, Cheryl Martin, Betty Foglio, Leona Delliplane and Betty Roberts work on sewing projects.

Anne Seigel shows off one of her beautiful baby quilts. began meeting in Roberts’ home, they have made almost 1,000 pillows and completed countless other projects.

“It eases their pain and it shows that someone else cares about their pain,” said Pinhead member Betty Foglio. “It’s a comfort thing.”

The heart pillows help mastectomy patients sleep and protects their chests from the seat belt when driving.

Martin remembers how it felt to receive one of these pillows after a bilateral mastectomy.

“We know what it meant to us when we were the recipients, and when I had my

"You've Never Seen Anything Like This!"

surgeries and somebody gave me these, it just meant a lot,” she said.

Some Mondays the women just talk and don’t

get many projects done.

“After going through something like that, you are looking for people who can support and understand you,” Martin explained.

“Other people try to support you and they can do well, but when you meet someone that has gone through it, you don’t need words.”

In the past year the Pinheads lost one of their own, Terrie Steineke, who died from ovarian cancer. The Pinheads talk through their worries and losses with one another for support and comfort.

“When we go through something we have the responsibility to talk about it,” Martin

said. “I let people know it’s not a death sentence and they can get through it.”

People donate supplies for the Pinheads at The Center for Building Hope. Pinhead members have a particular niche of sewing they enjoy.

Ann Seigel makes beautiful multicolored quilts; Roberts makes intricate embroideries; Foglio knits warm scarves; Leona Deilliplane crochets eyeglass cases; Martin makes colorful bags; and everyone contributes in making the heart pillows.

“We enjoy doing it and we know somebody enjoys receiving it,” Seigel said.

“That’s just our volunteer project.”

The Pinheads are always in need of supplies to complete their projects. People can donate supplies to Diane Whitten at the Center for Building Hope, 5481 Communication Parkway, by specifying the supplies are for the Pinheads.

— Yaryna Klimchak

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quality care π

24/7 emergency room pediatric care off to strong start Dr. Ronald Flaster says the novel concept at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center has transformed the quality of care for children.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — As his 24-hour shift drew to a close, Dr. Ronald Flaster handed the phone to another emergency room pediatrician set to relieve him.

Flaster had just seen a patient of Dr. Alfredo Giangreco, from Giangreco, Scarano & Taylor Pediatrics.

Soon, Flaster would call Giangreco to update him on the patient’s condition.

If a caretaker for the justreleased patient had further questions, he or she could call the next pediatrician, who also works a 24-hour shift.

Since Oct. 28, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center has operated with 24/7 pediatric care in the ER. By mid-January, children who are admitted to the hospital will have a place to sleep there, as well.

Currently, pediatric patients in need of extensive care at Lakewood Ranch Medical are transported to All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.

According to Flaster, one of four pediatricians subcontracted through Sheridan Healthcorp Inc., an estimated 25% of emergency room patients at Lakewood Ranch Medical are children.

The six-suite pediatric unit, located inside the hospital’s Women’s Center — which has become the Women and Children’s Center — features Payton’s Playroom, named

if you go π Open house: The hospital will host an open house for the new pediatric unit 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17. in honor of Patrick and Holly Wright’s 5-year-old daughter, who died of a brain tumor.

Suites in the pediatric unit will include refrigerators, flat-screen televisions and showers. In addition to Payton’s Playroom, the unit will feature a parent retreat center.

While they await the fullyoperational pediatric unit, Flaster and his counterparts work hard in the ER. The hospital has also hired pediatric nurses who are cross-trained to work in the ER, Flaster says. Flaster says the process has enhanced communications with patients and their regular pediatricians.

“Pediatricians entrenched with what we’re doing,” says Flaster, who has worked in pediatrics for 27 years, 18 of which have been in Southwest Florida at Sheridan.

“We go over treatment plans with them. We call them with daily reports. We send a discharge summary. Patient feedback and feedback from area pediatricians has been great. This is a novel thing in the community.”

Giangreco commended the

flow of information so far.

“I go to bed knowing everything I need to know and I feel good about it,” Giangreco said.

“Before, there was a fear.”

Flaster calls children “small adults.” He’s been trained to observe children. When he sees a year-old child unable to sit up straight, he knows something is developmentally wrong.

