LAUREL HILL — The Children’s Volunteer Health Network's Just for Grins Mobile Dental Clinic Program is coming to Okaloosa County for the first time.

The program — which has operated since the  2008-2009 school year in Walton County — will visit Laurel Hill School on Nov. 17.

"We will be providing free preventive dental care for first- through fifth-graders that qualify for our program," a spokesperson said.

The program is for students whose families qualify for government assistance.

Services will include bite wing x-rays, exams by a dentist, oral health care education, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants.

Editor's Note: This article was corrected to clarify how children qualify for dental care assistance.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mobile dental clinic to visit Laurel Hill School students

NICEVILLE — A free information session on Northwest Florida State College's associate degree in nursing program will provide answers on applications and more.

The meeting is 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the college's Student Services Center, Building 400, Room 132/133. The college address is 100 College Blvd., Niceville.

 The session also covers program requirements and the competitive selection process. Registration is not required.

 Applications for the fall 2016 program will be accepted beginning Jan. 8. Its graduates are eligible to take the national exam to become licensed as registered nurses.

 For more information, call 729-6400 or visit www.nwfsc.edu/nursing.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Northwest Florida State College provides nursing information session

CRESTVIEW — Proceeds from this weekend's Race for Lace 5K will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The 5K run/walk starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at Main Street Medical Center — 369 Main St. N., Crestview — and continues 3.1 miles through downtown Crestview, Twin Hills Park and back to the center.

Categories include a free kids superhero fun run for ages 0-3; a 1-mile superhero dash for kids ages 3-12, $15 each; and a 5K Stroller, 5K Body Armor and 5K run/walk, $30 per person. In the body armor race, participants wear a 25-pound vest.

Packet pickup and late registration times are as follows:

●3:30-6:30 p.m. Nov. 13 behind Main Street Medical Center.

●At  https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=21404 through Nov. 13.

●7 a.m. Nov. 14 at Courthouse Terrace Pavilion.

A breakfast and after-party behind the medical center will follow the event at 9:30 a.m. A prize drawing and awards ceremony is set for 10:30 a.m.

More information and updates are available at https://www.facebook.com/RaceForLace5K.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Race for Lace 5K to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

KISSIMMEE — The Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are pleased to announce the winners of the "Healthy, Fast, 'Fresh From Florida' Challenge."

Louis Robinson, Sherri Williams of Crestview and Rochelle Vincent of Oviedo competed live at the World Food Championship in Kissimmee and were awarded first, second and third place, respectively.

Robinson, of Lakewood Ranch, turned in a recipe Florida Fresh Agua Chile. Williams' recipe was Poached Chicken and Carambola Rice Bowl; and Vincent's recipe was Florida Citrus Shrimp Lettuce Wrap.

Each recipe had to be less than 500 calories; include at least three colors; low in sodium; contain at least two Fresh From Florida fruits or vegetables and one source of protein; and take no more than five minutes to cook. All submissions were also required to be original.

Dishes were judged on execution, appearance and taste by Chef Jermaine Allen of Chop-Cook-Eat personal chef service, Chef Macy MacNealy of Publix Aprons cooking school and Chef Jennifer Denlinger of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.

For more information on the World Food Championship, or to plan your visit to next year's event, visit https://worldfoodchampionships.com/. For more recipes, visit freshfromflorida.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview chef takes _____ place in live statewide cooking contest

CRESTVIEW — Dr. Stephanie Gorman has joined Sacred Heart Medical Group Pediatrics in Crestview.

The office includes Dr. Joseph Peter, advanced registered nurse practitioner Lindsey Mann-Badyrka and board-certified pediatricians Dr. Jennifer Heegard and Dr. Lisa Currier.

Gorman graduated summa cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Tennessee and received her medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine.

She completed her pediatric residency at The Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, where she served as chief resident.

Sacred Heart Medical Group Pediatrics at Crestview is accepting new patients — newborns through age 18 — at its 332 Medcrest Drive office.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview pediatrician joins medical group

CRESTVIEW— Covenant Hospice seeks volunteers to help plan the 10th Annual Blue Jean Ball, scheduled for October 2016.

Proceeds from the event, which includes dinner and dancing, help fund the nonprofit organization's bereavement and spiritual support services, children’s support programs and charity care.

The organization — which accepts patients with life-limiting illnesses, regardless of ability to pay — provided more than $1.7 million in care for uninsured or under-insured patients facing a terminal illness, according to a spokesperson.

Volunteers can call 682-3628 for more information.

The 9th Annual Blue Jean Ball, held Oct. 3 at the Crestview Community Center, raised more than $44,500 to support patients and families in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Some 200 Blue Jean Ball attendees enjoyed a "The Great Gatsby"-themed night of dinner, libations, swanky entertainment and casino games combined with a silent auction, diamond jewelry drawing and local celebrity dance competition.

Dancers raised more than $5,600 for the event, with the help of the Fred Astaire Dance Company of Crestview. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Volunteers wanted for 2016 Covenant Hospice Blue Jean Ball

PENSACOLA — Two Thanksgivings ago, Katie Mitchell developed a cough.

After her parents, Jamie and Steven Mitchell, took her to several doctor visits and to the emergency room, blood and bone marrow tests confirmed she had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This type of cancer prevents Katie's bone marrow from generating lymphocytes, leaving her unable to fend off infections.

