The Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida is observing "Through With Chew Week" to raise awareness about smokeless tobacco's consequences.

While cigarette-smoking rates have declined, use of smokeless tobacco, such as chew and dip, has remained steady among Florida’s youths over the past decade.

The state offers free quit services that can double a tobacco user’s chances of quitting for good. Residents who call the Florida Quitline, 1-877-U-CAN-NOW, can receive free nicotine replacement therapy, like the patch or a combination of the patch and nicotine gum.

Visit tobaccofreeflorida.com for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: State observing 'Through With Chew Week'

For the past 30 years, I've fought for lung health with the American Lung Association. Our organization has been a leader in the battle against tobacco, which is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the U.S. Over the years, this battle has experienced dramatic highs and disappointing lows.  CVS Caremark’s recent announcement that they will no longer sell tobacco products at CVS/pharmacy locations represents a great milestone in efforts to move toward becoming a healthier, smokefree nation. 

CVS Caremark took a bold step in making the health and well-being of current and future customers and employees a top priority. We at the American Lung Association commend the company’s leaders for their decision and urge more retailers to follow CVS Caremark’s brave lead, and help eliminate tobacco-caused deaths and disease by pulling tobacco products from their own shelves

Reducing access to tobacco is an important first step, but we also need to support those who are actively trying to quit. There are approximately 43 million American smokers.  Of those, 70 percent – or 30 million individuals – want to quit.

Comprehensive quit-smoking programs like the Lung Association's Quitter in You program (www.quitterinyou.org), coupled with a decision like CVS's, can help us move toward a generation that will not be defined by smoking-related illnesses like lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

You can help! Sign our online pledge (http://bit.ly/1moYG20), and help the American Lung Association end the tobacco epidemic by:

You can also do your part by patronizing retailers like CVS who put public health first.

Working together, we can create America’s first tobacco-free generation and help make tobacco history.

Harold P. Wimmer is the American Lung Association's national president and CEO. Please contact me at Gregg.Tubbs@lung.org or 202-715-3469 for verification purposes. Thank you for your consideration.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Commentary: CVS pulling tobacco products is a public health game-changer

CRESTVIEW — Holly Jacobs is preparing for the future; for her, that means understanding Parkinson's disease.

The Crestview resident said she has not been diagnosed with the degenerative disorder, but she and her physicians believe she is experiencing the onset. Last July, she experienced tremors in both arms. That was enough for her husband, Gary, to suggest seeing a doctor. 

Parkinson's disease, which affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S., causes the malfunction and death of vital nerve cells in the brain and leads to uncontrollable movements, according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation website.  

Parkinson's has several symptoms, including tremors of the hands, arms, face and neck, slowness of movements, limb stiffness and posture instability.

There is no cure for Parkinson's, but medications and medical procedures are available to help treat symptoms. Annual treatments can cost $2,500 per person, and therapeutic surgeries can cost up to $100,000 per patient, according to the foundation.  

Jacobs, who has no family history of Parkinson's, said her health insurance can cover those costs. For now, she just wants to learn from those dealing with the disease.

"I want to how they are feeling, about the many medications (available) and what kind of diet helps," she said.

The closest Parkinson's support group is in Pensacola, and that is simply too far for her to travel, Jacobs said.

She hopes to learn from residents in the Crestview area, perhaps by starting a support group, or just meeting one-on-one with someone who's been through the experience.

"I am willing to be a leader or a follower, whatever it takes," she said.

WANT TO HELP?

North Okaloosa residents interested in starting a Parkinson's disease support group can contact Holly Jacobs, 758-7006, or holly0171@hotmail.com.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Woman seeks local support for Parkinson's concerns

CRESTVIEW — The April 11 FNBT.com Suite 100 Charity Golf Classic is more than a chance to play Shalimar Pointe's links. Fundraisers are an integral part of providing county residents with mental health services.

Florida ranks next to last among the 50 states in funding for mental health services, First Judicial Circuit Court Judge Terrance Ketchel and Ginny Barr, the Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties' executive director, said.

It would take an additional $500 million allocation a year just to advance to 48th place, Ketchel said.Fifty percent of his court's caseload is family law matters, many of which focus on mental health, he said.

Barr, speaking with Ketchel during the Feb. 12 combined meeting of the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce Government Issues and Health and Wellness committees, described mental health as "feeling good about yourself, feeling good about others (and) feeling good about life."

However, shortage of funding makes the Mental Health Association depend on fundraisers such as the April golf tournament, she said.

The association receives "thousands of calls" each year for information and assistance, but the number of inpatient mental health beds is at about the same level as during the Civil War, Barr said.

"As treatment moved from inpatient to outpatient alternatives, funding, expected to move with the patients, did not," Barr said.

The association, working with county sheriffs' offices,  determined many mental health cases involve patients who are off their medication due to financial difficulty.

The association partners with area pharmacies to provide emergency one-month supplies of medications when possible, costing the organization as much as $15,000 per year.

One in four of the chronically homeless, many of whom are military veterans, have mental health problems, many severe, she said.

