HEALTH EVENTS

Terlep Chiropractic and Vitality Physicians & Rehab will hold a Community Appreciation Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at its facility located at 8468 Northcliffe Blvd. Live music, door prizes, bounce house, face painting, Wii tournament and refreshments will be featured. The event is being held in conjunction with the Gifts From Home program. The following items are being accepted, as well as monetary donations to be sent to the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq: Coffee, X-Box and PS3 video games, soccer balls, DVDs (used or new), AA batteries, cigars, insect repellent, and sunscreen. In exchange for a donation, Terlep Chiropractic will offer new patients an exam, history, nerve scan (X-rays if needed), and existing patients a spinal adjustment, hydrotherapy and massage; and Vitality Physicians & Rehab will offer: diabetes screening, cholesterol screening, bone density testing, lung function test, blood pressure, and body mass index. Call for an appointment – for Terlep Chiropractic, call 352-666-2222 and for Vitality Physicians & Rehab, call 352-683-3333.

Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill will hold its third annual Superkids Triathlon – swimming, cycling, running/walking – from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park located at 6131 Commercial Way, at the intersection of U.S. 19 and State Road 50. The event is for ages 5-18, and a bicycle and helmet are required. Registration will be conducted from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 20; and all participants must bring a parent or guardian to register. Registration will be limited to 200 participants, and will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. To register online, visit www.kidssupertriathlon.com

Notre Dame Catholic School will host a Family Health Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 21, at the school located at 1095 Commercial Way. Health professionals and organizations will share the latest information for healthy living; and Dr. Lou Whitaker, school principal, will present cutting-edge discoveries on how young children learn. Hernando County Sheriff's Office will be onsite with their "CSI" crime lab demonstration, and the Spring Hill Fire Department's "Smoke House" will offer participants an opportunity to practice finding their way out of a smoke-filled room. As an added bonus, all visitors to the fair will be entered in a drawing for prizes. The event is free of charge and is open to all families, parents, grandparents, and anyone involved in the education and development of school-aged children, preschoolers and early childhood-aged children. For information, call the school at 352-683-0755.

Enrichment Centers of Hernando County will host its annual Older Americans Month picnic and grand opening of its new location – the Mining Association Enrichment Center – from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, at the new center located at 800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd. (The Quarry Golf Course). The opening ceremony will begin at 11 a.m., with a formal ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Free health screenings, contests and entertainment will be featured. The Friendly Four Band will be featured at 10 a.m., with Louie Fortunato at 12:30 p.m. Contests will be sponsored by SENIORextra and will include: a hat contest – create an original themed hat; and at The Quarry Golf Course – closest to the pin, putting challenge, and throughout the day, 50 percent off rounds of golf and 50 percent off membership. Lunch will also be provided. Special guests will include State Senator Mike Fasano, State Rep. Rob Schenck, Hernando County commissioners and Brooksville City Council. For information, call the Enrichment Centers at 352-544-6022.

Hernando County Family YMCA will host its fifth annual Health Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 25, at its facility located at 1300 Mariner Blvd. Complimentary medical screenings, giveaways and massages will be featured. The following screenings will be available: Vision screening by Stolte Eye Center, cholesterol and glucose screening by Spring Hill Regional Hospital, and bone density screening and cancer screening kits by Oak Hill Hospital. Medical professionals will be present to answer any questions or concerns to maximize health and fitness needs. Attendees can "Brown paper bag it" and pack medications to be disposed of by the Hernando County Sheriff's Department. Also, bring a list of medications currently being taken for a free consultation with Pharmacist John Griffith from Walgreens Pharmacy. The event is free of charge and is open to the community. For information, call the YMCA at 352-688-9622.

Alzheimer's Family Organization (AFO) will hold Alzheimer's Caregiver Informational Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 27, at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, 14000 Fivay Road. Guest speakers will be Dr. Mildred Farmer of Meridian Research on the topic "Research Updates"; Joe Pine, Metro Crime Prevention, on "Safety Issues"; and Sallie Skipper, Esq., on "Elder Law Issues." Since seating is limited, preregistration is required. Registration deadline is Friday, May 20. Free respite care will be available; call the AFO office to make arrangements. The event is free of charge for AFO members and $25 per person for non-members, which include refreshments, lunch and certificate of attendance. To register for the event or for information, call the AFO office at 727-848-8888 or 888-496-8004.

NAMI Hernando (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will present films on mental illness, in conjunction with Mental Health Month. Films will be shown as follows:

* "No Kidding Me 2" at 2 p.m. at 2 p.m. Friday, May 20, at the East Hernando Public Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Brooksville.

