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UPDATE: Health department reveals source of Okaloosa's first Zika case

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

CRESTVIEW — The Florida Department of Health announced today that a travel-related case of Zika virus was reported in Okaloosa County, making this our area's first known instance of Zika. 

However, that's all the department will say. 

"Due to patient confidentiality we cannot disclose where the person lives other than that they are an Okaloosa resident who acquired Zika in St. Lucia," Mara Gambineri, the state DOH's communication director, said.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

CRESTVIEW — One incident of travel-related Zika virus has been reported in Okaloosa County, according to the Florida Department of Public Health.

There are seven new travel-related cases today with three in Broward, one in Miami-Dade, one in Okaloosa, one in Osceola and one involving a pregnant woman, according to a DOH media release.

The declaration of Public Health Emergency has been amended to include Okaloosa County.

On Feb. 3, Gov. Rick Scott directed the State Surgeon General to issue a Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the counties of residents with travel-associated cases of Zika.

Okaloosa County is now included in that declaration.

Now, there are 23 counties included in the declaration – Alachua, Brevard, Broward, Clay, Collier, Duval, Escambia, Hillsborough, Highlands, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Santa Rosa, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia.

DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; and covering windows with screens.

DOH has a mosquito-borne illness surveillance system and is working with CDC, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and local county mosquito control boards to ensure that the proper precautions are being taken to protect Florida residents and visitors.

Of the cases confirmed in Florida, 19 are still exhibiting symptoms. According to CDC, symptoms associated with the Zika virus last between seven to 10 days.

CDC recommends that women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant postpone travel to Zika affected areas. According to CDC guidance, providers should consider testing all pregnant women with a history of travel to a Zika affected area for the virus. CDC recommends that a pregnant woman with a history of Zika virus and her provider should consider additional ultrasounds.

Florida has been monitoring pregnant women with evidence of Zika regardless of symptoms since January. The total number of pregnant women who have been monitored is 40, with 11 having met the previous CDC case definition.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: UPDATE: Health department reveals source of Okaloosa's first Zika case

ZIKA UPDATE: Okaloosa now included in Declaration of Public Health Emergency

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

CRESTVIEW — One incident of travel-related Zika virus has been reported in Okaloosa County, according to the Florida Department of Public Health.

There are seven new travel-related cases today with three in Broward, one in Miami-Dade, one in Okaloosa, one in Osceola and one involving a pregnant woman, according to a DOH media release.

The declaration of Public Health Emergency has been amended to include Okaloosa County.

On Feb. 3, Gov. Rick Scott directed the State Surgeon General to issue a Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the counties of residents with travel-associated cases of Zika.

Okaloosa County is now included in that declaration.

Now, there are 23 counties included in the declaration – Alachua, Brevard, Broward, Clay, Collier, Duval, Escambia, Hillsborough, Highlands, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Santa Rosa, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia.

DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; and covering windows with screens.

DOH has a mosquito-borne illness surveillance system and is working with CDC, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and local county mosquito control boards to ensure that the proper precautions are being taken to protect Florida residents and visitors.

Of the cases confirmed in Florida, 19 are still exhibiting symptoms. According to CDC, symptoms associated with the Zika virus last between seven to 10 days.

CDC recommends that women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant postpone travel to Zika affected areas. According to CDC guidance, providers should consider testing all pregnant women with a history of travel to a Zika affected area for the virus. CDC recommends that a pregnant woman with a history of Zika virus and her provider should consider additional ultrasounds.

Florida has been monitoring pregnant women with evidence of Zika regardless of symptoms since January. The total number of pregnant women who have been monitored is 40, with 11 having met the previous CDC case definition.

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This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ZIKA UPDATE: Okaloosa now included in Declaration of Public Health Emergency

Latter-day Saints schedule stake conference

Written by archive on . Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stake conference is set.

These meetings will be in lieu of all other June 26 church meetings.

The adult session of the conference is 5 p.m. June 25 at the Fort Walton Beach Stake Center, 339 Lake Drive.

The Sunday session is 10 a.m. June 26 at the Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive.

For more information, call 862-3263.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Latter-day Saints schedule stake conference

Crestview teen to tour Washington D.C., raise support for children's hospitals

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

CRESTVIEW — Drew Barefield of Crestview will join pediatric patients from each state on Saturday during an Ambassador Tour for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Champions and guests will fly into the District of Columbia, courtesy of Delta Air Lines, and will be welcomed by Champion alumni and supporters at the JW Marriott Washington, DC.

