Health Archives - Space Coast Daily

End of Year Specials at 4EverYoung Anti-Aging Solutions on Merritt Island Are Too Good to Miss!

Space Coast Daily — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:08:41 +0000

CALL 321-341-4727 NOW FOR INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

HOT DEALS OFFERED FOR NOVEMBER!

■ Buy a $200 Gift Card for Only $150 — that’s $50 in instant savings!

■ Free Custom Facial with any purchase of 60 units of tox + 1 filler.

■ Free 30-Day Fat Burner with every new Wellness Program start (HRT or Peptides).

■ Bounce-Back January Credit: $25 for Non-Members | $50 for Members.

Celebrate the Season of Self-Care at 4EverYoung Merritt Island!

November is here — and so are incredible new specials at 4EverYoung Anti-Aging Solutions on Merritt Island! Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing the love with a friend, these limited-time offers are made with you in mind.

And that’s not all — 4EverYoung Merritt Island is also introducing brand-new memberships designed to help you save big on your favorite treatments all year long!

November + December Specials

■ Buy a $200 Gift Card for Only $150 — that’s $50 in instant savings!

■ Free Custom Facial with any purchase of 60 units of tox + 1 filler.

■ Free 30-Day Fat Burner with every new Wellness Program start (HRT or Peptides).

■ Bounce-Back January Credit: $25 for Non-Members | $50 for Members.

It’s the perfect time to refresh, rejuvenate, and gift yourself — or someone special — the confidence of feeling your best this season.

NOVEMBER IS HERE, and so are the 4EverYoung Anti-Aging Solutions on Merritt Island’s GREAT new specials!

Whether you’re treating yourself or bringing a friend, 4EverYoung Anti-Aging Solutions on Merritt Island’s NOVEMBER deals are made with YOU in mind. PLUS – Don’t miss 4EverYoung Anti-Aging Solutions on Merritt Island’s brand NEW memberships designed to help you save BIG on your favorite treatments all year long!

4EVERYOUNG is located at 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island. For more information, call 321-378-8240 or visit 4EVERYOUNGMerrittIslandFl.com.

LOOK & BE YOUR BEST! 4EVER YOUNG Anti-Aging Solutions Merritt Island – CLICK HERE to Schedule a FREE Consultation Today!

CLICK HERE TO GET THE SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES

4EVER YOUNG IN MERRITT ISLAND

1450 North Courtenay Pkwy STE 6 Merritt Island, FL 32953

321-341-4727

Book a FREE Consultation

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LOOK & BE YOU BEST! 4EVER YOUNG Anti-Aging Solutions Merritt Island! CLICK HERE to Schedule a FREE Consultation Today!

CALL 321-341-4727 NOW FOR INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

CLICK HERE TO GET THE SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES

FEEL AND LOOK YOUR BEST! The expert staff at 4EVER YOUNG Anti-Aging Solutions on Merritt Island includes, left to right, Esthetician Joy Smith, Medical Director Dr. Michael Dougherty, Brand Ambassador Theresa Smith, Owner Denise Manley, Esthetician Maryann Hughes, owner Louis Manley, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Kara Jones, and Wellness Specialist Tina Herman. CALL 321-341-4727 NOW FOR INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT (Leneah Willis image)

DENISE MANLEY: 4Ever Young goes hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle. There is nothing like it on the Space Coast – a nationally renowned franchise that combines the latest in proven methods with outstanding customer service.

CALL 321-341-4727 NOW FOR INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

CLICK HERE TO GET THE SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES

BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – Fit, healthy, and Forever Young: what could be better? Denise and Lou Manley, co-owners of 4EVER YOUNG Anti-Aging Solutions on Merritt Island, have officially opened their exciting new facility in The Shoppes of Victoria Square at 1450 N. Courtenay Parkway, focusing on helping you feel and look your best.

The Manleys are also co-owners of Fitness Club Merritt Island, located next door to the new 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions facility.

“At the gym, we met people in their fitness journeys, and we wanted to help them go to the next level,” said Denise, who has more than three decades of experience in the medical field and holds both a bachelor’s degree in radiological sciences and an MBA.

“4Ever Young goes hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle. There is nothing like it in the area.”

The couple selected the 4Ever Young franchise because of both the company’s philosophy of service and the one-stop convenience it offers patients.

In 2014, Deniz Duygulu and Carlton Washington founded the first 4Ever Young location in Boca Raton, filling a gap they had identified through their personal exploration of health and fitness options.

They realized that conventional medicine is reactive, not proactive, and is structured to treat problems rather than support patients’ goals of becoming the healthiest, best-looking versions of themselves, regardless of age. To fill that void, they established a preventive clinic dedicated to promoting vitality throughout life.

“AT THE GYM, we met people in their fitness journeys and we wanted to help them go to the next level,” said Denise Manley, above right, who has more than three decades of experience in the medical field and holds both a bachelor’s degree in radiological sciences and an MBA. “4Ever Young goes hand in hand a healthy lifestyle. There is nothing like it in the area,” she said. CALL 321-341-4727 NOW FOR INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT (Jason Hook image)

FEEL YOUR BEST

4Ever Young is actually two practices in one. Feel Your Best is dedicated to wellness services that include bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and IV vitamin therapy for men and women. Look Your Best focuses on state-of-the-art cosmetic services to combat aging and showcase an individual’s best features.

“In the past, people have had to drive all over town to get these different services, but now they will be available under one roof,” said Lou Manley.

Hormones are the body’s messengers that deliver signals that affect how cells and organs work. As we age, our hormone levels decrease, impacting our physical, mental, and sexual functioning, since there are fewer hormones to deliver signals needed for the body to perform at an optimal level.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy combats and even reverses the decline.

“We target the hormones you are lacking as we age,” said Denise.

Treatment for men and women begins a free, in-depth consultation with a wellness specialist, and is followed by detailed, extensive bloodwork, a comprehensive health profile and a complete physical with a medical provider in order to pinpoint the patient’s health status and to determine if the individual can benefit from BHRT.

CALL 321-341-4727 NOW FOR INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

CLICK HERE TO GET THE SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES

DENISE AND LOU MANLEY, co-owners of Fitness Club of Merritt Island, have created that magic trifecta with their new anti-aging practice that is now open next to their gym. Fitness Club will take care of keeping you fit, while the new 4EVER YOUNG Anti-Aging Solutions will focus on helping you feel and look your best. CALL 321-341-4727 NOW FOR INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT (Leneah Willis image)

In men, low testosterone levels can be caused by several conditions, but the primary culprits are andropause, the male version of menopause, and obesity.

Medically supervised bioidentical testosterone therapy can reverse the symptoms and health risks of low testosterone. 4Ever Young offers testosterone injections – testosterone no different than the body’s own – that are immediately absorbed by the body and bypass the liver, which oral therapies can damage. The center trains patients to properly inject these hormones when and where it is most convenient for them.

Patients who prefer a “set and forget” approach can opt for pellets as an alternative to injections. Smaller than a grain of rice, these tiny pellets are inserted into the upper hip by 4Ever Young’s medical staff, which consists of a medical director, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

The pellets release a steady dose of testosterone at the same rate as the body’s own testosterone is released.
4Ever Young also offers testosterone gels and creams that deliver a dose of hormones through the skin.
With all modalities, patients’ hormone levels are closely monitored throughout treatment.

FITNESS CLUB WILL TAKE CARE OF KEEPING YOU FIT, while the new 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions will focus on helping you feel and look your best. 4Ever Young will open at 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island. For more information, call 321-378-8240 or visit 4EverYoungMerrittIslandFl.com. CALL 321-341-4727 NOW FOR INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Women can also greatly benefit from bioidentical hormone replacement since it is common for women as young as in their thirties to experience a decline in hormones that can affect mood, libido, and weight.

While caring for the skin, staying fit, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle help women remain vibrant, lifestyle choices alone cannot prevent some changes. Menopause results in a massive decrease in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and the results of these low hormone levels appear well before and last long after this everyday life stage.

