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Hernando Today

Women's group to host Health Summit Nov. 14

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By VIRGINIA DIAZ Hernando Today correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 29, 2009

The people of Hernando County are sick. According to the 2008 Florida Department of Health Assessment Survey nearly half of the county is overweight or obese, has diabetes and either smokes of uses tobacco in one form of another.

Between 35 and 40 percent have been identified with heart disease or stroke.

Teen pregnancy in 2008 reached 40 percent. Infant mortality was about the same rate. Thirty percent of the population in 2008 suffered from some kind of mental health problem.

Hernando County needs to get healthy and a group of 19 women who have expertise in different areas of health care decided to try to do something about it.

They are the Brooksville Regional Women's Advisory Board.

"We have 19 dynamic women with diverse backgrounds and careers, so we can pool our resources and knowledge," Brooksville Regional CEO Kathy Burke told Hernando Today in July at the Council's third official meeting. On Nov. 14, this group will hold its first annual Health, Education and Resource Summit. "Our hope is that our community will come out and learn something new that will help them in their daily lives," says Burke.

The topics that will be covered at the summit incorporates resources from all walks of life including health education, and screenings, financial management, personal safety and care giver resources.

Unlike other health fairs, this health summit will not just offer the usual free or reasonably-priced blood pressure screening, blood tests and pulmonary testing.

A variety of medical professionals and experts will hold seminars in fields like medication safety, how to be your own health advocate, dealing with stress, personal safety and diabetes management.

Linda Hamilton, Chairperson of the Advisory Council points out how much this gang of 19 has accomplished since the idea was born last May. "In such a short time they've been able to create an amazing health fair for women and their families in Hernando County. When we started talking about it, it seemed like a dream but we persevered, did our homework and have something wonderful to bring to our community."

Among the experts participating in the event Nov. 14 are respiratory therapists, sleep disorder technicians, cardio nurses and physical therapists doing posture screenings and providing education.

The event will held from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m Saturday, Nov. 14. Opening ceremonies will be kicked off by former U.S. Army Senior Vocalist Ed Harrigan.

Throughout the day refreshments will be provided and door prizes will be given out.

Says Hamilton, "We will be breaking new ground in sharing important health information to this community. I can hardly wait to attend and bring along friends and neighbors and colleagues and friends."

If you would like more information, call 352-799-5019. The Brooksville Regional Women's Advisory Health Council Summit will be held at the Brooksville Regional Campus at 17240 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville. For ore information, visit their Web site at www.brooksvilleregional.net.

Virginia Diaz writes regularly for the Hernando Today Health Today section. She lives in Brooksville and can be contacted at diazvirginia@bellsouth.net.

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