Winter/Spring 2000
HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH JANUARY - JUNE 2000

Ambulatory Surgery And Diagnostic Center
The Series
Heart Smart Days
Womens Health Fair
National Osteoporosis Prevention Week
Blood Banks
Outpatient Rehabilitation

We are pleased to share that our new Winter Haven Hospital Ambulatory Surgery and Diagnostic Center is now open.

In addition to 5 new operating rooms, the facility has 3 outpatient endoscopy rooms, and one large room that can be used as another operating room or pain management room. This remarkable new service has the very latest equipment, sizeable rooms and the staff to provide exceptional care.

The first phase of Winter Haven Hospital's new Emergency Department opened in April and staff members have worked hard to provide quality services. The renovations to the the old Emergency Department are scheduled for completion in January. This will result in the Emergency Department's total area expanding from 14,000 to 24,000 square feet.

Our Quality Improvement Teams have been working to streamline processes so people entering the new Emergency Department will receive care as promptly as possible. The expanded facilities will be instrumental in providing excellent emergency services for our community.

Our Foundation staff has developed a system with 15 dentists in the county to get dental care to low/moderate income children. We applied for a $50,000 Federal Community Development Block Grant, which initiated from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Staff from the County's Housing and Neighborhood Development Division helped us attain these funds to care for the children. Over 80 children, who were in severe dental pain, have gotten the care they needed as a result of this effort so far. We are grateful to the Citizens Advisory Committee and the County Commission for selecting us to administer this important program.

Our healthcare system has spent considerable time in the last six months developing a strategic plan that will guide our organization for the next 20 years. One of the most significant factors facing hospitals ability to implement plans in the future is the Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA) which has already resulted in significantly lower reimbursements for Medicare and Medicaid patients in hospitals nationwide. The long term impact of the BBA is not yet clear, but what is clear is the BBA will effect how care will be delivered in the future. Providing quality care under this type of significant economic constraint will be the next challenge for all hospitals including ours in the coming years.

Our strategic plan calls for us to eventually develop a new healthcare facility on highway 27 between Winter Haven and Lake Wales. Initially we plan to have physician's offices and outpatient diagnostic and treatment services at this location.

Renovations are also planned for the Winter Haven Hospital and the Lake Wales Medical Centers campus.

Our plans call for demolishing the original hospital building at Lake Wales. This will allow for several new construction projects to begin. A short list of some of these projects includes a new Emergency Department, new operating rooms and the development of a new Endoscopy Unit. Significant renovations will also bring outpatient services to the first floor. Administration and support services will be moved to the 3rd floor. All inpatients will be cared for on the hospitals 2nd floor which will include a new intensive care unit.

On the Winter Haven Hospital Campus several renovations will result in more outpatient activity on the first floor of the Swann building, as well. These changes should result in much greater convenience for our patients.

Pursuing the implementation of an open-heart surgery program for Winter Haven Hospital is another important component of our plan. As many as 700 patients were sent out of our area in the last year for open-heart surgery or angioplasty. We believe it is important for us to begin to provide these important services locally.

Implementation of these kinds of significant long-range plans will take time and resources. We believe our plan provides us with a clear direction for the future, and will help us meet the needs of our ever-growing community.

We continue to receive valuable input from patient surveys conducted by the Gallup Organization. This information is tracked and gives us vital feedback on whether we are meeting the expectations of the people we serve. As part of these activities, we are compared with hospitals around the country and our results to date have been very favorable.

The "Here's To Your Health" publication you are reading is designed to keep you, our community up to date on our healthcare system and to highlight the numerous support groups and educational/ screenings opportunities available for you. As with all of our services, we welcome your comments and questions. We encourage you to take advantage of the services in this edition of "Here's To Your Health" by calling the Winter Haven Hospital Health Connection at (863) 291-6705 or 1(800) 416-6705.