4Ever Young offers estrogen and progesterone in either cream or pill form, custom-compounded for patients by a pharmacy specializing in BHRT. Women also require small amounts of the male hormone testosterone to function correctly. The tiny 4Ever Young Pearl pellet precisely matches the levels of testosterone in the female body. The pellet is placed in the hip through a minimal incision to release a steady dose of hormones over several months.

Under the monitoring and guidance of 4Ever Young’s medical staff, BHRT is a safe and proven option to improve health, as personalized dosage and close clinical tracking ensure that the patient receives the treatment needed to restore a youthful feel and drive.

4Ever Young also offers vitamin IV therapy and infusions for a quick pick-me-up and a boost in energy levels and immune system function, as well as personalized nutrition plans.

Confidence is captivating. Let 4EVER YOUNG bring it to the surface. Discover their range of cosmetic services—from fillers, to contouring, to custom facials—that will help you combat aging and showcase your best features. 4Ever Young will open at 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island. For more information, call 321-378-8240 or visit 4EverYoungMerrittIslandFl.com. CALL 321-341-4727 NOW FOR INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

CLICK HERE TO GET THE SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES

LOOK YOUR BEST

To counter signs of aging, 4Ever Young’s youth-reviving cosmetic services tackle the issue with the latest technology and products.

Proven, science-based treatments such as Botox,® Dysport,® Restylane® and Juvederm® injectables are available, as are treatments such Hydrafacial MD Elite, a gentle yet revitalizing treatment that delivers long-term skin health is as little as 30 minutes, and the SkinPen microneedling, which encourages the body’s production of collagen.

Although virtually pain-free, SkinPen flips on the skin’s healing “switch” to repair and rejuvenate skin. The technology is so advanced that it is even safe for the sensitive areas around the eyes, lips, and nose.

“Microneedling enriches the collagen, minimizes pore,s and makes for tighter, firmer skin,” said Denise.

4Ever Young provides a comprehensive array of aesthetic services, including dermaplaning, chemical peels and custom facials. Patients of the new 2,000-square-foot facility will be able to access services either à la carte or through memberships and various packages. The 4Ever Young VIP membership offers unlimited year-round product and service discounts, as well as exclusive invitations to unique events and special offers. Above, Esthetician Maryann Hughes performs a HydraFacial, an advanced technology that enhances the health of your skin. It is an excellent option for those seeking a non-invasive, painless way to recharge their skin instantly. CALL 321-341-4727 NOW FOR INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT (Leneah Willis image)

4Ever Young offers a comprehensive range of aesthetic services, including dermaplaning, chemical peels, and customized facials.

Patients of the new 2,000-square-foot facility will be able to access services either à la carte or through memberships and various packages. The 4Ever Young VIP membership offers unlimited year-round product and service discounts, as well as exclusive invitations to unique events and special offers.

While getting older is inevitable, getting old is now not necessary, thanks to 4Ever Young. It’s never too early to slow the aging process with treatments backed by solid medical science.

“It’s also never too late to feel younger than you did 20 years ago!” said Denise.

4EVERYOUNG is now open at 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island. For more information, call 321-341-4727.

4EVERYOUNG is at 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island. For more information, call 321-378-8240 or visit 4EVERYOUNGMerrittIslandFl.com. (Leneah Willis image)

4EVERYOUNG is now at 1450 N. Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island. For more information, call 321-378-8240 or visit 4EVERYOUNGMerrittIslandFl.com. (Leneah Willis image)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES

The post End of Year Specials at 4EverYoung Anti-Aging Solutions on Merritt Island Are Too Good to Miss! appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

WATCH: Health First Health Plans Sponsors Veterans Day Breakfast at Brevard Veterans Memorial Center

Space Coast Daily — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:03:05 +0000

HEALTH FIRST HEALTH PLANS PROVIDES DAY OF HONOR AND SERVICE TO OUR VETERANS

WATCH: Health First Health Plans sponsored the annual Veterans Day celebration at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Sykes Creek Blvd. – a stone’s throw from the ongoing construction of Health First’s new Cape Canaveral replacement hospital. (Health First video)

BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – Under bright blue skies but record cold early November temperatures dipping into the 30s, traffic began flowing into the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island early Tuesday morning for this year’s Veterans Day celebration.

Preparing to serve hundreds of chilly attendees, Health First Health Plans this year sponsored the annual Veterans Day celebration at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Sykes Creek Blvd. – a stone’s throw from the ongoing construction of Health First’s new Cape Canaveral replacement hospital.

“Health First Health Plans is incredibly honored to be here today as we support our veterans,” said Jaclyn Brown, Director of Commercial and Individual Sales with Health First Health Plans.

“Health First and Health First Health Plans is proud to count many of our associates as U.S. Veterans, and this especially meaningful event at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center honors the bravery, sacrifice, and service of our veterans and their families. We are very grateful for the service and sacrifice they and their loved ones have extended to keep our country safe and free.”

Jaclyn Brown, Director of Commercial and Individual Sales with Health First Health Plans. (Health First image)

While Health First and other community volunteers scrambled to set up breakfast service and the stage and activities began taking shape outdoors, the stories of duty and honor were already being shared inside the relative warmth of the Memorial Center.

“We’re here today to celebrate Veterans Day in the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Plaza area, and we’re proud to have several groups here as we focus on the 250th anniversary of the United States. We have a parade of flags by the sea cadets from the very first American flag, the ‘Don’t tread on me’ flag, all the way through our history to the 50-star flag. We’ll also have a presentation of colors by the sons and daughters of the American Revolution in period attire. They’ll be the only ones warm today since it’s pretty chilly,” Brevard Veterans Memorial Vice President Donn Weaver explained.

“Veterans created this country. Veterans defended their country. Veterans put it back together after the Civil War, and veterans have positioned this country to defeat any enemy at any time. And, we have freedoms many other countries do not have. That is one of the things that make me the proudest to be an American,” Weaver continued.

Donn Weaver, outgoing vice president, Brevard Veterans Memorial Center. (Health First image)

This will be Weaver’s last event as vice president – he will transition to a new role overseeing operations of a new $8.2 million park and amphitheater on the Center’s property that is slated to open with a ribbon-cutting event in January.

Weaver explained that while there is a stark difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, it’s important that everyone – especially younger generations – take time to understand and honor the sacrifices of those who have dedicated their lives in service to our country.

“Veterans Day is a total celebration. Remembering ALL veterans what they’ve done for our country and how important they are. It’s just total celebration. By contrast, Memorial Day, in May, which is always the last Monday in May, we remember those who fell as a result of their service – those who didn’t come home, they couldn’t celebrate on Veterans Day, but will honor and remember them, and their gold star families that are left behind,” said Weaver.

“For myself, this is also a personal reflection. The first thing I always think about is my family. World War I—my grandfather; World War II—my father; and Korea. Then I switched gears to my sons. They’re both veterans. I think about how happy I am that this country honors veterans.”

Newly appointed vice president Don Pearsall shared reflections on his military service and the importance of honoring veterans.

Pearsall, who joined the U.S. Army in 1966 after high school, served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Initially stationed in Europe supporting weather radar operations, he volunteered for combat duty seeking a greater purpose. “It was boring there,” he recalled. “I wanted to go where I could make a difference.”

Don Pearsall, incoming vice president, Brevard Veterans Memorial Center. (Health First image)

In February 1968, during the Tet Offensive, Pearsall’s helicopter was shot down. Wounded and stranded overnight in dense jungle, he and his crew were rescued the next morning. After recovering, he returned to duty as a gunship pilot, providing air cover for troop missions.

Following his military service, Pearsall spent 32 years with AT&T before retiring in Florida, where he remains active in veterans’ causes. A Gold Star father, Pearsall lost his son during Operation Desert Storm in 1993. “Anything to do with veterans, I get involved in,” he said.

Reflecting on Veterans Day, Pearsall said it’s less about “free meals and more about gratitude.” “When someone thanks me for my service, I tell them, ‘Just be the kind of American worth fighting for.’”

He urged younger generations to understand the value of freedom: “Anyone who doubts what America’s about should spend time overseas. We’ve never seen war on our own soil. We need to appreciate what we have—and act like Americans together.”

