lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

FINANCIAL FOCUS: Protect your retirement against market volatility

Written by archive on July 28, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

Financial markets always move up and down over the short term.

During your working years, you may feel that you have time to overcome this volatility. And you’d be basing these feelings on evidence: the longer the investment period, the greater the markets tend to “smooth out” their performance.

But what happens when you retire? Won’t you be more susceptible to market movements?

You may not be as vulnerable as you might think. Given our growing awareness of healthier lifestyles, you could easily spend two or even three decades in retirement — so your investment time frame won't necessarily be that compressed.

Nonetheless, time may well be a more important consideration during your retirement years, so you may want to be particularly vigilant about taking steps to help smooth out market volatility's effects.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Allocate your investments among a variety of asset classes. Proper asset allocation is a good investment move at any age, but when you’re retired, you want to be especially careful that you don’t “over-concentrate” your investment dollars among just a few assets. Spreading your money among a range of vehicles — stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, government securities and so on — can help you avoid taking the full brunt of a downturn that may primarily hit just one type of investment. (Keep in mind, though, that while diversification can help reduce the effects of volatility, it can’t assure a profit or protect against loss.)

• Choose investments with demonstrated solid performance across many market cycles. As you’ve probably heard, “past performance is no guarantee of future results,” and this is true. Nonetheless, you can help improve your outlook by owning quality investments. So when investing in stocks, choose those with actual earnings and a track record of earnings growth. If you invest in fixed-income vehicles, pick those considered “investment grade.”

• Don’t make emotional decisions. At various times during your retirement, you will, in all likelihood, witness some sharp drops in the market. Avoid overreacting to these downturns, which will probably just be normal market “corrections.” If you can keep your emotions out of investing, you will be less likely to make moves such as selling quality investments merely because their price is temporarily down.

• Don’t try to “time” the market. You may be tempted to “take advantage” of volatility by looking for opportunities to “buy low and sell high.” In theory, this is a fine idea —unfortunately, no one can really predict market highs or lows. You’ll probably be better off by consistently investing the same amount of money into the same investments. Over time, this investing method may result in lower per-share costs. However, as is the case with diversification, this type of “systematic” investing won’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss, and you’ll need to be willing to keep investing when share prices are declining.

Joe Faulk is a Crestview financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FINANCIAL FOCUS: Protect your retirement against market volatility

Florida Department of Health dedicates new annex

Written by archive on July 28, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

FORT WALTON BEACH — A ribbon cutting and grand opening for a new Clinic Annex in Fort Walton Beach is planned by the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County. The park landscape will be dedicated in the name of Okaloosa County's Public Health hero, Liza Jackson.

The event starts at 10 a.m. July 30 at the FDOH, 221 Hospital Drive NE, Fort Walton Beach.

RSVP by contacting Donna Harty at 833-9245 or Donna.Harty@FLHealth.gov.

The Clinic Annex is a modular building of 3,300 square feet generously donated by Twin Cities Hospital. The newly renovated space includes seven exam rooms, which will enable FDOH to improve efficiencies in providing affordable access to care for patients in Okaloosa County.

Tour the new facility and learn more about the medical services provided by the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Florida Department of Health dedicates new annex

Baker, out-of-state church members to improve homes, minister to residents

Written by archive on July 28, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

BAKER — Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and Shady Grove Assembly of God youth groups are matching their faith with deeds this week.

Members — along with volunteers from Mount Repose Baptist Church in Miami, Ohio, and West Haven Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tenn. — have vowed to "Do Something," and help the community in the process.

200 youth and adult church members working at eight residential work sites are repairing Baker homes and ministering to residents during the week-long "Do Something" camp. Members, under adult and volunteer contractors' supervision, will dig drainage ditches and perform painting and roof work. Materials have already been provided through previous church fundraisers, event organizers said.

In addition, the work groups will present backyard bible clubs for residents they help.

Baker School will provide the volunteers' lodging throughout the camp, which will also feature a guest speaker and ministry from a Christian band.

“I think this an awesome image of the body of Christ: for all of us to come together on this (project),” said event organizer Justin Douglas, Pilgrim Rest's youth pastor.