* "Depression: Out of the Shadows" at 2 p.m. Friday, May 27, at the Spring Hill Public Library.

All of the films are free of charge, and the public is invited to attend. For more information, call 352-684-0004.

Oak Hill Hospital will offer free stroke screenings Monday through Friday, May 23-27, in observance of National Stroke Awareness Month. The complimentary stroke screenings will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. each day by appointment only at Entrance C of the hospital located at 11375 Cortez Blvd. For an appointment or more information, call the hospital at 352-597-6333. For information about the hospital, visit its website at www.OakHillHospital.com.

Brooksville and Spring Hill regional hospitals will offer a screening digital mammography and bone density special for the month of May, in honor of mothers, sisters and daughters. The cost will be $65 each or $110 for both tests. Prescriptions are not required for screening mammograms or bone density tests, but appointments must be accomplished in May. For appointments or more information, call 352-796-5474 Option 2 for the Brooksville campus; or 352-684-7555 for the Spring Hill campus.

Clear Vision Optical is conducting its semi-annual "Eyes for the Needy" drive for the less fortunate. During the month of May, any unused, old or spare eyeglasses can be dropped off at Clear Vision Optical, 12991 Cortez Blvd., located in the Western Way Plaza at the intersection of Mariner Boulevard and State Road 50. For more information, call 352-596-6769.

The Birthplace at Community Hospital will hold a pediatric CPR class from 9 to 11 a.m. the fourth Saturday of every month at the Birthplace located at 5637 Marine Parkway. The next scheduled class will be held May 21. Pediatric CPR teaches how to save the life of a child. Participants will learn the skills of the American Heart Association course, "CPR for family and friends." The fee is $15 for one person and $25 for two people. For reservations or information, call 727-834-5630.

The Birthplace at Community Hospital offers tours through its Family Education Program at the hospital located at 5637 Marine Parkway. Tours are conducted by a Registered Nurse educator who will meet with small groups and guide them through the Birthplace. The next scheduled tour will be held May 21. Participants will visit the labor, delivery, recovery, post-partum rooms and will observe the Birthplace's Infant Safety and Security Program. Participants are welcome to bring questions with them. Since spots are limited, reservations are required. For reservations or more information, call 727-834-5630.

NAMI Hernando will offer a 12-week Family to Family course at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at the Beautiful Mind Center located at 10554 Spring Hill Drive. The course will focus on helping family members understand and cope with mental illness. It will be taught by instructors who have loved ones with mental illness. The course is free of charge and is open to the public. Reservations are required. For reservations or more information, call Judy Thompson at 352-544-0352 or Mariann Eckman at 352-683-1350.

Martinez Chiropractic will offer a seminar entitled "How to drop 20-30 pounds quickly, safely and affordably" at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at Martinez Chiropractic, 10520 Spring Hill Drive. Dr. Robert Martinez will present the seminar and will provide information on a doctor-supervised homeopathic solution. The event will be free of charge. Since seating is limited to 25 people, reservations are required. For reservations or information, call Susan at 352-686-1686.

Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope has announced that it will host the American Cancer Society's "Look Good…Feel Better" program once a month in its conference room located at 7154 Medical Center Drive. The program is held periodically on Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m., and the next scheduled meeting will be held May 26. This is a free group program that teaches beauty techniques to female cancer patients to help combat the appearance-related side effects of treatment. "Look Good… Feel Better" is free and open to all women cancer patients in active treatment. Reservations are required. For information, call Mary Capo at 352-596-1926 Ext.150. For information about the Florida Cancer Institute, call 1-888-206-0054 or visit www.FloridaCancerInstitute-NewHope.com

In addition, a Look Good Feel Better Support Group meets from 3:30 to 5 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month at the Florida Cancer Institute's Spring Hill Center, 10441 Quality Drive, Suite 203, in the Medical Arts Building, next to Spring Hill Regional Hospital. For information, call Peggy Beckett, R.N., support group facilitator, at 352-688-7744.

LifeSouth Community Blood Center will feature themed decorations during May, June and July at its facility located at 12395 Cortez Blvd., just west of Mariner Boulevard. Donors will receive a free lunch on Wednesdays; and donors will also receive a free recognition item such as a ball cap in May, T-shirt in June, or sunglasses with croakies in July. Donors will also be entered into any raffles that are being held through May. The blood center is beginning to feel a shortage of donors with snowbirds heading back North and families going on vacation, causing a struggle to meet the blood needs of local hospitals. Anyone 17 or older (16 with parental permission) weighing a minimum of 110 pounds and in good health is eligible to donate. A photo I.D. is required. The blood center is open seven days a week as follows: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday; from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; and from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. To make an appointment to donate at a different time other than times listed or to find the Bloodmobile locations, call 352-596-2002.

Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope will host its monthly women's breast cancer support group from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at its Brooksville Center located at 7154 Medical Center Drive, off Kadri Boulevard, across from the High Point community on State Road 50. For more information, call Tambra Randazzo, RT, at 352-592-8128.

The Birthplace at Community Hospital will conduct its Childbirth Super-Prep class from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at the Birthplace located at 5637 Marine Parkway. The super-prep class is a one-day accelerated refresher course, and the fee is $50 per person. Since seating is limited, reservations are required. For information or to register for classes, call 727-834-5630.

BROOKSVILLE Oak Hill Hospital will host its monthly Healthy Hearts Support Group from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 13, in the cafeteria conference room at Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd. "Meet the Pharmacist" will be the featured program. The session will consist of a presentation by a panel of pharmacists who will discuss prescription medications and heart health. A question-and-answer session will follow. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a registered pharmacist to review their medications and to ask any questions. Participants will also be invited to complete a medication form in advance and bring it to the event. The form can be obtained by printing a copy from the hospital's website calendar page, by calling the hospital's reservation line at 352-597-6333, or by visiting the hospital's volunteer desk. Admission will be free of charge, and complimentary refreshments will be served. Since seating is limited, reservations are required. For reservations or information, visit online at www.OakHillHospital.com or call 352-597-6333.

The Birthplace will offer a motivational class outlining the health benefits of breastfeeding from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at Community Hospital located at 5637 Marine Parkway. The class will focus on fundamentals and how to access support. Since seating is limited, reservations are required. To register or for information, call 727-834-5630.

HPH Hospice will offer Grief's Journey bereavement group sessions from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through June 22, at its West Hernando office located at 12260 Cortez Blvd. HPH Hospice invites newly bereaved adults or those who are just coming to terms with their grief over the death of a loved one to participate in its eight-week Grief's Journey group sessions. An HPH Hospice bereavement counselor will help the group understand the grief process and explore coping strategies. The sessions are free of charge, but preregistration is required. To register or for information, call 1-800-486-8784.

Oak Hill Hospital Volunteer Association has a wide range of volunteer opportunities at the hospital located at 11375 Cortez Blvd. Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available in both patient contact and non-patient contact areas, assisting support departments, helping in the gift shop, the hospital's special programs, and in particular, the newly formed Oak Hill Hospital Partner's Club. With the approach of the summer months, teens 16 years of age and older are particularly welcome. For information, call the Oak Hill Hospital Volunteer Association president, Dorothy Kaelin, at 352-597-3038.

Brooksville Regional Hospital Auxiliary is seeking volunteers for various positions. Morning and afternoon shifts are available, and year-round residents are preferred. For more information, call 352-544-6117 or 352-544-6080, or visit online at www.BrooksvilleRegional.net

NAMI of Hernando (affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness) invites anyone who is dealing with a mental issue, or has a family member or loved one who is, to join its support activities. Its Consumer and Family support groups meet from 3 to 5 p.m. every Wednesday; and another consumer group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday, both at the Beautiful Mind Outreach Center in the Brothers 1 and 2 Plaza, 10554 Spring Hill Drive. Art classes, programs and speakers to inform the public about various aspects and treatments for mental illness will be featured. For more information, call 352-684-0004.

HPH Hospice facilitates Caregiver Support Groups at 11 a.m. the last Friday of every month at the Catholic Charities office located at 1423 Kass Circle, off Spring Hill Drive. Caregivers can meet and talk with others caring for loved ones with dementia. The information and guidance provided helps caregivers determine a plan for care while coping with the challenges of dementia. Meetings will be facilitated by a master of social work from HPH Hospice. The support group is free of charge and is open to the public. For information, call JoAnn Laperle, MSW, at 352-597-1882 or Loraine Jones, BSW, at 352-597-1882.

GriefShare recovery seminar and support group will meet from 9 to 10:30 a.m. each Saturday at Northcliffe Baptist Church, 10515 Northcliffe Blvd. GriefShare features nationally recognized experts on grief and recovery topics. Seminar sessions will include "The Journey of Grief," "The Effects of Grief," "When Your Spouse Dies," "Your Family and Grief," "Why?" and "Stuck in Grief." For information, call the church at 352-683-5882.

