Health Notes

Exhibits and activities will include raffles, nutrition education, cyber security, safe sleep, fire safety, vision screening, pool safety, bicycle helmet fittings and more.

Everyone is welcome. Free swag bags while supplies last.

Fireside Chat to look at medical marijuana

Dr. Bob Goethe from Compassion Clinic will be the next speaker at Dr. Joey Bennett’s monthly FireSide Chat.

Anyone is invited to attend the seminar, which will be at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute (RBOI), 522 N. Lecanto Highway.

Goethe is a board-certified anesthesiologist of 30 years with extensive experience in patient care and is a certified MMJ doctor because of the frustration he has seen with patients in their current state of medical care.

He opened Dr. Bob’s Compassion Clinic in Crystal River, as medical cannabis can be an alternative treatment to opiates and effective in assisting with symptoms from many illnesses, including cancer.

History and the current situation of medical marijuana in Florida will be discussed. A light lunch will be served, so RSVP is necessary.

Call Wendy Hall at 352-527-0106 to register or ask questions, or email whall@rboi.com.

Medicare, FVN topics at cancer meeting

The Women’s Breast Cancer meeting will be at 11:45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 10, at the Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute, 522 N. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto.

Meetings are held in the lobby area and a light lunch is served. RSVP by Feb. 7 to Judy Bonard, facilitator, at 352-220-3693.

Program speaker will be Arnold Virgilio of Virgilio Insurance with questions and answers about Medicare and changes.

Also speaking for just a few minutes will be Cynthia Holden, who is in charge of the Female Veterans Network and will speak about the organization and also present guests with hats for their resource room.

Knights slate blood drive for Feb. 18

The first drive of the new year for Knights of Columbus Council 6168 and Our Lady of Grace Parish will be on the traditional third Saturday of February, Feb. 18, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the council hall, 2389 W. Norvell Bryant Highway, at the corner of West Pinecone Avenue and County Road 486 in Lecanto.

LifeSouth is the local blood source for Citrus County and relies on our participation for this lifesaving gift. There will be a complimentary continental breakfast and tokens of appreciation for all donors. For more information, call LifeSouth at 352-527-3061.

The Dec. 17, 2022, drive collected 19 units from 19 donors at the council hall, and one unit from one donor at a LifeSouth Facility, for a total of 20 units from 20 donors.

Citrus hospital presents heart seminar

HCA Florida Citrus Hospital will present a heart health seminar at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA in Lecanto.

“Advances in Heart Care” will feature a presentation from cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Dr. Bao Hoang. The discussion will focus on advancements in medication, technology and cardiac procedures. Seating is limited, so an RSVP is required. Call 352-637-3337 or visit HCAFlorida Healthcare.com.

Hospice hosts vets benefits presentation

HPH Hospice invites the public to attend a presentation by Ned Barry of McDonald & Barry-Retiree Asset Management of Raymond James from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Feb. 9, at the HPH Hospice House, 2939 W. Gulf-to-Lake Highway, Lecanto.

The topic is “Understanding Your Veteran Benefits” and how to determine what you have and what you don’t.

To RSVP or for more information, call 352-359-8373 or email lucass@chaptershealth.org. Light refreshments will be served.

‘It’s All About the Cause’ cancer walk

Register now for the third annual “It’s All About the Cause” Mini Cancer Walk from 3 to 8 p.m. Feb. 25 in the square in Crystal River.

There’s a day of fun events lined up. This is a day to honor cancer survivors and remember those that have been lost.

Cancer survivors, register at: naturecoastcancercrusaders .org/survivor-registration.

Walkers, register here: nature coastcancercrusaders.org/walker-registration.

It is free to attend, but a $20 donation is requested for the walk and includes a T-shirt. Early registration is suggested as t-shirts will be limited.

Onsite registration/check-in will begin at 3 p.m. Walkers will begin at 4 p.m. from Town Square to Fort Island and return on a designated route (three miles total).