The adult-care doctors who treated children at the hospital before might not have been able to see that, Flaster said.

“It’s not that it was dangerous before, but this brings another level of care,” Flaster said. “It’s better care. You have somebody more in tune with the needs of the pediatric patient. Doctors can’t do everything well.”

There are also more subtle things.

Pediatricians calculate medication doses based on weight. Flaster championed the Artemis system, a drug dosing and tracking system for the ER developed by his friend, Dr. James Broselow.

“Adult physicians are good, but now children are getting great continuity of care,” Flaster said Flaster was heavily involved in pushing LRMC to pursue a 24/7 pediatric unit.

In February 2011, Dr. Bernie Cartaya, who works in the LRMC neonatology department and

According to Dr. Ronald Flaster, one of four pediatricians subcontracted through Sheridan Healthcorp Inc., an estimated 25% of emergency room patients at Lakewood Ranch Medical are children. is also subcontracted through Sheridan, invited Flaster to Lakewood Ranch to get a feel for the area.

After he saw the energy of families in the area, Flaster told the administration that he and others at Sheridan could fill the need for ER pediatric care.

Then, Flaster recruited area pediatricians like Giangreco to

join the cause. As he settles into Lakewood Ranch from Wellington with his 16-month-old child and wife, Flaster feels the care for children in the community will settle into the area’s culture.

“It used to be you eat, sleep, play and eat here,” Flaster said.

“Now you can have kids stay here when they are sick, too.”

— Josh Siegel

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Health Matters | DECEMBER 2012

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physician spotlight: Dr. DIANE RHODEN The first female vascular surgeon at Bradenton Surgical Group shows off a versatile tool set and passion for her job.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Dr. Diane Rhoden made it clear when she was hired that she does more than breast surgery.

She takes pride in a versatile toolset that breaks down gender barriers; she likes to take on complicated hernia surgeries and pancreatic surgeries. She also likes to deal with gunshot wounds and knife gashes in trauma.

“As long as they’re not shooting at me,” Rhoden says.

Rhoden became the first female vascular surgeon at Bradenton Surgical Group when she was hired in October.

The 40-year-old Ocala native, who owned an academic surgical practice and who trained medical students and residents for 10 years, admits she was surprised by the bleak local-female demographics when she came to the Bradenton/ Sarasota area.

Dr. Gary Bunch, who hired Rhoden, says there are only two other female surgeons in the area.

Already valued for her honesty by her peers, Rhoden says her gender matters little in a field that requires her to be on-call every other night and weekend.

“It doesn’t matter to me,” Rhoden said. “But being a women, a lot of times you get pigeon-holed into certain procedures. I have broad interests and want to continue to do all of the things that I enjoy doing and that I am trained to do (more) and not do just one particular thing because of my gender.”

Rhoden was independent from a young age.

Rhoden’s father worked for the Florida Department of Transportation, while her mother tended to the children at home. The youngest of five siblings, Rhoden didn’t have many interests outside education and medicine — and still doesn’t.

“I was pretty good at taking multiple-choice tests,” Rhoden said. “There’s really not a lot I enjoy doing. I don’t have children. This is what I do. I chose to do this and to do this well. Whenever you say yes to something there are other things you say no to.”

In 1995, Rhoden earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Miami, where she completed a combined six-year B.S./M.D. program.

She completed a five-year residency at the University of Louisville before finishing two fellowships there.

Rhoden continued academic life when she taught at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Arkansas for a decade combined.

Eager to move back to her home state and tired of the outside politics of academia, Rhoden then had her blunt interview with Bunch.

“What I like most about her is she

communicates well with patients and doctors and is honest and direct to everybody,” Bunch said.

“She has a broad range of expertise and skill and she cares.”

Rhoden and her husband, a retired military pilot, bought property in the Hidden River Air Park so he could continue as a pilot.

She spends little of her time at home, though.

Responsible for surgery in three emergency rooms — including at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center — and the Blake Trauma Center, Rhoden starts her day at 4 a.m.

She tries to squeeze in a 20-minute workout before making rounds at hospitals around the area, checking in on all of her patients.

One-and-a-half days a week, Rhoden has clinic all day. She operates on the other days and spends about one day a week doing endoscopies.

“I don’t sleep much,” Rhoden said. “It’s a different kind of life.

It’s a difficult way to live for a lot of people who want to do other things and want to do other things well.”

