lifestyle | Crestview News Bulletin

Fair provides information, rescources regarding senior care

Written by archive on October 10, 2013. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Several senior citizens are more informed about their health and safety following Saturday’s Information and Resources Fair at the Crestview Public Library.

The fair — for residents unable to find assistance on the Internet, according to event organizer Gwen Rhodes, of the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging — included free blood pressure checks and opportunities to collect information on area assisted living facilities and health care providers.

"We just try to bring that information to seniors because a majority of them do not use a computer," Rhodes said.

Members from the Seniors vs. Crime Crestview office, sponsored by the Florida State Attorney General's office, handed out information about the non-profit organization.

"If any senior citizen feels that they have been taken advantage of (by identity theft or some other fraud) … they can come by our office, free of charge, manager JB Whitten said.

Crestview resident Sandra Turincs said she appreciated the information.

"There are a lot of people who do need help, and we are all getting a little older," she said. "I think that is a really good thing they do for the community."

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: Fair provides information, rescources regarding senior care

Autumn art classes for moms, toddlers start Oct. 15 in Crestview

Written by archive on October 9, 2013. Posted in lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — After several years of success at the county’s south end, Abrakadoodle art teachers are offering daytime classes for Crestview moms and their toddlers.

"Autumn Adventures with Mommy," a visual arts class for children 20 months to 4 years old, begins Oct. 15 and runs through Nov. 19.

Erin Bakker, the local Abrakadoodle group’s director, said response has been so considerable to courses offered in the county’s south end that instructors want to expand to north of the Shoal River.

With Abrakadoodle now offering classes at several Crestview-area elementary schools, Bakker said interest is high for additional art instruction opportunities for area kids.

"We have had such a good response," Bakker said. "There is a need in the Crestview area for this."

The $85 tuition covers supplies and instruction.

Contact News Bulletin Arts & Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Autumn art classes for moms, toddlers start Oct. 15 in Crestview

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Horse manure examination can save you money on de-worming bills

Written by archive on October 8, 2013. Posted in lifestyle.

Most horses only need to be de-wormed two to three times per year. You need to rotate commercial de-wormers’ active ingredients to prevent resistance.

A new approach for worm control is strategic de-worming, in which you only treat at certain times of the year — spring through fall — or when fecal egg counts rise.

Fecal egg counts involve horse owners submitting fresh manure samples to a lab. Results are expressed as eggs per gram of manure.

“A fecal egg count of less than 200 epg suggests a light parasite load,” the American Association of Equine Professionals states. “Horses with high fecal egg counts of 500 to 1,000 epg suggest the interval between de-worming is too long.”

Generally, most horse owners de-worm their horses — whether they need it or not — every eight to 10 weeks, based on the old recommendations. This practice has led to the development of drug resistance in worm populations. We have a limited number of de-wormer products to use. To keep these de-wormers effective, we must employ new strategies to prevent resistance.

An estimated 20 percent of the horse population harbors 80 percent of the worm population. The other 80 percent of our horses may only need de-worming twice per year: once in the spring and once in the fall. This will help prevent resistance and save you money.

Our Crestview office will conduct fecal egg counts for area horses. Interested horse owners should go to our website at http://okaloosa.ifas.ufl.edu/ag/ or call me at 689-5850 for more information.

Jennifer Bearden is an agent at the Okaloosa County Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Horse manure examination can save you money on de-worming bills

'Many blessings' during Crestview family's trip to Argentina

Written by archive on October 8, 2013. Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The Church of God recently held its annual Feast of the Tabernacles in nine locations around the United States.

However, a Crestview family chose to attend the event farther south.

Sandra and Art Dreaden, their son Cody and his wife, Kim, both Crestview High School alumni, spent the eight-day feast in Mendoza, a 452-year-old colonial city in western Argentina.

The adventure, which began last month with a flight into Santiago, Chile, was part of the family's desire to broaden its cultural horizons.

"It's just so expanding to be with people with other cultures; to see how they live but see how, basically, we're so alike," Sandra said.

