Dear editor,

This is in response to a Facebook comment printed in the Dec. 2-4 Crestview News Bulletin.

The reader thought that DONORS should be paid more than a $10 gift card for DONATING blood.

My reaction to this comment has been all over the chart, but I decided that my best response was to just say, "Thank you."

Thank you to this reader for having donated in the first place. And thank you to every donor who has walked through the doors of the blood center or the mobile bus.

You have saved a life.

You took time out of your day to do something not everyone is able to do.

Yes, sometimes, the center is very busy, especially on promotion days. And some donors have very patiently waited as much as 90 minutes to give this lifesaving donation.

These busy days are both a blessing and a curse. A curse because, who wants to wait 90 minutes to give their blood, and just to get a gift card or movie ticket, a T-shirt, a drink and a snack?

But, a blessing, because that crowded waiting area is evidence of our community's generosity.

I have been in that crowded area, and have witnessed that every donor who comes through those doors does so voluntarily.

I can also say that I have heard very few complaints.

I am a blood donor. I have a family member and friends who would not be alive today if it were not for blood donors.

The original Facebook comment stated that donors should be paid more. But how do you put a price on saving a life?

Yes, we all feel that we are worth a lot, but again, we are DONATING.

If it were not for the staffers, who draw the blood, test the blood to be sure that it is safe, and transfuse this lifesaving blood into the patient, perhaps there would be more of a "payment."

But a payment is not why DONORS walk through the door.

Thank you, again, to your readers who are blood DONORS — past, present and future.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet us.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: What's the price of saving a life?

FORT WALTON BEACH — In 2016, Okaloosa County residents will decide which resolutions they want to focus on.

The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County wants residents to think of ways to make themselves and their families healthier.

“The start of a new year is always a good time to start making healthier choices,” said Dr. Karen A. Chapman, DOH-Okaloosa director. “Making small steps now can prevent chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer later in life.”

Here are 3 tips to stay healthy:

Remember 5210: Eat five or more fruits and vegetables every day; limit daily recreational screen (TV, computer and tablet) time to two hours or less; be physically active at least one hour every day; cut back on sugar-sweetened beverages; and eliminate use of and exposure to tobacco and nicotine products.

The potential benefits associated with eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables can include reducing your risk of certain chronic diseases.

Another easy way to be healthier is substituting water for sugar-sweetened beverages full of calories.

Limit screen time and add physical fitness: The lack of physical activity, poor nutrition and increased media consumption contribute to emerging health issues.

Limit daily recreational screen time to two hours or less. Fill in the extra time doing something that will keep you physically active.

The benefits of being physically active include reducing risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers; strengthening bones and muscles; improving mental health and the ability to do daily activities; and prevent falls.

 Cut tobacco use. Quitting smoking can add up to 10 years to life expectancy. The health benefits begin almost immediately after the last cigarette and continue for years if you quit for good.

Tobacco Free Florida provides free resources for smokers to access. Call 1-877-U-CAN-NOW to speak with a TFF Quit Coach who will help you assess your addiction and help you create a personalized quit plan.

The TFF cessation website is www.tobaccofreeflorida.com/webcoach.

In-person help is available at the West Florida Area Health Education Center, 1455 S. Ferdon Blvd., Suite B-1, Crestview. Call 398-6965 for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa health department's 3 tips to stay healthy in 2016

FORT WALTON BEACH — Covenant Hospice plans to expand into new areas, offering more care choices beyond traditional hospice services.

For more than 30 years, the not-for-profit organization has provided end-of-life care to Northwest Florida and South Alabama residents.

In addition to establishing and announcing Covenant Care, a group of integrated healthcare services, Covenant will launch a new brand and logo at 10 a.m. Jan. 12 from its administration office, located at 5041 N. 12^th Ave. in Pensacola. 

A brand launch event also is set for 10 a.m. Jan. 14 at Covenant Care's 220 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach, office.

With the addition of innovative programs and services comes the public launch of Covenant Care, a suite of complementary care options that include hospice, palliative, home care, Alzheimer’s services and specialized programs for children and families.

“As we make this landmark transition from Covenant Hospice to Covenant Care, and as we refresh our brand with a new logo, our promise — our covenant — remains the same: … to always seek out opportunities to improve access to high-quality care for anyone in need,” Jeff Mislevy, Covenant’s president and chief executive officer, said.

“As a not-for-profit, we possess the unique ability to re-invest in our community and along with our strategic partners, to fill gaps in healthcare and community resources, whatever those might be. As Covenant Care, we will have the opportunity to build on our exceptional legacy as a hospice provider, to expand our promise beyond end-of-life care and explore more diverse services along the continuum of care.”

Covenant Hospice, which annually serves more than 6,000 patients and their families, provides comprehensive, compassionate services to Crestview area patients and their loved ones, as they face the challenges of a serious illness.

In addition to traditional medical care delivered to patients, programs such as spiritual care, children’s support, volunteer services and bereavement care extend to the entire family and community at large.

Call 1-855-CARE-365 or visit www.choosecovenant.org for more information about Covenant Hospice.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Covenant Hospice announces expansion in services

CRESTVIEW — Davidson Middle School students are planning their annual Davidson Dash 5K/10K run to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

The race starts at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 16 at the school, 6261 Old Bethel Road, Crestview.

Register online at www.runsignup.com or from 6:30-8 a.m. Jan. 16 before the race.

Early registration before Jan. 1 costs $20, and goes up to $25 after that. Kids run for ages 12 and under costs $10 per person.