They will hold a special Light the Way of Hope Luminaria ceremony at 7 p.m. in Town Square. Guests may purchase a luminaria bag at the event in honor or in memory of a loved one who has battled cancer.

Interested in becoming a Crusader sponsor? Go to naturecoastcancercrusaders.org/sponsors for more information.

Dementia workshops offered in 2023

Coping with Dementia and the Citrus County Library System have announced that free ABC of Dementia workshops will be offered monthly at venues throughout the county during 2023.

The 2023 schedule will include: Jan. 30, Homosassa Library, 4100 S. Grandmarch Ave.; Feb. 13, Lakes Region Library, 1511 Druid Road, Inverness; March 13, Floral City Library, 8360 E. Orange Ave.; April 17, Coastal Region Library, 8619 W. Crystal St, Crystal River; May 15, Homosassa; June 16, Inverness; July 17, Central Ridge Library, 425 W. Roosevelt Ave., Beverly Hills; Aug. 21, Crystal River; Sept. 18, Homosassa; Oct. 20, Inverness; Nov. 20, Beverly Hills; Dec. 18, Crystal River.

All workshops are presented from 10 a.m. to noon, except the Feb. 13 date which will be 1 to 3 p.m. Care partners and their loved ones living with dementia are welcome. While the workshops are free, reservations are encouraged.

For more information or to reserve seats, call 352-422-3663 or email deb@coping.today.

Church to host ABC of Dementia workshop

The First Christian Church of Inverness will host an ABC of Dementia workshop from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 11, located at 2018 Colonade St., Inverness.

The workshop, to be conducted by Debbie Selsavage, president of Coping with Dementia, will define Alzheimer’s and dementia, explain how dementia affects individuals, discuss ways to interpret dementia behaviors for better communication, and show how compassion and the proper use of voice, approach, and appropriate touch can result in more effective and less stressful caregiving.

While the workshop is designed for care partners of loved ones living with dementia, people already experiencing dementia are welcome to attend.

Though the workshop is free and open to the public, registration is requested for planning purposes. To make reservations, call 352-422-3663 or email deb@coping.today.

Free dementia workshop available for vets

Coping with Dementia has announced that its ABC of Dementia workshop is available to any nonprofit club or organization that serves U.S. Military veterans.

The ABC of Dementia workshop is a two-hour educational event that explains the various causes of dementia, tells families how to get a diagnosis and what to expect after a diagnosis, describes better ways to serve and communicate with a person living with dementia, and ends with a role-play demonstrating the techniques of person-centered compassionate care.

About the offering Selsavage says, “We will schedule a workshop for any nonprofit veterans’ organization that can provide the meeting venue and make a sincere effort to recruit 20 or more attendees, including individuals who already have a dementia diagnosis. They can offer the workshop for their members only, or they can open their event to the public. It is their choice.”

For more information or to schedule a workshop, call 352-422-3663 or email deb@coping.today.

Relief Share charity seeks volunteers

Relief Share, a Citrus County-based medical surplus recovery organization, is seeking volunteers to help with sorting and inventorying a large quantity of medical supplies donated by area hospitals and health care facilities.

Volunteers meet most Saturdays at Technology Conservation Group (TCG) in Lecanto, which has donated air-conditioned storage space to Relief Share.

Adult volunteers will work with local high school student groups to sort, inventory, and box medical supplies for shipment to hospitals and clinics in developing countries. Other volunteer days/hours are also available and retired health care professionals are welcome.

For nearly 20 years, Relief Share has recovered medical surplus locally to save lives throughout the world. The charity recently delivered more than three tons of supplies to hospitals and the front line in Ukraine. It has provided disaster relief to Haiti, Central America, and Nepal, and ships medical supplies to Venezuela.

For more information, visit relief-shareflorida.org or email megan@relief-shareflorida.org.

HPH Hospice seeks community help

HPH Hospice in Lecanto provides comfort and care, giving patients the best possible remaining quality of life and supporting their families through this stressful time. As a nonprofit, HPH Hospice never turns anyone away for lack of funds.