Visiting South America also meant a climate change. The Dreadens' bus almost didn't make it to Mendoza in time for the celebration when snow blocked the Andes mountain pass between Chile and Argentina.

Lions and lambs, wine and olives

The Feast of the Tabernacles is the Church of God’s celebration of Old and New Testament teachings, Sandra said.

"We keep all of the Holy Days in Leviticus 23 that Christ and the New Testament church kept," she said. "Feast of Tabernacles, to us, pictures when Christ returns to this earth; the whole lion-lies-down-with-the-lamb business."

Each day began with a church service, leaving afternoons free for sightseeing with the Dreadens’ Argentine hosts, along with explorations to vineyards and olive groves outside the historic city.

A team of translators ensured the "international" guests — those not from Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia — were included in all the services, dinners and entertainment.

Art Dreaden celebrated his birthday during the sojourn, receiving a special present when he exchanged neckwear with another man, adding a Tabasco-themed tie to others in his collection.

Time to recharge— and dance

"To us, it's a time of the year when we get our batteries recharged, get our spiritual life on track, and find what's really important in life," Sandra said. "It's a time to rededicate our lives to what's really important."

It was also a time to experience new cultures, as church members from different countries performed native dances while dressed in traditional clothing.

Cody and Kim Dreaden added a touch of Americana with a well-received swing dance demonstration.

"They did these moves where he swings her legs around his neck and flips her upside down," Sandra said. "The Latin brethren had never seen anything like it and were exclaiming, 'Don't drop your wife!'"

This year's feast came with tangible and spiritual blessings. When Cody returned to Santiago, with cell phone reception, an exciting email was waiting for him.

The University of Florida senior, who graduates in December with a mechanical engineering degree, received a much-hoped-for job offer.

"There were many blessings on this trip," Sandra said.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Many blessings' during Crestview family's trip to Argentina

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Excessive water can doom trees

Written by archive on October 7, 2013. Posted in lifestyle.

Most trees are not well adapted to saturated soil conditions.

With nearly daily rainfall this spring and summer — sometimes in record amounts — the ground became inundated with water. When excess moisture dramatically changes root environment, especially during the growing season, a tree’s entire physiology is altered, which may result in the tree’s death.

Water-saturated soil reduces the supply of oxygen to tree roots, raises the soil’s pH, and changes the decomposition rate of organic material — all of which weaken the tree, making it more susceptible to indirect damage from insects and diseases.

Additionally, with heavy rainfall there is erosion and sediment movement. Exposed roots or roots covered by excess soil add stress to plants. When rain finally stops, the tree’s system often has been so compromised that it can’t perform functions necessary to survival — so it just dies.

Altered processes

When the ground becomes completely saturated, a tree’s metabolic processes change quickly.

Photosynthesis shuts down within five hours; the tree is in starvation mode and lives on stored starches. Water moves into and occupies all available pores that once held oxygen. Any remaining oxygen is used within three hours. Lack of oxygen prevents the normal decomposition of organic matter, which leads to production and accumulation of toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen oxide.

Additionally, there is noticeable root growth loss within seven days. Roots only develop when soil oxygen levels are at 5-15 percent. Soon, pathogens attack decaying roots. Loss of root mass from decay and fungal attack leave the tree prone to drought damage. After two weeks of saturated soil conditions, the root crown area can have so many problems that decline and even death are imminent.

Sealed fate

Nutrient uptake is necessary for plants to function. However, in saturated soil, anaerobic organisms — primarily bacteria — replace the aerobic organisms that once existed in the soil. These bacteria convert nitrogen into forms unavailable to plants.

In addition, manganese, iron and sulfur become limited because the soil pH has increased, making the elements unrecognizable. With little to no functioning root system, trees in saturated soils do not have the means to uptake nutrients, even if they were available.

When a tree experiences anaerobic soil conditions, it will exhibit symptoms of leaf loss with minimal to no new leaf formation. This usually appears two to eight weeks after the soil dries out again. Many trees — especially more juvenile and mature trees — will not survive.