Health First Health Plans sponsored the annual Veterans Day celebration at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Sykes Creek Blvd. – a stone’s throw from the ongoing construction of Health First’s new Cape Canaveral replacement hospital. (Health First image)

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Health First’s Viera Hospital Again Named to Newsweek ‘Best-in-State Hospitals’ List for 2026

Space Coast Daily — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:10:44 +0000

Health First is ambitiously planning to meet and exceed community needs

Key Takeaways:

■ Health First’s Viera Hospital earns fourth straight Newsweek Best-In-State Hospital Ranking.
■ Viera joins only 26 other hospitals in the state of Florida – and is one of only 4 in Central Florida.
■ Viera has earned a series of high-profile national accolades in 2025.
■ As Viera remains one of the fastest-growing regions in Florida, Health First is ambitiously planning to meet and exceed community needs.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – For the fourth straight year, Health First’s Viera Hospital has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals 2026.

The annual ranking recognizes the 800 leading hospitals across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, providing crucial insights into the nation’s top healthcare facilities. Only 27 hospitals in the state of Florida are included in this year’s “America’s Best-in-State Hospitals” list – and Viera is one of only 4 in the Central Florida region.

The America’s Best-In-State Hospitals 2026 ranking was created to identify the top hospitals at the state level. Hospitals from all U.S. states were eligible for the ranking and included in the nationwide survey.

Four data sources were used this year for the evaluation: Hospital Quality Metrics, Hospital Reputation, Patient Experience, and a Statista PROMS (Patient-Reported Outcome Measures) Implementation Survey. As a result, the 800 hospitals that scored the highest across these criteria have been included on the list.

“For the fourth straight year, this Newsweek recognition places Viera Hospital among the best in Florida – and this is a tremendous honor for all of our physicians, nurses, associates, and volunteers,” said MaryJo Allen, Chief Nursing Officer, Hospital Division and Interim Viera Hospital President.

“Viera Hospital’s success is representative of the entire Health First system’s collaborative approach to serving the unique needs of every patient in our community, and we’re proud to be the trusted healthcare destination for so many families and individuals. This recognition strengthens our commitment to delivering exceptional care and service.”

The Newsweek Best-In-State ranking is one of many accolades for Viera Hospital this year:

■ In April, Viera joined Cape Canaveral Hospital, which was named to the Newsweek Best U.S. Hospitals Lists for 2025.

■ Viera Hospital in August earned a “high performing specialty” distinction for hip replacement in this year’s U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals ranking.

■ Also in August, Viera earned one of Florida’s only CMS 5-Star Ratings, while the hospital celebrated its one-year anniversary of its Birth Suites – welcoming more than 1,100 births in its first year.

■ Finally, Viera this summer joined Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center, Cape Canaveral Hospital and Palm Bay Hospital – earning prestigious American Heart Association Gold Seal Awards for stroke care.

“It is a tremendous testament to the skill, compassion, and dedication of our medical staff to once again be named to Newsweek’s “Best-In-State” list – among the top 10 percent of all Florida hospitals. And this could not be a more fitting honor coming on the heels of the incredibly challenging year we’ve had following the April closure of Rockledge Hospital,” said Dr. Corey Alvarez, Medical Staff President.

“I am incredibly proud and thankful for the hard work and skill that our staff provides 24-7, which has clearly been noticed through extensive evaluation and feedback of patients and their loved ones, our community, and through the many rigorous metrics that help to set the standard of excellence Viera Hospital strives for each and every day.”

In April, Health First announced that it is accelerating the development of two new freestanding emergency departments to help ensure residents continue to have reliable, 24/7 emergency care close to home. (Health First image)

Ongoing investments to address community growth and healthcare needs:

Freestanding ERs deliver the same high-quality care found in hospital emergency departments, fully equipped and staffed around the clock by emergency physicians and trained care teams.

Located in growing areas across the county, they help reduce patients’ travel times and support faster treatment during critical moments. Health First is actively working and on track to construct its first facility—a 13,000-square-foot, 12-bed freestanding ER at 3300 S. Fiske Blvd., just north of Viera—to serve the Viera market and the Rockledge community. Groundbreaking is slated for early 2026.

In September, the Health First Board of Directors authorized the development of a master plan for the future expansion of Viera Hospital, which opened in 2011 and is the newest of Health First’s four hospitals.

Once finalized, the plan is expected to guide the hospital’s next phase of growth — with the goal of doubling licensed capacity beds and enhancing access to emergency care, surgical specialties, cardiac care, orthopedics, and women’s health for the growing Central Brevard community.

This master plan ensures Health First can thoughtfully and responsibly prepare for our community’s healthcare needs and ensure Viera Hospital remains one of the nation’s best hospitals.

Over the next 18 months, Viera Hospital will continue to roll out a series of ambitious projects designed to expand access, reduce wait times, and deliver more specialized care – from maternity and cardiology – to gastrointestinal and surgical services.

■ Viera Hospital is moving forward with construction on the 5^th floor to add at least 20 inpatient beds. Given the growth in Mother/Baby services, Health First will designate four of those beds to support that program – allowing Viera Hospital to continue meeting the needs of our community as well as the continued demand in women’s health.

■ Construction on the new inpatient unit is expected to be completed by spring 2026. Once open, the added capacity will help ease pressure on the emergency department, where patients have at times faced delays waiting for inpatient beds.

■ To further support maternal care, Viera Hospital has officially launched an OB Hospitalist Program this past July, providing 24/7 in-hospital physician coverage for obstetric emergencies — a significant upgrade in responsiveness and continuity of care. Viera Hospital has seen explosive growth in the Mother/Baby unit, which opened in August 2024 — greater than 30% more deliveries than experienced previously at Cape Canaveral Hospital. The program will allow Viera to triage every patient immediately, handle urgent needs on the spot, and focus on the quality and safety of the program — giving our community timely care they can rely on.

Health First’s Viera Hospital celebrated the first anniversary of its Birth Suites in August. Over 365 days, a total of 1,156 babies were born at Viera Hospital since the grand opening in August 2024. (Health First image)

■ Viera Hospital is expanding its operating suite to meet increasing surgical demands. Viera currently has six operating rooms and is adding two more for a total of eight expected to be completed by December 2025.

■ Gastroenterology services have expanded with the opening of a newly built endoscopy suite this past July. The upgraded space features three procedure rooms and is designed to support both elective and inpatient GI care. The added GI space is essential to keeping up with the growing volume of both elective and inpatient procedures.

■ Cardiac care is also entering a new chapter at Viera with the introduction of advanced heart rhythm services — upgrading all equipment in September to offer electrophysiology procedures.

■ Enhanced imaging capabilities are also planned. A state-of-the-art CT scanner will be installed at the nearby Viera Medical Plaza by March 2026, expanding outpatient access while freeing up in-hospital imaging for emergency and inpatient needs.

The post Health First’s Viera Hospital Again Named to Newsweek ‘Best-in-State Hospitals’ List for 2026 appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

Health First’s Dr. M. Scott Bovelsky Explains How to Take Control of Your Surgery Experience

Space Coast Daily — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:10:09 +0000

Dr. Bovelsky outlines essential questions that help patients make informed, confident decisions

Dr. M. Scott Bovelsky, M.D., of Health First sits at the da Vinci DV5 console, guiding robotic instruments with hand controls and foot pedals while viewing the surgical site in high-magnification 3D.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — For many people, deciding to have surgery is one of the most important health decisions they’ll ever make. But according to Health First board-certified gynecologist Dr. M. Scott Bovelsky, M.D., too many patients aren’t asking the questions that could make all the difference in their experience — and their recovery.

“There are a couple of things I almost never get asked, which shocks me,” he said. “I almost never get asked if I’m board-certified and I rarely get asked how many cases I’ve done.”

Those, he said, are two of the most important questions any patient can ask — whether the procedure is robotic-assisted, laparoscopic or open surgery. Bovelsky recently reached a major milestone: 1,000 robotic-assisted procedures over his 15-year career.

