September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

By Mehmet Hepgur, M.D., hematologist-oncologist at Broward Health

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men behind skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. It is estimated there will be nearly 250,000 new cases of prostate cancer and more than 34,000 deaths from prostate cancer in the U.S. in 2021.

While many factors contribute to the development of prostate cancer, here are ways to lower your risk and take a proactive role in your health:                                                                              

  1. Routine exams

Be sure to schedule your annual wellness exams and health screenings. Early detection saves lives. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, patients may have neglected their annual exams and screenings, but it’s never too late to get back on track. 

  • Talk to your doctor

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men from the ages of 55 to 69 should make a decision relating to prostate cancer screenings with a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test after speaking with their doctor. Considerations include a family history of prostate cancer, if you have other medical conditions that make treating prostate cancer difficult, how you evaluate the potential benefit and harm in screening, diagnosis and treatment and your ethnicity, because Black men are diagnosed and die from prostate cancer at a higher rate;

  • Nutrition and diet

A low-fat diet, one with fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Eating less red and processed meat and processed foods is also beneficial, not just for reducing cancer risks but for your overall health.

  • Stay physically active

Staying physically active is a gift you can give to your body and mind. Studies reveal that exercising can lower the risk of developing prostate cancer. Exercising does not have to be intense. You can start slowly and work your way into a solid routine.

  • Balancing the scale

Studies have found that men who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing advanced prostate cancer or prostate cancer that is more likely to be fatal.

  • Talk to your family

You should know if your family has a history of prostate cancer. If you have family members who have been diagnosed before age 65, it is recommended that you get screened. As mentioned previously, Black men are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Screening for Black men can start as early as age 45.

  • Don’t ignore the signs

Symptoms such as difficultly urinating or emptying the bladder completely, interrupted urine flow, frequent urination particularly at night, pain or burning while urinating, blood in the urine or semen, painful ejaculation or prolonged pain in the pelvis, back or hips may indicate prostate cancer. However, these symptoms may have another cause, so don’t ignore the signs. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.

For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org/BeatCancer or call 954-888-3453.



September 1, 2021 – Memorial Healthcare System (MHS) is expanding its Memorial Primary Care Long Haulers Clinic to treat community members who are suffering from Covid-19 long-term symptoms. The clinic, which opened in May 2021, originally treated only patients within the Memorial Primary Care group, but had set a goal of expanding care to the entire community this summer.

As Covid-19 case numbers soar, there is an increasing need to treat long-haulers – those individuals who are experiencing long-term symptoms, also known as Post Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Since Memorial’s long hauler clinic opened in May, 115 patients have been treated and this number is expected to climb exponentially.

“We are seeing people in our community suffering, and a Memorial multidisciplinary team has come together to make sure these lasting side effects are addressed, so our patients are able to resume life in a post-pandemic era,” says Melida Akiti, vice president of Memorial’s Ambulatory Program and Community Services. “As a healthcare system, we are continuously finding ways to invest resources to help impact the lives of those in our community.”

A study from the University of Washington published in February found that 32.7% of COVID-19 outpatients developed long-haul symptoms and 31.3% of hospitalized patients became long haulers. Symptoms frequently persist among patients who are relatively young and were never hospitalized. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

· shortness of breath,

            · PTSD,

            · blood clots,

            · headaches,

            · brain fog,

            · and heart issues.

“We know that symptoms are not always uncovered through diagnostic testing or imaging, and some people are suffering and feeling unheard,” says Jennifer Goldman, DO, board certified family physician and chief of Memorial Primary Care. “Our goal is to create a patient-centric process that is guided by our primary care team and offers access to the specialty groups, tied together with a patient care navigator, to ensure their cases are moving forward in hopes of a positive outcome and return to normalcy.”

Long hauler Patient Claudia Perez with Dr. Syeda Hussain

Memorial’s multidisciplinary team of medical experts overseeing its Primary Care Long Haulers Clinic includes specialists in the following areas:

            · Memorial Primary Care

            · Memorial Neuroscience Institute

            · Hematology

            · Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute

· Integrative Medicine

            · Infectious Disease

            · Behavioral Health Services

            · Pulmonology

Community members with lasting effects from Covid-19 are encouraged to participate in a screening process by calling 954-276-4340. If eligible for care, they can then make an appointment to be seen at the clinic located at Memorial Primary Care’s Silver Lakes location at 17786 SW 2nd Street, Pembroke Pines, FL 33029. Depending on patients’ individual insurance plans, treatment may or may not be covered. Broward County residents who are underinsured may qualify to be covered by a grant from Broward County.

About Memorial Healthcare System

Since its inception in 1953, Memorial Healthcare System has been a leader in providing high-quality healthcare servicesto South Florida residents. Today, it is one of the nation’s largest public healthcare systems and highly regarded for its exceptional patient- and family-centered care.  Among its facilities are Memorial Regional Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Memorial Regional Hospital South, Memorial Hospital West, Memorial Hospital Miramar and Memorial Hospital Pembroke, Memorial Home Health Services, Memorial Manor nursing home and a variety of ancillary healthcare facilities that round out the system’s wide-ranging health services. For more information, visit www.mhs.net. 