Katie spent a month in the hospital for treatment and received about 30 platelet and blood transfusions. Her ongoing treatment requires her to receive a spinal injection of chemotherapy and a monthly dose of platelets.

With blood and platelet donors, Katie can spend the holidays at home with her family.

"Katie’s family, including her brother, Ryan, and grandmother, Thea Duhaime, is grateful to everyone who has helped her fight this disease with their generous donations," a spokesperson said.  

OneBlood is sharing Katie's story in a campaign to drive blood donations. Generally healthy people, age 16 or older, who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood, which often is transfused within three days.

The Crestview Donor Center is at2400 S. Ferdon Blvd. Suite B, Crestview. Call 306-2455 for hours. 

For more on Katie's story, see the OneBlood video.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview girl featured in blood drive campaign (VIDEO)

   CRESTVIEW — Relay for Life of Crestview's Duke It Out team is having a ball — a Princess Ball, that is — for girls and their escorts, who may include their father, uncle, grandfather or brother.

The fundraiser — 6-9 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Crestview Community Center — is open to 13-year-old and younger girls. Cost is $35, which covers the girl and her escort. Girls in the same family may attend for an additional $10 per person.

Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society's April 2016 Relay for Life, where 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. 

The Princess Ball is a fun way to raise funds for cancer research, Christine Cox, of Duke it Out, said.

"We have so many opportunities like prom and homecoming for older children, but the little girls really don't get a chance to dress up, so this is an opportunity for them," she said.

So, what can you expect?

Well, the community center will be decked out like a princess fairy land, and "Each girl receives a flower when they walk in the door, Cox said.

"They're going to make a special entrance and be announced (by the disc jockey)," she said.

In addition, there will be a buffet dinner — "we call it princess-friendly food; basically kid-friendly food that they'll like to eat," Cox said.

Festivities will include a candy bar and a free photo booth; and the DJ will play age-appropriate music, such as line dance songs and the Cupid shuffle.

"Escorts need to bring their cameras or cell phone cameras for an opportunity to take selfies," Cox said. "We have someone who will be available by the photo booth to take individuals' pictures," Cox said.

Moms can take pictures from 6-6:30 p.m., but just princesses and their escorts may attend the ball.

Contact Cox, 902-1075, or Loney Whitley, 537-4654, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Relay team's Princess Ball to feature candy bar, photo booth

FORT WALTON BEACH — Four Okaloosa County parks have potentially hazardous bathing water, according to the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County's latest test results.

Advisories have been issued for Liza Jackson Park and Garniers Park of Fort Walton Beach; Lincoln Park of Valparaiso; and Rocky Bayou State Park of Niceville based on the enterococci standards recommended by the EPA. 

Enteric bacteria’s presence indicates fecal pollution from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife or human sewage.

The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County conducts weekly saltwater beach water quality monitoring at 13 sites through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.

The water samples are analyzed for enteric bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals and which may cause human disease, infections or rashes.

This is the final routine saltwater beach sampling for 2015. Routine sampling will resume in March 2016. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa health department announces final water quality results of 2015

CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa Medical Center can help area residents learn about, and enroll in, health insurance options on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

The marketplace offers access to affordable health insurance coverage. Depending on household income, some individuals may qualify for government financial assistance — or subsidies — toward the premium and other financial obligations, like co-pays or deductibles.

All Marketplace health plans must offer a comprehensive set of benefits, and coverage cannot be denied for individuals with a pre-existing health condition.

Some of the health benefits include free preventive care and wellness services, doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services, pediatric services and more.

Open enrollment for health coverage is Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, 2016, and help is available now.

"As a primary health provider in Okaloosa County, our goal is to help educate residents in an easy-to-understand way, as well as assist those who haven't yet signed up for health insurance or Medicaid, if qualified," said Ronnie Daves, North Okaloosa Medical Center's CEO. "During the next few months, we'll be out in the community and meeting one on one to help these individuals find affordable coverage."

Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. NOMC can assist with this program, too.

"While Florida has not expanded Medicaid, government subsidies to help citizens obtain coverage are available, depending on income and other qualifications," Daves said. "We can help screen these individuals and, if they qualify, we can enroll them at any time, with health coverage beginning immediately."

Though a major function of www.healthcare.gov is assessing whether individuals and families qualify for financial assistance to lower the cost of health insurance, NOMC's application counselors can perform the same analysis and help with enrollment and re-enrollment.

Call 689-8170 if you would like to make an appointment for enrollment or re-enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace, or Medicaid assistance. 

DID YOU KNOW?

●Most U.S. citizens were required to have health insurance beginning in 2014, as part of the Affordable Care Act.

●Since the ACA's passage five years ago, about 16.4 million uninsured people have gained health coverage. However, approximately 30 million Americans remain uninsured.

●The penalty fee for not having insurance increased this year. If you can afford health insurance coverage in 2016, but don't sign up, you may have to pay a penalty ($695 per adult; $347.50 per child — up to $2,085 per family or 2.5 percent of family income, whichever is higher).

You have to pay the fee on the federal income tax return you file. And, without insurance, you're responsible for all of your medical costs.

● "With many people not having access to a computer, or having difficulty maneuvering on the government website, our application counselors can help individuals and their families evaluate the health plan options and determine if they are eligible for Medicaid or other financial assistance," said Ronnie Daves, North Okaloosa Medical Center's CEO. "We'll also help with re-enrollment."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview hospital offers free Health Insurance Marketplace assistance