Throughout the week, Champions will share their stories to encourage charitable support for children’s hospitals. Opportunities include touring Marriott International headquarters to thank associates and leadership for their continued support, attending Senate meetings on Capitol Hill, generating awareness at a Washington Nationals game and participating in a satellite media tour with TV stations across the country.

Drew, 14, was treated for multiple traumatic injuries at The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, one of 170 member CMN Hospitals. After being struck by a boat, he spent 75 days in The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart in Pensacola and underwent 13 surgeries. During his treatment, he showed a positive, “can-do” attitude and genuine concern for other pediatric patients.

“Drew Barefield is a remarkable young man who inspires others to live each day to the fullest,” says Carol Carlan, president of the Sacred Heart Foundation. “We are honored to have Drew represent the thousands of children treated each year as he meets with senators and our CMN Hospital partners in DC. Miracles are happening in our community. Drew Barefield is showing our community, that miracles and life-saving care are being provided at The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, your Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.”

“The specialized care children’s hospitals provide is only partially funded by government and insurance programs,” says John Lauck, president and CEO of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. “As our Champions demonstrate, local donations are crucial to ensure children’s hospitals are able to fund pediatric research, equipment, treatments and services necessary to save and improve kids’ lives.”

The 2016-17 Champions program is presented by Delta Air Lines, Marriott International, Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Ace Hardware. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview teen to tour Washington D.C., raise support for children's hospitals

University of Florida test can detect plant viruses faster, cheaper

Written by archive on . Posted in lifestyle.

A new test could save time and money diagnosing plant viruses, some of which can destroy millions of dollars in crops each year in Florida, says a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researcher.

GAINESVILLE — A new test could save time and money diagnosing plant viruses, some of which can destroy millions of dollars in crops each year in Florida, says a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researcher.

In a newly published study, Jane Polston, a UF/IFAS plant pathology professor, examined several ways to detect the DNA genome of begomoviruses. These viruses have emerged over the last 30 years to become plant pathogens that threaten crop production in tropical and sub-tropical regions globally.

Polston and her research colleagues found that a certain test called “recombinase polymerase amplification” identified the cause of a disease faster and cheaper than the commonly used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test – or “assay,” as scientists call them.

Scientists learned of this new type of test that’s fast, sensitive and cheaper than some other methods, and they adapted the new technology and modified it to test for several whitefly-transmitted viruses found in Florida, Polston said.

This finding makes it easier for diagnostic laboratories such as the UF-IFAS Plant Diagnostic Center to identify viruses in plants and crops, and therefore improve management recommendations for diseases caused by those viruses, she said. UF/IFAS is home to one of the premier plant disease diagnostic facilities in the country.

When a plant gets infected with a pathogen, it often shows symptoms, Polston said. But the naked eye cannot see viruses, and accurate diagnosis is essential to knowing which disease you have.  Just looking at the symptoms is often not enough because different pathogens can cause the same symptoms, she said. 

“Knowing which pathogen is causing the symptoms is essential to knowing what to do to minimize its spread to other plants and other crops, and reduce yield losses.” Polston said.

So, people concerned with managing plant and crop diseases send plant samples to labs for identification. If the pathogen is a fungus or bacteria, it can be cultured in the lab and identified.

But scientists can’t do this with a virus because they can’t be cultured, Polston said. In those cases, scientists use tests to detect a part of the virus. But with about 1,600 plant viruses out there, scientists have tests for only a few of them.

“And these tests can be time-consuming and expensive,” Polston said. “So many diagnostic laboratories don’t test for viruses, and the diseases go unmanaged or managed incorrectly, which is expensive for the grower.

"Fast, accurate and less expensive tests such as this one are good for growers because they are cheaper and, hopefully, will be adapted by more clinics so that they will be better equipped to diagnose plants infected with viruses.”

That’s what makes this new test so important, she said.  The new test will be adopted in the UF/IFAS Plant Diagnostic Center to benefit Florida’s growers this summer, said Carrie Lapaire Harmon, director of the plant disease diagnostic lab.

The new study is published in the Virology Journal. 

Brad Buck is a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences science writer.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: University of Florida test can detect plant viruses faster, cheaper

RECALLED: Toss these skinless, boneless fillets

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

U.S. Cado Holdings, Inc., a Santa Anna,Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 25,760 pounds ofimported, frozen Swai fillets products that were distributed into U.S. commerce without meeting federal requirements, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The skinless and boneless Sea Queen brand Swai Fillet items were produced and packed on March 30, 2016, in Vietnam by Golden Quality Seafood Corporation. The following products are subject to recall:

  • 2-lb. (32-oz.) packages containing individually wrapped pieces of “Skinless and Boneless Swai Fillets.”

