Surgical Robot Leads "Mini" Revolution in Nation’s Operating Rooms

Surgical robots may seem like science fiction, but they are routinely helping human surgeons perform complex procedures in Sarasota and across the world with high-tech tools that dramatically extend the capabilities of the human hand and eyes. Indeed, the da Vinci robotic surgical system is now the fastest growing treatment for prostate cancer today, as its precision is able to spare sensitive nerves and preserve important urinary control and sexual function. With two robotic surgical suites and the largest number of trained robotic surgery specialists in the region, Sarasota Memorial offers people the broadest spectrum of minimally invasive surgical procedures in southwest Florida, including robotic prostate cancer surgery, hysterectomy for benign or malignant conditions and cardiac surgery. Learn more about robotic surgery and the surgeons pioneering new minimally invasive surgical techniques at www.smh.com/robotics.

Hate exercise? Try a Zumba class for free!
Tired of working out on the treadmill day after day? Join us for a free Zumba class – which mixes the enlivening sounds and steps of Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia and Raggaeton in a less traditional exercise regime. The free class will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-noon at the Healthplex Fitness Center, located at Sarasota Memorial’s Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., ½-mile west of I-75 off Clark Road, Sarasota. Call (941) 917-7000 for information.

Are you at risk for diabetes or heart disease?
Most of today’s chronic health challenges – diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and heart disease – can be influenced by what we eat, our activity level and how we handle stress. In just one 1-hour class, Sarasota Memorial’s nutritional and lifestyle coaches can provide the education, tools and support you need to reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease. The interactive class will be held noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12 at Sarasota Memorial’s Institute for Advanced Medicine (classroom A), 5880 Rand Blvd., ½-mile west of I-75 off Clark Road, Sarasota. Snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring your lunch! Please register with our Diabetes & Outpatient Nutrition Services office: (941) 917-7468. Class fee: $32. You will be entered into a drawing for a complimentary 3-month membership to Sarasota Memorial’s Healthplex Fitness Club.

Journey Toward Wellness
Whether you want to lose 5 pounds or more than 50, Sarasota Memorial’s Healthplex Fitness Center can help you make the lifestyle changes needed for sustainable weight loss. Our program combines the latest weight loss monitoring technology, research, and behavior change techniques, and a team approach, to help you achieve your health goals! Free information sessions will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 3 and Sept. 1 at the Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., ½-mile west of I-75 off Clark Road, Sarasota. Call Julie Bender, RD,LD at (941) 917-4998 for more information.

Free Mental Health Assessments
If you or a loved one is having trouble coping with depression, anxiety, substance abuse or other emotional difficulty, and you’re not sure where to turn, call Sarasota Memorial’s Bayside Center at (941) 917-7760. Our licensed mental health professionals are on call 24/7 to provide free assessments, referrals and advice.

Healing Arts
Relax at Sarasota Memorial’s free expressive arts studio, a weekly program designed to promote creative expression, relaxation, health and healing. The class meets 2-4 p.m. every Monday at Sarasota Memorial’s Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., ½-mile west of I-75 off Clark Road, Sarasota. Supplies are provided. RSVP to (941) 917-7293.

Studying the Emotional Impact of Domestic Violence
Sarasota-Manatee’s Loss, Grief & End-of-Life Coalition is hosting a free educational event exploring the emotional impact of domestic violence. The program, which is designed as a continuing education event for licensed clinicians (nurses, social workers, counselors and therapists), is open to the public. Sept. 15, 8:30-10:30 a.m., at Senior Friendship Center, Rubin Center for Healthy Aging (Dwyer Room, first floor). It will feature expert speakers and a panel discussion. Continuing education credits provided by Sarasota Memorial ($10 fee). Please RSVP to (941) 556-3268.

Sarasota families team up to raise awareness about deadly food allergies
More than 12 million Americans (roughly one in 25) have food allergies – with the highest incidence occurring in young children. Each year, 150-200 people suffer deadly reactions (anaphylaxis), sometimes within minutes of eating a peanut, wheat or dairy product or other food allergen. To help raise awareness and funds for research, local families are forming teams to take part in Sarasota’s first Walk for Food Allergy. It is one of 35 walks taking place this fall in cities across the country and is part of an annual campaign sponsored by the not-for-profit Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). Last year’s Walks drew more than 15,000 people and raised $2.3 million. Contributions are tax-deductible and support research and educational programs. Sarasota’s 2-mile walk will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at Payne Park, 2050 vAdams Lane, Sarasota. Walkers and teams are needed. For information or to register or make a donation online, visit www.foodallergywalk.org or call the Sarasota Walk for Food Allergy coordinator Meghan Connolly at (941) 313-0160.