RBOI to host ‘We Can Week’
The Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute will be presenting the annual “We Can Week,” from noon to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 8 to 12.
This interactive online experience promotes the health and healing of the cancer community with presentations every day. Presenters include physicians and other health care providers.
Each day will include door prizes, an activity to do at home and questions and answers. Dr. Joey Bennett will conclude the week’s event with a special presentation and plenty of time for questions.
Do not be surprised if you share your pets, artwork or special recipes with the group. Laughter and the importance of socialization and connection with others boosts well-being.
Before the event, visit the Lecanto RBOI office, 522 N. Lecanto Highway to pick up the bag of supplies needed to join the activities.
This is a free event, but participants must register. Contact Wendy Hall, cancer navigator, at [email protected] or 352-527-0106.
Attend the Healthy Living Fair
Join Citrus County Support Services for the 16th annual Healthy Living Fair from noon to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Citrus Springs Community Center, 1570 W. Citrus Springs Blvd.
Admission is free. There will be more than 50 vendors on site offering free information, health screenings, demonstrations, product sampling and door prizes. LifeSouth Community Blood Center’s Bloodmobile will be accepting blood donations.
There will be a grand prize drawing for a new flatscreen TV, donated by Home Instead Senior Care. Riviera Mexican Cantina will be on site providing food for purchase.
Proceeds will benefit the “No Seniors Left Waiting” program. For more information, call 352-527-5980.
Learn to build a better brain
Attend the “Building Better Brains: Healthy Brain/Healthy Body” presentation from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Nov. 17 at the YMCA Healthy Living Center, 4127 W. Norvell Bryant Highway in Lecanto.
The health of your body and brain depends on your lifestyle choices. A brain-healthy lifestyle depends on how you feed your brain, move your body, sleep, socialize, learn new things and create new memories.
Dr. Susan Zimmer will talk about the risks to brain health, cognitive side effects of common drugs and diet-related diseases. Learn ways to replace “brain fog” with “brain fit.” Brain health is mental health.
‘Beat the Holiday Blues’ with CMH
Citrus Memorial Hospital will present a mental health seminar at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA, 4127 W. Norvell Bryant Highway in Lecanto.
“Beat the Holiday Blues” will feature a presentation from Laura Sturdevant, licensed clinical social worker.
The seminar will focus on how to recognize symptoms of depression, seasonal affective disorder, loneliness and offer coping strategies. There will be a focus on advances in research and new treatment options. A brief question and answer session will follow.
Seating is limited so an RSVP is required to attend. To reserve a seat, call 352-637-3337 or visit citrusmh.com.
Health care enrollment assistance available
Open Enrollment for the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace began Nov. 1 and continues until Jan. 15. Those needing coverage beginning Jan. 1 must enroll by Dec. 15.
Health care navigators are a group of nationally recognized health professionals that assist Floridians in gaining health care coverage. Services are offered for free to all Floridians, including Citrus County citizens.
Suwannee River Area Health Education Centers (SRAHEC) is part of the Covering Florida program, where navigators deliver free outreach and enrollment services to any Floridian that needs to enroll.
Assistance is provided to consumers through telephone, in-person or virtual consultations. SRAHEC also provides education, outreach and enrollment services throughout central and northern Florida. Navigators are trained and certified to help consumers as they shop for coverage and can assist with completing eligibility and enrollment forms.
Contact SRAHEC at 386-230-9400 or [email protected].
‘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.
COVID-19 testing available with Nomi Health
Due to previously scheduled events at the Central Ridge Community Center, Nomi Health will not provide COVID-19 testing on select days in September, October, November and December.
The drive-thru site at the Central Ridge Community Center, 77 Civic Circle in Beverly Hills, will close early or be completely closed on the following days and times: Closed Nov. 14; Closes at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2
Additionally, the site may close due to intermittent weather. Individuals should call Nomi Health at 904-295-0562 or book their appointment online at testing.nomihealth.com/signup/fl to avoid confusion.
In addition, CVS, Walgreens and urgent care clinics provide testing in Citrus. They are listed on the Department of Health’s COVID-19 site at floridahealthcovid19.gov.
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.
Senior Center offers low-impact Zumba classes
Zumba Classes with Certified Instructor Donna Scarpello are held from 11 a.m. to noon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (except holidays) at 2804 W. Marc Knighton Court in Lecanto.
Classes are lower impact and geared toward seniors. Cost is $5 per class.
To pre-register, call 352-527-5993 or email instructor Donna Scarpello at [email protected].
Attend an ABC of Dementia workshop
Citrus County Libraries and Coping with Dementia LLC announced an expanded schedule of free ABC of Dementia workshops.
The workshops provide an overview of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, how they affect the individuals and how their care partners can use this knowledge and techniques of voice, approach and appropriate touch to provide more effective care.
Citrus County’s Libraries provide this training for their personnel and encourage the public to attend. All workshops are from 10 a.m. to noon.
- Friday, Nov. 19, Coastal Region Library.
- Wednesday, Dec. 8, Lakes Region Library.
- Monday, Dec. 20, Central Ridge Library.
CDC guidelines will be observed and seating may be limited. To reserve seats, call 352-422-3663 or email [email protected].
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 [email protected]. 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.