Christian Church in the Wildwood offers a Cancer Support Group which meets at 1:30 p.m. the second Monday of every month in the Building A Café of the church located at 10051 Country Road. The purpose of the support group is to help caregivers, survivors or those currently dealing with cancer. The support group is free of charge. For information, call Godfrey Eason at 352-597-9916 or 352-263-3784 or email geas46@bellsouth.net

Kiko is based on Goju Ryu which means the five-storied pagoda, and not hard and soft, which is based on the five elements represented by the vowel sounds to which the consonants are added which determine the sounds and movements of Kiko which physicalizes and builds up the Ki into the body and life of the practitioner and manifests as health and/or martial arts power. Classes are held at 1 p.m. every Saturday at the Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive. For more information, call 352-544-5700.

Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets at 6 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Partner's Club (formerly Spring Hill Enrichment Center) located behind Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd. For more information, contact Pat Killingsworth at 715-271-5037 or email pat@helpwithcancer.org.

Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Moose Lodge, 5214 Mariner Blvd. For more information, contact Lourdes Arvelo at 813-963-6461 Ext. 11 or email Lourdes.Arvelo@lls.org or visit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's website at www.lls.org.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter 604 of Spring Hill meets from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, 8555 Forest Oaks Blvd. Weigh-in is held from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m., followed by an informative meeting from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meetings include programs offering advice for losing weight. Visitors are welcome to attend the first meeting free of charge. Attend a meeting and find out how to be "Queen for a Day" at the yearly Florida State Recognition Day. In addition to the meetings, social functions such as auctions, fashion shows and picnics are held throughout the year. New members, both men and women, are welcome. Dues are $26 per year and $4 per month. For information, call Nancy at 352-592-1088 or Doris at 352-666-9525.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter 530 meets at 9 a.m. every Tuesday at First Lutheran Church, 30419 Park Ridge Drive. Weigh-in is held at 8:15 a.m., followed by the meeting at 9 a.m. For more information, call Evelyn at 352-796-0477.

Community Chatterboxes meet from 3 to 4 p.m. every other Thursday at Community Hospital, 5637 Marine Parkway. The next scheduled meeting will be held May 19. Community Chatterboxes is a support group to assist individuals suffering from communication deficits (i.e., aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, etc.) as a result of a cerebral vascular accident or other neurological disorders. The group was originally established for outpatients that had been discharged from traditional speech therapy but still wished an outlet to practice and interact with others with the same problems. Caregivers and spouses are encouraged to attend. For information, call 727-845-0757.

Catholic Charities, one of United Way of Hernando County's partner agencies, has openings in its Respite Program. The program is for people with early stage Alzheimer's disease and other memory loss illnesses including stroke, Parkinson's disease or senile dementia. The program offers caregivers some short-term, dependable relief from their day-to-day responsibilities, providing their loved ones the opportunity to participate in planned activities and friendships. For more information, contact Marie Monahan at 352-686-9897 Ext. 22 or email mmonahan@ccdosp.org.

Florida Department of Elder Affairs will offer the free SHINE program (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) at the following locations:

Tuesdays

11 a.m. to noon, Brooksville Enrichment Center, 17222 Hospital Blvd., Medical Arts Building, Suite 120, Brooksville. For information, call 352-544-6022.

Wednesdays

Noon to 1 p.m., East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Brooksville. For information, call 352-754-4443.

Thursdays

11 a.m. to noon, Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 10441 Quality Drive, Medical Arts Building, Suite 105, Spring Hill. For information, call 352-684-7568.

SHINE counselors offer information and assistance with Medicare (filling out paperwork, bills and filing appeals), Medicare supplemental insurance, Medicare prescription drug coverage, long-term care planning and pharmaceutical assistance programs. An appointment is not necessary. For information or for counseling locations outside Hernando County, call the Elder Hotline toll-free at 800-262-2243.

Oak Hill Hospital announces the formation of its new organization – the Oak Hill Hospital Partner's Club. Membership is open to all existing Enrichment Center members, H2U members, Oak Hill Hospital volunteers, or any Hernando, Pasco, or Citrus county resident. The Partner's Club offers a variety of activities and events that focus on health, education, staying active, and meeting new friends. The club will be headquartered in the soon-to-be remodeled facility formerly occupied by the Enrichment Center. The hospital will provide further information about enrollment in the near future. For information about the hospital, visit its website at www.OakHillHospital.com

Florida Department of Elder Affairs has launched a pilot project to help low-income elders enroll for benefits. Florida's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, requires that most applicants for benefits fill out their requests online. However, a large portion of Florida's 4.45 million seniors are not regular computer users, and statewide 58 percent of eligible elders do not participate in SNAP. The three-year pilot project will enable elders who are reluctant or unable to visit an office location or apply online to call the state's Elder Helpline and have a trained professional enter the online data for them. Seniors who need help with a SNAP application should call the state's Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-963-5337.