Well-established trees may still decline several years later, if they experience additional stresses such as drought or root disturbance from construction.

Preventive measures

Little can be done to combat damage caused by soil saturation. However, it is important to enable the tree to conserve its food supply by resisting pruning and to avoid fertilizing until the following growth season.

Mulch removal will aid in the availability of soil oxygen. It is a “wait and see” process. While water is essential to trees’ survival, it can also be a detriment when it is excessive.

Sheila Dunning is a Commercial Horticulture Extension agent at the Okaloosa County Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Excessive water can doom trees

Crestview volleyball team holds Breast Cancer Awareness Night Oct. 7

Written by archive on October 7, 2013. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Kathy Combest is many things to many people. She's a wife, mother, sister, friend and coach — just to mention a few of her roles.

She's also a competitor, a fighter and a survivor.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer while coaching Baker School’s volleyball and girls basketball teams in August of 2007.

A year later, after several surgeries and treatments, Combest was declared cancer-free.

Five years later, Combest, now Crestview High School’s volleyball and girls basketball coach, is still cancer-free.

Combest and her Bulldog volleyball team will celebrate her continued good health with a Breast Cancer Awareness Night on Oct. 7, when Crestview hosts Freeport for a 6 p.m. varsity match.

"It's exciting for me because … if you can make it for five years (cancer-free), you have a good chance (of remaining cancer free)," Combest said. "I'm not saying you won't get it again, but you have a better chance not to get it.

“I would like for all the players that played for me at Baker in basketball and volleyball, and all the players that have played for me here, and any friend that has helped out through the years, to be here."

The Holt Volunteer Fire Department, which comprises many of Combest's old Baker students, will be on hand to honor the coach by raising money with T-shirt sales and a donation jar.

The money raised that night will go to the Breast Clinic Charity Fund in Fort Walton Beach.

"They decided to raise money for breast cancer and they wanted to honor me and my five years of being cancer-free," Combest said. "And they let me pick the charity organization that I wanted. The one I wanted is here in Okaloosa County, in Fort Walton Beach.

"Dr. Sandra Hanson and The Breast Clinic Charity Fund is for women that don't have insurance. Because it is so expensive to have mammograms, sonograms and even biopsies.”

Hanson and Scotty Chestnut of the Holt Volunteer Fire Department will talk about charities that help those with breast cancer, Combest said.

Like so many people, Combest never thought she would have breast cancer. As a coach and former athlete she's always made it a point to stay in shape and eat healthy.

Combest — who continued coaching while battling cancer — said she thinks leading her teams helped her through the tough times.

"I think while I was going through that it gave me a focus point," she said. "People that can focus on something are better at what they do and they don't dwell on being sick.

"I know basketball and volleyball helped me do that at that time."

People battling breast cancer, breast cancer survivors and those who have lost loved ones to breast cancer will be recognized during Monday’s ceremony.

As much as it will be a night of breast cancer awareness, Combest also wants it to be a celebration of life.

"I just want to have the people that helped me go through what I went through to be here to celebrate my five years clean," she said.

WHAT: Breast Cancer Awareness Night

WHEN: 6 p.m. Oct. 7, when Crestview hosts Freeport for a varsity match.

WHERE: Crestview High School gym, 1250 N. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story erroneously stated in the "Where" section that the game is at Jack Foster Stadium. The print edition included the correct information; the erroneous, extra detail was added during transfer to the web. We regret the error.

Randy Dickson is the Crestview News Bulletin’s sports editor. Email him at randyd@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @BigRandle, or call 682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview volleyball team holds Breast Cancer Awareness Night Oct. 7

Recreational Gulf red snapper season open

Written by archive on October 4, 2013. Posted in lifestyle.

Recreational harvest of red snapper is open in the Gulf of Mexico’s state and federal waters.

