CRESTVIEW — Katie Mitchell was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in December 2013, and has undergone regular intravenous chemotherapy since then.

For three years, a routine of seemingly endless medical visits became normal for the 5-year-old and her family.

That is, until Wednesday, when Katie completed treatments at Nemours Children’s Clinic at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. April 1, she will take her final chemo pill.

“It feels good,” she said of the milestone.

Thea Duhaime, Katie’s grandmother, said Katie’s family, including her brother, Ryan, 7, joined her for the last spinal tap.

“The nurses dress up in silly hats and ring a bell for her,” Duhaime said. “They sang, ‘Happy last chemo day to you.’ They were in tears. She’s a little celebrity there.”

Katie was hungry afterward, necessitating a quick visit to a McDonald’s drive-thru for fries, Duhaime said. But her celebration dinner came later.

“I placed the order to Bamboo Sushi for her favorite meal: chicken teriyaki with steamed rice,” Duhaime said, adding the restaurant presented the family with a $100 gift certificate.

Duhaime said her granddaughter’s lively spirit and contagious smile have inspired the whole family and everyone who’s met Katie during her treatment.

“She is one of the bravest people I know,” Duhaime said. “She has just taken it in stride.”

Now, the family must readjust.

“We can learn a new normal now,” Duhaime said. “For two and a half years, that (the treatments) was the normal.

“We can have a normal kid again.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview girl completes chemotherapy treatments

CRESTVIEW — Donors who give a pint of blood March 24-28 at OneBlood donor centers will get a OneBlood jute tote bag and a voucher for a Free $10 eGift card.

Hours at the Crestview center, 2400 Ferdon Blvd. S, Suite B, Crestview, are:

●10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday

●8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday

●noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

●10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday

Call 306-2455 for details.

For other participating locations and hours, go to oneblood.org/spring.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Give blood in Crestview, get a tote bag

FORT WALTON BEACH — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County today acknowledged the 2016 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps tool released by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

This study highlights community factors that influence health, and uses established data available at www.floridacharts.com.

"Premature death in Okaloosa County, (or) dying before the age of 75, is primarily the result of people dying from cancer, heart disease and during infancy," Dr. Karen Chapman, DOH-Okaloosa director, said. "The No. 1 and No. 2 contributor in most cases to these leading causes of premature death is tobacco and obesity. Tobacco abstinence and cessation, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices remain the top priorities for improving the health of the people of Okaloosa County."

DOH-Okaloosa is working to improve residents’ health, a media release stated.

For instance:

●The Community Health Improvement Plan is designed to address specific opportunities for improved health. The department has partnered with many stakeholders to implement the CHIP and collaborates regularly to track progress. Over the last five years, the Healthy Okaloosa Collaborative has worked to address community-chosen priority areas — tobacco use, healthy lifestyles and access to care.

●The Tobacco Team, in collaboration with the Okaloosa County School District, worked to update the school district's Tobacco Discipline Policy to address all forms of tobacco and nicotine use. In addition, Okaloosa Schools are smoke-free zones, and most recently, the School District adopted a no electronic cigarette policy on all school property.

●"West Florida AHEC has a long history of successful partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County, including working closely with them as part of the Healthy Okaloosa Collaborative," stated Paige Collier, director of West Florida Area Health Education Center Inc. "We look forward to continuing to support the collaborative' s efforts to reduce the use of tobacco in Okaloosa County by providing cessation services for community members as well as education and training on the CDC Best Practice Guidelines to health care systems, providers and health professions students in Okaloosa County."

●The Healthy Lifestyles Team has implemented the Healthy Okaloosa 5210 initiative, which is being implemented in 21 early-childhood education centers, nine K-12 public schools, four after-school programs, 10 worksites, and is actively recruiting summer care programs. It looks to partner with businesses and organizations throughout the county to increase healthy lifestyle behaviors through policy and environmental changes around improving nutrition and physical activity, supporting and encouraging breastfeeding friendly environments, limiting recreational screen time and sugary beverage consumption, and eliminating use of and exposure to tobacco and nicotine products.

