Prostate cancer can be detected early through a digital rectal exam paired with a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening. This is a simple blood test to measure the amount of antigen in the blood. Tested in nanograms of PSA per milliliter, a PSA level of under 4.0 ng/mL is considered “normal.” Prostate cancer found during one of these routine examinations is likely to be in an earlier stage and more treatable. All men age 50 or older and men age 40 or older with higher risk, such as those with a family history of prostate cancer at a young age, should be tested every year.

“Prostate cancer is very common, but with the advanced treatments available today, it can be treated effectively,” says Dr. Constantine Mantz, radiation oncologist for 21st Century Oncology and Medical Director of the Prostate Cancer Institute. “Urologists affiliated with the Institute are highly skilled in a number of surgical techniques for those patients who choose surgery.  For patients selecting radiation therapy, systems like Calypso® and TrueBeam™, which we’ve recently introduced in Southwest Florida, allow us to target cancer very precisely for radiation therapy and so treat patients safely and effectively.”

To make an appointment for a complimentary screening, men can contact any office listed on the Prostate Cancer Institute website – www.menscancercenter.com – or call 1-800-NEW-HELP. Patients will need a voucher to receive the screenings for free, which is available by calling 1-800-NEW-HELP or for download off of the website.

The complimentary screenings are made possible through 21st Century C.A.R.E., a foundation for cancer assistance, research and education.

About The Prostate Cancer Institute

The Prostate Cancer Institute (PCI) combines the talents of Southwest Florida’s most experienced board-certified urologists and radiation oncologists, giving patients a single point of contact for their prostate cancer treatment needs.  Armed with the latest research, cutting edge technology and the most current treatment modalities, our doctors and staff members work together to evaluate and review each individual patients’ treatment options, and collaborates with patients and their families to select the best course to meet their needs.  PCI physicians’ expertise has been recognized by professional societies and organizations and, most importantly, patients.  For more information, physician referral service or to schedule an appointment, call 800-NEW-HELP or visit www.MensCancerCenter.com.

About 21st Century Oncology

Headquartered in Fort Myers, 21st Century Oncology, Inc. is a leading developer and operator of radiation therapy centers in the U.S. For more than 20 years, 21st Century Oncology has been committed to providing premier, quality, cost-effective radiation therapy services that are responsive to the needs of its patients through continuous improvement and innovation. The company operates in 17 states and has more than 20 offices in Southwest Florida.

About 21st Century C.A.R.E.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Fort Myers since 2007, 21st Century C.A.R.E. is a not-for-profit charitable foundation dedicated to cancer patients. Its mission is to provide financial assistance for cancer patients, education programs including cancer screening, support groups, and contributing to vital cancer research. For more information, visit www.21stcenturycare.org.

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Sidebar:

Quick facts about prostate cancer

• The chance of getting prostate cancer increases quickly after a man reaches age 50.
• Almost 2 out of every 3 prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65.
• Prostate cancer is more common in African-American men than other races, followed by non-Hispanic white men.

Prostate cancer symptoms

Many prostate cancer patients show no symptoms of the disease, however, men may experience the following:

• trouble having or keeping an erection (impotence)
• blood in the urine
• pain in the spine, hips, ribs, or other bones
• weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
• loss of bladder or bowel control

Source: American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org

Know your number

PSA test results are given in numbers. Patients with a PSA result higher than 4, or any patient with a significant increase since their last test, should see a urologist.

Prostate Cancer Institute Locations

The following locations in Collier County are offering complimentary prostate cancer screenings to men between September 13 and October 31, in observance of National Prostate Cancer Awareness month:

Marco Island

Naples Urology Associates

Royal Palm Mall

973 N. Collier Blvd

Marco Island, FL 34145

239-434-8656

Naples

Kendall L. Wise, MD

Colonial Square Office Park

1044 Goodlette Road N

Naples, FL 34102

239-261-5400

Naples Urology Associates

Colonial Square Office Park

1132 Goodlette Road N

Naples, FL 34102

23- 434-8656

21st Century Oncology

733 4th Avenue North

Naples, FL 34102

239-436-5520

21st Century Oncology

1885 SW Health Parkway

Naples, FL 34109

239-593-3022

21st Century Oncology

820 Goodlette Road N

Naples, FL 34102

239 434-0166

The following locations in Lee County are offering complimentary prostate cancer screenings to men between September 13 and October 31, in observance of National Prostate Cancer Awareness month:

Bonita Springs

Southwest Florida Urological Associates

3501 Health Center Blvd. Ste 2420

Bonita Springs, FL 34135

239-949-2211

Naples Urology Associates

Bonita Bay Medical Ctr.