Lance W. Anastasio President

the series

The Learning Series lectures are free to anyone in our community. To attend any Learning Series lecture you must pre-register. To do so, please call The Winter Haven Hospital Health Connection at (863) 291-6705 or 1-(800) 416-6705. The Learning Series lectures are made possible through the generous donations of local businesses and individuals to the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation.

january 3 Female Urinary Leakage (Incontinence)
and Male Impotence
If you or a spouse are a female suffering from urinary leakage or a male with questions about erectile dysfunction, this program is for you. Dr Essig will be discussing these topics with questions and answer sessions.
6:00 - 7:00 PM Female Incontinence Lecture
7:00 - 8:00 PM Male Impotence Lecture
Winter Haven Hospital Auditorium
Kenneth Essig, M.D., Urologist

january 11 Advances in the Treatment of Arthritis
of the Hip and Knee
This talk will encompass arthritis of the hip and knee and internal derangement, including arthroscopic surgery and management of those individuals with previously failed hip and knee surgeries.
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Winter Haven Hospital Auditorium
Samuel Messieh, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon
Alice Hearn P.T., Director of Mid-Florida Outpatient Rehabilitation Services

january 12 Grandparenting
What role do grandparents have and what are the expectations of today's grandparents? This workshop will address issues related to grandparenting and offer positive support.
7:00 PM
Chain of Lakes Complex, South Entrance, Winter Haven
Juanita Harden, LMHC

january 13 What X-Rays Can Reveal In Your Child
Where did that coin or button go that your child just swallowed? See for yourself what x-rays can reveal, as well as learn more about safety issues in children and ways to prevent accidents from occurring.
7:00 PM
Winter Haven Hospital Auditorium
Raymond LaRue, M.D., Radiologist
Travis Whitehead, R.T., Assistant Manager Radiology

january 20 Eye Care for the 21st Century
Learn the latest treatments for common eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts.
4:00 PM
Regency Medical Center, Winter Haven
John McGetrick, M.D., Ophthalmologist

january 27 What Can Be Done For My Painful Shoulder,
Elbow or Hand in the Year 2000?
Dr. Patterson and Ms. Phillips will discuss current treatments for arthritis and other painful conditions in the arm, including medications, injections, conservative rehab and surgical procedures.
10:00 AM
Eagle Ridge Mall Conference Center, Lake Wales
Stuart Patterson, M.D., Orthopedic Hand Surgeon
Melanie Phillips, O.T.R.

february 9 1, 2, 3, Magic: Effective Discipline for Children
The presenter will review the effective discipline methods developed by Dr. Thomas W. Phelan, a nationally renowned expert on child discipline and Attention Deficit Disorder. This program offers easy-to-follow steps for disciplining children aged 2-12 without yelling, arguing or spanking.
7:00 PM
Lakeland Public Library, Lake Morton, Lakeland
Kay Owen, LMHC

february 10 Does Your Child Suffer From Allergies?
If allergies are making your child miserable, this program may be for you. Learn more about foods and inhalants, i.e., dust mites, animal dander and pollens that may be causing the discomfort and the latest treatments and options available.
7:00 PM
Winter Haven Hospital Auditorium
Charles Brooker, M.D., Otolarnygologist

february 17 LASIK - The Latest in Laser for Vision Correction
See the possibilities now available for laser treatment for near-sightedness and other vision problems.
4:00 PM
Regency Medical Center, Winter Haven
Jonathan Silbiger, M.D., Ophthalmologist

february 22 "Clot-busters to the Rescue... Again!"
The use of thrombolytics, or "clotbusters", has significantly reduced the severity of heart attacks, ultimately reducing deaths and disability! As the very successful use of thrombolytics in heart patients continues, advances have led to the use of this same life-saving drug in stopping some strokes literally in their tracks! Come and learn more about the use of these wonder drugs.
7:00 PM
Winter Haven Hospital Auditorium
A panel of experts: a neurologist, cardiologist, a critical care nurse specialist, and a patient.

february 24 Looking For Solutions For Those Painful Joints?
Come hear Dr. Lerner discuss how Arthroscopic surgery may be the answer to your painful hips, knees and ankles. Mr. Jessee, physical therapist will also discuss rehabilative management following this procedure.
10:00 AM
Eagle Ridge Mall Conference Center, Lake Wales
Robert Lerner, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon
Chris Jessee, P.T.

