January 27th was Healthcare Day for Class XX and it began at Naples Community Hospital (NCH) downtown where the goals of the morning were to present the class with an overview of healthcare from a national, state and local view. Dr. Ronald Riner, a former cardiologist and head of the Riner Group, provided the national level view, followed by Bruce Ruben (Florida Hospital Association President) with the state view and then Ed Houck (CEO of Health Planning Council of SW Florida) and Mike Ellis (CEO, Healthcare Network of SW Florida) provided the local view.
Following some great questions from the class which stirred some thought provoking answers by all speakers, the class was presented the issues facing the local hospitals by Dr. Allen Weiss (President/CEO, NCH), Jim Nathan (President /CEO, Lee Memorial Hospital) and Scott Lowe, (CEO, Physicians Regional Hospital).
NCH provided a “Blue Zone” lunch that was praised by everyone. The Blue Zone Project, which the class would hear about several times during the day, is another way that the healthcare system is working to help people live not only longer but healthier lives.
Following lunch, the class moved to Moorings Park for a presentation by Dr. Gloth, Medical Director of Moorings Park and a gerontologist. He gave a great talk on healthcare issues facing our seniors today. Following his presentation, there was time for only four questions. However, of the four questions posed, Dr. Gloth commented those were the exact questions he would have asked. Well done Class XX!
After a break where we had delicious healthy snacks, the class was treated to a snapshot of some innovative healthcare initiatives in Collier County. The speakers were Deb Millsap, Executive Director, Blue Zone Project of SW Florida, Paul Thien, President/CEO Naples YMCA (Health Clinic Programs) and Dr. Rebecca Rock, Medical Director, Physicians Led Access Network (PLAN). If you do not know what these people are doing, you need to look into their organizations.
The day concluded with Tess Chiodo of Joyful Yoga and Ayurveda Spa giving the class 10 ways to live a longer and healthier life. She had us all relaxed and breathing easier for the trip home through the pouring rain.