But he stresses that it’s not the number itself that matters most. What counts, he explained, is the experience behind it.

“There’s a learning curve with any surgical technique,” he said. “The first 20 cases are about getting comfortable with the technology and the workflow. After 100, it starts to feel natural. By 1,000, it’s second nature.”

That perspective is exactly why he urges patients to talk openly with their surgeons about their experience and training before choosing who will perform their procedure.

“If a surgeon tells you they’ve never had a complication, one of two things is true — either they’re not being honest or they haven’t done enough cases,” he said. “You want a surgeon who’s experienced and transparent about their outcomes.”

Dr. M. Scott Bovelsky, M.D., of Health First sits at the da Vinci DV5 console, guiding robotic instruments with hand controls and foot pedals while viewing the surgical site in high-magnification 3D.

One of Bovelsky’s first priorities with every new patient is to review all possible treatment options — both surgical and non-surgical.

“I never want a patient to feel like surgery is their only option,” he said.

“We always start with the least invasive approaches and move up from there.”
He emphasized that patients shouldn’t rush into surgery. You shouldn’t just jump to surgery and you should know what all of your options are, surgical and non-surgical, before making that decision. These discussions ensure that surgery, when needed is the right decision — not just the first one offered.

Every procedure, no matter how advanced, carries some risk. Bovelsky said patients often skip over that part of the conversation too quickly.

“99.9% of the time, nobody has a complication… but they must understand that it’s an inherent risk. And even though it’s a low risk, if it happens to them, it’s 100%.”

He encourages patients to ask their surgeon about both the likelihood of complications and how they would be handled. “You want to know that your surgeon and their team have the experience and protocols in place to keep you safe,” he said.

Recovery is another topic where clear communication makes a big difference.

“For a robotic-assisted hysterectomy, for example, 99 percent of my patients go home the same day,” Bovelsky said. “That’s a huge shift from traditional open surgery, where patients might stay in the hospital two or three days and take six weeks to recover.”

Still, recovery timelines vary based on the procedure and the patient’s lifestyle.

“If you have a desk job, you may be back to work in two weeks. If your job involves heavy lifting, it could be six weeks,” he explained. It’s important to have an honest discussion about what to expect — so patients can plan their time, their support, and their healing properly.

One Dr. M. Scott Bovelsky’s priority with every new patient is to review all possible treatment options — both surgical and non-surgical.

Bovelsky said informed patients make better decisions — and often have better outcomes. To help patients prepare, he offers a checklist of essential questions to ask before any surgery:

■ Are you board-certified?
■ How many cases have you done?
■ What are all of my options before surgery, including non-surgical approaches?
■ What are the potential complications, and how are they handled?
■ What is recovery like for me specifically, based on my lifestyle and work?
■ Who will be part of my surgical team, and what is their experience?

While much of Bovelsky’s work involves robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci DV5 system, he’s quick to remind patients that technology enhances — but never replaces — a surgeon’s skill.

“The robot is a tool,” he says. “It allows me to perform precise, minimally invasive movements with a 3D, high-definition magnified view. I can see details I couldn’t see before and that leads to more precision and better outcomes.”

“When you’re informed and comfortable, your recovery is smoother and your confidence is higher,” he said. “That’s the goal — to make sure every patient walks into surgery knowing exactly what to expect.”

Ultimately, Bovelsky said the best outcomes come from open communication and mutual trust. He encourages patients to view themselves as active partners in their care.

The post Health First’s Dr. M. Scott Bovelsky Explains How to Take Control of Your Surgery Experience appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

WATCH: Say ‘No’ To That Steak? Growing Evidence That People Who Avoid Meat Live Longer

Dr. James Palermo — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:03:26 +0000

EVIDENCE MOUNTING THAT MEAT BAD FOR LONGEVITY

ABOVE VIDEO: On the HowcastHealthChannel, Nutritionist Lisa Neilsen talks about intelligent food choices in a vegetarian diet to ensure adequate protein and whole-grain intake, and a good, balanced variety of vegetables.

A study by researchers at Loma Linda University, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, adds to growing evidence that people who avoid meat live longer.

STUDY HIGHLIGHTS THE PERILS OF MEAT CONSUMPTION

Like a study out of the University of Oxford found vegetarian diets could cut heart disease risk by one-third, and research from the University of Zurich, which found that eating more than 20 grams of processed meat a day—the equivalent of one thin strip of bacon—increased the risk of dying from a stroke, cancer, or heart attack, the Loma Linda study highlights the perils of meat consumption, finding that vegetarians, and even pescatarians live longer than their meat-eating peers.

Study participants on a meat-free diet had an average 12 percent reduced risk of dying from all causes, and the benefit was most significant in men.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST PARTICIPANTS FOLLOWED OVER SIX YEARS

Over the past 50 years, researchers at Loma Linda University, a Seventh-Day Adventist institution in Loma Linda, California, have studied the health of Seventh-Day Adventists, who encourage a vegetarian dietary lifestyle because they believe in the holistic nature of humankind.

In this recent study, researchers asked 73,308 Seventh-Day Adventists about their diets and followed them for six years. The research participants were divided into categories based on how often they consumed meat, eggs, fish, and dairy.

Of the participants, 21,117 were vegetarians who consumed dairy and egg products, 7,194 were pescatarians, and 5,548 were vegans.

12% REDUCED RISK FOR DEATH, BENEFITS GREATEST IN MEN

The participants in the vegetarian category had an average 12 percent reduced risk of dying from all causes when compared with non-vegetarian participants. Vegans and pescatarians were also found to have a lower mortality risk than meat eaters.

The findings suggested that a meat-free diet was even more beneficial for men than women. Vegetarian men had an even lower risk of dying from cardiovascular causes, while vegetarian women had about the same odds of cardiovascular-related death as meat-eating women.

COMPELLING EVIDENCE TO HELP GUIDE DIETARY CHOICES

In a telephone interview with Bloomberg News, Dr. Michael Orlich, lead study author and assistant professor of preventive medicine at Loma Linda, said, “People should take these kinds of results into account as they’re considering dietary choices.”

Lead study author, Dr. Michael Orlich, says these findings must be taken into account when considering dietary choices.

Orlich points out that it’s not clear whether avoiding red meat and processed meats plays a role in boosting life or whether the foods that vegetarians eat lower their risk of dying compared with non-vegetarians, but adds that it is clear that “Various types of vegetarian diets may be beneficial in reducing the risk of death compared to non-vegetarian diets.” He said he is planning a study to help identify more specifically which foods are explaining these results.

If you’re considering a vegetarian diet, make sure you do your homework and learn about the nutritional benefits as well as how to manage the diet to address some of the drawbacks related to possible deficiencies in specific vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin B-12, zinc, calcium, and vitamin D.

The WebMD slideshow Becoming A Vegetarian is a great place to start your education.

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HOT OFF THE PRESS! November 10, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

Space Coast Daily — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 05:11:46 +0000

Your Trusted Source for Brevard County News, Sports, Weather and Information

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE NOV. 10, 2025, EDITION

21st Century Newspapering Comes to Brevard County

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Space Coast Daily, Brevard’s leading local news and information source, proudly presents its newest member of the SCD family of outstanding multimedia products.

Featuring some of our community’s best and longest-standing journalists and multimedia producers, Space Coast Daily has established itself as the most trusted and most widely read locally produced news and information source in Brevard County.

“With the launch of Space Coast Daily’s direct-mail newspaper, Brevardians can count on us to deliver unbiased news and information that is important to them, with emphasis on public safety, health and wellness, education, government, entertainment, and local sports – delivered in print and right into your mailbox,” said Space Coast Daily President and Publisher Tom Palermo.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE EDITIONS

“Our multimedia venues now include SpaceCoastDaily.com, the area’s most-read locally-produced news website; Space Coast Daily Facebook page, which features among the largest and most engaged audience of any local venue of its kind; our direct mail SPACE COAST DAILY NEWS newspaper and Space Coast Daily magazine, Brevard County’s most-read local magazine.”

