Medicare Minute: Adding on to Medicare

For low-income Collier County residents who are working but uninsured, access to the medications they need is not as easy as going to a regular chain pharmacy to pick them up. Thats where the Neighborhood Health Clinics expanded non-narcotic medication room comes in, giving patients managing chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes timely access to medications at no cost. The 1,850-square-foot medication room, located at the clinic on Goodlette-Frank Road near Central Avenue, was built at a cost of $500,000 and is named for the late Stacy Forman, a Naples philanthropist who donated funding for the expansion.Keith Maples, CEO of Neighborhood Health Clinic, said the expanded medications facility enhances the clinics ability to serve patients faster and more efficiently. On a typical day, a patient can walk in and when they walk out, theyre walking out with thousands of dollars worth of medication that, if it were outside of the Clinic, they would not be able to fill those prescriptions because it would be outside of what they could afford, Maples said. He said the expanded space, equipped with updated technology and increased storage capacity, allows for a larger inventory of non-narcotic medications that enables the Clinic to fill prescriptions immediately to minimize delays in treatment. In 2024, the Clinic distributed $6.5 million in retail value of medications thanks to partnerships with Americares, Direct Relief, Dispensary of Hope and other pharmaceutical companies. The expansion allows us to work even more with our pharmaceutical partners to basically procure all of the medications necessary for our patients, Maples said. He said that many patients arriving at the Clinic for the first time have not previously received medical care for the condition needing treatment and may have vastly elevated blood pressure or blood sugar levels, for example.  When they walk through the doors, theyre at such a heightened level that were trying to bring it back to a controlled number to where its manageable for them, Maples said. If their A1Cs are through the roof, their [blood] sugars are through the roof, were trying to get them back to an established number that helps them feel better. Well never cure them of all those illnesses, but well maintain that health for them, so they feel better and have a better quality of life.Clinic grows to meet patient demand The nonprofit Neighborhood Health Clinic was established in 1999 by Dr. Bill and Nancy Lascheid to provide medical care to low-income, working but uninsured Collier County adults. Their daughter, Leslie Lascheid, now serves as president of the organization. In 2024 the clinic saw more than 12,000 patient visits and delivered more than 30,000 patient procedures, Maples said, with all medications, primary care, specialty care, surgeries and outpatient procedures provided free of charge to patients.All funding is through philanthropy, as the Clinic does not receive any city, county, state or federal funding including Medicaid or Medicare. Over the years the clinic has expanded as the patient load has increased. The original 11,000-square-foot facility more than doubled in size with the completion of the Armstrong Medical Specialties Building in 2021, which expanded the campus to 23,000 square feet.  The addition of the Van Domelen Education and Wellness Building, also in 2021, took the total to its current 32,000 square feet, and when the Bill and Candy Raveis Pathology Building is completed this summer, the total campus will be at 43,000 square feet, according to Marcie Berland, the Clinics director of development. Maples said the Clinic has expanded strategically over the years to meet the medical needs of patients many of whom work in hospitality, service or construction industries in Collier County and the growing volume of patient visits. When weve expanded, we didnt do it just to do it, he said. We based it on what were the patient needs and what do we need in-house on a daily basis to deliver the care, providing the opportunity for a patient to walk in the door, get all the care they need and not have to go to another location somewhere else, or come for another appointment. Because when our patients miss days of work, thats food on the table and the roof over their heads. Its not like if I call in sick: I get a sick day and still get paid.  He said the campus expansions allow most procedures including lab work to be done in-house, creating opportunities for sustainable, uninterrupted patient care. When that patient walks through the doors, I never want them to wonder where theyre going to get their care or how theyre getting to their next appointment, Maples said. Many of our patients get rides here, or they walk or ride their bikes, because very few own cars that they can drive in.  And while the Clinic does have a full-time paid staff of 14 and five part-time staff, no medical professionals are paid to deliver care, Maples said. More than 250 physicians, 50 dentists, 100 nurses and 300 non-medical personnel deliver care and provide patient education on a volunteer basis. 