●"Women and Children's Services at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center is proud to be partnering with the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County to initiate the pathway to becoming a designated Baby Friendly Hospital.

“This collaboration will bring more resources to our community both in the hospital setting, as well as after patients return home," stated Brittany Bryan, Director of Women and Children's Services at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. "The benefits of exclusively breastfeeding infants and promoting mother/baby bonding are immense. Simply stated, breastfeeding saves lives.”

●In 2016, DOH-Okaloosa started the Community Health Assessment for 2016-2020, which will provide DOH-Okaloosa, partners and stakeholders a "big-picture view" of current and emerging community health concerns. Data collected during the assessment will help guide deciding CHIP’s community-chosen priority areas for the next five years.

●Last week, the Florida Department of Health became the nation’s first integrated department of health to achieve national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board, which signifies that the Florida Department of Health has been rigorously examined and meets or exceeds national standards that promote continuous quality improvement for public health.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Cancer, heart disease top causes of premature death in Okaloosa

FORT WALTON BEACH — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County has announced water quality test results for local parks.

No Okaloosa County parks have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated March 14.

The FDOH tests are based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards. Enteric bacteria's presence indicates fecal pollution from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife or human sewage.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa health department releases water quality results

FORT WALTON BEACH — No Okaloosa County parks have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated March 7.

Only Garniers Park, Fort Walton Beach, has a moderate rating; the rest were rated "good."

The monitoring tests measure EPA-recommended enterococci standards. Enteric bacteria's presence indicates fecal pollution from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife or human sewage.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa health department announces water quality results

FORT WALTON BEACH — Okaloosa County’s Students Working Against Tobacco are speaking up and taking action against the tobacco industry for the 21st annual Kick Butts Day on March 16.

This national day of activism, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, empowers youth to fight back against Big Tobacco.

Shoal River Middle School held a dodgeball tournament March 4 to promote Kick Butts Day and educate their peers on Big Tobacco’s marketing tactics and Crestview High School SWAT members will have a pot luck during their weekly meeting and are inviting students to join them in a kick ball game after school on March 16.

Niceville High School will also set up a Kick Butts Day photo booth March 16 to educate their peers about the dangers of tobacco during public education periods.

“Youth have always been a target for the tobacco industry,” said Ryan Takacs, the CHS SWAT vice president. “Through our Kick Butts Day events, we are able to educate our friends and tell Big Tobacco we are not replacements.”

According to a 2014 Surgeon General report, about 1,300 people die everyday in the United States because of smoking.

 In response, the tobacco companies target a new generation of potential customers. A 1984 internal document from R.J. Reynolds, the makers of Camel, stated. "Younger adult smokers are the only source of replacement smokers… If younger adults turn away from smoking, the industry must decline, just as a population which does not give birth will eventually dwindle."

Youths and young adults rarely consider the long-term health consequences of smoking when they start. A 2012 Surgeon General report states that because of nicotine, a highly addictive drug, three out of four youth smokers continue smoking well into adulthood, often with serious and even deadly consequences. In fact, about half of long-term smokers die prematurely from smoking-related causes.

The 2012 and 2014 Surgeon General reports also state that if current smoking rates continue, 5.6 million U.S. children who are currently younger than 18 years of age will eventually die prematurely as a result of smoking; and almost all initiation of daily tobacco use begins by the age of 18.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Shoal River, Crestview High students fight tobacco use

NOMC implements two recognition programs

CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa Medical Center has implemented programs to regularly recognize an outstanding nurse and a certified nursing assistant. 

“Each quarter, a nurse will be selected by NOMC’s DAISY committee to receive the DAISY Award,” said Patti Gilliano, chief nursing officer. “Each honoree will be recognized at a public ceremony in her/his unit and will receive a beautiful certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a stone sculpture titled ‘A Healer’s Touch,’ hand-carved by the artist of the Shona Tribe in Africa.”