26800 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 250

Bonita Springs, FL 34134

239-434-8656

Florida Specialists in Urology

3501 Health Center Blvd. Ste 2120

Bonita Springs, FL 34135

239-949-2211

Gulfstream Urology

3501 Health Center Blvd. Ste 2120

Bonita Springs, FL 34135

239-277-577

Florida Urology Physicians

3501 Health Center Blvd., Ste 2130

Bonita Springs, FL. 34135

239-689-8800

21st Century Oncology

8991 Brighton Lane

Bonita Springs, FL 35135

239 949-3130

Cape Coral

Southwest Florida Urological Associates

507 Del Prado Blvd.

Cape Coral, FL 33990

239-772-0500

Premier Urology

2721 Del Prado Blvd S. Ste 220

Cape Coral, FL 33904

239-458-0168

Premier Urology

1435 SE 8th Terrace Ste B

Cape Coral, FL 33990

239-458-0168

Florida Specialists in Urology

126 Del Prado North

Cape Coral, FL 33909

239-458-6677

Florida Urology Physicians

1255-2 Viscaya Pkwy, Ste 201

Cape Coral, FL 33990

239-689-8800

21st Century Oncology

1419 SE 8th Terrace

Cape Coral, FL 33990

239 772-3202

Fort Myers

21st Century Oncology

3680 Broadway

Fort Myers, FL 33901

239-936-0380

21st Century Oncology

8931 Colonial Center Drive, Suite 100

Fort Myers FL. 33905

239-936-0382

21st Century Oncology

7341 Gladiolus Drive

Fort Myers, FL 33908

239-489-3420

Southwest Florida Urological Associates

12651 Whitehall Drive

Ft. Myers, FL 33907

239-939-4444

Gulfstream Urology

8931 Colonial Center Dr. Ste 100

Ft. Myers, FL 33905

239-277-5770

Premier Urology

13685 Doctors Way, Ste 210

Ft. Myers, FL 33912

239-458-0168

Florida Specialists in Urology

7335 Gladiolus Dr.

Ft. Myers, FL 33908

239-689-6677

Florida Specialists in Urology

15000 Shell Point Blvd.

Ft. Myers, FL 33905

239-689-6677

Florida Urology Physicians

14651 Palm Beach Blvd., Ste 100

Ft. Myers, FL 33905

239-689-8800

Florida Urology Physicians

7451 Gladiolus Drive, Ste. A

Ft. Myers, FL 33908

239 689-8800

Lehigh Acres

Southwest Florida Urological Associates

3227 Lee Blvd., Suite F

Lehigh Acres, FL 33936

239-368-0028

Florida Urology Physicians

1530 Lee Blvd.

Lehigh Acres, FL 33936

239-689-8800

21st Century Oncology

1120 Lee Boulevard

Lehigh Acres, FL 33936

239-369-4141

North Ft. Myers

Premier Urology

18900 N. Tamiami Trail, Ste. 12

North Ft. Myers, FL 33903

239-458-0168

Dr. John Churchill

As the only orthopedic practice in the Southwest Florida region specializing in the treatment of children, Doctors Brett Shannon, John Churchill and Matthew Wagner are uniquely trained to deal with musculoskeletal deformities and injuries like broken bones and joint, ligament, tendon and muscle problems in developing children.  They also specialize in sports medicine, as well as congenital and developmental conditions such as scoliosis, limb deformity and spina bifida.

Dr. Brett Shannon

“We believe in patient-centered care and our goal is to help the child get back to life as normal as soon as possible,” says Dr. Shannon.  “The Naples location will reduce the need for children and their families to travel for specialized medical care, which means less down time from school and sporting activities.”

