| WHOOPING COUGH INFORMATION |
The Santa Rosa County Health Department has identified 30 cases of pertussis (commonly known as “whooping cough”) in our community since February, with numbers increasing significantly in May and continuing to rise in June. Eleven (11) of these cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing, and 19 have been clinically-diagnosed or are close contacts of a lab-confirmed case. In addition, the health department is investigating 12 other cases who are residents and staff at an assisted living facility.
Because this disease can be very serious, even fatal, to infants younger than 12 months, the health department is in contact with the individuals who may have been exposed and is working to control this outbreak and prevent further spread of the illness. The health department has advised infected individuals to seek treatment from their personal physicians, and has recommended they remain at home while being treated with antibiotics. In addition, the health department is providing updated information and guidance on pertussis testing to local health care providers.
“Although the illness from pertussis is generally mild in healthy individuals, it can pose health risks to vulnerable groups such as infants and the elderly, so we are taking appropriate actions to protect our citizens’ health,” said Shannon L. Jacobs, M.A., M.P.H., administrator of the health department. “We can certainly use everyone’s help in preventing the spread of this disease, so we urge citizens to contact their health care providers immediately if they are experiencing symptoms.”
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Facts About Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• It spreads only through very close contact – typically when an infected person coughs or sneezes on to another person -- and is highly contagious.
• It is one of the most common vaccine-preventable childhood diseases in the United States; the regular schedule of immunizations protects infants and children from pertussis.
• Most healthy children and adults will recover from pertussis, although the disease can be deadly to infants under 12 months old.
• Serious complications such as pneumonia and other problems can result among all age groups due to pertussis infection.
• Up to approximately 30% of persons with pertussis require hospitalization, and about 70% of these are infants under 6 months of age.
• It is treatable with antibiotics.
Symptoms of Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• Begins with runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and maybe mild cough or fever.
• Coughing begins after 1-2 weeks and may last for months. The fits of coughing often intensify at night, and usually cough medicines provide no relief.
• Children may cough violently and have difficulty catching their breath, which results in a loud “whoop” sound. Often the intense coughing can lead to their skin turning blue and may cause vomiting.
• Generally, the symptoms and complications of pertussis are less apparent among older children and adults, and many do not exhibit the characteristic “whoop” sound.
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What Citizens Should Do
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the illness to others.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water (alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also acceptable)
• Cover your nose/mouth with a tissue when coughing, or cough into your upper shirt sleeve, not into your hands
• If you think you or a family member may have pertussis or been in contact with a pertussis case, consult your health care provider or doctor.
• Persons with a cough of seven days or longer with explosive coughing spasms or sleep-disturbing coughing should contact their physician regarding possible laboratory testing and treatment.
Special Information for Parents
• Ensure that all children under age 7 receive all their pertussis vaccinations on time. Children should receive four doses of the DTaP vaccine between 2 – 18 months of age and an additional dose before starting school.
• Protection from the DTaP wears off over time, so children 10 years of age and older may obtain a Tdap booster vaccine to prevent the spread of pertussis. (Note: Beginning in school year 2007-08, the State of Florida implemented Tdap as a new vaccination requirement for students entering the 7th grade, which means that students entering grades 10 – 12 have not received the vaccine.)
• The health department has Tdap vaccine available at no charge through the Vaccines for Children program, with no appointment necessary. Hours are Monday – Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at 5527 Stewart Street in Milton; and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at 5840 Gulf Breeze Parkway in Midway.
For more information on pertussis, visit http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Pertussis and for immunization schedules, visit www.healthysantarosa.com. For media inquiries, please contact Amy Maddox at (850) 983-5200 ext. 126.
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| Summer Pre-K Program 6/2009-8/2009 |
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Okaloosa County School District is providing a free summer voluntary pre-kindergarten program at Wright, Valparaiso, and Walker Elementary from June 10th - August 6th. Any child who is attending kindergarten for the 2009-10 school year and who has not used their VPK certificate in a year long program for the 2008-09 school year qualifies for this program. Applications are available at Child Care Services and the summer VPK sites. For further information call Kathy Baird or Barbara Davidson at 833-3889.
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| Show your support/A World Of Signs |
In Remembrance of our local fallen officers and in support of the families, we are offering a commemorative ribbon decal where a portion of the proceeds will be donated in to the existing account created for the families.
We are very grateful for the services that the OCSO provides for our community, and would like to give back in any way that we can.
All First Responders in the surrounding areas can purchase the ribbon decals for $2.50 ea. while the general public can purchase theirs at $5 ea.
We would like to give thanks everyone who has purchased a decal to this point in support, especially the OC Sheriff's Dept. and the Sheriff's Posse.
