Breast cancer: A Florida survivor's story
When Rochelle Broder-Singer was told she had breast cancer, she was annoyed. She wasn’t scared or sad — that would come later — but she was aggravated because she knew that all the medical appointments and meetings and driving time before and after cancer surgery were going to take up so much time and energy. “Everyone reacts differently. Some people are paralyzed with fear,” she says. “I just went into planning mode.” She would eventually experience sadness and fear. But along the way, she learned some things that surprised her, and some things that she thinks can help anyone diagnosed with cancer. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida at a crossroads: Expanding behavioral health training amid licensing hurdles
Acceptance and treatment of mental health and behavioral issues have been at the forefront of discussions about medical care for years now. Right now, the state of Florida is at a crossroads where action must be taken or the need for care will simply overwhelm the resources available. [Source: CBS 12]
Florida Healthy Kids health insurance program temporarily waives premiums after hurricanes
Families who have children in the Florida Healthy Kids health insurance program will be able to skip a month or two of premiums, under a plan approved by the organization's board of directors. It's part of a financial and administrative relief for Florida families in areas impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. [Source: Florida Today]
Doctors, patients watch and worry as decision day nears for Florida abortion Amendment 4
Since May 1, when the Heartbeat Protection Act went into effect, some OB-GYNs in Florida say they are nervous to provide care that the state insists is legal under the law. The state generally prohibits, with exceptions, abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Amendment 4 would restore allowing abortion in Florida up to "fetal viability," usually around 24 weeks. If it doesn’t pass, providers say that women will take dangerous risks to end their pregnancies. How do they know? Because it's already happening, they say. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
Which vaccines should Florida residents get for fall and winter protection?
The latest COVID-19 wave of infections across South Florida and the United States is well behind us. Now, doctors are urging people six months and older to get vaccinated ahead of the holiday season. That’ll give someone the right kind of protection against what’s circulating now and what will do so throughout this season, said Dr. Aileen Marty, an infectious disease expert at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. [Source: WLRN]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› HCA expects added expenses and lost revenue from hurricanes will top $250 million
HCA Healthcare on Friday estimated that hurricanes Helene and Milton will cause $250 million to $350 million in additional expenses and lost revenue at its facilities in Florida and other states. Friday’s report said the dollar amounts do not include potential insurance recoveries.
› Orlando Health says its a 'new day' for former Steward hospitals in Brevard and Sebastian
With Orlando's Health's acquisition of three local hospitals from Steward Health Care, officials are hoping for a new beginning for the facilities to go along with their new names, including expanded services and physical upgrades. On Thursday, Orlando Health completed its $439 million deal for the 119-bed Melbourne Regional Medical Center. the 298-bed Rockledge Regional Medical Center and the 178-bed Sebastian River Medical Center in Sebastian.
› Site work underway for Lee Health's new $434 million hospital
Lee Health has taken another step with plans for a new hospital in Fort Myers to open in 2028. A key component is a musculoskeletal institute connected to the hospital on Challenger Boulevard that could become a destination center attracting patients from outside the region. A hotel could be built on the hospital campus at a future date.
› AdventHealth University offers health care certifications for high schoolers
Florida high school students can earn certifications in seven high-demand health care professions through AdventHealth University. The effort, in part, is aimed at helping to fill a shortage of health care workers in the state. Certifications are available for medical billing specialist, medical front office administrative specialist, electronic health records specialist, medical scribe, health unit coordinator, pharmacy tech and project manager.