Treating injuries in children differs from adults because bones and muscles are often still growing and developing, requiring special care.  Peds Ortho also employs physician assistants and physical therapists specializing in children’s treatment, and offers a weekly Sports Clinic for young athletes on Monday evenings in Fort Myers.  Shannon and his partner, Churchill, are board certified in pediatric orthopedic surgery, and Wagner is board eligible.

Dr. Matthew Wagner

About Pediatric Orthopedics of Southwest Florida

 

Since 1992, the physicians and medical professionals at Pediatric Orthopedics of Southwest Florida, or Peds Ortho, have specialized in the treatment of bone and muscle injuries and disorders in children and young adults. It is the only orthopedic practice and physical therapy clinic dedicated to the treatment of children in Southwest Florida. For more information, call 239-432-5100, or visit www.pedsortho.net.

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Benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

(Fort Myers, Fla. – September 3, 2010) – On September 14, Massage Envy will team up with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to help win the fight against breast cancer by hosting Massage for the Cure. For one day only, Massage Envy centers across the nation will offer $49 one-hour therapeutic massage sessions, and donate $15 from each massage directly to the Southwest Florida affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Additional donations will also be accepted and all proceeds collected will go directly to the local community.

“Massage Envy is extremely proud to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure again this year by raising funds for breast cancer efforts in our community,” said Fort Myers franchise owner Gordon Kaufman. Massage for the Cure has been held annually since 2005, raising more than $1.4 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The event is open to the public as well as Massage Envy members by appointment only at three Southwest Florida locations:

• Summerlin Crossing in Fort Myers, 15880 Summerlin Rd., 239-333-3689
• Coconut Point in Estero, 8001 Plaza Del Lago Drive, 239-947-3689
• Naples Walk Shopping Center, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 1102, 239-325-3689

About Massage for the Cure

Massage for the Cure is an annual, one-day event hosted by Massage Envy® and benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, a global leader in the movement to end breast cancer. Since the event’s inception in 2005, Massage Envy has raised more than $1.4 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure with 100 percent of the proceeds being used for education, screening and treatment programs in the community. Now in its sixth year, Massage for the Cure will be held on September 14, 2010 at an estimated 620 Massage Envy centers across the United States. To book your appointment or for more information, please visit: www.MassageEnvy.com.

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Can a Christian be a Socialist? Previous meetings have explored the meaning of ideologies, socialism and liberation theology. To continue the discussion, the group will discuss the socialist vision’s compatibility with Christianity.  All are invited to come and explore with us this important topic. Ismael Hernandez, executive director of the Freedom & Virtue Institute, will lead the discussion.

The Hour of Freedom is an informal gathering for individuals who believe in the principles of a free society as advocated by America’s founding fathers.

The event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. The Forest Country Club is located along US 41 between Gladiolus Road/Six Mile Cypress Pkwy and Island Park Road. The address is 6100 Club Boulevard SW, Fort Myers, FL 33908. More information can be found at www.FVInstitute.org or by calling (239) 322-8082. Reservations are requested by e-mail to Ismael@fvinstitute.org.

About FVI

The Freedom & Virtue Institute is a not-for-profit organization that works in the local community to champion the virtues of individual freedom, limited government, and human dignity at the heart of America’s founding. The mission of FVI is to promote the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, and traditional values through local initiatives based right here in Southwest Florida.

The Freedom & Virtue Institute offers opportunities to learn, dialogue and live out the principles of a free and virtuous society through relevant and practical outlets. Through effective workshops, consultation, and educational conferences the Freedom & Virtue Institute bridges the gap between thinkers and doers to develop local networks of “activists for freedom.”  Additionally, hands-on opportunities are offered for young people to discover if they have an entrepreneurial vocation that will enable them to create avenues for creativity and prosperity.

The Freedom & Virtue Institute is non-partisan and non-denominational. Everyone interested in preserving and enjoying the freedom that has made our country great is invited to participate. More information can be found at www.FVInstitute.org or by calling (239) 322-8082.

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Shari and Garen Staglin.

Staglin’s vintages have earned top marks from critics around the world and have been selected for meetings of prime ministers, presidents and dignitaries the world over. Known for their commitment to environmentally sensitive operations and philanthropy, the Staglins raise more for charity than any other vineyard and their wines are available only to select purchasers.

