The following free educational programs begin at noon at The Balance Clinic at Lee Center for Rehabilitation & Wellness, located at 2070 Carrell Rd in Fort Myers. Space is limited. Call 239-418-2000 to register.

• Monday, Sept. 20 – “Better Balance” – Learn about factors affecting balance and ways to test and improve your own balance skills.

• Thursday, Sept. 23 – “Farewell to Falls” – Learn about the most effective ways to minimize the risk of falls and how to get help after a fall.

• Friday, Sept. 24 – “Demystifying Dizziness” – Learn about the different types of dizziness, how to discuss your dizziness symptoms with your health care providers and how therapy can help.

In addition, members of the Step WiseLee program will be at Dunbar High School, 3800 East Edison Ave. in Fort Myers for a free seminar:
• Saturday, Sept. 25, – 8 a.m. to noon – Experts on balance and falls prevention will present information on preventing falls in the home and community.

Because of the high death rate, a campaign to prevent falls, appropriately named “Step WiseLee,” was launched in September 2009. The initiative calls on local health care agencies, residents, family and friends to work together to prevent falls and fall-related injuries and deaths in Lee County. In addition to the Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition, members of the “Step WiseLee” partnership include the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Lee County Health Department, Lee County Public Safety – EMS and Lee Memorial Health System.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls occur more often in senior adults and are the leading cause of injury deaths in persons over 65 years of age. However, falls are not a normal, natural part of aging.

The CDC suggests the following key steps to reduce the risk of falls:
• Begin a regular exercise program
• Make homes safer by clearing walkways and hallways
• Get annual vision check-ups
• Have your health provider review your medications

To schedule a guest speaker, please send a request to info@stepwiselee.com. For more information on how to prevent falls and fall-related injuries and deaths, visit http://www.stepwiselee.com.

The Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition has been working to prevent injuries in Lee County since 1995 under the auspices of the Lee County Health Department. Today the group is composed of more than 80 different health and safety agencies and experts. The coalition is a multi-disciplinary cooperative of private and public partners that include fire and rescue agencies, emergency medical services, law enforcement agencies, hospital outreach programs, health agencies, and public and private schools. This strong partnership provides increased resources, efficiency and consistent delivery of unified safety messages to the public. For more information, visit http://www.stepwiselee.org.

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At the dinner and awards ceremony on Oct. 27 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort, Junior Achievement will induct Dr. William Figlesthaler, managing partner/shareholder at Specialists in Urology, and Len Zaiser III, president, CEO and founder of Structure Medical, into the 2010 Business Hall of Fame, Collier County. The prestigious award recognizes prominent business leaders who are outstanding entrepreneurs and serve as role models for youth through their professional accomplishments and commitment to the community. Figlesthaler and Zaiser will join a distinguished group of individuals who have been inducted into the Business Hall of Fame since it was founded in 1987.

Business sponsorships are available and include tickets to the event. Tables of 10, which include two reserved seats for students, are available for $1,800 (silver sponsor level). Tables of five are available for $900 (bronze sponsor level) and include a reserved seat for one student.

Sponsors also are needed to support student admission, which is $125 per ticket. Junior Achievement students who attend the event have an opportunity to interact with local professionals and practice their etiquette skills. Additionally, half-page advertisements are available in the event program book for $500. To reserve tables or individual tickets or to become a sponsor, call the Junior Achievement office at 239-225-2590. Proceeds benefit local Junior Achievement programs.

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, Inc. provides in-school and after-school programs for students in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties that focus on three key content areas: work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Today, 126 individual area operations reach four million students in the United States, with an additional five million students served by operations in 120 other countries worldwide. If you would like to become a part of this thriving agency, contact the local office at 239-225-2590 or visit http://www.jaswfl.org/ on the Web.

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To provide more information on treatment options for severe hip pain, including information on the anterior approach to hip replacement, Curcione will host a free educational seminar on May 20 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Gulf Coast Medical Center, 13681 Doctors Way in Fort Myers.  The topics to be addressed will include:

• Osteoarthritis and causes of hip pain
• Treatment options including the anterior approach to hip replacement
• How hip replacement works, what to expect and recovery

For reservations, call 239-368-8277, ext. 2302. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited.