Shady Grove's 12-member youth team also looks forward to camp, Brandon McMackin, the church's youth pastor, said.

“They are chomping at the bits to get in the community and do something,” he said.

And to do it again.

“We are already planning on doing this next year,” McMackin said. “We plan on getting more churches involved.”

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker, out-of-state church members to improve homes, minister to residents

Emmanuel Baptist benefit serves 'greater purpose' for families interested in adoption

Written by archive on July 25, 2014. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Crestview Orphan Care has almost $500 in additional funding after a water-filled day of fun at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

More than 100 children enjoyed two inflatable water slides during the Kids' Big Splash Day, a Wednesday benefit at the church.

Baker resident Dr. Mary Starr Carter said getting her children, Sarah Grace and Joshua, to the event was easy.

“What kid wouldn’t want to do this all day?” she asked as she watched her 4-year-old son take numerous trips down the water slides.

Still, Carter didn't lose sight of the real cause.

Funds raised will benefit the church’s adoption fund, which provides grants to church members looking to adopt a child.

“The greater purpose is to help (the church) raise money,” she said. “I’ve noticed … that this church is big into helping parents with adoption, because we know how expensive that is.”

Parents likely will get more help next year, based on this event.

“I think we will be doing this again, especially in the summertime,” said Justin Wyatt, the church’s pastor of worship and missions.

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Emmanuel Baptist benefit serves 'greater purpose' for families interested in adoption

Weekly Crestview concerts please patrons, expose up-and-coming musicians

Written by archive on July 25, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The strains of Frédéric Chopin and Giacomo Puccini mingle with the tomes of William Shakespeare and F. Scott Fitzgerald at the Crestview Public Library many Monday and Tuesday evenings.

The library expands its scope of services with programs such as the Music at the Library concert series, which has grown in attendance.

Tuesday evening, Crestview cellist Montavius Diamond performed a program of classical and American folk music.

Some library patrons pulled up chairs to listen to the concert while others continued to work or read. Many applauded after each number.

The concerts provide patrons a cultural opportunity or just simply pleasant background music while they study, read or do research, library staffers say.

CLASSICAL PREFERED

“They appreciate especially the calmer, classical instrumental type music,” reference librarian Sandra Dreaden said. “Someone stopped at my desk while Montavius was playing and said, ‘This is just marvelous,’ and wanted to know if we have it regularly.”

Past performers have included violinist Meagan Jackson, a Crestview High School student saxophone quartet and a local dulcimer band.

Dreaden, who coordinates the Music at the Library performances and art or cultural exhibits, said the more mellow performances are most popular.

“When we had a louder, vocal performance, that was not appreciated,” she said. “We do have patrons who are trying to get work done on the computers.”

“I like it,” Rocky Bayou Christian School rising senior Ian Kampert said. “A lot of people use the library as a place to study and music helps people remember what they studied.”

PLEASANT SURPRISE

Some patrons attend the concerts specifically to hear a performer or to enjoy a particular instrument, Dreaden said.

“People are also just pleasantly surprised in the evening when they walk in and hear the music,” she said.

One was Justin Thompson, a rising Crestview High senior who was looking for books on a particular subject.

“I enjoy the music,” Justin said, saying it was the first time he heard one of the performances. “It adds dramatic effect to book searching.”

For younger or amateur musicians seeking performance opportunities and exposure, Music at the Library is an excellent experience, Dreaden said.

“I like seeing a young guy just starting out who’s trying to get his name out there have a chance like this,” patron Alan Pinker said while using a public computer as Diamond played in the background.

Dreaden said any area musician or small group interested in performing may contact her. If the performer donates a CD of their music, the library will catalog it and add it to its collection, she said.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Music at the Library performances

WHEN: 6-8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday nights, as scheduled:

July 28, Aug. 25: Viola performance by Diego Castellanos

Aug. 26: Cello performance by Montavius Diamond

WHERE: Crestview Public Library

NOTES: Free concerts. Contact reference librarian Sandra Dreaden, 682-4432, to perform

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

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Weekly Crestview concerts please patrons, expose up-and-coming musicians

Heat and medicine: a dose of danger for seniors

Written by archive on July 25, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

A potentially deadly danger lurks in the medicine cabinets of local seniors this summer. Did you know that heat, when combined with certain medications, can seriously harm seniors?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Seniors are more prone to heat stroke and heat-related stress because their bodies can’t adjust to sudden changes in temperature.