march 8 Communication: Kids vs Parents
The presenter will discuss various ways children communicate, both verbal and non-verbal. Children use coping and defense mechanisms when they are fearful, anxious or perceive they are being challenged. This presentation will give helpful information on how adults and children communicate with each other.
7:00 PM
Chain of Lakes Complex, South Entrance, Winter Haven
Tab Hollwager, MA, Senior Mental Health Specialist

march 9 Pediatric Sinuses
Constant sinus infections, cold symptoms, headaches? Sinuses or allergies? Dr. Lyle will discuss diagnosis, treatments and the latest medications.
7:00 PM
Winter Haven Hospital
George Lyle, M.D., Otolaryngologist

march 14 Shoulder Injuries That Affect Your Golf Game
Dr. Padgett and Ms. Powell will discuss injuries of the shoulder that may contribute to your poor score and treatments and exercises that could improve it.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Winter Haven Hospital Auditorium
Larry Padgett, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon/Sports Medicine
Janette Powell, P.T., O.C.S.

march 23 Is Your Back Bothering You?
Learn more about conservative management of back problems, including medications and therapies.
10:00 AM
Eagle Ridge Mall Conference Center, Lake Wales
John Oh, M.D. Physiatrist
Alice Hearn, P.T., Director of Mid-Florida O. P. Rehabilitation Services

april 11 "Oh, My Aching Joints"
What's new and how can I help myself? Management of Arthritis through homeopathic and anti-inflammatory medications, conservative therapies and surgeries will be discussed.
1:00 PM
Winter Haven Hospital Auditorium
Maury Fisher, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon
Melanie Phillips, O.T.R.

april 12 Raising Children To Be Successful Adults
Dr. Zwingelberg will discuss what parents can do to assist their children in developing the skills and attitudes needed to decide upon the meaning of success for themselves. This workshop will also help parents consider alternative behaviors they and their children may foster which will help the children achieve this personal success.
7:00 PM
Chain of Lakes Complex, South Entrance, Winter Haven
Mark Zwingelberg, Psy. D., Director, Behavioral Health Division

april 14 Girl Talk
An opportunity for mothers and daughters to discuss the physical and emotional changes of the teen years. May also include discussion of some of today's particular challenges including HIV and teen pregnancy.
6:30 PM
Regency Medical Center, Winter Haven
Fran Gross, M.D., Pediatrician

april 19 Understanding Depression
Depression is a very common problem in America today, with one in four women and one in ten men developing it in their lifetime. This program will offer information about treatment for depression and coping strategies.
7:00 PM
Lakeland Public Library, Lake Morton, Lakeland
Gary Ellingson, Senior Mental Health Specialist

may 9 Don't Have A Good Foot To Stand On?
Dr. Blavatsky will speak on developments in foot and ankle treatments, including conservative and surgical interventions.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Winter Haven Hospital Auditorium
Nicholas Blavatsky, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon

may 10 Memory Fitness Over 40
Dr. Reddout describes practical ways to maximize your memory skills for the long haul. Learn how to keep your edge and stay sharp and have fun doing it. You will be able to practice the techniques during the presentation, which will feature lots of interaction between the presenter and the audience. Learn how to spot problems in yourself or your loved ones and what to do about them.
7:00 PM
Lakeland Public Library, Lake Morton, Lakeland
Jeff Reddout, Ph.D.

may 11 Simplifying Life: Moms Need it Most
Mothers wear many hats. They care for many people, many times forgetting the importance of caring for themselves. Mother is the heart of the home, therefore her state of mind, body, and spirit are extremely important to the entire family. Join us and let us help you simplify. Gift for all moms attending.
6:30 PM
Regency Medical Center, Winter Haven
Susan Dantzler, Assistant Manager, Regency Wellness Center

june 14 ADHD Children
Dr. Dorta-Duque will discuss issues related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children and adolescents. Considerations of whether to prescribe medications will be discussed and alternative behavioral interventions will be offered.
7:00 PM
Chain of Lakes Complex, South Entrance, Winter Haven
Jorge Dorta-Duque, M.D., Board Certified Psychiatrist

events

Heart Smart Days

Community Screenings

"Are You Heart Healthy?"
Are you at risk for developing heart disease? For having another heart attack? Participate in this "heart risk check-up" and learn how to lower your risk of heart attack. The following assessments are included:

£ Body Fat Analysis
£ Blood Pressure & Pulse Rate
£ Height & Weight

£ Blood Work ­ includes Chemistry Profile, Cholesterol Profile, CBC. These blood tests require fasting prior to your appointment. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, other than sips of water. All prescription medication should be taken at the regular time, however!
Cost is $27.00.
Register for the site or date most convenient for you!