Sometimes the needs of patients and their families expand the realm of their care. The Citrus Hospice House has a food pantry with nonperishable items, but other items are not included, like paper goods and cleaning supplies. Help may also be needed to pay a power bill, rent or mortgage for a caregiver.

To help, organizations could have a “supplies drive” or fundraiser with members on behalf of financial support of patients along with a presentation by HPH Hospice. To schedule or for more information, email lucass@chaptershealth.org or call 352-359-8373.

Items needed are paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags, dish soap, air fresheners, towels & washcloths, toothpaste & toothbrushes, body lotion, deodorant, shampoo, bar soap, body wash, new blankets, personal care wipes, mouth wash, razors, shaving cream and facial tissues. HPH Hospice also accepts non-perishable food items and is in need of volunteers for companion visits of the patients.

Coastal Region library has exercise series

Exercise is considered one of the best ways to stay healthy. Unfortunately, just going out and exercising isn’t always the easiest option. A previous injury may make it difficult to move around or the high impact exercises that everyone else is doing may be too hard.

This is where your local library comes in. The Coastal Region branch in Crystal River offers a free, low impact chair exercise series called “Sit & Be Fit!”

Classes are held Thursdays beginning at 10:30 a.m.

This class focuses on low impact stretches and strengthening exercises, all done from a seated position. These exercises are aimed at improving flexibility, learning weight control and reducing the chance of injury.

Also, stop by the Homosassa branch on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. for belly dancing or the Lakes Region branch in Inverness on Wednesdays at 4:45 p.m. for Yang Tai Chi.

These programs are free for everyone with no registration required. For more information, visit citruslibraries.org or follow @CitrusLibraries on Facebook and Instagram.

Zumba classes available every week

Zumba classes with Certified Instructor Donna are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to noon at the Central Citrus Community Center, 2804 W. Marc Knighton Court, Lecanto.

Classes are low impact and geared to seniors with a lot of laughter included. Get a good workout while dancing and having fun. The cost is $5 per class.

To pre-register or for more information, call 352-527-5993 or email miss-donna@tampabay.rr.com. Classes are not held on government holidays.

Socialize with others at Café Break!

Among the wellness programs offered by Friends of Citrus and the Nature Coast at its Wings Grief Center, 8471 W. Periwinkle Lane (gold building on right) in Homosassa Springs is Café Break!

At Café Break! Anyone grieving or lonely can find a safe place to socialize with others, work puzzles, play games or chat over a cup of coffee and snacks for 2-1/2 hours starting at 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. Thursdays.

For more information or to join this program that follows CDC guidelines, call 352-249-1470.

Salon offers free facial exercise classes

From Head To Toe Salon offers free face lift exercise classes at 9 a.m. every Monday. The salon is located at 21 N. Croft Ave. in Inverness.

In this one-hour class, learn to sculpt and revitalize your face with 25 facial exercises that build volume, minimize wrinkles and lift and tone for a more youthful appearance.

Space is limited, so call master esthetician Stephanie Gombrelli at 352-613-6111 to reserve a spot.

Chemo patients receive free treatment

Chemotherapy patients receive free microblading (eyebrow permanent makeup) by Stephanie Gombrelli at From Head To Toe Salon in Inverness.

Call 352-613-6111 for more information and to schedule.

Citrus Libraries: Healthy mind, healthy body

Citrus Libraries will host several Health & Wellness events.

On Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at the Homosassa branch, belly dancing classes will be available.

On the last Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m., the Coastal Region branch hosts Doreen Lavista who guides an immersive meditation session. Bring a yoga mat, cushion, pillow or back support for using a chair.

Every Wednesday at 4:45 p.m. at the Lakes Region branch, Eric Poling teaches Yang Tai Chi 13. This form emphasizes building strength, balance and coordination through simple movements. Registration is required.

On Thursdays, Tai Chi classes are held at the Floral City branch. The first class is Beyond the Basics Tai Chi at 9:30 a.m. and is designed for seasoned participants. Those looking to learn more about Tai Chi should attend the 10:45 a.m. beginner class.