Via Space Coast Daily TV, SCD is the leading local producer of video news and information, including broadcasts from both the field and Space Coast Daily–Friday Night Locker Room ErdmanAutomotive Studios, located at State Road 520 and U.S. Hwy. 1.

Via Space Coast Daily TV, SCD is the leading local producer of video news and information, including broadcasts from both the field and Space Coast Daily–Friday Night Locker Room, Erdman Automotive Studios, located at State Road 520 and U.S. Hwy. 1.

High Value, Quantifiable Results

As pioneers in web and social media, Space Coast Daily reaches hundreds of thousands of people each month through video content produced and distributed on these platforms.

In addition, the Space Coast Daily’s popular E-mail News Blast reaches a large, engaged audience that has signed up to receive Brevard’s best and most trusted news and information headlines – right into their inboxes.

“Space Coast Daily has developed the unique processes and multimedia venues to generate high-value exposure for Brevard businesses in a quantifiable way by producing and presenting highly engaging and interactive multimedia content – including live video – via our robust multimedia channels,” said Palermo.

“Our successful and trackable strategy is based on high-quality content marketing, distributed to the area’s largest and most engaged audience. We have worked very successfully with all types of businesses and organizations for four decades. We can effectively increase your qualified prospects and boost your ranking online with our unique content-rich multimedia approach.”

For more than 40 years, the principals of Space Coast Daily have successfully assisted businesses in growing and prospering.

“Now more than ever, we are very aware that our marketing and advertising clients are looking for high-value and quantifiable results from their marketing investment,” said Palermo.

Call today to reserve your ad space in Brevard County’s most exciting newspaper.

For more information, email Contact@SpaceCoastDaily.com or call 321-615-8111

SEE SPACE COAST DAILY NEWS HERE:

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE NOV. 10, 2025, EDITION

SEE SPACE COAST DAILY MAGAZINE HERE:

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE NOV. 10, 2025, EDITION

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS

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BREAKING: Trump Administration Strikes Major Deal to Slash Weight-Loss Drug Prices by 90%

Space Coast Daily — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 19:14:56 +0000

Obesity Medications to Become Accessible for Millions at Fraction of Cost

Millions of Americans who rely on popular weight-loss and diabetes medications such as Zepbound and Wegovy will soon see dramatic price cuts, thanks to a new agreement announced by former President Donald Trump’s administration with drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Millions of Americans who rely on popular weight-loss and diabetes medications such as Zepbound and Wegovy will soon see dramatic price cuts, thanks to a new agreement announced by former President Donald Trump’s administration with drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.

Beginning January 2026, direct-pay customers will be able to purchase the drugs at nearly 90 percent less than current prices. The reduced prices will extend to Medicare recipients in July, with state Medicaid programs eligible to join later in the year.

“These are two companies behind the groundbreaking treatments that have changed lives for millions of Americans,” Trump said during a press briefing at the White House. “We’re making sure Americans no longer pay higher prices than anyone else in the world.”

The deal sets the starting oral dose price at $149, about one-tenth of the current list cost. The average price for injectable doses will drop to $350 in January and will decline further to $245 within two years.

Medicare and Medicaid will pay $149 for the starting oral dose and $245 per month for subsequent prescriptions. Medicare beneficiaries will have a $50 copay, and for the first time, the program will cover these medications for patients using them specifically for weight management under certain health conditions.

Currently, only 13 states fully cover GLP-1 drugs—such as Wegovy and Zepbound—for both diabetes and obesity treatments, while 34 states provide no coverage at all. The new arrangement is expected to expand access significantly.

Eligibility and Coverage Guidelines

Medicare coverage will focus on patients with obesity-related health conditions. Those with a body mass index (BMI) above 27 who are pre-diabetic or have a history of stroke, heart attack, or peripheral artery disease will qualify.

Patients with a BMI above 30 and chronic conditions such as kidney disease or heart failure will also be eligible. Individuals with a BMI above 35, even without other conditions, will qualify as well.

Officials estimate about 10 percent of Medicare beneficiaries will meet the new eligibility criteria. The administration projects the move will save $300 billion in long-term Medicare costs by reducing obesity-related illnesses. The White House says obesity now costs Americans over $1 trillion annually in medical expenses.

Under the agreement, both pharmaceutical companies have agreed to comply with the administration’s Most Favored Nation pricing policy. That means the drugs must be sold to U.S. consumers, Medicare, and Medicaid at the lowest price available in any developed nation.

Additionally, companies must use profits from higher overseas prices to further lower U.S. drug costs. Future GLP-1 medications developed by the two firms and approved for obesity treatment will also fall under the same pricing structure.

Lifestyle Support and Long-Term Impact

In addition to the price cuts, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will offer lifestyle coaching programs to patients using their medications, focusing on nutrition and exercise to improve long-term outcomes.

Administration officials said the agreement should be cost-neutral for Medicare because savings from reduced diabetes treatment expenses will offset expanded obesity drug coverage.

Trump called the deal “a victory for American patients and taxpayers,” saying it ends “decades of price gouging that forced Americans to pay up to 1,400 percent more for the same medicine sold overseas.”

When implemented, analysts predict the agreement could reshape the weight-loss drug market and bring relief to millions struggling with the high cost of treatment.

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Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle from LiveWell Behavioral Health Offers Strategies to Combat Anxiety, Worry

Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:04:12 +0000

LiveWell Behavioral Health has two locations in Melbourne and Viera

Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle from LiveWell Behavioral Health offers three strategies he advises his patients to use to combat Anxiety and/or Worry.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article is written by Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle, a Licensed Psychologist and the President of LiveWell Behavioral Health.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – We planned our first trip to Disney World as parents with great intention.

Having grown up near Orlando I always felt an affinity for the most Magical Place on Earth and it was important that my little boy had an awesome introduction to the parks that would allow him to truly appreciate the “Disney Experience”.

At about 3 years old, I looked at my wife after he watched a Disney sing along video and said, “He’s ready!” Less than 2 weeks later, we were giggling like little school girls walking him into the Magic Kingdom.

I’ll never forget the look on his face as he saw Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse for the first time. He was enthralled with them and smiled from ear to ear as he gave Mickey and Minnie his first Disney character high five.

Then we went straight to the Buzz Lightyear ride, which was another huge hit. I looked at my wife as we walked off Buzz and mentioned, “I think he really believes we were just space rangers helping Buzz defeat Zurg.” Turns out, I was right. He really did believe this made-up land was real. That became apparent about 30 minutes later as we sat down on the Lilo and Stitch ride. He said with a mix of excitement and cautiousness, “Are we going to see Stitch Daddy?” “Yeah Buddy, we are!” As the ride progressed there is a moment in which the mood and tenor of the ride changes dramatically.

In complete darkness, and thanks to the engineering of the Disney imagineers, you feel the actual warmth and moisture of Stitch’s breath. You also feel him brush across the bottom of your legs. It’s actually a quite ingenious 4-D experience that feels incredibly real.

The problem is that it felt a little too real for my son’s little 3-year-old mind. He screamed with everything within him like his life depended on it, “Daddy, help me!” He then went a little psycho, trying to wiggle his way out of the restraints on the seat.

To make a long story short, my son finished out the Stitch ride curled up in my arm, believing wholeheartedly that this Disney experience was reality.

Interestingly, my son’s experience at Disney has relevance for all of us. Most people that struggle with anxiety and chronic worry are wholeheartedly trusting that the experience of anxiety is very real. When we are anxious, we trust the anxious thoughts that frighten us and that keep us from living in joy and happiness. But trusting those anxiety provoking thoughts is believing a lie we are telling ourselves about our own ability to predict the future.

You think the Disney engineers are good at making fantasies feel real using lights and sound effects? Your brain is even better. Think about it, how often do the things you worry about actually come true?

My hunch is that if you’re honest with yourself, you would admit almost never.

Research has confirmed that the overwhelming majority of the time, the thoughts that drive our anxiety and worry are not based in realty but are instead projections of our greatest fears onto our future.

Participants in the study were asked to record thoughts that brought on worry or anxiety and then review those logs every evening for 30 days to see how many actually came true.

The results? 91-percent of things people worried about were false alarms. For the remaining 9-percent of worries that did come true, the outcome was better than expected about a third of the time.