“Having such an esteemed and philanthropic vintner partner in Garen and Shari Staglin will be a boon to next year’s Wine Fest,” says Dr. Steve Machiz, chairman of the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest’s sponsoring organization, SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. “Their involvement definitely takes our event up a notch, which we strive to do every year to make our event better and better and to raise an increasing amount of money for organizations that promote children’s health in our area.”

Staglin Family Vineyard was founded by the Staglins in 1985 and was recently proclaimed the elite vineyard in Rutherford, Napa Valley by wine critic Robert Parker. The vineyard is certified organic and upgraded with narrow spacing and solar power to reflect their commitment to excellence and environmental sensitivity.

Exclusive bottles of Staglin wine like these will don the tables at the 2011 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Festival’s Grand Tasting and Auction.

As signature vintner, Staglin wines will be featured at the festival’s Grand Tasting and Auction on Feb. 26. It will also be featured at one of the festival’s private chef vintner dinners on Feb. 25.

About the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest

The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is a signature event of the SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides funding to local charities serving local children. One of Southwest Florida’s most successful fundraising events, it raised more than $700,000 in 2009 and more than $930,000 in 2010. For more information, visit www.swflwinefest.org or call 239-278-3900.

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The 2010 Taste of the Islands event logo featuring a custom illustration by Ikki Matsumoto.

Featuring five birds and a turtle carrying Caribbean-style dishes on the beach, it captures the essence of the festival and CROW’s mission to care for sick and injured wildlife. The logo will be featured on all festival collateral.

“We were thrilled when Ikki offered to create the logo for this year’s event, “ says CROW board president Susan Petersen Tucker. “He has been such a good friend to CROW over the years, and we feel very fortunate to have his continued support.”

Born in Tokyo in 1935, Matsumoto came to the U.S. in 1995 to study art. After graduating from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, he worked in advertising, and art studios before going into business himself illustrating books and creating newspaper ads, package designs and displays. In 1972, he was commissioned to illustrate The Joy of Cooking. He later moved to Sanibel Island where he began painting and making prints and opened a gallery. He was one of 50 artists chosen by first lady Nancy Reagan to paint Easter eggs in 1985 and his design remains on display at the Smithsonian Museum.

Voted “Best Island Event” for several years, Taste of the Islands brings together the island’s finest restaurants in a celebration of Sanibel style cuisine, all while raising money for CROW’s mission to care for sick and injured native and migratory wildlife. Attendees will enjoy delicious dishes from local establishments, live music and a recipe competition that will challenge the island’s finest chefs to come up with a new dish featuring a yet-to-be-named native ingredient. Event goers can also vote for their favorites in categories in the People’s Choice Awards for categories as Best Vegetarian, Best Appetizer, Best Meat, Best Seafood, Best Dessert, and Best Booth Presentation.

For more information, call 239-395-0048.

About CROW

CROW provides high quality medical care to more than 4,000 animals annually, representing over 200 different wildlife species. Recognizing that much of the trauma experienced by wildlife is impacted by people, CROW’s mission includes increasing public awareness of how human population growth and activity impact wildlife. In addition to providing medical care, CROW aims to prevent environmental hazards through a variety of educational programs designed to help teach respect and how to protect native wildlife populations. For more information, visit www.crowclinic.org.

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Most people don’t think about their air conditioner’s filters unless it’s time to change or clean them. It may not seem that important, but the better your filter is, the better your indoor air quality is.

When choosing a filter, you’ll want to pay attention to its minimal efficiency reporting value, or MERV rating. They range from one to 20 and the higher the MERV, the more particles it will filter out of your air. Most flat washable or disposable filters are between one and four, while pleated or extended surface filters fall between five and 13. Filters rated higher than this are definitely better at cleaning the air, but may also begin to block air flow. It’s a good idea to ask your indoor comfort professional – like a Home-Tech technician! – for recommendedfilters.

Want more tips like this? Visit Techster’s Tips on www.home-tech.com.

Tamara Surratt, Susan Bonnano and Sonya Sawyer at the Tiffany Circle Summit in Washington, D.C.