For more information, follow @CitrusLibraries on Facebook and Instagram or visit citruslibraries.org.

Lions Club offers vision care for veterans

Any veterans in Citrus County who cannot afford their eyeglasses or are in need of vision care can contact Inverness Lions Club at 352-560-8741.

The club can help with any vision need. Residency and income requirements apply.

Community center offers classes

The East Citrus Community Center, 9907 E. Gulf-to-Lake Highway in Inverness, offers healthy choices on its community class schedule.

Tai Chi will be offered from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays. From 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, certified Silver Sneakers Flex instructor Kathy Johnson will lead “Kathy’s Crazy Cardio Class.”

The cost for each class is $3 per person or $1 for Silver Sneakers members. For those who wish to participate in both classes, there is a reduced cost of $5 per person. For more information, call 352-344-9666.

Water aerobics at Bicentennial Pool

Citrus County Parks and Recreation’s offer a water aerobics class from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at Bicentennial Park Pool, 8145 W. Bicentennial Park Drive in Crystal River.

The cost is $3 per person per class. These classes offer a fun, healthy fitness workout without added stress on joints. Participants must be 16 years or older.

For more information, call 352-795-1478.

‘Stepping Stones to Wellness’ meets weekly

Stepping Stones to Wellness will meet from 9:30 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday at the Friends of Citrus and the Nature Coast Wings Grief Center, 8471 W. Periwinkle Lane in Homosassa.

The group is facilitated by yoga teacher Ellen Armitage. By combining walking in place, guided meditation/relaxation exercises and a process group, it is designed to help promote overall well-being.

Provided as a community service, the class is offered at no charge. To reserve a spot, call 352-249-1470. For more information, call friendsofcitrus.org or visit Friends of Citrus on Facebook.

Wings Grief Center offers advanced yoga

The Friends of Citrus and the Nature Coast advanced yoga group meets from 4 to 5 p.m. every Thursday at the Wings Grief Center, 8471 W. Periwinkle Lane in Homosassa.

The class is facilitated by Ellen Armitage, a yoga teacher with more than 20 years of experience helping others find their way to their highest self.

Sessions are provided as a community service and are offered at no charge. To reserve a spot, call 352-249-1470. For more information, call friendsofcitrus.org or visit Friends of Citrus on Facebook.

Free pregnancy testing, sonograms available

Citrus Pregnancy Center is offering free pregnancy testing and free early pregnancy sonograms at both locations: 726 NE U.S. 19 in Crystal River and 3185 E. Thomas St. in Inverness.

For more information, call 352-341-5176.

Attend Dr. Bennett’s ‘Fireside Chats’

Dr. Joseph Bennett offers monthly “Fireside Chats” beginning noon the first Wednesday of each month at the Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute (RBOI), 522 N. Lecanto Highway.

Sessions often feature guest speakers, as well as open discussion regarding health and cancer care. A light lunch is provided; therefore, RSVP is requested.

Bennett welcomes questions and open discussion, so bring your questions or email them ahead of time to cjbennett@rboi.com. Those who have not received their COVID-19 vaccination will be asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing inside the building.

Call Shawn at 352-527-0106 to make a reservation.

RBOI has supplies for cancer patients

If you are in need of scarfs, wigs, or other helpful items for those going through cancer treatments, call Medical Social Worker Wendy Hall, LCSW, at 352-527-0106. Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute in Lecanto has a resource room with more than 100 wigs available for free. Stop in the Lecanto office from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or call to make an appointment.

Medical Social Workers at RBOI will assist individuals needing support through the emotional turmoil caused by cancer with resources, including application for Citrus Aid Cancer Foundation assistance. Many services including Zoom meetings for support and education are available for patients with cancer, and their loved ones. Call 352-527-0106.

Free hearing screening available

Citrus Healing Impaired Program Services (CHIPS) is offering free hearing screenings for Citrus County residents at the old train depot, 109 NE Crystal St. in Crystal River.

Screenings are by appointment only. Low-income hearing aid assistance is available.

To learn more, call Maureen 352-795-5000.