Beyond the Surface: Naples Cancer Advisors Spotlight Melanoma During Awareness MonthMay 1, 20256 Min ReadBy Jillian Hunt, CNP Executive Director of Clinical Operations at Naples Cancer AdvisorsMay is Melanoma Awareness Month, and in sun-drenched Collier and Lee Counties, its more than a calendar observance. Its a call to action. The sunny environment increases exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are a significant risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma. Understanding the risks and adopting preventive measures can help residents enjoy the sun safely while minimizing their skin cancer risk.At NCA, we specialize in delivering second opinions and expert oncology guidance at no cost to patients. Our team, including nationally recognized oncologist Dr. Philip Leming, believes that no one should face a cancer diagnosis alone. This month, we want to shine a light on reshaping melanoma prevention, detection, and awarenessso you can stay protected and proactive.Prevention: A Daily Practice, Not Just a Summer ChecklistMost people know the basics: use sunscreen, avoid tanning beds, cover up when outside. But melanoma doesnt just show up where the sun shines. It can develop under your fingernails, between your toes, even on your scalp or eyes. We educate patients to look everywhere, not just the obvious spots.One powerful (and often overlooked) fact: a single blistering sunburn in childhood doubles your lifetime risk of melanoma. Thats why prevention is a family affair. We urge parents to build sun safety habits early and keep them consistent all year.Detection: A Watchful Eye is The Best ToolThe front line of defense against skin cancer is early detection. Identifying skin changes especially changes in moles is the easiest way to catch skin cancer earlier.What is a mole?A mole is a benign (non-cancerous) growth on the skin that develops when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment, cluster together instead of being evenly distributed. Moles can be present from birth or develop later in life.ABCDEs of Moles and Melanoma Detection Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesnt match the other. Border irregularity: The edges of the mole are uneven, ragged, or notched. Color variation: The mole has multiple shades of brown, black, or other colors like red, white, or blue. Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser). Evolving: The mole has changed in size, shape, or color, or has new symptoms like itching, bleeding, or crusting.The ABCDEs are a helpful tool for self-examination and can prompt individuals to seek professional medical advice if any of these signs are present.Dermatologists remain the front line in detection and diagnosis. However, emerging technologies are offering exciting backup. Artificial intelligence skin scanners and total body imaging are improving the speed and accuracy of diagnosis.Whether its through advanced tools or a trained eye, one truth remains: catching melanoma early saves lives.The NCA Difference: Compassionate, Cost-Free Cancer GuidanceNaples Cancer Advisors was founded to be a bridge for patients who feel lost, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn after a cancer diagnosis. We offer a second set of expert eyes, help explain treatment options, connect people to top-tier providers, and support them throughout their journey.Melanoma may be aggressive, but its also highly preventable and treatable when caught early. This May, we urge everyone in our community to schedule a skin check, learn your ABCDEs (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving), and take sun safety seriously.And if you ever need clarity or support after a diagnosis, Naples Cancer Advisors is herefree, local, and fully focused on you.Jillian Hunt, CNP BioJillian has been caring for cancer patients since 2004. In that time, she has set the benchmark for her patient-centric approach in Cincinnati, Southwest Florida, and beyond.Her professional journey began at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center in 1999 on the hematology/oncology/bone marrow transplant unit and later the emergency department.After spending five years caring for children, Jillian found her passion in caring for the adult oncology patient. Starting as a chemotherapy infusion nurse in private practice with Dr. Philip Leming at Cincinnati Hematology Oncology, she then pursued an advanced degree to offer a higher level of care to her cancer patients.Jillian has been an oncology nurse practitioner since 2011 and is passionate about patient care, education and staying current on research opportunities available for the patients she cares for.Jillian is a national speaker traveling to educate clinicians on the use and management of toxicities of medications that are used in cancer treatments. She has spoken at national nursing conferences and sits on several advisory boards. Jillian feels strongly about staying on the front lines to improve patient care and expert advice on cancer.Jillian was born and raised in Cincinnati and graduated from Lakota High School. She and her husband have five children. Outside of her love and passion for oncology, Jillian and her husband are licensed foster parents and have participated in global mission trips to serve orphaned children around the world.Naples Cancer Advisors239-846-2273 (CARE)3201 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 112, Naples, FL 34103

It takes more than prescription medication to lower or control blood pressure, although they play a vital role in treatment. Other dietary and lifestyle changes can be instrumental in maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Before your doctor increases your medication dosage or adds another prescription to your treatment, he might recommend other changes in your eating habits or lifestyle, such as limiting sugar and alcohol, increasing exercise, and getting better sleep.All of these and more can help set you up for success for lowering blood pressure, especially as you age. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, often has no recognizable symptoms but is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.Most healthy adults should aim for a blood pressure reading below 120/80 mm Hg. Your blood pressure is considered high at 130/80 or above. Anything in between these ranges is considered elevated blood pressure and means you are at risk for developing high blood pressure. But this isnt inevitable.Here are 9 effective methods to lower your blood pressure.1. Get Adequate ExerciseExercise is a key ingredient for lowering blood pressure and can help you manage it long term. According to research, both aerobic and resistance training positively affect blood pressure and can even lower it for up to 24 hours after exercising.The key is to get regular exercise, meaning that its part of your daily routine. Its about regularly increasing your heart rate and breathing so that over time your heart is strengthened. A stronger heart pumps with less effort, putting less pressure on your arteries. This means lower blood pressure.So how much exercise is required to affect cardiovascular health? You should aim for 30 minutes per day, five days per week. Thats 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. Moderate intensity exercise is