£ February 11 ­ Lake Wales Medical Center
410 S. 11th Street
7:30 a.m. ­ 11:00 a.m.

£ February 26 ­ Winter Haven Hospital
200 Ave. F, NE
7:30 a.m. ­ 11:00 a.m.

Please note that this event is by appointment only. To make your appointment, contact Winter Haven Hospital Health Connection at (863) 291-6705 or 1 (800) 416-6705. Refreshments and educational materials will be provided. Health care professionals will be on site to answer questions.

£ 1542 patients admitted with chest pain due to heart disease
£ 40% of these (~600) were heart attack victims!
£ 1600+ heart catheterizations performed
£ 359 patients transferred out for angioplasty (PTCA)
£ 257 patients transferred out for bypass surgery
£ 44 patients transferred out for treatment of valve disease
Co-Sponsored by Bond Clinic
*Note: These numbers reflect only patients admitted to and transferred from Winter Haven Hospital. They do not include the patients that were transferred directly from the physician's office to a facility for one of the same advanced cardiovascular services.
Community Program, "Clotbusters to the Rescue...Again!", See pg. 5
8 HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH JANUARY - JUNE 2000

specialevents

The Citrus Classic Road Race 2000
WOMEN'S
HEALTH FAIR

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
May 6, 2000 at the
Regency Medical Center

Take a day for yourself - a day of fun, health, and beauty. Health screenings, mammograms, pap smears, bone scans, and massage will be available. A special feature is the luncheon fashion show. Appointments and lunch reservations required. Call (863) 291-6705.

For a tremendous family outing, great food and of course, a neat t-shirt, come and participate in the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation's Annual Citrus Classic on March 18, 2000.



*All proceeds to benefit the School Nurses Program.
School Nurses, bottom left; Carla Higgins, Auburndale, Jeanette Myers, Winter Haven High School, Lorrie Jones, Frostproof. Back left, Jan Reed, Westwood Middle School, and Lisa Harboe, Lake Wales.
co-sponsored by

NationsBank

For more information on how to register or volunteer, call Robin Ireland at (863) 297-1810.

Your library is the answer;
what's the question?

National Osteoporosis Prevention Week
May 14 - 20

Osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease, is one of the major health problems facing aging women and men.

Cost of Osteoporosis in Florida alone:
£ Over 15,000 Floridians sustain hip fractures yearly.
£ $324,597,800 is spent each year on treating hip, spine, and wrist fractures.
£ The projected cost of treating osteoporosis fractures in the year 2000 is $1.6 billion.

Recent discoveries and treatments are giving new hope for managing osteoporosis, as well as preventing it from being an inevitable part of the aging process.

Request an education program on osteoporosis for your club, group, or church. Call (863) 291-6705 or 1 (800) 416-6705.

at the Regency Health
& Wellness Library

Call Judy Hagler, Resource Coordinator at
(863) 294-7020, for more information on books, articles, tapes to help you live a healthier life.

Counseling Can Help . . .
With your marriage, divorce, family, children,
emotional or behavioral problems.
* Complete psychological services
* Psychological testing and psychiatric evaluation
* Training/EAP services, workshops, seminars
Let us help you find the answers ... call us today!

Winter Haven Office
(863) 294-8218

Sebring Office
(863) 385-3990
classes

Babysitting Training
This class teaches safety, accident prevention, handling emergencies and how to be a responsible babysitter. For young people ages 11-16. Space is limited, so call early.

