FORT WALTON BEACH — Okaloosa County’s Emergency Medical Services Division of Public Safety and the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center developed the STEMI program to transmit electrocardiograms immediately to the emergency room.

The system, which provides an early warning to save patients under cardiac arrest, has received widespread attention.

The National Association of Counties granted Okaloosa County the 2013 Achievement Award in recognition of the program and "hard work yielding positive results for Okaloosa County," as stated in the letter.

"This is another great example where we have worked with others in the community to increase public safety for our residents," stated Chairman Don Amunds, Okaloosa County Commissioner. "Fort Walton Beach Medical Center reached out to us as a routine transporter of cardiac patients, which resulted in dramatic patient improvement and successful outcomes, due in large part to the team commitment for better patient care," stated Public Safety Director Dino Villani.

Since STEMI's inception, three other hospitals, two in Okaloosa, began using it.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa earns National Association of Counties Achievement Award

A Florida doctor has released a new book to empower anxious people.

In “Anxiety 101: The Holistic Approach to Managing Your Anxiety and Taking Back Your Life,” Dr. Eudene Harry provides a comprehensive overview of anxiety’s many forms, its causes and ways to treat and manage symptoms while maintaining balance and productivity. The book is available at www.amazon.com.

Harry has practiced medicine for more than 20 years and is currently the medical director of Oasis Wellness & Rejuvenation Center, an integrative holistic lifestyle clinic in Orlando.

She is board certified in emergency and holistic medicine.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New book by Florida doctor offers insight, release for anxiety

CRESTVIEW — Britainy Pate is on her feet again following a year of paralysis.

Conversion disorder — often caused by psychological conflict — can present neurological symptoms such as vision impairment, seizures and, in Britainy's case, paralysis.

But that’s all behind her now.

"I can walk now and I can drive," the 27-year-old said. "To overcome this is a magnificent feat; it is nothing short of a miracle." 

Regaining feeling in her legs didn't happen overnight, she said. Britainy’s condition steadily improved through therapy sessions and exercises around the apartment. 

Recovery requires being stress-free, she said, adding she regularly meets with a stress counselor.

The paralysis took its toll on her family, including Britainy’s husband, Bryant, her two daughters and a stepson. 

Britainy was unemployed following paralysis, and Bryant quit his job to take care of the family, including his elderly father James.

"I'm glad she is up and walking," Bryant said. "I just hope it don't happen again, because it set us back."

Family, friends and community members provided relief, Bryant said. Residents Ken and Tina Gill, along with Southside School, provided money, food and clothing for the family. Manual Therapy LLC in Crestview gave free physical therapy services to Britainy.

Now, the family is working to get back on track.

Bryant works for a fast food restaurant and Britainy is going to school in Pensacola to become a certified nursing assistant.   

"With all of the different medical issues that I have overcome, it made sense to go into the medical field," Britainy said. "I can help people and encourage people with my situation."

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 woman can walk again following bout with paralysis

CRESTVIEW — Bruce Akers’ family seeks help raising funds for his recovery from bladder cancer.

Bruce, 49, recently returned home following a stay at Baptist Health Care in Pensacola, where he had his bladder removed. He will begin chemotherapy soon.

"He is handling it fairly well; he has his good days and his bad days" said Rachel Akers, his eldest daughter.

Family members will have a benefit fish fry, featuring a raffle of gift certificates from Crestview businesses, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at Old Spanish Trail Park. Residents can purchase a plate of fried mullet with a side of coleslaw and hush puppies. Organizers can deliver meals to local businesses. 

All proceeds will cover medical expenses and financial obligations of Bruce and Karen, his wife of 29 years.

Bruce had to quit his job at Ace Hardware in Crestview, Rachel said. Last month, the store hosted a car wash to show support. The family also raised money by having a bake sale in town.

"It has been hard on us,” said Karen, Bruce’s caretaker. She has been unable to work since having a stroke in 2010. 

The couple, who lost their Baker home to foreclosure last year, are staying with Rachel at her Crestview residence.

Karen’s 71-year-old mother, Bobbie Richards, has also helped, lending her car for driving Bruce to doctor visits since the couple’s truck has been unreliable.

Bruce just received Medicaid eligibility; benefits will cover a portion of the costs, Karen said.

Still, the illness has taken its toll on daughter Kristen Cahill's children, Jazmine, 10, and 1-year-old J.T.

 Both grandchildren are very close with their grandparents, especially Jazmine, who was "devastated" upon learning her grandfather was sick, Cahill said.

Cahill, who considers her father her best friend, said she plans to have future fundraising events.   

Residents can donate to a special fund in Rachel Akers’ name for Bruce Akers’ benefit at each Okaloosa County Federal Credit Union in Okaloosa county.

For more information on credit union times and locations, visit http://bit.ly/143ZdxD.

WHAT:Fish fry benefiting Bruce Akers

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17

WHERE: Old Spanish Trail Park on Stillwell Boulevard in Crestview

COST: $6 for a plate of fried mullet with a side of coleslaw and hush puppies

CONTACT: Amanda Odom, 259-2290

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 man’s family seeks support with cancer recovery