For about one in four participants, exactly zero worries came true. Our anxiety and worry are creating a fantasy world that just isn’t reflected in reality.

Our anxious and worried thoughts have made us like 3-year-olds at Disney World: It feels so real, but it’s just not.

What can you do if you want to quit believing the lies of anxiety and worry and begin to live in peace and joy?

Here are 3 strategies that I have used with patients for many years that will help you do just that.

1. Quit indulging the lie of Anxiety and Worry

We can truly quit indulging the lie of anxiety and worry when we refuse to identify with our emotional experience of anxiety and look at our thoughts without being clouded with emotion.

This requires us to look at our emotions in the moment and allow ourselves to accept them and label them. Research shows that just being able to admit that we feel anxious about something that might happen in the future allows us to turn the emotional lights on and can begin to evaluate the anxiety with more clarity.

I find that most people struggling with chronic worry or anxiety seem to be most anxious about admitting that they are anxious. This is true because we believe on some level that allowing ourselves to recognize the emotion of anxiety will somehow validate it and make us feel more vulnerable and less powerful to address what might be coming in the future.

Ironically, the path to defeating anxiety starts with accepting anxiety for what it is, labeling it, and making the decision to refuse to give it more power than it deserves. It’s just an emotion, after all. One that will pass as we evaluate what is causing it.

2. Pull back the curtain on anxiety and worry

When the Lilo and Stitch ride is over at Disney World, the house lights immediately come on and you see everything around you with clarity. I watched my son stick his head up and look around to see that what he thought was real was not actually happening. It was almost an instant relief. His experience in the moment dramatically shifted and he was no longer physiologically activated when he could see clearly what was really going on behind the scenes.

How do we do this? We pull back the curtain on anxiety and worry by seeing the facts for what they are.

Just like the participants in the research I mentioned above, log your anxiety and worry thoughts every day.

I recommend that you log your negative thoughts 4 times a day (when you start your workday, at lunch, at dinner time, and at bedtime).

Focus on worries that can be tested against your reality.

For instance, “I will get a bad review at work tomorrow” can be tested. “I will get cancer at some point in my life” cannot be tested. Over the next 30 days, review your list of worry thoughts to see how often the things you are worried about actually come true.

In all likelihood, you will find that the overwhelming majority of your anxious and worried thoughts never really come to fruition.

That data in and of itself should help you begin to reject the lie of anxiety and worry in the moment. Just like my son, your experience will dramatically shift, and you will no longer be emotionally activated when you see just how often the things you get anxious and worried about never happen.

3. Try Radical acceptance

One of the things I have found working with clients for years to address anxiety and worry is that there is a secondary gain to anxiety and worry thoughts.

Although they create misery and siphon the joy and peace from our life, these thoughts actually act as a coping skill of sorts that allows us to feel like we are doing something that will keep us from feeling blindsided by the brokenness of our world. The truth is, if you log your worries as we discussed above, some of them might come true. That’s just life.

The irony here is that anxiety and worry give you the false promise in the moment that the uncomfortable emotions and physiological activation that comes with anxious thoughts is somehow able to make the trials and challenges of life more tolerable. But they don’t. The problems still come, and we still have to deal with them creatively in the moment.

Accept that, and you just might allow yourself to release unhealthy control you are trying to exert over what tomorrow brings.

Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle is a Licensed Psychologist and the President of LiveWell Behavioral Health.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Mike Ronsisvalle is a Licensed Psychologist and the President of LiveWell Behavioral Health. This psychological services agency provides counseling to clients of all ages and addiction treatment to adolescents and adults. You can find him online at LiveWellbehavioralhealth.com or call 321-259-1662.

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Health First Delivers New Cardio-Oncology Subspecialty to Protect Both Lives and Hearts

Sara Paulson — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:09:36 +0000

Health First Providing Cutting-Edge Breast Cancer Care, Right Here in Brevard

A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and life-altering. But at Health First, a collaborative care team is ready to walk with patients through their journey. With the addition of cardiologist Dr. Kevin Campbell’s, above, new subspecialty as a cardio-oncologist, these providers work together to help protect women’s hearts as they fight the disease. (Health First image)

Health First’s collaborative team delivers advanced treatment—including a new cardio-oncology subspecialty— to protect both lives and hearts.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and life-altering. But at Health First, a collaborative care team is ready to walk with patients through their journey.

With the addition of cardiologist Dr. Kevin Campbell’s new subspecialty as a cardio-oncologist, these providers work together to help protect women’s hearts as they fight the disease.

“If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, I’m your partner on this walk through your cancer journey,” said Campbell, the only certified cardio-oncologist in Brevard County. “You’re going to see me for the rest of your life, and we are going to tackle this together.”

This multidisciplinary approach combines providers Dr. Mustafa Amani, a breast surgical oncologist, Dr. Brendan Prendergast, a radiation oncologist, and Campbell, Brevard County’s first and only certified cardio-oncologist. Dr. Amit Barochia, a medical oncologist, is also part of the team.

“Treatment is a collaborative effort through a multi-disciplinary approach,” said Amani, who performs surgery and coordinates care. “I talk to them about the surgery, what it entails, and what the recovery will be. Then, I help navigate them through their other appointments.”

“He’s our Tom Brady,” Campbell said of Amani. “He’s the quarterback. He calls the plays.”

Prendergast works to minimize radiation therapy’s long-term risks.

“Everybody’s involved,” Prendergast said. “And everybody’s goal is to get that patient the best treatment possible.

Barochia, a medical oncologist, emphasized the importance of team communication.

“It also means offering comprehensive support during their journey, from diagnosis to recovery, by not only treating the physical disease but also managing the emotional aspect,” he explained.

Dr. Mustafa Amani is a Health First breast surgeon who also helps coordinate care across breast cancer specialties in concert with the medical oncology team.

Keeping the heart healthy

Chemotherapy and radiation can pose cardiac risks. Campbell monitors patients closely using strain echocardiograms and heart-protective therapies.

“There’s certain chemo drugs that, while extremely effective in treating the cancer itself, can have a roughly 5% chance of producing cardiac side effects,” Campbell noted. “I just have my antennas up, and I am always watching my patient’s hearts very closely.”

Barochia added, “It is very essential and important to assess and monitor heart function prior to administering those agents.”

Prendergast noted that left-sided breast cancer patients are more vulnerable. “Even with all the technology we have now, the risk is very low – but it’s never zero.”

Modern treatments are more targeted and less invasive. “Minimizing the surgical approach is what we’ve always advocated for,” Amani said.

Campbell shared a recent example of the team’s efficiency: “I was able to get her stress test done within 12 hours. By the next day, I was able to call Dr. Amani and say that patient’s ready to go ahead with surgery.”

Dr. Amit Barochia is a Health First medical oncologist who provides care to patients at varying stages of cancer.

Early detection means better survival rates

While Breast Cancer Awareness Month is closing in on October, the team urges women to stay current with mammograms and self-exams, no matter the time of year.

“If you’re diagnosed with Stage 1 early on, you probably have a 90-plus percentage chance of survival,” Campbell said.

Amani said mammography is “essential,” and Prendergast highlighted how surgical markers and intensity-modulated radiation therapy have reduced side effects and improved outcomes.

While some patients seek second opinions at larger institutions, many return to Health First for its expertise and convenience.

“I assure you that the care that you’re going to get somewhere else, you will receive the same level of care here,” Amani said.

Campbell noted Health First’s collaborations with Moffitt Cancer Center and others, allowing patients to receive protocol-based care locally.

“They get to sleep in their own bed,” Prendergast said. “They get to be with their own family. That’s priceless.”

Dr. Brendan Prendergast is a radiation oncologist at Health First. He said the team’s goal is to provide each patient with the best possible treatment. (Health First image)

A shift in breast cancer care

Prendergast pointed out how much treatment has changed in the past few decades.

“Now, a woman with Stage 1 breast cancer will oftentimes have as little as one week of radiation… little, if any side effects at all,” Dr. Prendergast said.