In addition to recent clinical studies that validate the outcomes of the anterior approach to hip replacement to the total hip replacement, patients also are reporting benefits.

After about a year of walking in pain, 69-year-old Rita Reinhart from Cape Coral visited Curcione at the recommendation of a friend. X-rays revealed Reinhart had severe osteoarthritis.

“I had been experiencing hip pain and having trouble walking for over a year,” said Reinhart. “After meeting Dr. Curcione, he recommended the anterior approach to hip replacement. Days later, I was home and walking again. I’m no longer living in pain and once again able to keep up with my 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.”

Hip replacement is a major surgery. While traditional hip replacement involves operating from the side or back of the hip, the direct anterior approach requires a smaller incision, about three to four inches long at the front or anterior of the hip. The anterior approach procedure to total hip replacement has been gaining popularity due to its potential benefits including reduced scarring and minimized risk of muscle damage. To learn more about the anterior approach to hip replacement, visit www.bone-fix.com.

Dr. Peter Curcione is an osteopathic physician, a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and a partner in the Athletic Orthopaedic and Reconstructive Center. With offices in Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres, Curcione has served patients in Southwest Florida since 1997. His specialty training and interests include joint replacement surgery, including minimally-invasive procedures such as the anterior approach to hip replacement. In addition, Curcione is experienced and trained in treating disorders of the shoulder and the hand, including fracture care, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis care and reconstructive surgery of the hand. He is trained in arthroscopic shoulder surgery, specifically, all arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs and ligament repairs, as well as arthroscopic reconstruction of the shoulder. He takes great care to keep up-to-date with the most cutting-edge technologies and procedures to optimally serve his patients.

For more information, visit www.bone-fix.com. Click video to view a broadcast of how the anterior approach to hip replacement surgery is performed. Also, visit Dr. Cucione’s blog at www.topbonedoc.com and follow him online on Facebook and twitter.com/topbonedoc.

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The loggerhead sea turtle has been provided a home at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center since April 1, 2009, following its participation in a study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University on the sex ratio of loggerhead hatchlings during the 2008 nesting season. After a year of residence, the turtle is now large enough to survive in the larger aquarium, which more closely resembles the natural oceanic environment the turtle will eventually be released into. On May 7, the turtle will be weighed, measured and transferred to its new larger home.

“The turtle’s graduation to a new home is a significant milestone toward its release into the wild,” says Troy Frensley, Conservancy Education and Discovery Center Manager. “This event also coincides with the 2010 turtle season that begins May 1, and it’s a great opportunity for us at the Nature Center to share a greater awareness about how humans can aid the survival of this important species.”

Once the turtle is placed into the tank, Conservancy staff will continue its policy of limited physical contact with the turtle in order to prevent it from becoming overly habituated to interactions with people. This will give it a better chance of growing to adulthood when it is released into the wild.

The sea turtle came to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida from the Boca Raton Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program, based at the Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex under the direction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The young turtle will live at the Conservancy for two to three years before being released into the wild. The purpose of its stay at the Conservancy is to allow it to grow to nearly 18 inches in length and for it to serve as an ambassador for its species to educate the public about protecting sea turtles.

Tips for Sea Turtle Season:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida recommends observing the loggerhead sea turtle at the Nature Center during nesting season to learn how to protect the species. Here are some other ways to promote survival of loggerhead sea turtles during nesting season, which runs May 1 through Oct. 31:

• Limit night activities on the beach and abide by county restrictions concerning lights on the beach. There should be no exterior lighting visible from the beach. Keep curtains closed on windows facing the beach when interior lights are on at night.
• When you leave the beach, take away what you bring, including beach toys, furniture and other man-made objects.
• Do not disturb turtles, nests or hatchlings, keeping as much distance as possible.
• Volunteer with a beach cleanup effort to protect turtles from ingesting or becoming ensnared in paper and plastic products.
• Call the Conservancy of Southwest Florida at 239-403-4216 if you see any turtle in distress and support preservation efforts by becoming a member and donor.
• Call local authorities if you see anyone violating laws concerning turtle protection.

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida began in 1964 when community leaders came together to defeat a proposed “Road to Nowhere” and spearheaded the acquisition and protection of Rookery Bay. 