Dates: March 29, June 6, and June 21.
Time: 9:30 AM ­ 4:00 PM
Where: Regency Medical Center, Winter Haven
Fee: $20.00

CardiAction
A four week course about caring for your heart and avoiding cardiac events...whether you've already had a heart attack or not! Classes are conducted by a variety of cardiovascular experts including nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and behavioral health specialists. Held every other month at Winter Haven Hospital from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Winter and Spring series in 2000 include:

Dates: January 6, 13, 20, and 27. March 9, 16, 23, and 30. May 4, 11, 18, and 25
Time: 2:00 PM ­ 4:00 PM
Where: Winter Haven Hospital
Fee of $25 covers two participants (attendee & spouse, significant other, family member or caregiver), and includes a comprehensive reference book about heart disease and risk reduction. Fee is waived for employees of Winter Haven Hospital, and for patients who have been hospitalized at Winter Haven Hospital, Lake Wales Medical Centers, or the Regency Medical Center within the past 8 weeks. Scholarships are available. Pre-registration is required as class size is limited. Dates/times subject to change - confirm by calling to register at (863) 291-6705 or 1 (800) 416-6705.

Be Heart Smart
Learn how to care for your heart through healthy living. Identify high risk behaviors and how to modify them in order to reduce the risk of heart attack. To register or for more information, please call the Winter Haven Hospital Health Connection at 291-6705 or 1(800) 416-6705.

Dates: Meets the second Friday of every month
Time: 2:00 PM
Where: Lake Wales Medical Centers Education Classroom
Speaker: Lisa Whidden, R.N., Winter Haven Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Service


Living With Diabetes
A four week course including an overview of diabetes, meal planning, self-blood glucose monitoring, awareness of complications, and dealing with stress. This course is available at both Winter Haven Hospital and Lake Wales Medical Centers. Cost is $25.

Dates: First four Wednesdays of each month
Time: 1:00 PM ­ 3:00 PM
Where: Winter Haven Hospital Education Classrooms
To register for this class or for more information, please call, (863) 297-1706.
*Occasional evening classes are available. Call 297-1706 for dates and times.

Dates: First four Thursdays of each month
Time: 2:00 PM ­ 4:00 PM
Where: Lake Wales Medical Centers Cafeteria Conference Room
To register for this class or for more information, please call, (863) 676-1433, extension 4166.


Lung Disease Education
Winter Haven Hospital's Pulmonary rehabilitation program offers free community education lectures. These informative topics are focused on those people who have or are associated with lung diseases. Lectures are taught by professionals who invite your questions. Sessions are about one hour in length. Each lecture is held at the VFW Hall, 231 East Lake Avenue, Auburndale.

Subject: Stress Management
Date: January 19
Time: 11:00 AM
Speaker: Rena Bacon, MSW

Subject: Safety: Protecting Yourself and Possessions
Date: March 22
Time: 11:00 AM
Speaker: John Thompson, Director Security, Winter Haven Hospital

Subject: Hurricane Preparedness
Date: May 17
Time: 11:00 AM
Speaker: Andrea Sekura, RN

Also available: an individual rehabilitation program for people afflicted with Chronic Lung Disease. Therapies and instruction accompanied with your physician order, are provided by a multi-disciplinary staff. Approved by Medicare and most major insurance companies. Location: Winter Haven Hospital. Call (863) 297-1825 for more information.


Parenting: John Rosemond's Managerial Parent
A skillshop in Excellence in Discipline
The Managerial Parent is a 5 week skillshop for parents and professionals who work with children and/or families. Included are model strategies for managing sibling rivalry, bedtime problems, disobedience, tantrums, public misbehavior and academic performance. For parents of children ages 3 through adolescence. The series will be facilitated by Winter Haven Hospital Behavioral Health Division professionals.

Date: January 11, 18, 25, February 1, and 8
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Winter Haven Hospital Education Classroom

Date: January 19, 26, February 2, 9, and 16
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Family Health Center, Hwy. 27 N., Haines City

Date: March 7, 14, 21, 28, and April 4
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Marge Brewster Clinical Counseling Associates, 155 US 27 N., Sebring

Cost: $50 per family, which includes the five sessions, a workbook and materials. Monies due at time of registration. $25
for Winter Haven Hospital employees and members of Winter Haven Hospital's EAP.
(This program not designed to meet requirements of court referrals)

For more information about THESE classes, call The
Winter Haven Hospital Health Connection at (863) 291-6705 or 1 (800) 416-6705

Membership in Winter Haven Hospital's Healthy Aging Program has grown to nearly two thousand!
If you are over 55 and have not joined, make the call and take advantage of a free membership program that offers you access to the many benefits and services of Winter Haven Hospital.