The hours at work keep growing and time keeps ticking, but Rhoden doesn’t keep count.

“What else is there? (besides being a surgeon),” Rhoden said.

“It’s a pretty cool thing to see the results of your work immediately.

It’s a dramatic way to fix somebody.

It’s an intimate way to fix somebody.

It’s very satisfying to fix somebody in a very physical, tangible way.”

— Josh Siegel

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Mental makeover Eliminating clutter can often be the first step to reducing stress and meeting goals.

“Disorganization and clutter creates not only external clutter but internal clutter,” professional organizer Michelle White says.

“Less stress is the greatest return on being organized. We are innately programmed for order and being organized and being able to teach our children that skill will allow for a healthier life and more successful, less stressed professional life.

“Getting organized is challenging for a lot of people because we have: too much stuff, too little time and issues with letting go of our possessions,” she said.

“People get overwhelmed because of these three reasons and so attempt to get organized and give up very quickly or put it off and it just never gets done.”

Here, White offers several tips to help the masses overcome de-cluttering challenges and create a more focused, relaxed working or home environment.

Don’t increase your storage; reduce your inventory. To do this, first go through your stuff, throw away junk and give away or re-purpose unused items.

If what you have doesn’t fit in the space you have for it, repeat this step.

Start with a small area that supports your priorities. “Starting small reduces the chances of being overwhelmed and you can also see your results faster and it will encourage you to take on another area,” White says.

Use the threebox rule whenever you are organizing. Use one box for trash, one box for items “to keep,” and one box for items that can be donated.

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service above self π

π

Care with a Cause

We Care Manatee helps provide medical care for individuals who don’t qualify for other services.

EAST COUNTY — Patricia Meyers found herself boxed into a corner, when she was diagnosed, for a second time, with breast cancer in late 2011.

She was out of work, out of money and out of options.

“With me, the problem was my age,” the 63-year-old East County resident said. “I’m too young to go for Medicare. I’m too old to be pregnant or to get Medicaid. We can’t afford insurance. You get stuck in limbo.”

But that is where We Care Manatee steps in. The organization works to provide free, comprehensive health care for eligible, uninsured Manatee County residents looking for assistance finding a physician. We care helps connect a network of volunteer physicians with patients who can’t afford the medical help they need.

When Meyers was diagnosed with her second fight with breast cancer, she and her husband, Don, did not know where to turn. The couple lives off Don’s Social Security check and couldn’t afford specialty-physician services.

“When you’ve got nothing, what do you do?” she said. “I’ve got so many files of places I had called for help (but couldn’t get any). It was an extreme burden lifted off my shoulders (when We Care Manatee helped us.)

“If I didn’t get help, I wouldn’t be here,” she said. “I wouldn’t be able to pay for treatments.”

Through doctor referrals, Meyers connected with the We Care Manatee program, which helped facilitate her radiation treatments with Lakewood Ranch radiation oncologist Dr. Dwight Fitch, of 21st Century Oncology.

by the numbers In fiscal year 2012, We Care Manatee provided: π $501,010 in donated care π $16,564 in donated pharmaceuticals π 1,396 processed referrals (both specialty and breast health) π 224 mammograms (since April 1, 2012) π 121 free clinic patients Fitch, who grew up in Detroit, began volunteering with We Care in 2006.

“There’s not a lot of services available for the working poor,” he said. “It’s unfortunate.

People have jobs, but (they don’t make) enough to have (what they need).

“Through We Care, the patients have a way to come to me; it’s more coordinated,” he said, adding he has many relatives who would qualify for the program. “These are people who really need the help. They’re trying. It all goes back to the (idea) we all went into (medicine) to help people.”

We Care Manatee Executive Director Jill Gass said the organization has four programs: specialty physician, prescription assistance, a primary-care clinic and breast health.

Gass said We Care works with volunteer specialty physicians to provide specialized care to patients. The prescriptionassistance program provides patients with vouchers for prescriptions, excluding antidepression and pain medications. A free monthly clinic — which We Care hopes

, r e i p p A H A

Patricia Meyers attributes the We Care Manatee program, which helped coordinate her cancer treatments, with saving her life. to have open daily by the end of 2013 — allows individuals to see a doctor on-site, and a grant-funded breast health screening program provides free mammography and breast-health services.