Seniors who take certain prescription medications are more susceptible to heat related injuries and illnesses.

“During the hot summer months, families really need to pay special attention to their elderly loved ones who are taking medications and may not understand the health risks,” says Rick Basch, President of Synergy HomeCare. “We strongly urge families to consult with their doctor or pharmacist regarding the potential impact of heat on any medications. If family members aren’t available, our Caregivers can be an excellent resource for monitoring any potentially adverse reactions to heat that a senior may experience.”

Prescription for Trouble

Antidepressants and antihistamines act on an area of the brain that controls the skin’s ability to make sweat. Sweating is the body’s natural cooling system. If a person can’t sweat, they are at risk for overheating.

Beta blockers reduce the ability of the heart and lungs to adapt to stresses, including hot weather. This also increases a person’s risk of heat stroke and other heat related illnesses.

Amphetamines can raise body temperature.

Diuretics act on kidneys and encourage fluid loss. This can quickly lead to dehydration in hot weather.

Sedatives can reduce a person’s awareness of physical discomfort which means symptoms of heat stress may be ignored.

Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine found in over the counter decongestants decrease blood flow to the skin and impact the body’s ability to cool down.

“We want to do everything we can to ensure that our seniors don’t make the headlines this summer due to heat-related conditions,” says Basch. “Our Caregivers can be a lifesaver (literally), when it comes to keeping seniors well hydrated, cool and comfortable. They’re an extra set of eyes and when it really counts.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Heat and medicine: a dose of danger for seniors

March of Dimes reminds parents to immunize children for the new school year

Written by archive on July 25, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

MAITLAND — March of Dimes, the leading organization for mom and baby health, urges parents to immunize their children against infectious diseases before the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year. Influenza, pertussis (whooping cough), and measles are just a few of the serious vaccine-preventable diseases that still affect children and adults in the United States today.

“Immunizations are as important today as they were in the age of polio in the 1950s, when the March of Dimes funded the pioneering work that resulted in the vaccine that still is used today against this deadly disease,” said Dr. Karen Harris, Program Services Committee chair for the March of Dimes Florida Chapter. “Back-to-school season is the time of the year when we especially encourage kids to get their shots to protect their health.”

Even small groups of unimmunized people can quickly spread disease, Dr. Harris says. In the US, both measles and whooping cough are at epidemic rates.

According to the Florida Department of Health, the most recent school year (2013 – 2014) immunization status reports for all 67 Florida counties indicate rates of:

•Kindergarten: 93.2 percent (state and national goal is 95 percent)

•Seventh grade: 96.6 percent (state goal is 95 percent; national goal is 90 percent)

•Two-year-old children (2013): 86.72 percent (state and national goal is 90 percent)

Flu shots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says diseases can spread when infected people cough, sneeze, or even talk. Children may spread the flu virus for up to three days before they show any symptoms and for longer than a week after getting sick, putting their classmates at risk of becoming sick, too.

The CDC, the March of Dimes, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists all recommend that, in addition to children, all pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant should get an annual flu shot in the fall. The normal biological changes of pregnancy put pregnant women at increased risk of the harmful effects of flu. Recent research suggests that the flu vaccine may also lower a woman’s risk of having a stillbirth or miscarriage. “The flu vaccine helps protect your body from infection, and this protection is in turn passed on to your baby during pregnancy,” adds Dr. Harris, explaining that immunization during pregnancy helps keep the newborn safe during the first few months of life until he or she is ready for the first set of vaccinations.

Pertussis

Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and anyone in close contact with an infant should get an adult pertussis vaccine to help protect themselves and to help stop the spread of the disease to the newborns in their lives.

Newborns are most at-risk for this highly contagious and often serious disease because they don't begin receiving their own vaccinations until they are two months old and may not be protected until they have received at least three doses of an infant pertussis vaccine.

