CRESTVIEW — The Okaloosa County Minority HIV/AIDS Task Force Inc. will participate in the National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS.

A local observance includes a 6 p.m. banquet March 4 at Carver-Hill School Center, 461 School Ave., Crestview. The guest speaker is Augustine Thomas, a member of Liberty Church of Christ in Melvindale, Michigan.

Tickets cost $10 per adult; $18 per couple; and $5 for youths ages 17 and younger.

"We are asking you and your friends to help us educate our youths about HIV and AIDS. Please ensure that youths are represented at the banquet by sponsoring a youth or youths to be in attendance," the task force stated in a media release.

During the National Week of Prayer, people of faith educate Americans about HIV prevention; encourage and support human immunodeficiency virus testing; advocate for availability of compassionate care and treatment for all those living with the disease in every community in America; and love everyone living with or affected by HIV or AIDS.

Contact Tonsiaweda Hayes, 621-4187, to purchase tickets.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Banquet to raise HIV/AIDS awareness

FORT WALTON BEACH — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County and the Florida Department of Health's Tobacco Free Florida program are raising awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco—like chew and dip—during Through With Chew Week.

This national public awareness campaign was created to reduce the use of smokeless tobacco among young people, and Tobacco Free Florida aims to help combat this deadly addiction through With Chew Week, Feb. 19-25, and the Great American Spit Out—a day when smokeless tobacco users join together to quit—on Feb. 23.

Although the youth cigarette smoking rate in Florida decreased over 50 percent between 2012 and 2016, the number of Florida high school students who reported current use of smokeless tobacco products decreased only 24.5 percent in those same four years.[i] The disproportionately higher rate of smokeless tobacco use in rural areas is also alarming—current youth smokeless tobacco use is more than three times higher in rural communities than in non-rural areas.[ii] 3.8 percent of youth ages 11-17 in Okaloosa County reported current use of smokeless tobacco products in 2016, according to the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey.[iii]

"Since 2012, there has been little improvement in smokeless tobacco rates for youth in Okaloosa County," Dr. Karen A. Chapman, DOH-Okaloosa director, said. "Overall, tobacco use is still a massive problem for our county, and DOH-Okaloosa continues to work with community partners to address the issue."

To raise awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco use, DOH-Okaloosa is partnering with the Students Working Against Tobacco clubs at Bruner Middle School, Meigs Middle School, Crestview High School and Fort Walton Beach High School—as well as the Northwest Florida State College Athletics Department. Activities will take place throughout the week to help students, faculty, and the public understand the risks of using smokeless tobacco.

Currently, there is no scientific or medical evidence that proves smokeless tobacco use is an effective method to help people quit smoking. Floridians who want to quit any form of tobacco have access to the state's free and proven-effective resources.

The Tobacco Free Florida campaign is a statewide cessation and prevention campaign funded by Florida's tobacco settlement fund. Since the program began in 2007, more than 159,000 Floridians have successfully quit using one of Tobacco Free Florida's free tools and services. Visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com to learn more about its Quit Your Way services.

Visit www.FloridaHealth.gov for more information about the Florida Department of Health. 

—

[i] Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (FYTS), Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology, 2016.

[ii] Middle School, High School, and Youth indicators. Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, 2016.

[iii] Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (FYTS), Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Epidemiology, 2016.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Through with Chew' tobacco-free week set

FORT WALTON BEACH — February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County wants families to make sure they are taking the right steps to ensure a healthier, happier smile. Beginning to take care of teeth at a young age can help ensure health concerns do not arise later in life. Dental health is key to overall health.

To observe National Children's Dental Health Month, DOH-Okaloosa provided an interactive lesson to the children at Wesleyan Child Care Center in Crestview, Florida and The Children's Center in Fort Walton Beach. Its dental program staff educated the children about healthy habits for teeth, such as brushing and flossing.

"Dental health is important, and parents should make sure children begin proper brushing habits at a young age," Dr. Karen A. Chapman, DOH-Okaloosa director, stated in a media release. "Dental care should begin before the first tooth appears with daily cleanings by wiping the gums with a clean, damp cloth. Daily cleanings with a cloth should continue when first tooth erupts."

After the first tooth, switch to a small, soft toothbrush. The American Dental Association recommends using toothpaste with fluoride on children of all ages. Parents are encouraged to brush the child's teeth twice a day until their child has the skill to handle the toothbrush alone. Parents should apply toothpaste the size of a grain of rice for children under 3 years old and a pea for over 3 years old on the brush. Teeth should be brushed twice per day—morning and night. Supervision of brushing is recommended to make sure the child is doing a thorough job.