Brooksville Regional Hospital and Good Shepherd Medical Clinic are seeking volunteers for various positions. Shifts can be morning or afternoon at the hospital located at 17240 Cortez Blvd.; and from 7 a.m. to noon at the medical clinic located at 8425 Northcliffe Blvd., Spring Hill. Year-round residents are preferred. For more information, call 352-544-6117 or 352-544-6080 or visit the hospital's website at www.BrooksvilleRegional.net.

American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program is in need of volunteers to drive cancer patients in Hernando County to their chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Schedules will be flexible, and training will be provided. Requirements will be a safe driving record, valid driver's license, insurance and a smoke-free vehicle in good running condition. For information, call Joan at 352-799-9078.

HPH Hospice holds bereavement support groups from 3 to 4 p.m. Mondays at HPH located at 698 S. Broad St. or from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursdays at HPH located at 12260 Cortez Blvd. The organization invites any adult who is grieving over the death of a loved one. The groups are led by an HPH bereavement counselor and are open to the community. The support group is free of charge, and reservations are not required. For information, call 1-800-486-8784 or visit www.HPH-Hospice.org.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church conducts an Alcoholics Anonymous Family Group meeting at 7 p.m. each Tuesday in the Ministry Center of the church located at 1214 Broad St. (U.S. 41). Meetings are open to the public. For information, call 352-796-4066.

West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging's Elder Helpline offers support for caregivers and their aging parents. The Helpline provides information for older adults and their caregivers by helping callers make informed decisions about available assistance. It is the starting point in getting connected with programs or services that can meet the needs of the older adult or caregiver. For more information, call 800-96Elder (800-963-5337) or visit www.AgingFlorida.com.

American Cancer Society has a Hernando Resource Room which is open from noon to 4 p.m. every Wednesday in Suite 203 of the Main Entrance at the Pinebrook Regional Medical Center, 14540 Cortez Blvd. Bras, wigs, prosthesis, turbans, and scarves are available free of charge for uninsured or underinsured patients. For information on other American Cancer Society free programs and services, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit online at www.cancer.org.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Florida offers amplified and text telephones and ring signaling devices free of charge to Florida residents through its contract with Florida Telecommunications Relay. An individual must be over the age of 3 and certified as being deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, or speech impaired. Equipment will be available by appointment every Tuesday morning at the Spring Hill Enrichment Center located behind Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd. To schedule an appointment for equipment or for more information, call 1-866-685-9477 or 727-853-1010 or visit online at www.ftri.org/ptrichey.

Oak Hill Hospital announces the establishment of a new position of Patient Ambassador. The ambassador is an advocate for their patients' needs while respecting the confidentiality of all involved. The patient advocate's job duties entail greeting each patient at least twice per four-hour shift to determine whether the patient's needs are being met – whether the patient needs a newspaper, directions, a water refill or simply a friendly ear, the ambassador will attempt to fulfill the needs and information request. If medical assistance is needed, the ambassador will alert the necessary medical staff. For information, contact the hospital at 352-596-6632 or visit online at www.OakHillHospital.com.

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 2030 Deltona Blvd., is offering the following Community Support Groups:

Divorce Care will meet at 7:30 p.m. in Krysher Hall of the church. Trained facilitators can assist and give support to people who are separated or divorced. For more information, call Geri at 352-683-7013.

Griefshare will meet from 3 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday. The program is for people who have lost a spouse or close friend. Trained facilitators will be available to offer advice and support. For information, call the church office at 352-683-2010.

Both programs are ongoing and can be joined at any time.

DivorceCare meetings

SPRING HILL DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar and support group will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at St. Frances Cabrini Parish, 5030 Mariner Blvd. Seminar sessions will include "Facing My Anger," "Facing My Loneliness," "Depression," "New Relationships," "KidCare" and "Forgiveness." For information, call 352-686-9954 Ext. 409.

Hernando County Health Department offers family planning assistance at both of its facilities located at 300 S. Main St in Brooksville and in the government complex located at 7465 Forest Oaks Blvd. in Spring Hill. The Health Department family planning services are based on FDA-approved methods which include condoms, birth control pills, Depo-Provera, IUDs, diaphragms, along with abstinence and natural family planning methods; counseling regarding vasectomy services; pregnancy testing; and a comprehensive exam (health history, health promotion and community resource information, physical examination and lab tests including Pap smear and testing for sexually transmitted diseases). Fees for services are based on the client's income. The services are free of charge for those who have incomes up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level. To make an appointment or for information, call 352-540-6800.