Individuals must go through a primary doctor, We Care’s free clinic or other another venue to be referred to the program for assistance. To be eligible, participants must be 18- to-64 years old, prove residence in Manatee County, be uninsured and be below 200% of the poverty line — generally having access to less than $1,800 monthly in income, Gass said.

Gass said the program is helping to fill in the gap in the local health-care system.

Meyers agreed whole-heartedly the organization is fulfilling its mission.

“I’m forever grateful,” Meyers said.

“They gave me a second chance at life.

— Pam Eubanks

Dr. Dwight Fitch and We Care Manatee Executive Director Jill Gass say the We Care Program improves the coordination of care for patients who cannot afford services on their own.

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Health Matters | DECEMBER 2012

financial health π

Q&A: RENEE MARTONE-CECIL When most people think about their health for 2013, they may consider losing weight, eating healthier or exercising more. But, I believe people should also consider their financial health for the next calendar year. When I think about financial health for 2013 I think about some major changes that are likely coming for Americans such as tax changes and market uncertainty. Here are answers to five common questions that many of you may be asking.

What is this so-called “fiscal cliff”?

A phrase that has found its way into our daily lexicon is “fiscal cliff.”

It refers to a combination of federal government spending cuts and expiring tax cuts that many fear could be a serious drag on the U.S. economy beginning at the start of 2013. These scheduled spending cuts and tax increases have many economists concerned that if nothing is done legislatively, to change current plans and avoid the cliff, a recession could result due to consumers having less to spend just as government reduces its own spending.

What new taxes may affect me in 2013?

The 3.8% Medicare tax on net investment income and a 0.9% tax on wages and earnings are expected to affect individuals with modified adjusted gross income above $200,000 ($250,000 for married couples). Even if the fiscal cliff is avoided, tax rates will likely change a little and could mean higher income, investment and estate taxes for many families.

What can we expect from the markets in 2013?

Concerns over slowing U.S. economic growth, the massive federal deficit, the eurozone’s

continuing debt crisis and cooling emerging markets could make investors nervous next year.

What can I do to help my portfolio if I am still working?

Although this doesn’t guarantee gains or prevent losses, one strategy to try to reduce the effect of market volatility in your portfolio is to invest across a range of cash, stocks, bonds and other investments.

What can I do to help my portfolio if I am retired?

You can work with a financial adviser to develop a personal asset allocation. You may consider keeping your portfolio at least partly invested in equities to help keep up with inflation. Keep in mind that too much exposure to stocks can risk the financial resources you count on in the event of a market downturn.

RENEE MARTONE-CECIL, CFP® is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Sarasota, Florida. She specializes in feebased financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 18 years. To contact her, email her at renee.x.martonececil@ampf.com or call 907-0708.

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vital stats > New acupuncture clinic opens Susan Stone, a nationally board-certified and Florida-licensed acupuncture physician and doctor of oriental medicine, has opened her new office Stone-Wellness Acupuncture Clinic, located at 2620 Manatee Ave. W., Suite C.

> Center for Sight expandS The Center for Sight, a multi-physician vision, hearing, cosmetic and skin care practice announced, Dec. 4, it will expand its practice to the Lakewood Ranch/ University Park area.

The new office location, at 5409 University Parkway, will host an array of services, including primary eye care, advanced diagnostic testing, a full-service optical department and more.

The practice is located in the location of Dr. David Hunt, who has integrated his practice with the Center for Sight. He will continue seeing patients at that location.

He will be joined by Center for Sight optometrists Drs. Melissa Hammond and Kristin Stoker-Doyle.

> Colleges join forces to create educational video State College of Florida, ManateeSarasota has partnered with Lakewood Ranchbased Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and GE Healthcare Nurse Call, now Ascom, to produce a video on health-care training.

The video prepares future doctors and nurses to improve patient safety through collaboration.

“We’re developing a model for health-care delivery that will truly transform care at the bedside,” said Bonnie Hesselberg, retired dean of nursing for SCF. “Our model involves building a partnership with our local medical

college, LECOM, to train future health care practitioners using the cutting edge technology of the nurse call communication system.

The video is available at scf.edu/videos and scf.edu/nursing.