Treatment has become more targeted, faster and gentler. Twelve years ago, a woman with Stage 1 breast cancer typically underwent a lumpectomy followed by six weeks of radiation to the entire breast.

Today, many patients receive just one week of radiation focused precisely around the tumor site — thanks to surgical markers and intensity-modulated radiation therapy. The result? Minimal side effects and less than a 1% risk of damage to surrounding organs.

Prendergast said it’s rare to have a cardio-oncology program in a community of Brevard County’s size.

“The patient can move along in their journey,” Prendergast said. “It really is a privilege to provide that care, but we’re lucky.”

As cardio-oncology continues to evolve, Campbell, Amani, Prendergast, Barochia and the team are on the front lines.

“I feel privileged to be part of the kind of the pioneer group,” Campbell said. “I think it will ultimately be a fellowship-trained subspecialty within cardiology.”

Barochia finds being a part of the comprehensive team that leads patients through a difficult time and creating a path forward is gratifying.

“It also means offering comprehensive support during their journey, from diagnosis to recovery, by not only treating the physical disease but also managing the emotional aspect,” Barochia said. “We want to get them to a new normal after completion of treatment, so they can live very productive and healthy life.”

To learn more about the collaborative cancer care available at Health First, visit hf.org/breast-health or call 321.728.6002.

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OBITUARY: Daljit Singh Saini Passes Away Oct. 18, Launched Radiation Oncology Department at Holmes Regional Medical Center

Space Coast Daily — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:05:14 +0000

Daljit passed away peacefully at 76

Daljit Singh Saini, a pioneering medical physicist, humanitarian, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, at the age of 76. Daljit launched the Radiation Oncology Department at Holmes Regional Hospital, laying the foundation for advanced cancer care on the Space Coast. From there, Daljit and his partners launched the Cancer Care Centers of Brevard.

Daljit and his partners launched the Cancer Care Centers of Brevard, where they introduced therapies and technologies previously available only at major academic medical centers.

Daljit Singh Saini, a pioneering medical physicist, humanitarian, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, at the age of 76. Born in rural Punjab, India, he rose from humble beginnings—growing up in a village without electricity until his college years—to become a leader in radiation therapy and cancer care in Central Florida.

From his early training at PGI Chandigarh and the Bhabha Atomic Research Center outside Mumbai, Daljit carried his passion for medical physics across the ocean, arriving in Boston in 1974. There, he began his distinguished tenure at Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts General Hospital, where his expertise and compassion quickly earned him recognition.

During this time, his work drew the attention of the U.S. Air Force, which offered him an elevated commission, and of colleagues who recommended him for accelerated admission to Tufts Dental School. He declined both, choosing instead to remain true to his first calling: medical physics and the fight against cancer.

After his years in Boston, Daljit continued his work at Tampa General Hospital. His life entered another defining chapter when he moved to Melbourne, Florida, to help launch the Radiation Oncology Department at Holmes Regional Hospital, laying the foundation for advanced cancer care on the Space Coast.

From there, Daljit and his partners launched the Cancer Care Centers of Brevard, where they introduced therapies and technologies that had previously been available only at major academic medical centers. Together, they were among the first in the region to deliver advanced radiation techniques and innovative treatment approaches that expanded access for patients across the Space Coast.

With both scientific rigor and deep compassion, they cared for tens of thousands during their years of practice, and the centers they established continue to serve thousands more each year, carrying forward their legacy even after their retirement.

Daljit’s life was also defined by seva—the Sikh concept of selfless service, offered without desire for recognition or reward. Through Cancer Care Centers of Brevard’s charitable arm, Daljit and his partners provided free cancer care, ensuring no one was left behind.

Together with his closest friend and partner, and supported by a wider circle of colleagues, they went on to establish multiple hospitals and clinics across rural India, transforming regions where modern healthcare had once been out of reach.

What began as a shared dream grew into a network of healing spaces—places where advanced medicine met compassion, and where families who had long been underserved could finally receive dignity, care, and hope.

His commitment to seva also extended to his faith community. As one of the central founders of the Sikh Society of Central Florida, Daljit helped establish a spiritual and cultural home for Sikh families across the region. The Society became a place of worship, fellowship, and service—a living expression of the Sikh principles he embodied throughout his life.

He also led dedicated teams that organized medical camps across India, supported orphanages for children displaced by terrorism and conflict, and coordinated relief efforts to assist in disasters that struck communities across the nation and abroad.

Though he often shouldered much of the burden himself, he preferred to remain just adjacent to the spotlight, ensuring that the focus stayed on the mission and the people being served rather than on his own role.

Beyond these efforts, Daljit quietly poured his energy into countless other projects—large and small—that carried hope and healing to those who needed it most.

One of his greatest passions was helping people find their path. He mentored countless students and young professionals, guiding many toward their first jobs, making introductions, and building networks that allowed others to thrive. He loved connecting people, believing that relationships were the true foundation of progress and service.

Just as naturally, he extended the same spirit of care to his own community—offering quiet acts of generosity, whether through a kind word, a thoughtful connection, or a simple gift placed in the right hands at the right time. His guiding belief was simple yet profound: “Every act, no matter how small, must carry your personal stamp of excellence.”

Daljit is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Sukhvinder Saini, whose steadfast love and strength were the foundation of his life and service. Together they raised two sons, Vikram and Robin, and welcomed their daughters-in-law, Sonya and Monica, into the family.

Daljit was a proud and loving grandfather to Vikram and Sonya’s children—Zara, with whom he shared a uniquely special bond, and twins Dillon and Shaan. He also eagerly awaited the arrival of Robin and Monica’s first child this December.

He also leaves behind two sisters and two brothers, as well as countless nieces and nephews— each of whom has achieved significant personal and professional acclaim, and who continue striving to make their own mark in the world, inspired by Daljit’s example of service, excellence, and integrity. He took great joy in celebrating their milestones, encouraging their ambitions, and reminding them that family was both a source of strength and a responsibility to uplift one another.

In truth, much of the Saini family’s presence and progress in the United States can be traced to Daljit’s vision and perseverance. He worked tirelessly to bring family members over, help them establish themselves, and guide them toward opportunity. His constant encouragement and unwavering support for education became the foundation for the next generation’s success.

Today, the family includes physicists, doctors, pharmacists, engineers, lawyers, executives, and law enforcement officers—a testament to his role as the pioneer of their journey, and to the doors he quietly opened for others.

To all who knew him, Daljit was like a great banyan tree. His roots ran deep in faith and humility, his branches stretched wide to shelter and guide, and his strength gave rise to new trunks— generations of family, colleagues, and community who now stand tall because of the foundation he provided.

His presence offered shade, stability, and inspiration, and his legacy will continue to grow outward, touching lives far beyond his own.
Daljit’s life was a testament to the Sikh principles of Naam Japna (remembering God), Kirat Karni (honest living), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others). His legacy of compassion, service, and excellence will continue to inspire generations.

As the Sikh prayer reminds us: “Nanak Naam Chardi Kala, Tere Bhaane Sarbat da Bhala”—In remembering the Divine, may we remain in high spirits and work for the welfare of all.

Daljit’s light will live on in the countless lives he touched, the institutions he built with others, the missions he carried forward alone, and the family he so deeply loved. It will also endure in the hearts of those he cared for, the many he connected and uplifted, and even in the lives of those who met him only briefly—for his presence left a lasting impression of kindness, wisdom, and grace.

Daljit would rather we spend our energy on doing something good for our fellow man and our communities than on mourning his passing—carrying forward his belief that service, in even the smallest acts, is the truest measure of a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Khalsa Aid in his Honor HERE.

The post OBITUARY: Daljit Singh Saini Passes Away Oct. 18, Launched Radiation Oncology Department at Holmes Regional Medical Center appeared first on Space Coast Daily.

4EverYoung Merritt Island to Host Fun Halloween Aesthetics Event Thursday, Arrive in Costume and SAVE!

