Blog Posts - MOUNT DORA BUZZ

RESIDENTS CAN SHOW SUPPORT OF LOCAL HEALTH CARE HEROES ONLINE

4/14/2020

ABOVE: AdventHealth Waterman Hospital in Tavares. (Photo by Mount Dora Buzz)

Ranging from care packages, support caravans and meals, the outpouring of support from businesses, community groups and individuals to local health care workers has been overwhelming. As a result, AdventHealth established a central hub for people who want to support health care heroes on the front lines and those impacted by COVID-19.
Presently, the greatest opportunities for community support are:

Food for care teams
Care packages for caregivers who have been impacted by COVID-19
Lodging (hotel, vacation rentals, etc.) for on-call staff
Blankets to give to patients.
Financial donations to support AdventHealth’s nationwide response and relief efforts. One hundred percent of tax-deductible gifts will be used to help with emergency relief efforts. This fund will extend nationwide to help front-line teams who have been impacted by COVID-19 as they care for communities like yours.

The support hub is administered by the AdventHealth Central Florida Foundation and can be visited at www.AdventHealth.com/COVID19Relief.

AdventHealth is also launching a site for the community to leave a note of thanks or encouragement for the physicians, nurses and other clinicians on the frontlines of the pandemic. To leave a note, just visit www.AdventHealth.com/SpreadThanks. Additionally, the community is asked to add the hashtag #spreadthanks to notes posted to social media, so healthcare workers can see the encouragement.

RELATED STORY: 7 easy ways you can help your community during COVID-19

“We are humbled and blessed by the outpouring of support from our community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said David Collis, president of the AdventHealth Central Florida Foundation.

Anyone that would like to donate specifically to AdventHealth’s efforts in Central Florida can email FoundationInfo@AdventHealth.com. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

MOUNT DORA TO HOST VIRTUAL 5K

4/13/2020

During these times of social distancing, one of the activities that is deemed essential is exercise that follows the CDC’s guidelines. In an effort to help people be creative with social distancing and get healthy exercise, the City of Mount Dora is hosting a three-day Virtual 5K Race. Read more

7 WAYS TO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY DURING A PANDEMIC

4/7/2020

With so many feelings of stress and concern brought on by the novel coronavirus, you may be wondering what you can do to help your community and ease stressors? Especially in the toughest of times, we need to be there for one another and provide positivity where we can.
Here are seven ways you can help your community during the novel coronavirus crisis:

1. CHECK ON YOUR NEIGHBORS & RELATIVES

Especially if your neighbors and relatives are elderly or in another higher risk group, they may be needing extra help right now, so they don’t have to leave home. If you’re making an online grocery order or venturing out on a supply run, ask if they need anything. It’s difficult for some people to accept help, but in times like these, we need to be there for one another. You can safely leave things like paper towels, toilet paper and cleaning supplies right at their door and then let them know you did so.
In addition to providing errand support, give your loved ones and single friends a call just to see how they’re doing. Many people are stressed and anxious due to coronavirus changing their routines and finances, so a simple “how are you?” can go a long way.

2. Clean out your closets for donations

Since we have been asked to stay home as much as possible, now is a great time to go through all your closets and fill up donation bags with things you no longer need. Depending on coronavirus outbreak level in your area, you may not be able to donate your items just yet — but hang on to them so you’re ready when donations pick up again.

3. Organize a neighborhood supply swap

Do you have extra toilet paper, but your neighbor is out? Maybe they have disinfectant spray and you are in need of that. Consider organizing a neighborhood supply swap on social media to help everyone get what they need. You can talk online about who needs what and arrange for porch pickups to allow you all to keep social distancing in place.

4. Purchase gift cards to local restaurants

Right now, local businesses in many areas are struggling. Restaurant owners and servers have been asked to close for dining and provide carry-out or delivery service only. In order to keep these businesses afloat, consider purchasing gift cards from them that you can use at a later time once they’re back to being fully operational. Many companies are also offering the option to purchase gift cards online, so you don’t have to leave your home.

5. say "thank you"

Employees in certain industries are feeling extra stress right now. Teachers, healthcare workers, grocery store employees — so many are going the extra mile, working long hours and learning new routines. Now is a great time to let them know they are appreciated.
Teachers are adapting to online learning methods while still trying to keep kids engaged and comfortable. If you have children, consider sending their teachers a simple “thank you” email. Do you know anyone working in health care? Let them know you appreciate their hard work and selflessness. Next time you’re at the grocery store, tell the cashier or stock person how much you appreciate them being there for you.

6. DONATE TO THE LOCAL FOOD PANTRY

Due to the higher number of unemployed residents, local food pantries are now trying to feed more people in the community. If you’re financially able, now is a good time to take advantage of grocery store sales of canned goods, peanut butter and pasta to donate to your local food pantry. If you can, try to make it a weekly habit until people return to work.