Decals can be purchased by phone (850-581-7446), email (contact@aworldofsigns.com) or visit 119 staff Dr. NW, FWB
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| ARC Braive Fund Grant |
The American Red Cross announces receipt of the BRAIVE Fund grant. This grant will allow the Red Cross to provide emergency financial help and respite services to families who have been impacted by deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
There are summer camps coming up for children, emergency help with bills and much more. Look for a press release sharing all the information on this grant over this holiday weekend.
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| June Training with ARC |
Escambia County Training
First Aid with CPR-Adult, Child & Infant:
June 6th, 8am-4pm
June 16th & 18th, 6pm-10pm (split class)
First Aid with CPR-Adult:
June 16th, 10am-3:30pm
June 20th, 8am-1:30pm
CPR-Adult:
June 3rd, 6pm-9pm
June 10th, 6pm-9pm
June 24th, 6pm-9pm
CPR-Child & Infant:
June 9th, 6pm-9pm
CPR/AED-Adult:
June 12th, 6pm-10pm
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer:
June 27th, 8am-5pm
Pet First Aid:
June 19th, 6pm-9:30pm
Bloodborne Pathogens:
June 1st, 6pm-8pm
Santa Rosa County Training
First Aid with CPR-Adult, Child & Infant:
June 11th, 10am-6pm
June 13th, 8am-4pm
Babysitter's Training:
June 20th, 9am-3pm
Okaloosa County Training
First Aid with CPR/AED-Adult & Child with CPR-Infant:
June 20th, 8am-5pm
First Aid with CPR-Adult, Child & Infant:
June 5th, 7am-3pm
June 13th, 8am-4pm
First Aid with CPR-Adult:
June 10th, 10:30am-3pm
CPR-Adult, Child & Infant:
June 23rd & 25th, 6pm-9pm (split class)
CPR-Adult:
June 4th, 8:30am-:1130am
June 8th, 6pm-9pm
June 11th, 8:30am-11:30am
June 20th, 6pm-9pm
CPR-Child & Infant:
June 19th, 8:30am-11:30am
CPR/AED-Adult:
June 26th, 6pm-10pm
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer:
June 20th, 8am-5pm
Bloodborne Pathogens:
June 1st, 6pm-8pm
Pet First Aid:
June 12th, 5pm-9:30pm
Babysitter's Training:
June 27th, 9am-3pm
Walton County Training
First Aid with CPR-Adult, Child & Infant:
June 13th, 8am-4pm
All courses are pre-register and prepay. Please contact Customer Service toll-free at 800.773.7620 ext. 0 for more information or to register
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| Wag & Win From McCaskill & Company 6/25/09 |
McCaskill & Company Host Wag & Win Rolex Giveaway to Benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge
Tickets will be sold for the July 25th giveaway of a rare Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch and all proceeds will be donated to the refuge
McCaskill & Company announces the details of the first ever Wag & Win Rolex Giveaway that will benefit the Alaqua Animal Refuge, an independent, non-profit organization located in Freeport, FL that advocates the general welfare and humane treatment of animals by providing shelter, prevention of pet overpopulation and adoption services. Tickets will be sold June 15th through July 25th at McCaskill & Company for $25 each with no limit to how many can be purchased per person. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona being raffled for the promotion is an exclusive, highly coveted watch valued at nearly $10,000. All proceeds from the Wag & Win Giveaway will be donated to Alaqua Animal Refuge.
For additional information please visit www.mccaskillandcompany.com or call 850.650.2262.
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| Family Charity Fishing Tournament 6/27-28 |
Playground Kiwanis Family Charity Fishing Tournament (Redfish and Speckled Trount)
When: June 27th and 28TH
Pin Fish Tournament for kids 10 and under
Magnetic Fish Tournament for 5 and Under
Senior and Junior Divisions
Register online at www.playgroundkiwanis.com or at West Marine, Boaters World, Original Crab Shack, or Half Hitch Tackle.
For More info call: 850-609-1148
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| The Ultimate Marching Band Competition 7/13 |
DCI returns to the gulf coast bigger and better!!!!
DCI Competition
Monday July 13th
7pm
Performing Bands:
Spirit-Jacksonville AL
Holy Name Cadets-Allentown PA
Phantom Regiment-Rockford IL
Carolina Crown-Ft Mill SC
Blue Stars- La Crosse WI
Boston Crusaders-Boston MA
Glassmen-Toledo OH
Teal Sound-Jacksonville FL
Ticket prices and information can be found at www.dci.org
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| North Okaloosa County Job Fair 7/15/09 |
The City of Crestview will host the North Okaloosa Career & Job Fair July 15, 2009 at the Crestview Community Center from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.
Fifty employers will be there:
defense contractors
aviation
manufacturing
law enforcement
medical and more.
This job fair is free to employers and the public.
Seminars will be offered on Civil Service Application, Job Search, Resumes, Interviewing, and other topics.