Community Hospital, the future Medical Center of Trinity, will host Lymphedema support group meetings at 3 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at the Medical Center located at 5637 Marine Parkway. Meetings will be conducted by Alisha Cover, a licensed physical therapy assistant. Since seating is limited, reservations are required. For reservations or information, call 1-877-4-HCA-DOCS (1-877-442-2362).

NEW PORT RICHEY Florida Cancer Institute — New Hope will host its Lymphedema support group from 3 to 4 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at its center located at 8763 River Crossing Blvd. Lindsey Wisniewski, licensed physical therapy assistant at Community Hospital, plans and conducts the meetings. For information, call Lindsey at 727-845-0757.

Overeaters Anonymous of Hernando County offers a 12-step recovery program for anyone who is suffering from compulsive overeating or food addictions. Weigh-ins, fees or diets will not be conducted. The meetings are held weekly as follows:

* At 1 p.m. every Tuesday at West Hernando Public Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., off State Road 50, near Weeki Wachee.

* At 7 p.m. every Thursday at DaySpring Presbyterian Church in the Fellowship Hall, 6000 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill.

* At 1 p.m. every Friday at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in the Coulton Building of the church located at 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill.

* At 2:30 p.m. every Saturday.

For more information, call Overeaters Anonymous toll-free at 1-800-544-6353 or call Karen at 352-200-8433 or email hartkaren@bellsouth.net. For detailed information, visit its website at www.oafreedom.org.

The Harbor Behavioral Health is offering a free support group for families with autistic children from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at The Harbor located at 7074 Grove Road. The support group is for caregivers of children with autism. Babysitting will not be offered during the meetings, so prior arrangements must be made for child care. For information, call 352-346-1677.

First United Methodist Church of Spring Hill will feature The Respite Room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday in Burns Hall of the church located at 9344 Spring Hill Drive. The Respite Room provides a weekly program for persons with memory challenges such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Participants engage in meaningful and age appropriate activities. This opportunity enables a person to be part of a social setting and participate in activities that are specially designed with them in mind. The program provides caregivers a brief break from tasks and time for themselves. For information, call Christine Powers at 727-863-6868 or Cindy McLoud at 352-683-2600.

HCA Oak Hill Hospital, Community Hospital and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point now post Emergency Room wait times to see a qualified medical practitioner on their Websites and via text messaging. Visit www.HCAdocs.org or text ER to 23000. The Emergency Department wait times for these hospitals is updated approximately every 30 minutes using an average from the previous four hours.

Hernando County Health Department/Nature Coast Community Health Center will offer Childbirth Education classes from 6 to 8 p.m. each Wednesday at the Health Department located at 300 South Main St. Facilitated by Margaret Purdy, MS, ED, CBE, the series will offer pregnant women and a partner information, instruction and resources to promote a healthy delivery. A partner is not required to participate in the classes. The cost of the program is $60; and participants can pay by cash, check or credit card. The program is free of charge for Healthy Start clients. Registration is limited to 10 participants and 10 partners. To register or for information, call Susan DeLise at 352-540-6819.

Elder Options, of the Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging, exists to promote the independence, dignity, health and well-being of elder citizens; to plan, fund and administer a coordinated continuum of services; and to advocate for the needs of older Americans. Anyone who is 60 or older and is being hurt or taken advantage of by someone they know or trust, should report suspected cases of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation by calling 1-800-96-ELDER or 1-800-965-5337. To report elder abuse, call the confidential Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).

CARES Early Memory Loss Program will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday at the CARES Rao Musunuru, M.D. Enrichment Center, 12417 Clock Tower Parkway. The program is for individuals who are experiencing early memory losses and need a proactive day program to provide social support and memory retraining skills. The CARES "Senior Moments" Early Memory Loss program offers individuals and their families opportunities to reduce the progression and challenges of potential memory disorders through early intervention. For reservations or information, call Christine Powers at 727-863-6868.