7. STAY HOME

Help slow the spread and show sincere gratitude to health care workers who are putting themselves at risk by staying home.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION LINE LAUNCHED BY ADVENTHEALTH

3/11/2020

ABOVE: AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares (Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

One thing is for sure--there is a lot of conflicting information floating around out there. Now one local healthcare provider is making it easy to get the facts and help with the current Coronavirus.

AdventHealth is launching a free phone service for Floridians who have questions about COVID-19, including the opportunity to speak with a nurse as appropriate.
The AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line, 877-VIRUSHQ, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It serves as a one-stop-shop to connect Floridians with resources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Health.
The phone line is not intended to replace a physician-patient relationship, but nurses can answer general medical questions and refer the caller to the appropriate next steps, such as connecting them to the organization’s Centra Care, eCare or other health care provider.
"AdventHealth recognizes there are a lot of misunderstandings in our communities when it comes to COVID-19, and we want to provide our neighbors with a simple, trusted resource to help alleviate fears and answer common questions,” said Dr. Peter Schoch, chief medical officer of Integrated Health Services for AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division. “We are hopeful this service will also offload non-clinical call volumes from health care offices, helping providers across the state by freeing up their staff to focus on those who need the most immediate, critical care.”
The initial launch of the AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line will be limited to Florida. However, the organization plans to expand the service in upcoming weeks to all communities where AdventHealth provides services.
The phone line debuts at the same time AdventHealth launches www.CoronavirusSignsAndSymptoms.com, where consumers can get answers on top COVID-19 questions, such as:

Am I at risk?
What should I know if I am pregnant?
How can I protect myself from this and other viruses, like the flu?

“While the risk for Coronavirus infection in Florida remains low, it’s vital that the public be equipped with the facts to help prevent the potential spread of the virus,” said Dr. Vincent Hsu, Infection Control Officer at AdventHealth. “We hope the community will use these resources, remain vigilant and help keep Florida healthy by taking simple steps such as staying home if you’re sick and routine hand washing.”

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

THE GUIDE TO LAKE COUNTY'S ORGANIC FARMS

2/1/2020

ABOVE: Rows of organic greens in the ground at Over the Hill Farm (Photo by Mount Dora Buzz)

Shopping for locally grown, organic vegetables, meats and dairy? Here’s the list of farms in Lake County that provide the healthiest food for your table. Hours and seasons vary, so it's recommended to contact the farm before visiting.

ABOVE: Just a fraction of the rows at Over the Hill Farm in Sorrento. (Photo by Mount Dora Buzz)

Over the Hill Farm, Sorrento
This 10-acre, family-run farm grows a wide variety of offerings for picking or plants to grow at home. Artist Barb Batson also has her ceramics studio at the site. The farm is closed during the hot summer months.
Crops: Seasonal fruits, berries, vegetables and herbs
Location: 3921 Britt Road, Mount Dora, Florida 32757

ABOVE: Dirty Dog Organics is a CSA co-op in Leesburg.

Dirty Dog Organics, Leesburg
This is a cooperative-based farm that works with multiple sustainable farms in the area.
The co-op accepts Fresh Access Bucks (FAB), a USDA-funded nutrition incentive program that encourages SNAP recipients to redeem their benefits at farmers markets, produce stands, and mobile markets to purchase healthy produce directly from Florida farmers.
Produce: A wide range of fruits, vegetables and micros.
Location: 2026 Lewis Road, Leesburg, Florida 34748
Phone: 352-787-4415

ABOVE: Bountiful Farms outdoor seating for their farm-to-table bistro with the farm in the background.

Bountiful Farms & Bistro, Okahumpka
Owned by former professional chefs, the farm grows over 120 types of 100% natural, chemical-free crops seasonally.
Produce:   The staple crops include heirloom tomatoes, cabbage, kale, broccoli, carrots, several varieties of lettuce, bok choy, sprouts, onions, and peppers.
Location: 27314 County Road 33, Okahumpka, Florida 34762
Phone:  352- 978-5904

Noble Roots Farm, Eustis
In addition to some organically grown produce, this farm also offers pasture-raised meats and free-range eggs.
Crops: Limited produce
Meats: Pork, beef, poultry and eggs
Location: 37941 County Road 439, Eustis, Florida 32736
Phone: 352- 630-8511

Living Towers Central Florida, Eustis
This 4,400 square foot, hydroponic greenhouse produces lettuces, herbs, and vegetables using the Living Tower system.
Crops: Greens, vegetables and herbs
Location: 19621 Lake Lincoln Lane, Eustis, Florida 32736
Phone: 352-357-4453

