FORT WALTON BEACH — No Okaloosa County parks have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated Oct. 9.

No parks failed tests based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards. Enteric bacteria’s presence indicates fecal pollution from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife or human sewage.

Test sites include: Lincoln Park, Valparaiso; Poquito Park, Shalimar; Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville; Liza Jackson Park and Garniers Park, Fort Walton Beach; Gulf Islands National Seashore, East Pass, Emerald Promenade, Marler Park and Wayside Park, Okaloosa Island; and Clement E. Taylor Park, Henderson Beach and James Lee Park, Destin.

All parks received "good" ratings except for Emerald Promenade, Clement E. Taylor Park, Lincoln Park, Henderson Beach and Fred Gannon, which received "moderate." 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Water quality test results announced for Okaloosa parks

CRESTVIEW — A Covenant Hospice volunteer training workshop will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21 and Wednesday, Sept. 23 at First United Methodist Church-Crestview, 599 8th Ave.

Interested volunteers will need to attend both days; lunch will be provided.

Covenant Hospice volunteers visit with patients and families, support family members by offering emotional support and practical help, assist with fundraisers, provide administrative support in the office, serve as outreach ambassadors in the community and much more.

The workshop will provide an overview of hospice care, including Covenant Hospice’s programs and services, and will prepare each individual to work in their area of interest.

Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age. Volunteer time commitments are flexible and based on volunteer availability.

To register for training or to learn more about volunteering with Covenant Hospice, contact Carole Haws, volunteer and community relations manager, at 863-6165 or carole.boydhaws@covenanthospice.org.

Covenant Hospice is a not-for-profit organization that provides comprehensive, compassionate services to patients and loved ones during times of life-limiting illnesses.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Covenant Hospice sets volunteer training in Crestview

The Home Instead Senior Care office serving Okaloosa and Walton counties is launching a campaign to make the community more Alzheimer’s friendly.

Through the Alzheimer’s Friendly Business program, the Home Instead Senior Care office will provide free training to local businesses. This will help equip employees with information and resources needed to welcome families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, the number of people with dementia worldwide is expected to grow to 75.6 million by 2030 and 135.5 million in 2050.

Local businesses can work directly with the local Home Instead Senior Care office to coordinate in-person training.

An interactive version of the training is available at AlzheimersFriendlyBusiness.com.

Once training is successfully completed, businesses will receive a window cling with the Alzheimer’s Friendly Business designation. The designation will be valid for two years.

Visit the website or call 243-6464 for more information about the program.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Free Alzheimer's training for Okaloosa and Walton businesses

CRESTVIEW — Sacred Heart Medical Group in Crestview has opened a walk-in clinic for minor injuries and illnesses.

The clinic — 550 Redstone Ave. W, Suite 200 — will see patients 12 and older.

A board-certified provider is on-site at all times, and the clinic’s staff is available to care for most non-life-threatening medical issues, including allergies, colds and flu, minor cuts, ear and eye infections, fever, minor burns, rashes, sprains and muscle injuries. School physicals also will be offered.

Hours of operation are:

•Monday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

•Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

•Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

•Thursday: 8 a.m. – noon

•Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sacred Heart’s Crestview location will continue to provide X-ray, ultrasound and laboratory services.

Call 682-0383 for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Sacred Heart opens walk-in clinic in Crestview

CRESTVIEW — Sept. 4-7, blood donors will receive a “Born To Give” T-shirt, a $10 gift card and a wellness check-up of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron count, along with a cholesterol screening.

OneBlood's blood mobile will be available 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 at Marquis Cinema 10, 2828 Richbourg Lane, Crestview. Donors also get two free movie tickets.

Alternatively, you may donate at the OneBlood Donor Center, 2400 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.