Enhanced by the new nurse-call system, SCF’s simulation center provides a real-world experience within a controlled environment that supports the job shadowing part of medical-student training. As the newest feature of SCF’s Medical Technology and Simulation Center, the nurse call communication system is the latest technology used by interdisciplinary teams of student doctors and nurses to manage clinical workflow and improve patient care and satisfaction.

“This is an excellent an opportunity for our medical students to work with other professionals in a simulated center with a simulated patient.

They gain valuable experience interacting with other professionals to establish a line of communication and build trust. The emergency room setting tests their ability to think on their feet and handle critical situations,” said Dr. Larry Bunnell, a doctor of osteopathic medicine and LECOM clinical professor of family practice.

As students learn in the simulated scenarios, remaining calm and responding appropriately during conflict is important not only for patients but also for patients’ family members.

The video, featuring faculty, staff, students, employees and volunteers from SCF and LECOM, was produced by SCF public affairs and marketing with videography, directing and editing services by Sarasota-based Mars Vision Productions Inc.

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health & fitness calendar thurs., Jan. 3

Diabetes Education Series — starts at 6 p.m. Jan. 7, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Class led by diabetes educator in hospital’s classroom 4D. 917-9000.

tues., jan. 8 ‘Sing Along!’ with Lee Dougherty Ross — runs from 2:45 t0 3:45 p.m., Tuesdays, starting Jan. 8, at Center for Hope, 5481 Communications Parkway Sarasota. Lee Dougherty Ross, painist, will lead this fun-filled hour of music. 921-5539.

thurs., Jan. 10 Integrative Medicine Practices — starts at 4 p.m.

Jan. 10, at Center for Building Hope, 5481 Communications Parkway, Sarasota. This series of four weekly programs covers topics such as “gratitute journaling,” and “tools for creativing a positive attitude. 921-5539.

Alienated Grandparents Anonymous — starts at 1 p.m., the second Thursday of each month, in the Sacred Heart Hall of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, 12905 State Road 70 E., Lakewood Ranch. Support group, which meets the second Thursday of each month, is for grandparents who are alienated from their grandchildren. Grandparents who attend will remain anonymous so individuals feel open to share. Info, aga2_lwr@yahoo.com.

wed., Jan. 9

Women’s Center Preview Night — runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 3, at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s Women’s Birthing Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Meet staff, register for classes and get other information.

Registration required, 782-2100.

mon., Jan. 7

ongoing

Seminar on Benefits of Fish Oil — runs from 1 to 2 p.m.

Jan. 9, at the Center for Hope, 5481 Communications Parkway, Sarasota. Dr. Bo Martinsen will discuss the health benefits of Omega-3 fish oil. Register at 921-5539.

FRI., Jan. 11 Nutrition and Cancer — runs from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Jan. 11, at Center for Building Hope, 5481 Communications Parkway, Sarasota. Pam Mathis will discuss nutrion concerns and issues related to cancer treatment and recovery.

Register at 921-5539.

Ask the Doctor about Cancer Issues — runs from 1-2 p.m.

Jan. 11, at Center for Building Hope, 5481 Communications Parkway, Sarasota. Dr. Lisa Merritt will lead the discussion Register at 921-5539.

mon., Jan. 14

rial’s Institute for Ad,vanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota. Get help comparing plans and obtaining the best health and prescription coverage to meet elders’ needs.

Info, (800) 963-5337 and ask for a SHINE counselor.

how non-surgical stem cell technology can help rebuild joints and eliminate pain.

Reservations, 955-4325.

fri., Jan. 18 Camp Healing Hearts — takes place from 5 p.m. Jan. 18 to 10 a.m. Jan. 20, at Foundation for Dreams, 16110 Dream Oaks Place, Bradenton. This weekend camp experience is for children and their families, who are experiencing the loss of a family member due to cancer. Register at 921-5539.

thurs., Jan. 24 Navigating Through the Medical System — runs from 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 24, at Center for Hope, 5481 Communications Parkway, Sarasota. Dr. Laurie Shaw will discuss issues around care and advocacy for the cancer patient and caregiver. Register at 921-5539.

Medicare Enrollment Help — runs from noon to 4 p.m., Fridays, at Sarasota Memo-

Pediatrics Open House — starts at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 14, at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. 7823050.

wed., Jan. 16 STEM Cell Seminar — starts at 6 p.m. Jan. 16, at The Center for Regenerative Orthopedics, 2365 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Dr. Mark Walter will

ALS Association Resource Group — This group meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the third Saturday of each month, at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Conference Room 1, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Call 1-888-2571717, Ext. 130, for information or to make a reservation.