RELATED: Lake County farms with products available for purchase

A Natural Farm, Howey-in-the-Hills
Founded in 2012, this farm produces edible plants, fruit trees, fresh ginger roots, blueberries, blackberries and more. It also offers free or low-cost educational workshops for children and adults on sustainable farming and gardening.
Crops: Fruits, vegetables
Location: 23630 State Road 19 in Howey in the Hills, Florida
Phone: 352-536–3112

OrganicaWorld, Clermont
This Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) co-op uses a greenhouse, hydroponic growing environment for fresh produce and MicroGreens.
Crop:  Fruits, vegetables, microgreens, eggs, milk, herbs and more
Location:  3145 Austin Merritt Road, Groveland, Florida 34736
Phone:  352-435-4570

organic blueberry farms

King Grove Organic Farms, Eustis
Established in 1874, this USDA Certified organic farm has 20 acres of blueberry fields and 20 acres of orange groves. During the spring blueberry season it offers U-pick and pre-picked options.
Location: 19714 County Road 44A, Eustis, Florida 32736
Phone: 352-589-2469.

Blue Bayou Farms, Yalaha
In addition to acres of organic U-pick blueberries, this farm also has a licensed moonshine distillery.
Location: 8222 County Road 48, Yalaha, FL 34797
Phone: 352-324-4069

Blueberry Hill Farm, Clermont
Located between Groveland and Lakeland, this 10-acre organic farm grows blueberries in the spring that customers can sample and then pick themselves.
Location: 5000 Berry Groves Road, Clermont, Florida 34714
Phone: 863-944-1401

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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NEW INPATIENT REHAB CENTER OPENS IN TAVARES

1/7/2020

On Jan. 7, the community joined AdventHealth Waterman to celebrate the opening of a new 12-bed Inpatient Rehabilitation Center. The was the final phase of a 111,000-square-foot, $85 million expansion.

Previously, patients and families had to travel to Orange or Sumter counties to access these services. Now, patients from Lake County can stay close to home and recover within the community.

“The patients who come to inpatient rehab have had a major event,” said J. Coomes, AdventHealth Waterman executive director of rehab services. “They've had a stroke or some other event that's really changed their life and changed their family's life. Keeping them close to home, where family can continue to be there for them, is essential to helping them recover.”

The Inpatient Rehab Center at AdventHealth Waterman specializes in stroke and brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as patients with cardiac conditions, amputations, neurological disorders and respiratory difficulties. These patients need at least three hours of therapy per day and require multidisciplinary expertise to recover.

All of the rooms in the Inpatient Rehab Center at AdventHealth Waterman are private. In addition, the new unit includes a bariatric room with a larger entryway and bathroom to more comfortably care for patients over 750 pounds.

The Inpatient Rehab Center also provides residential-style spaces, allowing patients to relearn and practice real-life scenarios, such as cooking or doing laundry at-home, while they are still in the hospital.

“A big part of inpatient rehab is helping patients practice the things that they did at home,” Coomes said. “In our kitchen, they can practice making meals. In our suite, which is like an apartment, we have a washer and dryer and a bed that we can use to practice making the bed, doing laundry, and more, to help that patient be ready to return home.”

This unit also offers patients the latest technology in rehabilitation.

In the gym, there is a hydraulic car that adjusts to the exact height of the patient’s personal car so patients can practice the movement necessary to safely get in-and-out of their vehicle.

For patients with limited arm and hand mobility, AdventHealth Waterman offers the ArmeoSpring system, the latest technology that provides arm and hand training for moderately-to-severely impaired patients.

The 100-foot-long Vector Gait Bioness track system helps nursing and therapy staff safely assist patients out of bed. The track system also helps patients begin walking without the fear or risk of falling.

With the opening of this new unit, AdventHealth Waterman has grown to a 299-bed facility.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

NEW PEDIATRIC E.R. OPEN HOUSE AT ADVENTHEALTH WATERMAN ON DEC. 10

11/23/2019

Emergency healthcare for kids just got better in Lake County. AdventHealth Waterman is celebrating the grand opening of the new pediatric Emergency Room (ER) with an open house on December 10. Patients will begin being admitted this Friday. The opening marks the completion of the second phase of a 111,000-square-foot, $85 million expansion at the Tavares hospital.

This construction project doubled the footprint of the emergency department and grew capacity from 35 to 58 beds, making it the largest ER facility in Lake County. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In addition to adding an eight-bed pediatric ER designed to be child-friendly and scare-free. This phase of the expansion also improved privacy and patient flow within the ER and added a 12-bed area for minor care for adults, such as treating lacerations, broken bones or flu symptoms. Patients in this area will receive rapid treatment, including physician evaluations and test results, and will be discharged to the comfort of their own home.

The community is invited to join AdventHealth Waterman for a celebration of this milestone with the whole family on December 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the medical team and tour the new pediatric emergency department. In addition, family activities during the celebration will include free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, ornament crafts, a live nativity scene, and more.