Two acquisitions increase presence to 19 locations

September 1, 2021 — Gastro Health, a national leading medical group specializing in digestive and liver health, is expanding their presence to nineteen locations within Central Florida and the Greater Orlando region through a partnership with two additional gastroenterology practices, Gastro Center of Florida and Mid Florida Gastroenterology Consultants P.C., effective September 1, 2021.

This expansion means there will now be 15 GI offices with a cumulative 18 GI physicians and 10 advanced practice providers in the area where patients can access timely care for a spectrum of gastrological issues, three infusion centers, and one endoscopy surgery center.

“The population in the Greater Orlando area continues to see rapid growth, which means greater access to healthcare should follow suit,” said Gastro Health CEO Joseph Garcia. “By bringing together more gastroenterology providers and treatment options to the community, we look forward to serving patients with our GI partners in this growing region and welcome these new practitioners to the Gastro Health family.”

Led by Dr. Antonio DeCarli, Gastro Center of Florida is a leader in GI treatment in Volusia County. Located in New Smyrna Beach, the practice specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive and liver disease in adults including colon cancer screening, heartburn/acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, cirrhosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, fecal incontinence, and even an outpatient non-surgical weight loss option.

“Our mission has always been to provide the highest quality compassionate, accessible and affordable care to patients suffering from digestive ailments,” said Dr. DeCarli. “By joining the Gastro Health family, we can collaborate with like-minded professionals and stay true to our mission.”

Mid Florida Gastroenterology Consultants P.C., based in Ocoee, Florida and led by Dr. M. Reza Mastali, will also join Gastro Health.

“When my practice decided to look for a partner that could take us to the next level, we looked no further than Gastro Health, a national leader in the gastroenterology space that has an outstanding track record of helping practices navigate the complexities of the healthcare business,” said Dr. Mastali.

Dr. Mastali founded Mid Florida Gastroenterology Consultants in 2006. Since then, he has served the communities of Ocoee, Winter Garden, and Windermere, Florida with great devotion to quality and compassionate care. He specializes in multi-variety of gastrointestinal disorders and liver disease.

These most recent acquisitions by Gastro Health marks the continuation of a rapid growth and expansion period through a series of mergers and acquisitions within the single-specialty gastroenterology sector over the last two years. Gastro Health has practices in Florida, Alabama, Washington, Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland with over 100 locations consisting of medical office practices, infusion centers, imaging services and a specialty pharmacy. Additionally, Gastro Health owns and operates endoscopy centers in five of the six states.

About Gastro Health

Gastro Health is one of the leading gastroenterology platforms in the United States supporting practices in Alabama, Florida, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington. Gastro Health strives to provide outstanding medical care and an exceptional healthcare experience. The Gastro Health care teams utilize technology, clinical expertise, and compassionate care to provide a personalized approach to digestive health and overall wellness. Learn more at GastroHealth.com.



September 1 2021 – PartnerCare, a portfolio company of private equity firm Shore Capital Partners, announces its affiliation with Florida Spine & Pain Center (FSPC). Dr. Lowell S. Davis founded FSPC in 2004 in Miramar, Florida. FSPC currently operates three clinics in Broward County, Florida, with three board-certified and fellowship-rained physicians, three mid-level providers, and over 20 highly trained supporting team members. FSPC has helped tens of thousands of patients decrease pain and enhance functional performance through a wide variety of medical pain management services.

“At Florida Spine & Pain Center, our priority is our patients,” said Dr. Davis, Founder of FSPC. “For nearly two decades, we have been a leader in our area by achieving the best possible outcomes for anyone who walks through our doors. We are thrilled to be able to enhance those outcomes by joining PartnerCare for our next chapter. Our partnership with PartnerCare will allow FSPC to leverage additional expertise in practice management and growth strategies. At the same time, FSPC will continue to give our patients the premium experience they have grown to trust. PartnerCare is aligned with our patient-centric mission and will provide access to the resources needed to achieve our vision of continuing to expand high-quality patient care throughout Southeast Florida and beyond.”

CEO Eric Worthan leads Tampa-based PartnerCare. Worthan said, “We are thrilled to affiliate with Florida Spine and Pain Center, a leading, high-growth practice in Florida. I am proud to call Dr. Davis, his talented providers, and his stellar team our partners. Dr. Davis has built a fantastic organization on the single premise of providing best-in- class care to FSPC’s patients, and we’re excited to grow together.”

The newly renamed PartnerCare will continue to expand across the region and marketplace by investing in people and providing operational, financial, and technology support to their affiliated practices. This emphasis establishes a solid corporate culture that will allow physicians to focus on clinical excellence and serving patients in their communities. PartnerCare will continue to pursue affiliations with independent interventional pain management and musculoskeletal practices to build a premier network of healthcare team members and affiliates.