defined by your heart rate during a work out. Anything below this range is too low to benefit cardiovascular health and anything above it is unnecessary. If you are exercising for health, these are the target heart rate ranges.Age (years)Target Heart Rate Range (beats/min)5085-1195583-1166080-1126578-109Other than intentional exercise, you can also increase activity by doing the following:Using the stairsWalking instead of drivingWorking around the houseGardeningBike ridingPlaying a sportBut be sure to clear any new exercise routine with your doctor to be sure you are healthy enough for moderate-intensity workouts.2. Manage Your WeightExtra body weight strains your heart and cardiovascular system, because it makes them work harder. This creates more pressure inside your arteries and can raise blood pressure. If youre overweight with a body mass index (BMI) over 25, it can help to lose 5-10 pounds. Losing weight may lower your blood pressure and your risk for other health problems.There are three major components to lowering BMI:Be more physically activeEat lessEat a healthy diet3. Eat Less Sugar and Refined CarbsCutting back on sugar and refined carbs can help you lose weight while lowering blood pressure. One study found that people who are overweight or obese who followed a low carb and low fat diet dropped their diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) by about 5 points and their systolic pressure (top number) by about 3 points after just six months.You can start by replacing some of the refined carbs with more whole grain varieties and foods that are less processed. Be sure to read labels and notice the sugar content in common foods you eat. Its often best to eat fewer prepackaged foods as these often contain more simple carbs and sugars.Instead, snack on produce and include more lean protein in your diet.4. Eat More Potassium and Less SaltEating a diet high in salt can increase your risk for high blood pressure. But if you eat more potassium and cut back on salt, you can lower your blood pressure. Science hasnt determined why salt impacts blood pressure, but its believed to have something to do with water retention and inflammation in blood vessels could be factors.Potassium helps your body eradicate salt and even relieves some of the pressure in your blood vessels. Think of it as a counterbalance to salt and its effects. Cutting back on salt and adding more potassium to your diet can notably lower blood pressure over time.High potassium foods to incorporate into your diet:Dried fruit (apricots, prunes)Milk and yogurtLentils and kidney beansVegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and spinachFruit like watermelon and bananasIf you have kidney disease, talk with your doctor before increasing potassium in your diet, as it could be harmful.5. Manage StressManaging stress benefits your overall health and positively affects your blood pressure. Stress has a direct impact on your body and its systems. Its important that you learn to recognize the symptoms of stress and its triggers. Its best to eliminate sources of stress when possible. But much of what causes your stress probably cant be set aside. In this case, youll need to learn to manage stress in a healthy way.Consider some of these methods and determine what works best for you:Taking a walk (or getting exercise)Reading a bookPracticing deep breathingListening to musicMeditation or prayerThese are ways you can decompress from daily stress and set your mind elsewhere. This type of relief can relax your body and keep your blood pressure from rising. Chronic stress, especially when poorly managed, keeps your body in an anxious state with an elevated heart rate and increased blood pressure.6. Get Plenty of Quality SleepWhen youre sleep deprived youre at greater risk for high blood pressure. Blood pressure often lowers a bit while sleeping, giving your system a rest. But if you havent slept well or enough, your body doesnt get this needed break. And without it, pressure continues to build. If you do this night after night, it can have long-term effects on your blood pressure.Here are some tips for getting better sleep:Keep a regular sleep scheduleExercise (but not too close to bed time)Leave devices outside your bedroomSleep in a cool, dark roomAvoid caffeine and alcohol too close to bedtime7. Limit Processed FoodsA strict definition of processed foods is any food that has been changed from its natural state. Technically, just cutting and washing a food is a change to its natural state, and so not all processed food is bad. But often, when this phrase is used, its referring to overly processed foods that make them less healthy. This type of processed, pre-packaged food often includes additives like preservatives, sugars, fats, and not-so-natural ingredients.Bad processed foods include ingredients you dont want that can also increase blood pressure and negatively affect your health. They often contain higher levels of sodium, sugar, saturated fat, and inflammatory chemical ingredients.Common examples include:Processed meats (lunch meats, sausage, ham, etc.)Fried foods or fast foodProcessed snacks (chips, crackers, cookies, etc.)And be careful about foods labeled low fat since they often include more sugar or salt to compensate for the lower fat content. They may be lower in fat but arent necessarily healthy overall.8. Try SupplementsYou can try supplements to help manage blood pressure. Some widely used options include:Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oilWhey proteinPotassiumMagnesiumWhile you may see some benefits from supplement use, there is not enough scientific evidence to verify that most of them can decrease blood pressure.Be sure to check with your doctor before using any supplement as some conditions and medications might cause complications.9. Limit AlcoholAccording to research, your heart rate can increase for up to 24 hours after drinking just an ounce of alcohol. It appears that blood pressure drops for the first 12 hours but then increases. The average alcoholic beverage contains about half an ounce of alcohol.And dont be fooled by red wine. While the idea that its heart healthy has been widely spread, the America Heart Association warns that too much can be harmful. Instead, limit your alcohol consumption, even red wine, to two standard drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women, if you drink at all.One drink or serving of alcohol is considered to be:One 12-ounce beer4 ounces of wine1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits1 ounce of 100-proof spiritsConsidering general health and common medication interactions, it may be best to skip the alcohol completely.Blood Pressure Management Is KeyManaging your blood pressure as you age is a critical component of aging well. While you can try supplements and take medications when needed, these alone wont necessarily prevent high blood pressure. If you want to prevent additional or stronger medications, or hope to avoid prescriptions altogether, then be sure to get daily exercise, sleep well, manage stress, and limit salt and sugars. Your diet and lifestyle are keys to lower blood pressure.TYE Medical offers premium incontinence products in a variety of sizes and absorbency levels. Get free and discreet shipping when you shop our online store.