The St. John's Hearing Institute will hold a hearing clinic at the CARES Rao Musunuru, M.D. Enrichment Center, 12417 Clock Tower Parkway, from 9 to 11 a.m. the second Monday of each month. Ear wax checks and ear wax removal, hearing screenings and hearing aid checks will be provided. Participants who wear hearing aids will receive one free package of batteries. Amplified telephones are distributed to the hearing impaired by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at no charge to qualified Florida residents. For information, call the Center at 727-868-6363.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is seeking volunteers, and the only requirement of the program is to be 55 years of age or older. A representative of the RSVP Welcome Center located at 880 Kennedy Blvd. will find a position that will fit the interests and needs of interested volunteers. Some of the areas available are mentoring, tutoring, teacher's aide, teen pregnancy, Meals on Wheels, senior centers, nature, museum docent or researcher, library, food banks, thrift stores, clerical, and animal care. If interested in volunteering or for information, call from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 352-796-8117.

Miracle on Wheels announces that Medicare's regulations make it easier for seniors and others with debilitating conditions such as arthritis, stroke, heart and breathing problems, or diabetes to obtain a power wheelchair at little or no cost. Anyone who is suffering from any condition that severely limits their mobility should call Miracle on Wheels toll-free at 1-800-400-4210.

The Co-Dependency (CoDA) Words of Wisdom (WOW) Group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday at the Salvation Army, 15464 Cortez Blvd. The group is a 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. The only requirement for membership is a desire for healthy and fulfilling relationships. For information, call Valarie at 352-596-2492.

St. Frances Cabrini Center will offer an "Our Children Loved and Remembered" support group at 7 p.m. the first and third Friday of each month in Room 3 of the Cabrini Center located at 5030 Mariner Blvd. The support group is for parents and grandparents that have lost a child of any age or religion. For information, call Dorothy at 352-684-1369 or Carol at 352-686-1310.

Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step program for those with hurts, habits and hang-ups, will be held at 7 p.m. Fridays and Mondays at Bridge Family Life Center, aka First Baptist Church, 7279 Pinehurst Drive. The Friday program is a time of worship and a lesson followed by small groups for fellowship and discussion. Child care is provided on Friday nights only. The Monday program is the men's and women's 12-step study groups. For information, call 352-683-2863 or visit the church's Website at www.firstbaptistchurchsh.com

Hatha Yoga classes will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and at 6 p.m. Thursdays at the Inner Peace Bookstore and Wellness Center, 421 West Jefferson St. Bring a mat or towel and bottled water. The cost is $7 per person, but the first yoga class is free of charge with instructor Rachel Oleson, 352-346-8619. For information, call the Bookstore at 352-544-0304.

A Reiki clinic will be held at 7 p.m. each Wednesday at the Inner Peace Bookstore and Wellness Center. Reiki is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Energy, an energy all around people. Reiki allows the person to feel deeply relaxed, calm and peaceful. The cost for the clinic is $10 per person or $22 per month, and Reiki books will be available for purchase. For information, call Maria at 352-544-0304 or Vicki at 352-442-1240.

Beautiful Mind Outreach Center, 10554 Spring Hill Drive, in the Brothers I and II Plaza, is a self-help rehabilitation and recreation center which helps those with a mental illness help themselves and also offers support and education to their families. The Center provides support groups, education groups, friendship groups, bingo, arts and crafts, computer classes, bowling, scrapbooking, guest speakers, social activities and more. For information, call the Center at 352-684-0004 or Ginny at 352-686-2687.

Brooksville Regional Hospital has introduced its full-service gastrointestinal program incorporating a relatively new procedure, the Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS). EUS combines the techniques of endoscopy and ultrasound examination to obtain images and information about various parts of the digestive tract through a less invasive procedure than surgery. The procedure enables physicians to detect and determine treatment for cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, masses and lesions in body tissues at earlier stages, as well as determine how aggressively these masses should be treated. The hospital is located at 17240 Cortez Blvd. For information, call 352-799-5019 or visit www.BrooksvilleRegional.net.

DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar and support group will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at St. Frances Cabrini Parish, 5030 Mariner Blvd. Seminar sessions will include "Facing My Anger," "Facing My Loneliness," "Depression," "New Relationships," "KidCare" and "Forgiveness." For information, call 352-686-9954 Ext. 409.

Florida Department of Elder Affairs will offer the free SHINE program (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) at the following locations effective Feb. 1:

Tuesdays

11 a.m. to noon, Brooksville Enrichment Center, 17222 Hospital Blvd., Medical Arts Building, Suite 120, Brooksville. For information, call 352-544-6022.

Wednesdays

Noon to 1 p.m., East Hernando Branch Library, 6457 Windmere Road, Brooksville. For information, call 352-754-4443.

Thursdays

11 a.m. to noon, Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 10441 Quality Drive, Medical Arts Building, Suite 105, Spring Hill. For information, call 352-684-7568.