The Tiffany Circle Summit was an opportunity for 300 Tiffany Circle members and American Red Cross chapter leaders from around the country to come together to hear from renowned speakers, network and discuss ways to support the American Red Cross. During the two-day event, attendees heard from Kimberly Dozier, who covers intelligence and counterterrorism issues for the Associated Press, U.S. Army Sgt. Dennet Oregon, a Wounded Warrior from the Afghanistan War, and U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Kathleen Gainey, Director of Logistics for The Joint Staff, and political reporter Judy Woodruff. The opening dinner was hosted by actress Elisabeth Rohm.

“I’m very proud to be a Tiffany Circle member,” Surratt said. “Meeting such talented, savvy, intelligent and philanthropic women from across the country who care and support the Red Cross as much as I do was truly the highlight of the summit.”

Surratt was joined by fellow Tiffany Circle member Sonya Sawyer, chief financial officer of Home-Tech, and Susan Bonanno, Heidi Ruster, Kari Hennagin and Deanna Cleary of the Lee and Collier County American Red Cross chapters.

About Legacy Family Office

Legacy Family Office provides tailored, holistic solutions to help families of exceptional wealth preserve and grow their financial capital as well as their human, social and intellectual family capital. Through personal attention and partnership, advisors work with families to implement customized plans that are designed to meet family goals and can successfully transfer wealth to future generations by coordinating:

• Family wealth continuity and ongoing education
• Estate planning and trustee oversight
• Integrated tax and financial planning
• Day-to-day lifestyle and affairs
• Investment advice
• Risk management
• Family philanthropy and giving

With a low client to adviser ratio, Legacy Family Office’s experienced team of professionals strives to deliver high touch, personalized service and deep expertise to each client family. Legacy Family Office is located at 780 5th Avenue South, Suite #200, Naples, FL.  For additional information, call 239-261-9612 or visit www.legacyfamilyoffice.com

Legacy Family Office, LLC, is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, notice filed, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Tax and estate planning advice is general in nature and the firm is not engaged in the practice of accounting or law.

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Leaky ducts also make your system less efficient and more expensive to operate. So, it’s a good idea to have your duct work checked especially if you’re concerned about your electricity costs or temperature inconsistencies in your home. It may save you from replacing perfectly good equipment!

Want more tips like this? Visit Techster’s Tips on www.home-tech.com.

Attendees enjoy the 2009 Gala Hispanos Unidos.

The annual event was conceived as a way for the council to generate awareness in the community and raise money for several scholarships given to Latino students involved in the Youth Leadership Collier program. Scholarships will also be awarded this year, but funds will also be raised for Eden.

“Our main focus this year is on awareness,” says event organizer Maria Ramos. “We want our organization to be known for volunteering for the good of our whole community, so supporting a non-profit through this event was a natural fit. When our board was discussing organizations to sponsor, Eden was the hands down choice because there aren’t a lot of externally-supported fundraisers for them.

“We want people to know there is an organization that helps children and adults in the community, all they have to offer and that they want to expand.”

“We were honored to be selected as the first charity to benefit from this event,” says Eden Florida executive director Susan Suarez. “We especially appreciate the opportunity to be recognized alongside some very promising students from the community, chosen not only for academic accomplishments but also for their character and leadership. We seek to instill the same things in our students.”

The formal event will include appetizers, dinner, dancing, a cash bar and live band. Donations are also being collected for a raffle. Tickets cost $75 per person and can be purchased through the group’s website, www.chbpnaples.org, or via mail.

Two students, Maritza Payan of Lorenzo Walker Technical High School and Rosana Sandoval of Golden Gate High School, will also be presented with scholarships. Sterling Rodriguez, a junior at Palmetto Ridge High School, will also be presented with the Talento Latino Award for his invitation design for this year’s event.

For more information about Gala Hispanos Unidos, visit www.chbpnaples.org or call 239-220-5995.

About Eden Autism Services

Eden Autism Services was founded in New Jersey in 1975 with a mission to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and their families by providing a range of community-based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan. In 1996, Eden Autism Services Florida was founded to address the state’s growing need for specialized services for children and adults with autism and their families. Eden Autism Services Florida’s services range from comprehensive outreach, including program consultations and early intervention, to 12-month education for school age students and residential and employment services for adults. For more information, contact Susan Suarez at 239-992-4680, extension 201 or Eden.florida@edenservices.org.

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