This year, the March of Dimes continues their work on the Sounds of Pertussis Campaign, a national education campaign started in 2009 to help raise awareness about the potential dangers of pertussis and the importance of adult vaccination.

March of Dimes also supports the “Word of Mom: Celebrating Generations of Healthy Advice” campaign, which empowers moms to make the best health decisions for themselves and their families by making sure their families’ immunizations are up to date.

March of Dimes continues to fund vaccine research and to work with international coalitions seeking to improve immunization rates and eliminate preventable diseases that threaten babies and children. More information on baby vaccinations is available from the March of Dimes website.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: March of Dimes reminds parents to immunize children for the new school year

Six parks receive advisories for hazardous water

Written by archive on July 24, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

FORT WALTON BEACH — Six Okaloosa County parks may have potentially hazardous bathing water, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County stated this week.

On July 21, Liza Jackson and Garniers Parks, Fort Walton Beach; Marler Park, Okaloosa Island; Poquito Park, Shalimar; Lincoln Park, Valparaiso; and Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville, failed tests based onEPA-recommended enterococci standards.

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

Call 689-7859 or 833-9247 for more information.

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

Longleaf pine making comeback in Northwest Florida

Written by archive on July 24, 2014. Posted in lifestyle.

Projects that will help restore native longleaf pine and help protected wildlife are receiving Gulf Power-supported grants under the Longleaf Stewardship Fund.

Gulf Power’s parent company, Southern Company, joined the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to announce $3.38 million in grants aimed at protecting and restoring the diminishing longleaf pine ecosystem, including seven projects within the Southern Company service area in Northwest Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. The announcement was made Tuesday as part of a five-year anniversary celebration for America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative held in Washington, D.C.

The two projects in Northwest Florida spur restoration in Apalachicola National Forest and Blackwater River State Forest.

In Apalachicola National Forest and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, The Nature Conservancy of Florida and its partners will establish 1,700 acres of longleaf pine and enhance more than 26,000 acres of existing longleaf habitat with prescribed fire, hardwood treatment and invasive species removal. The project will benefit the gopher tortoise, protect native wildlife and support the natural resource and encroachment protection goals of Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City.

Continuing restoration efforts at Blackwater River State Forest, the Longleaf Alliance and partners will prescribe fire on 20,000 acres, control invasive species on 350 acres, treat 1,100 acres of hardwoods and restore 330 acres of longleaf pine. The project also will support the natural resource and encroachment protection goals of Eglin Air Force Base by expanding potential off-base habitat for protected species, including the flatwoods salamander.

“These projects are helping restore critical native habitat that our area has lost,” said Natalie Smith, Gulf Power spokesperson. “It will take time, but we and our partners are committed to the long-term success of these restoration efforts. These projects throughout Northwest Florida and the Southeast all are working toward the same goal: restoring our legacy of longleaf pine and the native wildlife it supports.”

The Longleaf Stewardship Fund stems from the success of the Longleaf Legacy program, a partnership between Southern Company and NFWF from 2004-2011 that invested $8.7 million in projects expected to restore 82,000 acres of longleaf pine forest and the native species that rely on it. Additionally, another 20,000 acres were restored through the company’s closely aligned Power of Flight program with NFWF.

The majestic longleaf pine ecosystem once covered more than 90 million acres across nine states from Virginia to Texas, but dropped to only 3 percent of its original acreage. With the diverse public-private commitment to longleaf pine restoration in recent years, longleaf pine forest has increased from roughly 3 million acres to an estimated 4.4 million acres, halting and reversing a century-long decline, benefiting many threatened and endangered species dependent on the habitat.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Longleaf pine making comeback in Northwest Florida

Look Good, Feel Better program scheduled in Crestview

Written by archive on July 24, 2014. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Look Good Feel Better's next session is 1-3 p.m. Aug. 11 at North Okaloosa Medical Center, Senior Circle classroom, 127 E. Redstone Ave., Suite A.

Advance registration is required to provide cosmetics that match your skin tone.

This group program is open to all women with cancer who receive chemotherapy, radiation or other treatments.

Call the American Cancer Society, 1-800-227-2345, for details.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Look Good, Feel Better program scheduled in Crestview

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