The not-for-profit DAISY — diseases attacking the immune system — Foundation, based in Glen Elle, Calif., was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. He died at age 33 in late 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, a little-known auto-immune-disease.

In addition to the DAISY Award Program, the hospital has implemented the Caring Hands Award, which recognizes outstanding certified nursing assistants.

“Implementation of these recognition programs was a great way to celebrate the clinical skill and compassion given by our nurses every day, and serves as a reminder that what we do does make an impact in the lives of others,” Gilliano said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa Medical Center implements two employee recognition programs

FORT WALTON BEACH — With the end of February and National Children’s Dental Health Month, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County wants families to make sure they are taking the right steps to ensure a healthier, happier smile.

Dental health affects overall health. Beginning to take care of teeth at a young age can help ensure problems do not arise later in life.

“Dental health is important, and parents should make sure children begin proper brushing habits at a young age,” stated Dr. Karen A. Chapman, DOH-Okaloosa director.

“Dental care should begin before the first tooth appears with daily cleanings by wiping the gums with a clean, damp cloth. Daily cleanings with a cloth should continue when first tooth erupts.”

Switch to a small, soft toothbrush when more teeth develop. It is recommended to use toothpaste with fluoride when the child is 2 years old. Use toothpaste with fluoride earlier if the child’s doctor or dentist recommends it. Parents should brush the child’s teeth twice a day until their child has the skill to handle the toothbrush alone. Parents should supervise brushing to make sure the child is doing a thorough job and using a small pea size amount of toothpaste.

To observe National Children’s Dental Health Month, DOH-Okaloosa provided an interactive learning experience for the children at Wesleyan Child Care Center in Crestview.

Staff from the Dental Program educated the children about healthy habits for teeth such as brushing and flossing. They also stressed the importance of having a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and water.

 DOH-Okaloosa Dental Clinic provides care to children from their first tooth to 18 years of age who are insured by Medicaid. Services include exams, x-rays, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions, emergency care, and more.

For more information, please visit okaloosa.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/clinical-and-nutrition-services/Dental or  call 689-5593.

To learn more about National Children’s Dental Health Month, visit www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa health department focuses on 'Healthy Teeth, Healthy You'

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS — Skydive North Florida will host Jump For The Rose to support breast cancer treatment for uninsured or underinsured women.

First time jumpers will make a 10,000-foot tandem skydive March 18, 19 and 20 for The Rose, a non-profit relying solely on donations. The clinic’s mission is to reduce deaths from breast cancer by providing screening, diagnostics and access to treatment for all women regardless of their ability to pay.

Cancer survivor and skydiver Marian Sparks — who received support from The Rose when she needed treatment — founded Jump for the Rose as part of her commitment to help other women not only survive, but live to the fullest.

Skydiving and The Rose changed Marian's life, and she invites the public to join her for a skydive and to support future survivors in this fundraiser.

Supporters who wish to participate by skydiving may call 419-3580 or email skydivenorthflorida@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Skydive North Florida to raise breast cancer treatment funds

CRESTVIEW — The Bridgeway Center Inc. Driving School in Crestview has license recertification from the State of Florida for their DUI Program after successful completion of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Site Visit.

The unannounced site visit is required every two years by the Florida Administrative Rule which is the rules and regulations that all licensed DUI Programs must follow to be in compliance and to maintain licensure and certification.

The two site team members, government operation consultants from the Bureau of Motorist Compliance, conducted a thorough three-day review of Bridgeway's organizational structure, financial audit, personnel policies, client files and observation of DUI classes and evaluation.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issued a final report that showed "zero" deficiencies and "zero" recommendations for improvement in all areas of operation. The visit was very favorable; a letter was not issued to management for recommended improvements.

Bridgeway Center Driving Schools DUI Program has locations in Crestview and Fort Walton Beach. In 2015, there were 939 Okaloosa and Walton residents who enrolled into DUI School at BCI Driving Schools.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: State of Florida recertifies Crestview Bridgeway Center Driving School