To register, phone the
Winter Haven Hospital Health Connection
at (863) 291-6705 or 1 (800) 416-6705

Blood Banks of
Mid-Florida Medical
Services



Caring for our community
For all the wonders that modern medicine has achieved, no one has found a substitute for human blood. Yet, we are transfusing ever more blood components to our patients. Medical breakthroughs that were unheard of just a few decades ago are now common procedures and are utilizing more and more blood products. It takes more than 1000 donors a month to meet the needs of the patients at Winter Haven Hospital, Lake Wales Medical Centers and Regency Medical Center.

As we approach the next century, our community's need for blood will continue to increase, not just due to increased population growth but also due to even further advances in medical technology. All of that blood must come from volunteer blood donors.

Almost everyone over the age of 17 can donate blood. There are very few restrictions. Unfortunately, only about 5% of the people who are eligible to donate ever do. Statistics show that nine out of 10 of us who live to the age of 70 will need a blood transfusion at some time in our lives.

Giving blood takes very little time. Each person who attempts to donate receives a mini-physical exam, consisting of a blood pressure check, anemia screen, pulse, temperature, and periodic cholesterol screening test. The actual donation process takes about 8 minutes. This small investment of time can mean a lifetime for someone who needs a blood transfusion.

30 % of our blood comes from individuals donating at our donor centers. The remaining 70% comes from area churches, businesses, schools, and community organizations sponsoring blood drives. Any groups interested in sponsoring a blood drive are urged to call (863) 297-1840 for more information.

Blood donors are unique, compassionate individuals. They know that blood is a life-saving gift and that it is necessary. Blood Banks of Mid-Florida Medical Services wishes to thank the many donors and sponsor organizations for doing their part to make sure that everyone who so desperately needs blood, gets it.

If YOU have never donated blood, please give it a try. You'll feel very good about yourself. For more information about this service, please call (863) 297-1840.

Whether you are concerned about your weight, have lost some one you love or have a health problem, it helps to share and learn with others who have and are experiencing similar situations. Look to this page for a support group that applies to you.

Aids Support Group
Every Wednesday, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Tri-County Building
37 3rd Street Southwest, Room 205, Winter Haven
Call (863) 291-3737 or 678-1106

Alzheimer's Support Groups
4th Tuesday, 2:00 PM
Spirit Lake Community Church
2600 Spirit Lake Road, South, Winter Haven
Call 299-1064
Also every 3rd Monday, 7:00 PM
St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Family Life Center
532 Avenue M, NW, Winter Haven
Call (863) 294-3144

AMI (Alliance for the Mentally Ill)
Support group for those with mentally ill relatives.
First Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Sweet Center
1201 First Street South, Winter Haven
and Third Tuesday, 6:30 PM Caring/Sharing
7:30 PM Education
Gateway Building
715 North Lake Avenue, Lakeland
Call (863) 667-2068

Amputee Support Group
Last Tuesday, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Sweet Center
1201 First Street South, Winter Haven
(863) 293-1121 ext. 1171 or ext. 1806

Aphasia Support Group
1st Thursday, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Winter Haven Hospital Swann 7
Mid-Florida Rehab Dining Room
Call (863) 293-1121 ext. 2726 for more information

Breathe Better with Support
2nd Tuesday, 11:00 AM
Mary Sands Respiratory Disease Clinic
1805 Hobbs Road, Auburndale
Call 965-5400

Cancer Support Group
Every Wednesday, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Winter Haven Hospital, Street 4 Dayroom
Call (863) 291-6705