About PartnerCare
PartnerCare is a leading provider of interventional pain management and musculoskeletal services headquartered in Tampa, Florida. PartnerCare blends rehabilitation medicine, orthopedics, pain specialists, and therapeutic services under one roof to provide a full suite of services to each patient. For more information, please visit www.partnercare.com.

About Shore Capital Partners
Shore Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm with offices in Nashville, is focused on microcap investments within the Healthcare, Food and Beverage, Business Services, and Real Estate industries. Shore supports management partners with capital, business development expertise, and industry knowledge to accelerate growth, fund acquisitions, and generate value for shareholders. Shore Capital targets investments in proven, successful private companies with superior management teams, stable cash flow, and significant growth potential, including organic growth and growth through industry consolidation. Shore has $2 billion of equity capital under management through various investment vehicles. For more information, please visit www.shorecp.com.



Funding to support Hobe Sound school-based and outpatient services, Project Graduation and Project TEACH

September 1, 2021 – Hobe Sound Community Chest has awarded $45,000 to Tykes & Teens, a leading provider of the highest quality, evidence-based mental health services and programs for children and adolescents for 25 years. The funding will support children’s mental health services in Hobe Sound, including Tykes & Teens’ school-based services and outpatient services, as well as Project Graduation and Project TEACH (Training and Educating All Child Healers) program.

“Thank you Scott Berry and Hobe Sound Community Chest!” says Tykes & Teens CEO Eric Garza, MHA, LCSW. “Your generosity matters, because mental health matters every day for every child and family. Because of you, we are able to provide the critical mental health services for children and families that are needed now more than ever, including Hobe Sound and all of the Treasure Coast.”

“For over 20 years, the Chest has supported the work of Tykes & Teens,” said Hobe Sound Community Chest Executive Director Scott Berry. “Tykes & Teens has helped countless children, youth and families in our community. They are a critical resource in our continuum of care.”

Hobe Sound Community Chest Executive Director Scott Berry and
Tykes & Teens CEO Eric Garza, MHA, LCSW

School-Based Services

Tykes & Teens’ School-Based Services allow teachers and guidance counselors to be a part of the team in helping children and adolescents with mental health issues that impact their school performance and behavior. Providing these services at schools enables the agency to meet students where they are during the day, eliminating transportation barriers. Last school year, Tykes & Teens provided services at four Hobe Sound-area schools, including Sea-wind Elementary, Hobe Sound Elementary, Murray Middle School and South Fork High School.

Outpatient Services

Tykes & Teens provides a variety of outpatient services from its Hobe Sound office and virtually, including: General Mental Health, Family Abuse Treatment, Youth Enrichment Services (YES), S.T.A.R.S. – Strengthening Teens in Acquiring Resiliency for Success, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and an LGBTQ Support Group.

Project TEACH

The objective of Tykes & Teens’ Project TEACH – Training and Educating All Child Healers – is to provide training for Dunbar Early Learning Center direct service staff to qualify for the Florida Association of Infant Mental Health – Infant Family Associate (IFA) Endorsement®. Tykes & Teens is uniquely qualified to provide this training and support that includes Trauma Informed Care, to help participants recognize and respond to the effects of trauma in children, and Reflective Supervision, a key step in strengthening a relationship-based resilience-promoting culture.

Project Graduation

Project Graduation is a highly successful and vital annual program that prevents
tragedy due to alcohol and drug-related incidents on graduation night. It is a supervised all-night event for the graduating class on graduation night, complete with food, entertainment and prizes, allowing students the opportunity to celebrate graduation in a safe, alcohol and drug-free environment. Statistically, there is an increase in teen deaths from alcohol-related accidents during prom and graduation weekend parties around the country. Project Graduation has helped buffer our community from alcohol and drug-related deaths, car accidents and significant police stops involving graduates.

For more information on Tykes & Teens’ programs and services focused on prioritizing children’s mental health, visit www.tykesandteens.org or call 772-220-3439.

To learn more about how you can support children’s mental health in our community, visit www.tykesandteens.org/give-help/ or donate now.

About Tykes & Teens

Tykes & Teens has been a leading mental health provider for children and adolescent evidence-based programs and services for 25 years. Our mission is prioritizing children’s mental health in our families, schools and communities through a wide range of prevention, education, and treatment programs and services. Our passion and commitment are to empowering children and strengthening families by ensuring that all children have access to high quality counseling and mental health services, regardless of financial status. We also advocate for increased awareness of mental health to remove the stigma and shame often associated with seeking mental health treatment. We provide affordable quality mental health services for children in need across the Treasure Coast from more than 50 service locations, including outpatient offices in Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Port St. Lucie, and Vero Beach, on-site services in all Martin County schools, and in schools in Okeechobee and Indian River counties, as well as collaboration with numerous community partners, in addition to virtual telehealth services. We have continued to offer our services and programs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including virtual telehealth care. We accept most insurance, private payments, and we are a Medicaid-approved provider. We have successfully administered a sliding fee scale for those in need when necessary for more than 20 years. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, we also provide $750,000 in unreimbursed services to the communities we serve each year. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.