Alzheimer’s Support Group — meets at 11 a.m., the second Tuesday of each month, at Windsor of Lakewood Ranch, 8220 Natures Way. Complimentary lunch provided with RSVP. 957-1400.

Alzheimer’s Association: Florida Gulf Coast Chapter Caregiver Education Series — meets at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month, at Windsor of Lakewood Ranch, 8230 Natures Way. 957-1400.

thurs., Jan. 24 Infant CPR — runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. or 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Jan. 24, at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s Women’s Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Get hands-on practice in proper techniques of infant CPR. Fee is $10 per person; registration required. 782-2100.

Celebrate Recovery —This group meets at 7 p.m. Fridays, at Bayside Community Church, 15800 S.R. 64 E. Childcare provided. 718-4845.

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(MSG) Little Nippers — This group for new parents and their newborns meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays, at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Lunch available for $3.50 (optional).

Call 782-2229.

Manasota Fibromyalgia/ Chronic Fatigue Support Group — This group meets at 12:30 to 2 p.m. the first Saturday of each month, at Braden River Branch Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E. No meeting in January. 753-9774.

Manatee Aging Network — This voluntary coalition of persons representing both profit and not-for-profit health, human and social service organizations and others concerned with aging issues meets at 8:30 a.m., the fourth Tuesday of each month, at Waters Edge of Bradenton, 3132 21st Lane W., Bradenton. There is no meeting in December. 7487797.

Pregnancy Loss Support Group — This for anyone who has experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or a newborn loss meets at 7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday of the month, in the Meditation Room in the Patient Tower at the Manatee Memorial Hospital, 206 Second St. E., Bradenton. 745-7436.

(MSG) Prenatal Yoga — These classes are taught by an experienced, certified prenatal yog instructor from 6 to 7 p.m., Mondays, at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s Women’s Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

782-2229.

8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. • Suite 240 • Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Dedicated to a lifetime of women’s health care

KEEpIng EaSt County ChILDREn hEaLthy for the last 14 years!

Jorge E. Alvarez, MD, FACOG Jennifer R. McCullen, MD, FACOG Edgardo J. Aponte, MD, FACOG M. Joanne Bevers, CNM Jill S. Miller, ARNP

Joseph Placheril M.D. Board Certified

Caring for women throughout their lives

•SportS phySicalS •immunization updateS

We believe that women of our community deserve the finest medical care from adolescence through pregnancy and beyond menopause and that all medical care should start with caring.

Dr. placheril gives his personal attention to all of his patient’s on Every appointment!

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Dr. Placheril

Urogynecology - Incontinence In-Office Procedures: Essure Permanent Birth Control & Endometrial Ablation Hospital Surgery

Norman Manatee Liquor Golf

0 -18 years old Now acceptiNg New patieNts Most Insurance Accepted, Not a Medicaid Provider

(941) 758.1285 •

josephplacheril.com

Conveniently Located Just East of I-75 8623 54th Drive East, SR 70 Bradenton

97974

Call: (941) 907-3008 • Visit: www.obgynwc.com

SR. 70

95730

Gynecology Obstetrics - Pregnancy Menopause & Hormone Replacement

Rosedale Country Club

Health Matters | DECEMBER 2012

YourObserver.com

Give yourself the gift of pain relief The holiday season is the perfect time for elective surgery: •

Your annual deductibles have likely been covered

•

You can minimize time off from work

•

Best of all – you can celebrate the holidays with less pain and restored mobility!

MAKOplasty® – to get you “back in the game” Don’t put off dealing with your knee or hip pain. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is the first and only hospital in Bradenton and Sarasota to offer MAKOplasty® with minimally invasive Robotic Arm technology – a new surgical option to reduce knee and hip pain.

Compared with conventional knee and hip procedures, MAKOplasty offers advanced accuracy to optimize surgical results, decreasing the possibility of complications, shortening recovery time – and returning you to your daily activities more quickly.

For more information on MAKOplasty please call 941.782.BONE (2663).

The Orthopaedic Spine and Joint Center at Lakewood Ranch 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Bradenton, FL 34202 www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

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