Diabetes Information and Support Group
2nd Tuesday, 7:30 PM
Grace Lutheran Church, Winter Haven
327 Avenue C, Southeast
Call (863) 297-1706
Also, 1st Wednesday, 2:00 PM
Lake Wales Medical Centers Cafeteria Conference Room
Call (863) 676-1433, ext. 4166

Domestic Violence Support Group
Call (863) 294-5318 for more information

Eating Healthy For Life
1st Monday of every month, 2:00 PM
Lake Wales Medical Centers Cafeteria Conference Room
Call (863) 676-1433, ext. 4166

Epilepsy Support Group
1st Tuesday, 2:00 PM
Winter Haven Hospital Classroom B
Call (863) 686-5880

Family & Caregivers Support Group
1st Monday, 1:00 PM
Sweet Center
1201 First Street, South, Winter Haven
Call (863) 294-7056, ext. 3673
Also, Second Thursday, 1:30 PM
Lake Wales Medical Centers Cafeteria Conference Room
Call (863) 676-1433, ext. 4166

Fibromyalgia Support Group
2nd Thursday, 2:00 PM
Regency Medical Center, Winter Haven
Call (863) 299-5170
Also, 1st Tuesday, 2:00 PM
Lake Wales Medical Centers Cafeteria Conference Room
Call (863) 676-1433, ext. 4166

First Months Club for Parents
(Birth to 12 months)
Every Wednesday, 10:30 AM - 12:00 NOON
Regency Medical Center, Winter Haven
Call (863) 294-7020

First Steps Club for Parents
(Babies 12-24 months)
Every Monday, 10:30 AM - 12:00 NOON
Regency Medical Center, Winter Haven
Call (863) 294-7020

Grief Support Group
1st and 3rd Tuesday, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Regency Medical Center, Winter Haven
Call (863) 297-1877

Brain Injury Support Group
4th Tuesday, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Grace Lutheran Church, Winter Haven
327 Avenue C, Southeast
Call (863) 293-1121, ext. 3030

Heart to Heart
Support group for those with heart disease and those who have a loved one with heart disease. Includes quarterly educational lectures by medical professionals.
2nd Wednesday, 3:00 PM
Sweet Center, Winter Haven
1201 1st Street, South (across from the Regency Medical Center)
Call (863) 293-1121, ext. 1227

Heart to Heart Newsletter
Mailed quarterly, this newsletter contains a variety of information from experts in the field of cardiovascular medicine including dietitians, pharmacists, physicians, and nurses. From recipes to informative articles, keep up with the latest on how to take
care of your heart. Free. Call the Winter Haven Hospital Health Connection at (863) 291-6705 to have your name added to the
mailing list.

The Grief Center of Good Shepherd Hospice
Basic Grief Support: A 2-hour session each Tuesday for 6 weeks.
Moving-On: A continuing grief support group that meets once a month. Come each month or as needed. This group is focused on personal growth. Completion of the Basic Grief Support is requested prior to attending Moving-On. Call for more information: 297-1880 for east Polk area or 802-0313 in the Lakeland area, or 471-3700 Highlands. For information regarding special needs - homicide, suicide or AIDS grief, call 297-1880.

Lifelink Donor Awareness & Support Group
2nd Monday, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Winter Haven Hospital
Call (863) 324-3186

Lupus Information and Support Group
Lupus Foundation/Polk County Branch
For more information, call 956-3904

Mall Walkers
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Winter Haven Mall
Call (863) 294-7040
Eagle Ridge Mall
Call (863) 291-6705

Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group
2nd and 4th Tuesday, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Winter Haven Hospital, Street 4, Dayroom
Call (863) 291-6705

Ostomy Club
2nd Saturday, 10:00 AM
Winter Haven Hospital, Auditorium
Call (863) 293-1121 ext. 1511

Parkinson's Support Group
3rd Tuesday, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
First Christian Church, Winter Haven
29 7th Street, Southwest
Call (863) 297-1706

Perinatal Bereavement (New Hope)
2nd Tuesday, 10:00 AM and
4th Tuesday, 7:00 PM
Regency Medical Center, Winter Haven
Call 325-9748 or 294-7044

Rape Crisis Support Group
Every Friday, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Winter Haven Hospital, Classroom D
Call (863) 299-5025