In state waters — from shore to 9 nautical miles in the Gulf — the season will remain open through Oct. 21. In federal waters — 9 nautical miles out to 200 nautical miles — the season will remain open through Oct. 14. These supplemental recreational red snapper seasons are just for 2013.

The minimum size limit in state and federal waters is 16 inches; the daily bag limit is two per harvester, per day. There is no daily bag and possession limit for a captain and crewmembers on for-hire vessels.

Anglers must use circle hooks and de-hooking devices when fishing for any reef species, including red snapper, in Gulf of Mexico state and federal waters. The requirement to use venting tools in federal waters was removed Sept. 3.

These rules help conserve fishery resources by increasing fishes’ chances of survival after being caught and released.

Click here and click on “Saltwater” and “Recreational Regulations" for more information on red snapper.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Recreational Gulf red snapper season open

Crestview gymnastics instructor shares cancer survival story

Written by archive on October 3, 2013. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Through determination and activity, Crestview resident Jennifer King overcame breast cancer.

"I know a lot of people get discouraged, but I didn't have that mindset," she said. "I never lost focus … I never thought it would end badly."

After receiving six months of chemotherapy, 37 rounds of radiation treatments and a double mastectomy, King, manager of U.S. Gold Gymnastics and Cheerleading in Crestview, has been cancer-free since February.

"Working (at U.S. Gold Gymnastics) has been a blessing," she said.

The school's owner, Kathy Dwyer, hired King prior to the Crestview location's opening in 2011. Dwyer found King's perseverance during treatments inspiring.

"She is the strongest person I know," Dwyer said. "Her inner strength is incredible."

Jennifer Robinson, 14, a cheerleading student of King at U.S. Gold, said she considers King a teacher, friend and hero.

"She came in as a new coach and … immediately noticed that my form was incorrect with my tumbling," Jennifer said. "She told me she could fix me and she did."

Although it is "all in good fun," Jennifer said King tackled and threw shoes at cheerleading students who didn’t give their best effort.

"She is hard on all of us, but she makes us all want to do better," Jennifer said.

And, the teenager said, she and classmates were amazed by how King handled her diagnosis.

"If she was ever scared, we never knew it," she said.

In addition to regularly showing up to work, King played softball weekly during her cancer treatments.

"Keeping it normal and staying focused is what you need to do," she said.

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: Crestview gymnastics instructor shares cancer survival story

Residents invited to lift ‘Barbells for Boobs’ on Saturday in Crestview

Written by archive on October 3, 2013. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — If area residents want to get a workout while raising funds for breast cancer detection, then CrossFit Crestview is the place to be Saturday morning.

Visit the Barbells for Boobs CrossFit site to make a donation.

The Shoffner Boulevard facility will host its first Barbells for Boobs fundraiser from which all proceeds will fund breast cancer detection.

"(Barbells for Boobs) is a non-profit organization which provides mammograms," event organizer Chloe Collinsworth said. "The sooner you can detect (breast cancer), the better chance you have at preventing it."

Through the Mammograms in Action grant program, the organization funds mammograms for men and women who can’t afford them. A mammogram, an X-ray of the breast, typically costs $80, Collinsworth said.

Collinsworth, a CrossFit member whose grandmother, Gwen Green, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, is actively involved in raising awareness.

"She is the inspiration for what I do," Collinsworth said, adding her grandmother soon will receive chemotherapy treatments for the cancer, which has spread to her bones.

So far, instructor Mark Purcell, Collinsworth and 12 other CrossFit members and instructors have collected $855 for Barbells for Boobs through the organization’s website.

Instructors at Saturday’s event will work with participants to conduct a Cross Fit exercise called Helen meets Grace. The combined exercises will include a 400-meter run, 21 kettle bell swings, 12 pull-ups and 30 clean and jerk exercises.

"They will be getting a good workout," Purcell said, adding anyone can attend, regardless of physique. "It’s all for a good cause… every little bit helps."

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Barbells for Boobs fundraiser

WHEN: 8-10 a.m. Saturday

WHERE: CrossFit Crestview, 5315 Shoffner Blvd.