Hours are:

●Noon to 5 p.m. Sundays

●10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays

●8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays

Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. A photo ID is required.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Donate blood, save lives this Labor Day weekend

TALLAHASSEE – Shoal Creek Rehabilitation Center is among nine Florida nursing homes recognized with a Governor’s Gold Seal Award. The long-term care facilities deliver consistently excellent quality of care to their residents, according to the Agency for Health Care Administration.

Other recipients include Bridgeview Center, Ormond Beach; Brooksville Healthcare Center, Brooksville; The Chateau at Moorings Park, Naples; Concordia Manor, Saint Petersburg; Conway Lakes Health & Rehabilitation Center, Orlando; Highlands Lakes Center, Lakeland; Melbourne Terrace Rehabilitation Center, Melbourne; and Riverwood Center, Jacksonville.

Gold Seal recipients must be in operation a minimum of 30 months before the date of application and the facility must:

•Meet high quality of care standards that places them in the top 15 percent in their region or top 10 percent in the state

•Have no Class I or II deficiencies within 30 months before application

•Provide evidence of financial soundness and stability

•Participate in a consumer satisfaction process involving residents, family members and guardians

•Involve families and members of the community in the facility on a regular basis

•Have a stable workforce

•Have an outstanding record with the State Long Term Care Ombudsman Council within the 30 months preceding application

•Provide targeted in-service training to meet training needs identified.

The Gold Seal Award program was developed and implemented by the Governor’s Panel on Excellence in Long Term Care, which includes people appointed by the Governor’s Office, Agency for Health Care Administration, Department of Health, Department of Elder Affairs, Leading Age Florida, Florida Health Care Association, Florida Life Care Residents Association and the State Long Term Care Ombudsman.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview nursing home recognized for excellence

First United Methodist Church will host medical screenings by Life Line Screening 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 11 at the church, 599 8th Ave., Crestview.

Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health factors that lead to strokes, heart disease, bone density and more. 

Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). 

All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. To register and receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, call 1-888-653-6441 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Life Line health screens scheduled at Crestview church

FORT WALTON BEACH — Four Okaloosa County parks have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated Aug. 26.

Emerald Promenade and Wayside Park, both on Okaloosa Island; Poquito Park, Shalimar; and Lincoln Park, Valparaiso failed tests based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards.

Only one park, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville, had a moderate rating this week.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Four Okaloosa parks receive advisories for hazardous water

FORT WALTON BEACH — Two Okaloosa County parks have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated Aug. 19.

Liza Jackson Park, Fort Walton Beach, and Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville, failed tests based on EPA-recommended enterococci standards.

All other parks received good quality ratings except Garniers Park, Fort Walton Beach, and Lincoln Park, Valparaiso, which received moderate ratings.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 2 Okaloosa parks receive advisories for hazardous water

CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa County students are going back to school on Monday, which also means it's time for annual physicals and immunizations.

“Annual checkups allow a physician to get to know the medical history of your child and monitor their development from year to year,” said Dr. Keely Kubly, pediatric specialist with North Okaloosa Physician Group. “Establishing baseline information and history makes it easier to identify potential concerns over time. These visits are very important to maintaining the health of your child.”

At a checkup, children receive a full physical exam — including measurements such as height and weight — and parents can discuss any concerns about the child's developmental, emotional or social well-being with the physician. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover the visit.

Many children beginning school for the first time are required to have received certain vaccinations. “It is essential for children to receive the right immunizations at the right time, especially before beginning school,” Kubly said. “There is a very low chance that your child will experience side effects after receiving any immunization, but remember: these shots will protect your child in the long run.”

For children involved with sports or other physical activities, coaches may require a sports physical before they can play. A sports exam is similar to an annual physical exam, with addition of the physician’s review of sports-related matters such as nutrition and injuries. A primary care physician such as a family practice or pediatrician can conduct this physical.

Visit NorthOkaloosaPhysicianGroup.com or call 398-8725 for more information on annual physicals and immunizations. Same-day appointments are available.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa Medical Center physicals help students kick off a healthy year