Contact Larry Tipton at 850-833-7587 ext 229 for additional information.
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| The Wounded Warrior Project Fundraiser 7/18 |
THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT FUNDRAISER
JULY 18TH
MULLET FESTIVAL GROUNDS NICEVILLE,FL.
9am-3pm
SPONSORED BY"EGLIN AERO MODELLERS"
(e.a.m. is a private org. not part of d.o.d.or it's components.no gov. status)
RADIO CONTROLLED AIRPLANE DEMONSTRATION,
3-D, TURBINE JETS, TRAINERS, SPORT PLANES, WARPLANES & HELICOPTERS
OF ALL TYPES
ALSO
LIVE MUSIC / FOOD / LOTS OF RAFFLES
GLIDER CONTEST FOR THE LITTLE ONES
COLOR GUARD/GUEST SPEAKERS / PURPLE HEART CEREMONY/ WELCOME THE WARRIORS
FREE ADMISSION ...ALL DONATIONS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
INTERESTED VENDORS OR DONATIONS CALL:
PAM CORTNER @ 850-582-4898 OR E-MAIL fostersfox@cox.net
PLEASE COME SHOW YOUR SUPPORT TO OUR WOUNDED WARRIORS
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| Run for the Red, White and Blue w/ ARC 7/18/09 |
5K Race/Walk
The American Red Cross 2nd Annual 5k Run/Walk is July 18, 2009 at the Fort Walton Beach Landing.
Sign up today at Active.Com
Fee Per Participant: $20.00
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| ARC Ready's for Hurricane Season and Needs You! |
Your American Red Cross has begun preparation for hurricane season They're recruiting shelter volunteers, updating everyone’s training and getting ready for the long summer.
The Red Cross will be recruiting 150 new volunteers over the next three months. People are needed to –
--Create teams who can act in unison – such as a church
--People with social work background for casework
--People who will help us feed, shelter and distribute supplies
--Nurses, EMT’s and Corpsman
--People with a background in logistics or material management
--People with backgrounds in computer operations and communication
If you can help, or are seeking a volunteer job that will make you feel truly needed, please contact the Red Cross at 800-773-7620 or visit our website at www.yourredcross.org.
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| The Salvation Army Needs Help |
The Salvation Army is in desperate need of help with Donations for their Back to School Program they provide every year. Applications for this program will be accepted on July 13th through the 16th from 9am till 3pm in the Salvation Army Fellowship Hall(425 ME Cuttoff).
Help the Salvation Army help those who need schools supplies who have a difficult time affording them.
For more info on donating, or to find out if you qualify for the Back To School Program, call 850-243-4531.
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| SUMMER FUN GUIDE BOOK |
The 2009 Children's Summer Fun Guidebook is now available.
If you are looking for activities for your children this summer, check out the United Way of Okaloosa & Walton Counties Children’s Summer Fun Guidebook. It has a listing of fun activities for children ages 4 – 18. The guidebook is designed to be your first call for help in finding the programs in our community that are best for you and your child. It’s not all-inclusive but it is free to anyone who would like one.
Download it from our website at http://www.united-way.org
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| If You Need Help (911 Lines) |
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The United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties now has a single line for incoming calls. Thanks to Embarq, the charges for all calls between most areas in Okaloosa and Walton Counties have been eliminated! Having 3 different lines is no longer a necessity and starting on May 1st the United Way of Okaloosa & Walton Counties will have a single line for incoming calls. Your call for help can be made to
(850) 243-9111.
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| RONALD McDONALD HOUSE tfn |
Our Mom’s Group is striving to give back to our community. We are asking everyone to participate in helping out the Ronald McDonald House Charity in Pensacola. They offer families, with children in the hospital, a comfortable place to stay for a minimum cost of $7.50 a night. However, if they are unable to afford that small amount, they are able to stay for free. Donations from people like you, and the work of their volunteers, are the reason they are able to do their part for families in such need.
If you would like to view the complete list, please visit: www.rmhpensacola.org/auction and click on “Items Needed”!
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| American Red Cross Needs Our Help! |
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| ACS RELAY FOR LIFE |
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Use your feet and your heart. Form a team and join the American Cancer Society Relay for life. It's an overnight team event for all ages. now use your fingers and dial 1-800-ACS-2345 or go to the web at www.relayforlife.org.
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| LEARN TO READ SEEKS VOLUNTEER TUTORS |
What if you couldn’t read a birthday card…write a check…or fill out a job application?
20% of adults in our area lack basic literacy skills.
You can make a difference. Learn to Read Northwest Florida is seeking volunteer tutors. We have a waiting list of adult learners who need the help of someone like you.
Training and materials are free. Turn a Page. Change a Life. Call 432-4372 or go online to LearntoReadnwf.org.
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