But needy patients usually end up in a hospital emergency room, which is the most expensive treatment facility, but for the area, is the only option, Barr said.

HOW TO HELP

The Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties welcomes new members and donations to help support area mental health services. Annual dues are $30, payable by PayPal or check. Contact 244-1040 or pay at www.mhaow.org or 571 Mooney Road, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NEXT TO LAST: Florida ranks 49th in funding for mental health, experts say

CRESTVIEW — An estimated 40 percent of North Okaloosa residents carry an infectious bug on their skin, but taking preventive actions can curb its effects, according to local health care professionals. 

MRSA, the common name for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is among infectious diseases spreading in the area, North Okaloosa Medical Center infection control nurse Lida Deonarine said.

Symptoms can include red bumps, which initially resemble acne and eventually can become painful, potentially life-threatening abscesses that require draining, according to the Mayo Clinic.

"MRSA is very easy to kill until it gets inside (the body) — then it gets very hard to kill because it is resistant to antibiotics," Deonarine said.

However, "it is not as scary as it might sound," she said. "Most of the time, if we (practice) good hand hygiene, we're not going to spread it. It's not airborne. It's just spread by contact."

Deonarine, speaking last week to the Crestview Area Ministerial Association,  said applying alcohol-based hand sanitizer helps prevent infection.

Flu admissions increase

NOMC is admitting more flu patients this year than in previous years, including 2009 when the H1N1 strain was first identified, Deonarine said.

Influenza, like MRSA, is an infection that can be spread by contact.

"It's not floating in the air. It's spread by secretions," Deonarine said, adding that people should cough in their elbow, rather than their hands, to prevent touching something and spreading the disease.

Everyone should keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in their car or purse for when they come in contact with commonly touched surfaces such as gas pump handles and door knobs, Deonarine said.

Take precautions — don't panic

The Rev. Joe Butryn, youth minister at Joy Fellowship, took the message in stride, acknowledging the importance of taking preventive measures while cautioning his colleagues about over-reacting to infectious bacteria's presence.

The Rev. Jim Vail of First Baptist Church of Baker agreed. For him, he said, the simple hand-sanitizing precaution Deonarine advised has been effective.

"After shaking hands after church, I always wash the fellowship off my hands," Vail joked.

About MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection is caused by a staph bacteria strain that's become resistant to antibiotics that treat most staph infections. Applying alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help prevent spread of the disease.

Health care-associated MRSA infections typically are associated with invasive procedures, such as surgeries, intravenous tubing or artificial joints.

Community-associated MRSA is spread by skin-to-skin contact. At-risk populations include high school wrestlers, child care workers and people who live in crowded areas.

Source: The Mayo Clinic

How to be a good visitor

Here's how to prevent spreading infections when visiting someone in the hospital:

• Wash your hands before and after visiting the patient. Soap and hand sanitizer are in each NOMC room and in the hallways.

• Stay home if you are sick or have been sick in the past three days.

• Ask hospital staffers if it's safe to take children, food or flowers into the room

• Follow special precautions, if necessary, if the patient is on "isolation precautions"

• Don't contribute to the clutter by bringing too many patient belongings.

Source: North Okaloosa Medical Center

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 40 percent of area population could be carrying MRSA bacteria

LAUREL HILL — Katlyn "Katie" Free, a 2009 Laurel Hill School graduate, was a fierce competitor in basketball, softball and volleyball.

Free will need that competitive spirit as she faces her greatest challenge, awaiting a heart transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.

The Laurel Hill community is rallying around Katie and her family, offering emotional and financial support.

First Baptist Church of Laurel Hill and Laurel Hill School athletic department members will have a Boston butt sale from 3-6 p.m. Feb. 21 to raise funds for Katie. Orders are being taken for the $20 3- to 4-pound butts, which Jeff Jones will cook.

Keep reading to learn how to help>>

Laurel Hill baseball and junior varsity basketball coach Ronnie Smith, who coached girls basketball when Free was part of the program, said helping her and her family is fitting.

"We went to Ole Miss (for a basketball camp) when she was an eighth-grader and her daddy (Keith Free) got out and helped me raise money. Now it's my turn to turn around and give back to a family that has been so good to Laurel Hill."

The Rev. Mike McVay, pastor of First Baptist Church said, "Katlyn is one of ours at Laurel Hill School and the church as well. She is having a life change. This procedure is going to change her life completely."

Katie recently had open heart surgery to install a heart pump as she awaits a new heart, McVay said. Katie and her family will need to stay in Jacksonville for at least three months while they wait for her transplant.

And every bit of financial support helps, which is why, Smith said, he'll even deliver the Boston butts to Crestview if someone can't make it to Laurel Hill.

"If I need to deliver a Boston butt to Crestview, or even a truckload of Boston butts to Crestview, call me and I'll bring them to you after they are cooked," he said. "We will cook them on the honor system if someone orders one. They are so good I'll sell them."

Other fundraisers, including a March 8 yard sale and late-spring Gospel sing at the church, are in the works.

If Boston butts, yard sales and gospel sings aren't your thing, you can make a donation through the church, McVay said.