Stroke Support Group
1st Wednesday, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Winter Haven Hospital, Swann 7
Mid-Florida Rehab Dining Room
Call (863) 297-1807

Support Group for the Blind
2nd and 4th Monday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 NOON
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, Winter Haven
1910 Havendale Boulevard Northwest
Call (863) 293-6429

Thyroid Interest Group
2nd Tuesday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
July, September, November
Winter Haven Hospital, Classroom A
Call (863) 357-7238 for information

Woman to Woman
(Breast Cancer Support Winter Haven)
2nd and 4th Monday, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Regency Medical Center, Winter Haven
Call (863) 291-6705

Clinical Counseling Associates
Offers programs dealing with adolescence, eating disorders,
parenting, pain management and substance abuse treatment.
Call (863) 294-8218 for more information regarding dates,
times, fees and locations.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Care for Members of the Polk County Community

The Rehabilitation Division of Winter Haven Hospital has Outpatient Rehab-ilitation services to care for members of our Polk County community. From musculoskeletal problems, back injuries to brain injury problems, there are services available to help with outpatient recovery. In every department and at every location, the Winter Haven Hospital Rehabilitation staff is experienced, specially trained and dedicated to providing hands-on care to assist patients with their recovery. Specialists include Speech/language Patholo-gists, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Neuropsy-chologists, Case Managers, Rehab Nurses, Social Workers, Exercise Physiologists and Vocational Professionals.

AVE. K--Location : 200 Ave. K, SE, Winter Haven

The Winter Haven Hospital Rehabilitation staff at Ave. K specialize in treating people who have musculoskeletal and joint problems. These include sprains, strains, arthritic conditions, amputees, nerve impingement and post surgical rehabilitation of the spine or joints. Our Ave. K facility is equipped with highly sophisticated exercise equipment such as the Hydrotrack (a treadmill in water), the Med-X and the Biodex, machines that computerize measurement of strength. The Ave K location also specializes in hand, elbow, and shoulder therapy after an injury or surgery.

ESTEEM--Located in Auburndale on Arneson Ave. on Lake Arianna. This Brain Injury/ Community Integration Program is designed to help people recover from the effects of a brain injury. Following a stroke or brain injury resulting from a car accident or other trauma, a person can experience difficulty with activities they would normally do without thinking about. They may not remember what was said to them or how to figure out the solution to a problem. They experience difficulty with walking, using an arm or even how to care for themselves and their household. Everyday activities become an impossibility. But, with the help of the ESTEEM Team, progress is made towards regaining independence and getting back into their life.

For those individuals needing Outpatient Neuro-logical Rehab for a spinal cord injury, a balance problem, voice disorders or for other neurological conditions, the same services can be provided to maximize independence. For many, life becomes a series of restrictions, where fear replaces confidence. Therapy helps to restore function, increases strength and mobility.

Vocational Services are provided to people wanting to return to work. Referrals are made through Florida's Vocational Rehabilitation Program or by ESTEEM. Following a testing schedule, clients are counseled about their employment strengths and are guided through training by ESTEEM's vocational specialist and their rehab counselor. Other services include pre-employment trials, practice with interviewing, and job coaching services so that the individual has all the support and encouragement to get a job and keep it.

Lake Wales Rehabilitation,
located in Lake Wales

Rehabilitation professionals at this location specialize in helping people with wound care, musculoskeletal injuries, neurological problems such as stroke or nerve damage, and speech problems, including language and swallowing problems.

Outpatient Wound Care,
located at Winter Haven Hospital

The Physical Therapy Department located on the main Winter Haven Hospital campus provides care for people requiring wound management in an outpatient setting. The specially trained physical therapy staff provides whirlpool treatments in conjunction with various other techniques, to improve the healing process.

Referrals can be made through Winter Haven Hospital's Rehabilitation Division at 1-800-283-1738 or (863) 291-6780. To speak directly to the Outpatient ESTEEM Rehab Program and Vocational Services Programs, call (863) 967-8511. To contact the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, in Winter Haven call (863) 297-9311. For Outpatient Rehabilitation in Lake Wales, call (863) 679-6841.