The products subject to recall bear plant number FN1158, lot number SW1601-02-16090, and have a “best by” date of March 30, 2018. These items were shipped to Aldi distribution centers in Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

The problem was discovered when the customer and import establishment notified FSIS personnel of Swai products entering U.S. commerce without meeting FSIS regulatory requirements for imported Siluriformes.

The products were imported from Vietnam and failed to comply with FSIS requirements concerning residue sampling and testing prior to entry into United States commerce. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.  

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: RECALLED: Toss these skinless, boneless fillets

SHANKLIN: Give your children the gift of financial knowledge

Written by archive on . Posted in columns, lifestyle.

Father’s Day was Sunday. If you’re a dad with young children, you may have received some nice homemade cards and maybe even a baseball cap.

But, of course, your greatest reward is spending time with your kids and watching them grow.

In return, you can give them a gift — the gift of knowledge. Specifically, in the months and years ahead, teach them the financial skills that can help make their lives easier and more rewarding.

For starters, encourage your children to become savers. You can do this in a couple of ways.

First, set a good example. You might explain to your kids that you want to buy a certain item, but you are waiting for it to go on sale. Or, if it’s a particularly big-ticket item, like an ultra high-definition television, tell your children that you simply can’t afford it now, but that you are putting away some money each week until you can. You might even make a chart showing your progress.

Another way to help your children become better savers is to provide them with a monetary incentive.

To illustrate: For every dollar they put into a “piggy bank” or an actual savings account, tell them you’ll put in, say, 50 cents. They are likely to be pleased and excited by how much faster their money grows with your contribution, and they may well become more motivated to save.

Furthermore, you’ll be giving them a valuable lesson for later on in life, when they work for a business that offers to match their contributions to a 401(k) or other retirement plan.

Unfortunately, many young people, upon taking on their first “career” jobs, either under-contribute to their retirement plans or ignore them completely — thereby making it more likely that, later on in their working lives, they will have to come up with much bigger sums each year to accumulate enough resources for a comfortable retirement.

Learning to save is certainly important — but children should also learn about investing. To help get your children interested in becoming investors, point out that they can actually own shares of companies with which they are already familiar — the companies that make the games they play, the movies they watch and the food they eat.

In fact, you could even simulate the investment process by letting them choose a stock and then follow it.

To make the results more tangible, use “play” money to represent an initial investment, and add or subtract to the pile to track the real stock’s ups and downs.

You might even explain some of the reasons for the stock’s movements; for example, if you and your child are following the stock of an entertainment company, and that company produces a blockbuster movie that leads to sequels, spinoffs and merchandise tie-ins, you can point out how these developments have pushed up the company’s stock price.

You might also explain that while these short-term price movements are interesting — and maybe even fun — to follow, investing is actually a long-term endeavor, and the best investors often hold stocks for many years before selling them.

By following these suggestions, you can help your children acquire good financial habits — and seeing them put these skills to good use can provide you with many happy Father’s Days in the future.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SHANKLIN: Give your children the gift of financial knowledge

‘Women Walking in Ministry’ gathering scheduled

Written by archive on . Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Pastor Darlene Haynes Ministries and the Kingdom Life Worship and Training Center Family have scheduled their quarterly Women Walking in Ministry gathering.

The event is 10 a.m. July 9 at Kingdom Life Worship and Training Center, 798 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Crestview.

The “Woman Warrior”-themed event will feature the Rev. Claire Ogle, pastor of Claire Ogle Ministries and Hosanna House, guest speaker.

Stephanie Mills is the guest psalmist; Barbara Oxendine is the dance minister.

Lunch will be served, and a love offering will be collected.

Call 417-7017 for more information. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ‘Women Walking in Ministry’ gathering scheduled

Shady Grove schedules Community Celebration

Written by archive on . Posted in Faith, lifestyle.

CRESTVIEW — Shady Grove Assembly’s 3rd Annual Fourth of July Community Celebration is scheduled for June 25.

The event — noon to 8 p.m. at 1189 Shady Grove Road in Baker — will feature water slides, bounce houses and other children’s activities. Free hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available for Baker and Holt area kids.

Pulled-pork barbecue plates, desserts and drinks will be sold at noon as a Baker Fire Department fundraiser.

Call the church, 537-2774, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Shady Grove schedules Community Celebration

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