Just make sure you designate the donation for the Katlyn Free Fund.

HOW TO HELP

What: Katlyn Free fundraiser, Boston butt sale

When: 3-6 p.m. Feb. 21, across from Laurel Hill School, 8078 4th St., Laurel Hill

Cost: $20

Contact: Ronnie Smith, 652-4111 or 585-3503, or the Rev. Mike McVay, 519-0120

Email News Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Boston butts fundraiser set for Laurel Hill woman

Editor's Note: This is a part of the News Bulletin's continuing coverage of Crestview's American Cancer Society Relay For Life fundraisers. Relay For Life is 6 p.m. April 25 at Shoal River Middle School in Crestview.

CRESTVIEW — The American Cancer Society is more than $7,000 closer to a cure following Saturday's Davidson Dash 5K/10K.

"The numbers are not final, but preliminary numbers look like $7,500, give or take $100," event organizer Daniel Richards said.

Nearly 300 participants ran the race or signed up for a silent auction to win door prizes donated by local businesses.

See 38 photos from the event>>

Ultimately, they remembered loved ones and neighbors touched by cancer.

"It's a cause that is near to our hearts," said Crestview resident Suzi Gaszak, who ran with her 13-year-old son, Jonah. "My mom had cancer several years ago and passed away."

Gaszak's mother, Shelby Seymour, died from breast cancer in 1989. Although progress in cancer treatments has come a long way since then, Gaszak would love for there to be a cure.

"Now you have a good chance of survival; back then it was almost a death sentence, and that's why I want to see an end to this," she said.

Niceville resident Blake Sparks said she enjoys running 5Ks, but particularly appreciates the cause of this one.

   "I just ran to support the cause," she said. "Raising money for the fight against cancer is an important cause."

Running the Dash was a way to honor loved ones with cancer while having the added benefit of exercise, Trevor Bryant, 15, said.

"It's fun," he said. "Everybody can get out and have a good time."

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Davidson Dash raises more than 7K for cancer research (PHOTOS)

I would like to take off my editor's cap for a minute and slip on a purple bracelet to thank the 28 teams and 166 residents who have signed up for Crestview's 2014 Relay For Life.

Teams are as follows: Duke It Out, Team Baker, Sacred Heart Crestview Medical Clinic, New Life Missionary Baptist Church, Lowes Heroes, Tuff Birds Fitness, Layla's Journey, Committee Heroes, Walmart Warriors #0944, North Okaloosa Medical Center, Covenant Hospice Crestview and Davidson Panthers.

Also: Speedee Printing, Riverside Elementary, Team Lynette, Walkin'-A-Crown, Southside Tiger Cubs, Family, GameMasters Guild-Zombie Apocalypse, OCTFCU, Bob Sikes Elementary, Bel Aire Terrace Apartments, Crestview High School Juniorettes, L-3 High Flyers, Live Oak Baptist Church, New Life International Worship Center, North Okaloosa Tooth Fairies and Purr-Fect Pacers.

Crestview area volunteers have raised $8,002, which benefits the American Cancer Society and furthers its primary mission: to add more birthdays for people with cancer.

 Still, the local Relay needs more teams — and more dollars — to help eradicate cancer. The goal is $151,000, and we have just a couple of months to get it.

Relay For Life Crestview kicks off at 6 p.m. April 25 at Shoal River Middle School, 3200 E. Redstone Ave., here in Crestview. Proceeds benefit programs like Road to Recovery, which matches cancer patients with volunteer drivers who take them to their appointments; Look Good … Feel Better, which helps women with cancer improve their self-image; and others that directly affect our community. 

We hope North Okaloosa residents will come together and "Team for a Cure" — this year's theme — by signing up their business, church, club or family. Or by donating. You also could call 850-244-9042 for more details.

In the meantime, the News Bulletin will continue its ongoing series and coverage on cancer patients. (Like this Boston butts fundraiser!)

Crestview's 2013 Relay For Life ranked 24th in the state, and we anticipate another successful year, uniting for a cause we all can believe in, and enjoying the fellowship. 

Please consider forming a team for just $10. It's a great way to strengthen your work place, church or family's bonds while gaining sponsorships and fighting cancer.

Thank you, again, for those who have committed their support, and for those of you considering adding yours.  

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni @cnbeditor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview's 'Teaming for a Cure' for cancer, needs your help

CRESTVIEW —  Cheryl Morris says her husband, Glenn, was "moved to tears" last year when he learned assistance with medical bills was in sight.

Morris and eight other local residents were selected to benefit from the Cancer Freeze, a Feb. 1 Florala event where residents can enjoy watersports, a 5K walk and run, chili cook-off, car show and other activities while supporting local families.

"(Glenn) was grateful for the support," event organizer Caleb Davidson said. "He was very humble, quiet and reserved. I could tell that he didn't feel comfortable receiving assistance."

The East Tennessee native, an L-3 Communications Crestview Aerospace worker and long-time Woodlawn Baptist Church member, died last year from terminal stomach cancer at age 55.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: COVER STORY: Crestview family among Cancer Freeze recipients