COST: Donations of any amount are accepted at http://bit.ly/16aPbzt

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article said the event was 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. We regret the error.

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: Residents invited to lift ‘Barbells for Boobs’ on Saturday in Crestview

RECIPES: Eat your way to breast cancer prevention

Written by archive on October 3, 2013. Posted in health-fitness, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — When it comes to defeating or preventing breast cancer, like many other forms of the disease, what we eat can make all the difference.

Cutting down on our fat intake and boosting our fiber intake are two ways to ward off breast cancer, North Okaloosa Medical Center nutritionist Patricia Ferman said.

"You don't want to have a lot of fat, which goes along with a lot of our American diets," Ferman said.

She cited a study by the Department of Human Biology and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Guelph, Ontario, that found good nutrition is "a leading environmental factor in the prevention of breast cancer."

"Specific types of fat, particularly monounsaturated fat and the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, demonstrate more potential to influence breast cancer risk," an abstract of the study stated.

Commenting on "The Dr. Oz Show" website, Dr. Rachel Beller lauded the role of omega-3 fats.

"Why do you need omega-3s? Well-regarded research suggests that omega-3s enhance overall well-being and are particularly important for breast health," Beller wrote.

Breast-healthy, low-fat, high-fiber meals are far from bland. Here are some tasty treats for your family.

Better Breakfast Müsli

Müsli is a traditional European high-fiber, low-fat breakfast grain cereal. Making your own is not only healthier, but also saves on the cost of the processed kind found in the cereal aisle.

Ingredients:

2 cups traditional oatmeal (not instant)

1 teaspoon ground Ceylon cinnamon

1 teaspoon granulated orange peel

1 teaspoon chia seeds or sunflower seeds

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup dried apples

1/2 cup fried berries such as blueberries, raspberries, etc.

1 cup fat-free flake cereal, such as Corn Flakes, Total, Wheaties, etc.

Directions: Combine all ingredients in an airtight plastic cereal container or airtight countertop canister.

Serve one cup of the müsli with a small cup of fat-free yogurt mixed in. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Smoked Salmon Sandwich Lunch

Does smoking fish reduce those cancer-fighting omega-3 fats?

Nope, says Norway's National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research, which did extensive studies on the subject, reported in the Harvard (University) Heart Letter.

This recipe for a tasty Scandinavian open-face sandwich is one option for lunch or for an hors d'oeuvre.

Ingredients:

6- to 8-ounce package of smoked salmon (lox has more sodium than the flaky style)

1 package Wasa Light Rye, Whole Grain or Multi Grain crispbread (all are fat-free, cholesterol-free and have lots of fiber)

Leafy greens such as baby spinach or field greens

Duke's mayonnaise (this is most definitely not fat free, so don't use a lot of it. But it's oh-so-tasty!)

Thin lemon slices

Directions: Top six to eight pieces of Wasa bread with leafy greens. Arrange 1 ounce smoked salmon on each, topped with a small dollop of Duke's mayonnaise. Garnish with lemon slice.

Raspberry Mango Tilapia

This variation of a recipe by Dr. Julia Greer from her "Anti-Cancer Cookbook," is high in antioxidants, vitamin C and beta carotene.

Ingredients:

4 talapia fillets (1.5 to 2 pounds total)

1 cup fresh raspberries

1 peeled and diced mango

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

1 teaspoon fresh minced mint

juice from 1/2 small lemon

Fresh pepper and season salt to taste

Directions: Season the fillets with fresh ground black pepper and season salt to taste. Bake the fish in a 450-degree Fahrenheit oven about 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Meanwhile, mix the raspberries, mango, cilantro or parsley, mint and lemon juice in a non-metallic bowl to make the salsa.

Serve the tilapia on four dinner plates, topped with equal amounts of salsa. Garnish with a sprig of mint, parsley or cilantro.

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: RECIPES: Eat your way to breast cancer prevention

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