Space Coast Daily — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 04:09:18 +0000

Guests in costume receive $50 off next service and access to range of exclusive special deals

4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions in Merritt Island is inviting the community to celebrate the season in style with Spooky Smooth: Halloween Aesthetics Night on Thursday, October 30, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions in Merritt Island is inviting the community to celebrate the season in style with Spooky Smooth: Halloween Aesthetics Night on Thursday, October 30, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The event takes place at 1450 North Courtenay Parkway, Suite 6, Merritt Island.

Guests who arrive in costume will receive $50 off their next service and access to a range of exclusive special deals.

The event will showcase popular treatments, including laser services, fillers, microneedling with PRP, and more, offering attendees the perfect opportunity to refresh their look while enjoying a festive atmosphere.

Open to the public, this nine-hour celebration blends seasonal fun with self-care, making it a can’t-miss occasion for anyone looking to look and feel their best this Halloween.

4EverYoung Anti-Aging Solutions on Merritt Island Offering ‘BOO-TOX’ Special in October

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Health First Fuels Hope: Survivor Stanna Bobbitt Shines at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

Sara Paulson — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:53:50 +0000

Survivor, Veteran, Mom, Advocate: Stanna Bobbitt continues Making Strides

WATCH: The Health First Cancer Institute was the main sponsor for the Brevard-based American Cancer Society (ACS) Making Strides event, held Saturday, Oct. 25, at The Avenue Viera. (Health First video)

Westanna “Stanna” Harvey Bobbitt of West Melbourne celebrates being four-plus years cancer-free at Making Strides of Brevard. The Health First Cancer Institute was the main sponsor for the Brevard-based American Cancer Society (ACS) Making Strides event, held Saturday, Oct. 25, at The Avenue Viera. (Health First image)

Decked out in pink, West Melbourne woman joins community and Health First in celebrating the strength of breast cancer warriors, thrivers and the memory of loved ones lost

BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA — As the Sia power anthem “Unstoppable” blasted from the speakers, Westanna Harvey Bobbitt couldn’t contain her gregarious smile – or her fist pumps.

Decked out in plenty of pink accoutrements, Bobbitt, affectionately known as “Stanna,” eagerly stood at the east end of the stage at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, waiting for her moment Saturday at The Avenue Viera.

And she rocked it.

“Stanna!” Lite Rock 99.3 morning radio show host Mindy Levy shouted over the loudspeaker. “Four-year survivor! Family and friends, No. 1 Delta!”

For Bobbitt, this moment was pure elation. The 69-year-old West Melbourne woman cheered along with the crowd as she crossed the stage, where a medal was proudly placed around her neck. Bobbitt was one of 300 breast cancer survivors at the walk. More than 5,000 people attended the event.

Bobbitt represented the strength and bravery shared by many women battling breast cancer, the unwavering hope and support united together. Her smile spoke volumes, just like the others around her.

I’m here. I survived. And I’m walking for you, too.

“When I was first walking, I was walking for someone who didn’t survive,” Bobbitt paused. “So, your heart gets full when you see these kind of things. It’s pretty emotional.”

Westanna “Stanna” Harvey Bobbitt is joined by her friends and daughter, Jasmine, at right, at Making Strides of Brevard. The Health First Cancer Institute was the main sponsor for the Brevard-based American Cancer Society (ACS) Making Strides event, held Saturday, Oct. 25, at The Avenue Viera. (Health First image)

The Health First Cancer Institute was the main sponsor for the Brevard-based American Cancer Society (ACS) Making Strides event, held Saturday, Oct. 25, at The Avenue Viera.

Three decades strong, the walk has united communities, companies and individuals, serving as the nation’s largest breast cancer movement. More than 319,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, according to the ACS.

There are more than four million breast cancer survivors living in the nation today.

“This is wonderful,” Bobbitt said, adjusting a fan draped around her neck.

“It’s a beautiful walk. It’s so serene. And that, the serenity, I think, of the walk probably draws you in, too. When you’re looking at people who are going through breast cancer who have been lucky to survive like I have been, to be a warrior like my girlfriend was, it’s a pretty moving experience.”

Collectively, $165,000 was raised through the Space Coast event – but that’s not the final number. Donations are being accepted through the end of the year. Bobbitt’s sorority, Deltas of Brevard Family and Friends, led the teams with the largest amount raised – a whopping $7,202.82 for the group so far.

Westanna “Stanna” Harvey Bobbitt, left, said the best part of Making Strides was having her daughter by her side, who traveled from Georgia. The Health First Cancer Institute was the main sponsor for the Brevard-based American Cancer Society (ACS) Making Strides event, held Saturday, Oct. 25, at The Avenue Viera. (Health First image)

Diagnosed with Stage One breast cancer in November 2020 (yes, in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic), Stanna faced what she calls the “trifecta” of treatment — chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel who was stationed at the Pentagon on 9/11, Bobbitt has had her share of highs and lows – but there’s no getting her down. Bobbitt exudes what it means to be a source of strength, hope and positivity, for so many reasons.

“My Health First medical team was amazing,” she said, giving props to Health First breast surgeon Dr. Sharon Noori and oncologist Dr. David Hei.

Declared cancer-free in 2021, Bobbitt remains vigilant about her health and passionate about awareness. She’s an avid social media user, regularly posting reminders to others. Schedule those annual mammograms. Perform self-exams. And be your own health advocate.

“My success story with my Stage One Breast Cancer stems from early detection of a small mass that was aggressive in its growth,” Bobbitt shared.

“I am grateful for my Health First medical team, the best daughter and hubby team, most wonderful Prayer Warriors, and my sustained faith in God.”

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey gets ready to kick off the Making Strides of Brevard walk. The Health First Cancer Institute was the main sponsor for the Brevard-based American Cancer Society (ACS) Making Strides event, held Saturday, Oct. 25, at The Avenue Viera. (Health First image)

And Bobbitt is all about the cause. She sported a pink bedazzled baseball cap, pink ribbon earrings, a “Survivor” sash, black leggings and a T-shirt that read “Had it. Beat it. Survived it. Stanna Strong.”

She sure did. And is.

Saturday, survivors, thrivers and loved ones were emotional and triumphant as their names and years of survivorship were celebrated. Hearts stirred, tears dribbled down cheeks, and for one morning, a community came together, all in the name of one goal – eradicating the disease through advocacy, fundraising and research.

Health First breast surgeon Dr. Mustafa Amani opened the ceremony, telling the crowd they’re far from alone.

“We’re right here beside you, and we’re honored to be part of your story,” Dr. Amani said. “We’re inspired by your strength and in awe of your courage. So, let’s keep fighting together.”

The crowd crosses the finish line at Making Strides of Brevard. The Health First Cancer Institute was the main sponsor for the Brevard-based American Cancer Society (ACS) Making Strides event, held Saturday, Oct. 25, at The Avenue Viera. (Health First image)

Seeing over 1,000 people in support of the cause was “absolutely wonderful,” Stanna beamed.

“When I first started doing these walks, and I know I’ve been doing it at least four years, there wasn’t nearly these numbers,” Bobbitt said after completing the nearly three-mile walk.

“So the numbers have increased tremendously, and I think that’s great, because awareness is what we need. So getting the word out, I think, is a great thing.”

Bobbitt wasn’t done, though. After finishing the walk, she stationed herself at the finish line. She had to see her Melbourne-Palm Bay Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., sisters do the same.

“Yeah, go Deltas, go Deltas!” she yelled as her sorority sisters finished the walk, some trekking over to give her a hug.

But her daughter, Jasmine. That’s where it was at.

“That’s the best part of all,” Stanna said, her stunning daughter at her side. “She wasn’t able to make the first one…It is absolutely the best part, to have her come here and support me.”

As the event wrapped up, people couldn’t help but notice all the smiles.

“My heart is full when this kind of thing happens because it’s just tremendous,” Bobbitt warmly said. “Especially to see people at the start make it all the way to the finish. A lot of people want it for themselves, because they’re survivors.”

A breast cancer survivor and her son walk the stage to celebrate her being cancer-free on Oct. 25 at Making Strides of Brevard, held at The Avenue Viera. The Health First Cancer Institute was the main sponsor for the Brevard-based American Cancer Society (ACS) Making Strides event. (Health First image)

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