Short-sleeved shirts are guaranteed to participants who register before Jan. 5.

Last year's race resulted in $7,500 for the ACS Relay for Life in Crestview.

For more information, contact Daniel Richards at DMS, 683-7500, extension 403.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Davidson Dash 5-10K to raise funds for Relay for Life

NICEVILLE — Okaloosa County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services is offering free transportation on a space-available basis to local residents who would otherwise be unable to come home for holiday celebrations. 

The "Home for the Holidays" program will provide transportation on from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  All requests for transportation must be received by 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21.

The program is designed to allow patients in skilled nursing and adult congregate living facilities to go home and be with family members for the holiday dinner.  Patients must be self-supporting while at the residence and in the care of a responsible family member.

EMS will provide free round-trip transportation originating and ending in Okaloosa County.  

"This program has been very successful and brought good cheer to local families, as well as the Emergency Medical Services staff who provide this special service," EMS Chief Tracey Vause said. 

"It is Okaloosa County Department of Public Safety's way of saying 'Happy Holidays.'" 

For more information or to schedule transportation, please call 651-7150 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa County EMS takes patients home for the holidays, Dec. 24 or 25

CRESTVIEW — Relay For Life of Crestview's Duke it Out team will sell cooked Boston butts for Christmas and New Year's Eve.

The butts cost $30; 40 orders per pick-up date are available. Deliveries are set for 4-5 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31 at Crestview's Publix on South Ferdon Boulevard.

Call Loney Whitley, 537-4654 or 603-3500, and leave a message to place an order.

Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society's April 2016 Relay for Life. North Okaloosa County residents will walk Crestview High School's track for 12 hours to reflect on a cancer patient's longest night: when he or she receives the diagnosis.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Relay for Life team plans Boston butt fundraiser

CRESTVIEW — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast predicts concentrations of red tide will increase in Northwest Florida. There is elevated potential for respiratory irritation in Okaloosa, Escambia  and Santa Rosa counties.

In a red tide area, people can experience eye, nose and throat irritation. The Florida Department of Health offers these tips to stay safe as red tide blooms:

●People with severe or chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic lung disease, should avoid active red tides.

●Beachgoers should avoid swimming where dead fish are present.

●Don't let pets eat fish or drink water from the red tide.

●If a pet swims in a red tide patch at the beach, rinse off its fur and paws as soon as possible with fresh water.

Call the Florida Poison Information Center, 1-800-222-1222, to report illnesses from exposure to red tide.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa health department offers 4 ways to stay safe during red tides

CRESTVIEW — Many North Okaloosa County residents say they appreciate North Okaloosa Medical Center's decision to go smoke free.

Here are comments from some of the News Bulletin's Facebook fans:

●"I think it's great! I hate walking through cancer alley to get into a hospital or business." — Shirl Griffin Long

●"As a former smoker, I am glad they made it smoke free. Making it harder to find smoking places, and a few other life events, helped me quit. It was one of the best things I could have done for myself." — Paul Guenther 

●"I think it's great that a place of medicine and healing is not allowing smoking! Me and my asthmatic lungs are very appreciative!" — Princess Sara

No tobacco use will be permitted — inside or outside — on hospital property or on its affiliated properties.

The goal is to promote healthy choices.

"North Okaloosa Medical Center’s decision to go tobacco-free is not an attempt to force anyone to quit using tobacco products," an NOMC spokesperson said. "Rather, the tobacco-free initiative is a concrete way to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to healthy living, and we are asking for community support…"

Crestview Mayor David Cadle signed a proclamation of respect and gratitude for NOMC's initiative.

The policy follows statistics about smokers' mortality.

"Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States," an NOMC spokesperson said. "About half of all lifetime smokers will die early because of their decisions to smoke. In Florida, an estimated 28,000 people die from tobacco use annually. The U.S. surgeon general has confirmed that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke is a serious health hazard and that there is no risk-free level of exposure.

"Tobacco use in and around healthcare facilities poses health and safety risks for patients, employees and visitors."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa residents respond to hospital's no-smoking policy

FORT WALTON BEACH — In observance of National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 6-12, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County wants residents and visitors to know that it’s not too late to receive the flu vaccine.

According to a DOH-Okaloosa media release, the vaccine is the best defense available to protect against this potentially serious disease. In the United States, flu activity is usually highest between December and February and can last as late as May.

“Data from previous years show that flu vaccination activity typically drops quickly after the end of November,” said DOH-Okaloosa Director Karen Chapman. “National Influenza Vaccination Week is a call to action for those who have not yet received their annual flu shot. Once vaccinated, you can enjoy this holiday season knowing that you have taken the single best step to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu.”

Vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, missed work, and prevent flu-related hospitalizations. Even if you have already gotten sick with one flu virus, you can still benefit from vaccination since the flu vaccine protects against three or four different flu viruses.

People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, and people aged 65 years and older. For people that are at high risk, getting the flu can mean developing serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia, or a worsening of existing health conditions.

 To get vaccinated, contact your healthcare provider or local pharmacy. For more information on flu prevention, visit www.HealthyOkaloosa.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa health department: Still time to get a flu vaccine

CRESTVIEW — Baby's First Christmas, a North Okaloosa Medical Center event, is set for 12-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 at the hospital.

Light refreshments will be served and parents can bring their camera for pictures with Santa Claus.

The event is at 127-A Redstone Ave., in the Senior Circle Classroom.

Call 689-8340 to RSVP attendance.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview hospital presents 'Baby's First Christmas Party'