SHINE counselors offer information and assistance with Medicare (filling out paperwork, bills and filing appeals), Medicare supplemental insurance, Medicare prescription drug coverage, long-term care planning and pharmaceutical assistance programs. An appointment is not necessary. For information or for counseling locations outside Hernando County, call the Elder Hotline toll-free at 800-262-2243.

Celiac Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the fourth Saturday of the month in the Community Room at Coastal Region Library located at 8619 West Crystal St. The support group is for those who have celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis. Everyone is welcome; bring friends or relatives who also may be gluten intolerant. Anyone who would like to bring a gluten-free snack, bring the recipe and/or list of ingredients for those with other allergies. For information, call Mary Lou Thomas at 352-628-9559.

Mid-Florida Community Services provides nutritious meals year-round to seniors age 60 and over. Seniors are welcome to visit any one of its four dining sites within the county. In addition, the Meals on Wheels program provides nutritious lunches five days a week to seniors who are homebound. The daily contact by the program's volunteers ensures a visit by someone who provides companionship, while checking on the person's health and well being. Volunteers are welcome, and donations are appreciated. For information, call 352-796-1425 or 352-796-0485.

Arc Nature Coast is seeking volunteers for its POSSE Program, Enrichment Program at the Community Café or Neff Lake Road facility, any of several office locations, community outings and special events. Applications and background screenings are required for any position which involves direct contact with customers. There is a one-time fee of $28 for submission of paperwork to two outside agencies. Orientation and tours of the facilities will be available to all volunteers. For information and application forms, contact John DiRienzo at jdirienzo@thearc-naturecoast.org or by calling 352-544-2322.

The Florida Cancer Institute's Leukemia/Lymphoma Support Group will meet from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Florida Cancer Institute's Spring Hill Center, 10441 Quality Drive, Suite 203, in the Medical Arts Building, next to Spring Hill Regional Hospital. Topics that are frequently discussed are: the importance of early detection, signs and symptoms of leukemia-lymphoma, prognosis, disease stages, the various treatment options, and especially the latest research and treatment modalities. For information, call Jeff Haight, R.N., support group facilitator, at 352-688-7744.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Florida has recently announced the addition of several new telephones, ttys and captioned telephones which are available through its no-charge equipment distribution program. Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers amplified telephones and related equipment free of charge to permanent Florida residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind or speech-impaired. The telecommunications access program is funded by a surcharge on all landline phones in Florida. Equipment is available Monday through Friday at the Main Office located at 8610 Galen Wilson Blvd. or at satellite locations throughout Pasco and Hernando counties. For information or to make an appointment, call 727-853-1010 or 1-866-685-9477.

All Medicare recipients should now be aware that if they suffer from conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disorders, and have difficulty walking or propelling a standard wheelchair, they may be eligible to receive an electric wheelchair paid for by Medicare. For information on Medicare eligibility, call 1-800-810-2877.

Grief support group meets Fridays

SPRING HILL Survivors Grief Support Group meets at 1 p.m. Fridays in Conference Room 1 of Oak Hill Hospital located at 11375 Cortez Blvd. Everyone is welcome. For information, call Rose at 352-596-6752.

Department of Veteran Services of Hernando County will be addressing concerns and answering questions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday at the Brooksville Enrichment Center, 670 Broad St., Brooksville; and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday at the Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. Capri Home Care will be checking blood pressure and will host a question-answer session about general health concerns from 10 to 11 a.m. every Thursday at the Brooksville Enrichment Center. Contours Express will be sending a personal trainer to assist the exercise class at 8:45 a.m. every Wednesday at the Brooksville Enrichment Center. A volunteer will take blood pressure Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Spring Hill and Tuesdays at Brooksville. Support groups are available, such as Parkinson's, diabetic, Alzheimer's, Ostomy, nurses, well spouse and breast cancer. For information, call the Spring Hill Enrichment Center at 352-597-6331 or the Brooksville Enrichment Center at 352-544-5900.

Wishes on Wheels has electric power wheelchairs available for nonambulatory senior citizens 65 years old and up, and the permanently disabled of any age, if they qualify. For information, call 1-800-823-5220 or visit www.threewishes2.com.

Hernando County Family YMCA offers a Working on Weights program that meets twice a week for four weeks on the Wellness Floor of the facility located at 1300 Mariner Blvd. The program features one-on-one instruction with a personal wellness trainer to help achieve personal goals while addressing personal limitations and comforts. For information, call Olivia Matles at 352-688-9622.

Yoga in the park will be offered Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at Hernando Park, 205 East Fort Dade Ave. The cost is $7. For information, call Rachel at 352-263-4923 or Hernando County Recreation Department at 352-754-4031.