DOH-Okaloosa Dental Clinic provides care to children who are insured by any Medicaid plan from the first tooth until they turn 19 years old. The services provided by the clinic include: exams, x-rays, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions, emergency care, and more. DOH-Okaloosa will be accepting new dental clients starting March 15.

For more information about the DOH-Okaloosa Dental Clinic, visit www.HealthyOkaloosa.com or call 689-5593.

DOH-Okaloosa works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa health department stresses children's dental care

Editor’s Note: This continues our Celebrate Community series on nonprofit organizations that improve residents’ quality of life.

CRESTVIEW — A new fundraising season is underway for the Crestview chapter of Relay for Life, this year aiming to bring in $90,000 in donations.

Relay for Life is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, which has been in existence since 1985. The event — in over 20 countries — consists of teams that take turns walking around a set course over six to 24 hours.

The Crestview event will take place at Crestview High School and last 12 hours. This will be the event’s second year at CHS. During the time, each team must have at least one member on the track. Their walk symbolizes that “cancer never sleeps” and patients “don’t stop because they’re tired,” according to the group’s website.

Before the main event, teams work to raise individual donations. Proceeds benefit cancer research, patient care, education, prevention services and other ACS needs.

The main event is run during the night, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. One of the highlights of the night event is the luminaria display, during which small, white bags are decorated in memory or support for somebody affected by cancer. Candles are placed in the bags and they are lit in remembrance of those individuals.

Crestview’s event isn’t until April 28, but those looking to get involved don’t have to wait until the day of the relay. Opportunities are available to join or start relay teams, dedicate a luminaria, donate to the cause or attend an area fundraising event.

The next fundraiser for Crestview will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 10 at Speedee Printing. The company is hosting a $5 cookout in which all proceeds will be donated to Relay. Attendees will also receive a coupon for Lou Lou Beans Gift Shop.

Currently, 22 teams are registered with the Crestview chapter, composed of 92 people. Over $6,000 had been raised as of this writing.

ACS reportedly held over 5,200 Relay For Life events in 2015. The event raised $150 million for cancer research grants, provided over 300,000 rides to and from treatment and assisted over 1 million requests for information and help, according to the organization’s website.

Volunteers can learn more about the Crestview event at www.relay.acsevents.org or email Christie Reid at christie.reid@cancer.org.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Cancer never sleeps'

CRESTVIEW—Raising awareness for a heart-healthy lifestyle can start at a young age. North Okaloosa County Medical Center is beginning that learning process the day a child is born through a program called “Little Hats, Big Hearts.”

Hospitals across the country joined the American Heart Association for an annual event that symbolically sends awareness to parents about congenital heart defects and the importance of healthy living. The message is sent through a red, knitted cap made by volunteers and given to newborns at birth.

The medical center began planning its participation last year after discussing awareness events with a local AHA representative, according to the director of Marketing and Community Relations for the center, Alicia Booker.

A local knitting group made about 80 caps for donation and has agreed to help the medical center host the event next year, Booker said.

The group is led by Rae Schwartz and meets each Wednesday evening at Casbah Coffee in downtown Crestview. Schwartz was asked during a Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce event if she would be interested in participating — she agreed.

Schwartz has been knitting and crocheting for over 50 years and while she welcomes challenges, she couldn’t say no to this simple but meaningful project.

“We’ve all been touched in some way by heart disease and we’ve all cared for children as parents or grandparents,” Schwartz said.

About a half dozen volunteers made the red hats, which can be stretched to allow for more long term usage. Each hat took about three to five hours to complete, Schwartz said. Patterns for the hats were found using an online forum dedicated to the craft, according to Schwartz.

The event began in February 2014, in Chicago and has since spread to over 40 states, according to the AHA website. This is the first year an area hospital has participated.

“We want to help spread the word and get other hospitals on board with this wonderful cause,” Booker said.

Hospital staff will deliver the hats throughout the month, according to Booker. Leftover hats will be properly stored and recycled for next year, Schwartz said.

Knitters and quilters don’t have to work at a hospital or medical center to participate. Individuals can craft hats and send them to local representatives. Yarn donations can also be made by those with less crafting skills.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Knitting for newborns