The Conservancy is a grassroots organization focused on the critical environmental issues of the Southwest Florida region. Partnering with like-minded organizations, the Conservancy works to manage growth and protect area waters, land and wildlife. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida promotes sound environmental policies and practices based on solid scientific research while providing environmental education to residents and visitors. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center treats more than 2,400 injured, sick and orphaned animals each year and releases about half back into their native habitats. 

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and Conservancy Nature Center are located in Naples, Florida at 1450 Merrihue Drive, off Goodlette-Frank Road at 14^th Avenue North. 
For information about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, call 239-262-0304 or visit http://www.conservancy.org/.

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“We look forward to hosting this fun family event for a great cause,” says Bob Bassett, Builder’s Care president. “All the proceeds will fund projects that improve people’s lives right here in our community.”

Admission for BBQ, Bands and Brew is $10 per person. Children ages 12 and under are free, and free parking is available. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, but no coolers, dogs or beach umbrellas will be allowed. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Lee County Alliance for the Arts at 10091 McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers; Stevens Construction at 6208 Whisky Creek Drive, Fort Myers; the Fiddlesticks branch of BB&T Bank at 9090 Daniels Pkwy., Fort Myers; and the Pagefield branch of BB&T Bank, 4959 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Reservations may be made by calling 239-938-0056 or e-mail bbq@bia.net. Additional information is available at www.bbqbandsandbrew.com.

Top sponsors include Stevens Construction, Cape Coral Plumbing, Teco Partners, Budweiser, WINK News, Florida Weekly, Cat Country 107.1, 95.3 OLZ and Priority Marketing. Event sponsors include Bolaños Truxton PA, Gora McGahey Architects, Harbor Springs Building Company, Land Solutions Inc., Lee County Electric Cooperative, Debonair Mechanical Inc., Costco Wholesale, Pepsi, T&M Portable Restrooms, Signs Now, Exploritech Inc. and Jamestown Painting.

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builders Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Most recent top corporate sponsors include Real Estate Investment Society and BB&T. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 4210 Metro Parkway, Suite 100 in Fort Myers. Donations can be made online at http://www.leebuilderscare.org/, or to the Builders Care general fund at BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) Page Field branch at 4959 South Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056.

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To provide more information on treatment options for severe hip pain, including information on the anterior approach to hip replacement, Curcione will host a free educational seminar on April 15 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Gulf Coast Medical Center, 13681 Doctors Way in Fort Myers.  The topics to be addressed will include:

• Osteoarthritis and causes of hip pain
• Treatment options including the anterior approach to hip replacement
• How hip replacement works, what to expect and recovery

For reservations, call 239-368-8277, ext. 2302. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited.

“We call it the ‘muscle-friendly’ approach because we do not surgically detach the muscles or tendons,” says Curcione. “Following the anterior approach, patients are reporting less pain, spending less time in the hospital and experiencing a faster recovery.”

Hip replacement is a major surgery. While traditional hip replacement involves operating from the side or back of the hip, the direct anterior approach requires a smaller incision, about three to four inches long at the front or anterior of the hip. The anterior approach procedure to total hip replacement has been gaining popularity due to its potential benefits including reduced scarring and minimized risk of muscle damage. To learn more about the anterior approach to hip replacement, visit www.bone-fix.com

Dr. Peter Curcione is an osteopathic physician, a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and a partner in the Athletic Orthopaedic and Reconstructive Center. With offices in Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres, Curcione has served patients in Southwest Florida since 1997. His specialty training and interests include joint replacement surgery, including minimally-invasive procedures such as the anterior approach to hip replacement. In addition, Curcione is experienced and trained in treating disorders of the shoulder and the hand, including fracture care, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis care and reconstructive surgery of the hand. He is trained in arthroscopic shoulder surgery, specifically, all arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs and ligament repairs, as well as arthroscopic reconstruction of the shoulder. He takes great care to keep up-to-date with the most cutting-edge technologies and procedures to optimally serve his patients.

For more information, visit www.bone-fix.com. Click video to view a broadcast of how the anterior approach to hip replacement surgery is performed. Also, visit Dr. Cucione’s blog at www.topbonedoc.com and follow him online on Facebook and twitter.com/topbonedoc.