AdventHealth Waterman currently sees 67,000 patients each year in the ER, including 11,800 pediatric patients. Before this new unit was built, the closest pediatric ERs were in Ocala, Orlando and Gainesville.

Last May, Phase I was completed with the construction of the new four-story patient tower dedicated to emergency care, women’s services, pediatrics, inpatient rehabilitation and future growth.

That first phase grew AdventHealth Waterman from 269 beds to 287 beds and added 38 new ER beds. With the completion of Phase II now, the hospital is opening an additional 20 ER beds which includes the new eight-bed pediatric ER.

The second floor of the patient tower is home to the 24-bed Center for Women and Children and includes gynecology, labor and delivery, postpartum care and inpatient pediatrics.

The third floor is still under construction and will soon bring a brand-new healthcare service to the Lake County community: a 12-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit that opens to patients on Dec. 13.

The fourth floor is shelled for future growth. The patient tower was constructed to support an additional future expansion and could one day add two more floors, bringing the tower up to six floors.

This project is the largest investment in a healthcare facility in Lake County’s history since AdventHealth Waterman’s Tavares campus was completed more than 15 years ago.

AdventHealth Waterman is located at 1000 Waterman Way in Tavares. To learn more, visit WatermanPedsER.com. Community members can RSVP for the December 10 celebration by calling 352-253-3634.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

TOP 5 HEALTHIEST SEASONAL FOODS

11/6/2019

Holiday parties are right around the corner. Along with all the fun comes the temptation of all the holiday dishes. Keep your body feeling refreshed and energized this holiday season by including these five healthy fall foods into your meals:

Pumpkin
There’s so much more to pumpkin than pies and lattes. Pumpkin is considered a low-calorie vegetable that is high in antioxidants, so try creating a savory soup or casserole.

Sweet Potato
Full of fiber and nutrients, sweet potato chips are a healthier alternative to potato chips. Just simply cut the sweet potatoes in thin slices, drizzle olive oil and salt and pop them in the oven at 300 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until they are crispy.

Apple
Apples during the fall season can be commonly seen wrapped in caramel and drizzled with chocolate, but they are also the perfect fruit to incorporate into breakfast. Apple cinnamon oatmeal is a wholesome dish baked at 325 degrees for 35-45 minutes. This minimal ingredient meal is a great source of fiber and vitamins

Pomegranate
Rich in antioxidants, pomegranates have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications, such as a heart attack or cardiac arrest. This season try creating a pomegranate juice by cutting the cutting the crown off to obtain the seeds, place the seeds in a clean bowl, place your seeds in a blender, pulse the seeds gently so the seeds can release juice, chill and enjoy!

Plum
This seasonal nutrient-rich fruit is delicious as a healthy snack or incorporated into a Fall salad. This season try creating a fall salad with sliced plums on top. This is not only a nutritious meal, but it is refreshing too.

All of these seasonal, healthy foods can be discovered at local grocery stores and farmers’ markets.

“Fall is a great time for foods rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber and minerals! A good rule of thumb is the more colorful, the more nutrients.” said Victoria Gerace RD, LDN at AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

PINK OUT 5K IN TAVARES AIDS FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER ON OCT. 17

10/1/2019

Throngs of pink runners and walkers will hit the streets in downtown Tavares on Oct. 17 during AdventHealth Waterman's sixth annual Pink Out™ 5K Walk/Run.

The proceeds from this festive event will support AdventHealth Waterman Foundation’s cancer care funds for breast cancer awareness, education and screening. Before the race, a party atmosphere fills the air in the lakefront Wooton Park located at 100 E. Ruby Street. Runners' check in is at 4:30 and the race begins at 6 p.m. Registration is $30 per person and can be done here.

Throughout October, the AdventHealth facilities in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties will host an array of events to celebrate women’s health and help fight breast cancer. Events range from Zumba classes to women’s health expos, as well as luncheons and 5K races. In addition, AdventHealth will perform 3D mammograms for $30 during October.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH KICKS OFF WITH EXPO IN TAVARES ON SEPT. 26

9/13/2019

Expect to see a lot of pink in Lake County again during October, the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month. AdventHealth Waterman will kick it off on September 26 with a free women’s health expo and Pinking Ceremony inside the hospital’s atrium.

The free community event will feature health education and resources and several pinked-out community partners with goodies.

Attendees are encouraged to donate a new bra for the Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties women’s shelter. Each donated bra will be an entry for a grand prize drawing.

The expo will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at AdventHealth Waterman Atrium located at 1000 Waterman Way in Tavares.

Throughout October, AdventHealth facilities will host an array of events to celebrate women’s health and help fight breast cancer. Events range from Zumba classes to women’s health expos, as well as luncheons and 5K races. In addition, AdventHealth will perform 3D mammograms for $30 during October.

To learn more or to RSVP, visit www.AdventHealthWatermanPink.com.