Nutrient load reduction is key to reducing toxins in water
OKEECHOBEE — “The future is blue-green,” Dr. H. Dail Laughinghouse IV told those gathered April 18 Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Indian River State College Williamson Center. Who is to blame for toxic blue-green algal blooms? ‘Point the finger at yourself.’ Whether that’s good or bad depends on your point of view, and on the […]
Children’s mental health system needs community support
OKEECHOBEE NEWS – Are you concerned about children’s mental health? In light of recent events in our nation, children’s mental health is a discussion that should be taking place in all communities, including ours. A Children’s Mental Health System of Care is being implemented in Okeechobee County, and we need your input to make it […]
Learn the early signs of late development in your child
OKEECHOBEE – It’s devastating to hear that your child isn’t developing as expected. Well-meaning family, friends and even your pediatrician will say things like, “She’s not even 2 yet; she’ll catch up,” and, “He’s not talking because you baby him too much” or “Let’s just wait and see where he is developmentally in six months.” […]
Austim awareness month: What is autism?
April marks the beginning of Autism Awareness Month. So let’s start the awareness! Autism is a complex brain-based disability. Because of this it can be very hard for those of us without autism to understand why people with autism do what they do. We are all born with the ability to easily learn basic skills […]
Study suggests weight maintenance period after weight loss is much shorter than hoped
GAINESVILLE — It’s a new year and you’re trying to live up to your resolution to drop a few pounds. So far, so good — you’re following a weight-loss program and your clothes are fitting better at last. But just how long will you be able to maintain this discipline before old habits, and the […]
Norovirus outbreak in Okeechobee
OKEECHOBEE — According to a press release from The Florida Department of Health in Okeechobee County, they are investigating an outbreak of norovirus at a long-term care facility. Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the U.S. Commonly called the stomach flu and food poisoning, norovirus is a highly contagious viral illness […]
Child narrowly escapes drowning in tub
OKEECHOBEE — A young girl very narrowly escaped death thanks to the quick action of her grandmother and a deputy with the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO). OCSO Deputy Lieutenant Shane Snyder was sent to a home on S.E. Fifth Street around 6:35 p.m. Tuesday, June 27. He was told a child had drowned in […]
Mobile Crisis Unit delivers free emergency mental health services
OKEECHOBEE — When a 10-year-old boy whose father recently passed away said he wanted to kill himself, his mother called the New Horizons Mobile Crisis Unit for immediate help. At first, the boy refused to discuss his feelings with the licensed mental health counselor. But after hours of gentle encouragement, he sat down on the […]
What’s the true cost of smoking physically and financially?
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida Week wants Floridians to know the cost of smoking — what smoking costs Floridians — both physically and financially. The amount of money smokers spend can be significant. A pack-a-day smoker in Florida can spend more than $2,000 in just one year and more than […]
Report highlights health concerns
OKEECHOBEE — Many Okeechobee County residents had health problems in 2016. The annual County Health Rankings and Roadmaps released by the Robert Wood Johnson foundation ranked Okeechobee as the 62nd healthiest county in Florida. The annual ranking takes into account outcomes, length of life, quality of life, health behaviors like smoking and obesity, available clinical […]