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At the event, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida (JA) will induct Jim Nathan, president of Lee Memorial Health System, and Tom Uhler, a founding principal of Uhler and Vertich Financial Planners into the Business Hall of Fame. The prestigious honor recognizes prominent business leaders for their professional accomplishments and commitment to the community.

Sponsorships are still available as well. Platinum sponsorships are available for $7,500. Gold sponsorships are $5,000, while silver and bronze sponsorships are $1,650 and $850, respectively. Each sponsorship level offers a variety of benefits designed to provide sponsors with exposure in the business community. In addition, student sponsorships are available at the cost of $125 per ticket. By attending the event, students have a first-hand opportunity to practice business etiquette skills and interact with local professionals.

BB&T Insurance Services/Oswald Trippe & Company is the title sponsor for the event. Currently, Edison National Bank, FineMark National Bank & Trust, Hope Hospice and Lee Memorial Health System in conjunction with Lee Memorial Health System Foundation are gold sponsors.

Individual tickets are $250. Half-page advertisements for the event program book are $500. All proceeds benefit JA programs. To sponsor the event or purchase tickets, call the Junior Achievement office at 239-225-2590.

About Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, Junior Achievement provides in-school and after-school programs for students that focus on three key content areas: work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Today, 138 individual area operations reach four million students in the United States, with an additional five million students served by operations in 120 other countries worldwide. For more information, contact the local office at 239-225-2590 or visit www.JASWFL.org on the Web.

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• Osteoarthritis and causes of hip pain
• Treatment options including the anterior approach to hip replacement
• How hip replacement works, what to expect and recovery

For reservations, call 239-368-8277, ext. 2302. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited.

Hip replacement is a major surgery. While traditional hip replacement involves operating from the side or back of the hip, the direct anterior approach requires a smaller incision, about three to four inches long at the front or anterior of the hip.

For 52-year-old Robert Erkens from Lehigh Acres, daily hip pain is nothing new. Erkens was diagnosed with osteoarthritis more than 12 years ago. What started out as a nagging pain in his hip eventually grew worse over time.   

“I have lived in pain for all of these years, afraid of surgery,” says Erkens. “I could barely walk more than a mile throughout the course of a day. It was very limiting to my work and lifestyle.”

Working in the construction industry, Erkens was accustomed to physical labor so when the pain persisted, he made a career change and began working as a casino dealer. Still, the constant pain had him visiting physicians and exploring treatment options.

“I read up on the latest treatments for hip replacement and tried to prepare myself for the inevitable – surgery,” says Erkens. “When I first met Dr. Curcione, I was impressed with his knowledge and experiences with the various treatment options. He was very confident in recommending the anterior approach to hip replacement for me. We discussed the benefits – less risk for dislocation and torn muscles and shorter recovery times and he told me it was a decision that I would not regret.”

In December 2009, after more than a decade of living in pain, Erkens underwent the anterior approach to hip replacement.

“Dr. Curcione was right – I have no regrets,” says Erkens. “While I wish I’d done it sooner, I wasn’t inspired until meeting Dr. Curcione. I feel 20 years younger – I’m exercising, working and enjoying my life again. I feel like I’ve won the lottery.”

Dr. Peter Curcione is an osteopathic physician, a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and a partner in the Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center. With offices in Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres, Curcione has served patients in Southwest Florida since 1997. His specialty training and interests include joint replacement surgery, including minimally-invasive procedures such as the anterior approach to hip replacement. In addition, Curcione is experienced and trained in treating disorders of the shoulder and the hand, including fracture care, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis care and reconstructive surgery of the hand. He is trained in arthroscopic shoulder surgery, specifically, all arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs and ligament repairs, as well as arthroscopic reconstruction of the shoulder. He takes great care to keep up to date with the most cutting-edge technologies and procedures to optimally serve his patients.

For more information, visit http://www.bone-fix.com/. View a broadcast of how the anterior approach to hip replacement surgery is performed. Also, visit Dr. Curcione’s blog at http://www.topbonedoc.com/ and follow him online on Facebook and twitter.com/topbonedoc.

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