An expression of gratitude: Reporter shows appreciation for nurses who helped him during medical treatment
National Nurses Week is one time of the year when nurses across the country are recognized for their hard work, and News4JAX Reporter Erik Avainer wanted to take the time to acknowledge the nurses at Baptist Health who took care of him while he was in for the fight of his life.
JSO releases name of shooter who critically wounded officer outside Baptist Health South
An officer wounded in the line of duty in a shooting outside Baptist Medical Center South on Tuesday night remained in critical condition Wednesday afternoon but was stable, the hospital said in an update posted to social media.
Officer wounded in shooting outside Baptist Health South still in critical condition, but is stable
An officer wounded in the line of duty in a shooting outside Baptist Medical Center South on Tuesday night remained in critical condition Wednesday afternoon but was stable, the hospital said in an update posted to social media.
COVID, flu, RSV: โAll the hospitals are just packed right now,โ says Jacksonville doctor
UF Health, Baptist Health, Ascension St. Vincentโs, Memorial Hospital and Orange Park Medical are all dealing with patients suffering from the flu, COVID, or respiratory syncytia virus โ commonly known as RSV.
Father & son who suffered strokes within 2 years of each other work to raise awareness
Jeff and Larry Critzer said itโs a club that no one wants to join: having a stroke. They spoke with News4JAX along with one of their doctors, so people know the signs and how life can change without a momentโs notice.
Local health care workers fed up with payroll delays triggered by ransomware attack
The ITEAM has received calls and emails from health care workers who said they are frustrated that they are getting no answers from Human Resources and their bosses about when they will be paid in full for their work during the holidays.
Baptist Health CEO on COVID-19 surge; vaccinations & masks
Baptist Health is just one of the hospital systems in our region reeling from the sudden increase in COVID-19 cases. Baptist Health CEO Michael Mayo joins this edition of โThis Week in Jacksonvilleโ to explain some of his biggest concerns. Plus, the battle of vaccinations and masks, and whatโs at stake if school districts or local governments decide to make them mandatory. News4Jax political analyst Rick Mullaney and political expert Pastor John Newman join us.
Local church leads prayer gathering for patients, staff battling COVID at Baptist Nassau
Members of a local church led a morning prayer Friday outside Baptist Medical Center in Nassau County as the hospital staff grapples with an uptick in COVID-19 cases that has left frontline workers feeling โoverwhelmed.โ
Duval County School Board votes to change 6 school names; downtown development proposals; Baptist Healthโs new CEO
On this edition of โThis Week in Jacksonville,โ Duval County School Board member Warren Jones details changing six school names associated with the Confederacy. Downtown Investment Authority CEO Lori Boyer talks about two downtown development proposals. And Baptist Health CEO Michael Mayo explains his new role.
The Players tees up big surprise for young cancer patients
Baptist Health gave Bender Middlekauff tickets for him, his family and friends to attend The Players Championship. But little did he know that when they got there, heโd wind up meeting his favorite professional golfer, Justin Thomas. โHe called me out by my name at the 16th tee: โYouโre Bender, right?โ I was like, โYeah, youโre Justin Thomas. 25-year-old @BaptistHealthJx cancer patient, Bender Middlekauff, met his favorite player pro golfer Justin Thomas at @THEPLAYERSChamp. @wjxt4 pic.twitter.com/fZ9vG0BFGr โ Brittany Muller (@BrittMullerNews) March 10, 2021Another young cancer patientโs dream was fulfilled Wednesday with an invitation to The Players from his favorite golfer, Dustin Johnson.
Symptoms of mental distress parents should watch for
At Wolfson Childrenโs Hospital, there has been a 300% increase in behavioral health admissions since the pandemic began in early 2020. These measures can also make it harder for kids already dealing with mental health hurdles to stay on track. All calls are answered by trained mental health experts, and conversations are free and confidential. (If the situation is life-threatening, call 911 or take your child to the nearest Wolfson Childrenโs Emergency Center immediately.) Wolfson Childrenโs Hospital offers a wide range of behavioral health services, including the 24/7 Kids & Teens Helpline, for children of all ages.
Quiz: Facts about falls -- test your knowledge
The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. One in four people over the age of 65 fall each year, and they are at greater risk for taking a spill. Losing this skill can be very worrisome to some individuals.โThere are many things that can cause someone to fall. See if you are up to speed on the causes, results, how to prevent it from happening to you.
What an OB-GYN wants you to know about pre-pregnancy planning
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports July through October tend to be the most popular birth months, meaning many babies are conceived around the holidays. Good pre-pregnancy health can improve your chances of conceiving, as well as prevent complications down the road. โStudies have found no evidence that hormonal birth control or LARCs affect fertility over the long term,โ Patel said. โDuring pre-pregnancy visits, I often recommend patients track their ovulation, either with an app on their phone or an over-the-counter ovulation kit,โ Patel said. โYou should begin taking a prenatal vitamin at least three months prior to attempting to conceive,โ Patel said.
Infants born the week of The Players getting special treatment
Wolfson Children's is the only hospital providing care for all kids in Northeast Florida & Southeast Georgia. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ As The Players Championship approaches, local newborns are already getting into the spirit of golf. Every baby born at Baptist Health, as well as those in the NICUs, will receive a commemorative โCrawl. The newborn will also receive a birthday card containing the ABCs of safe sleep practices from The Players Center for Child Health at Wolfson Childrenโs Hospital. โThis week is such a special one in our community,โ Jared Rice, Executive Director of The Players, said.
Considering bariatric surgery? Everything you need to know
Many people feel like having weight loss surgery is like giving up or admitting to failure. In fact, bariatric surgery is the most effective weight loss solution for morbid obesity, according to the National Institute for Health. Instead of a last option, weight loss surgery may be your best choice. Baptist Center for Bariatric Surgery offers the three most common types of weight loss surgery, which include the gastric banding, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. On โRiver City Live,โ we spoke with a married couple who underwent bariatric surgery.
JU and Baptist Health launch 12 month nursing program
Jacksonville University and Baptist Health teamed up to launch an accelerated nursing second-degree program that only takes 12 months to complete and earn a work-promise agreement from Baptist Health upon graduation and licensure. JU said this 12-month program is a way that rapidly addresses the โever-increasing needโ for qualified nurses in Northeast Florida. JU baptist health nursing program (Copyright 2021 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.) It looks and feels like a hospital and itโs where 35 students part of JUโs accelerated 12-month nursing program will learn. Wolf said while it may be a rigorous curriculum, the unique partnership with Baptist Health is like no other.
Winn-Dixie showers health care workers with random acts of kindness
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Winn Dixie celebrated โRandom Acts of Kindness Dayโ on Wednesday by giving back to some of the communityโs essential health care workers. The company presented 500 bags of food items to hospital employees at Wolfson Childrenโs Hospital and Baptist Health. The bags included shelf sustainable items the workers can use to feed their families as they also navigate the pandemic. Winn-Dixie North Florida Regional Vice President Shawn Sloan said it was about showing the respect and gratitude the health care workers deserve. AdEach Winn-Dixie store is also sending free bagels and cream cheese to a local school, fire station, police station or frontline organization of their choice.
Jacksonville hospitals struggle to meet demand for vaccine
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ While grocery stores and state-run coronavirus vaccine clinics focus on inoculating people over 65 and healthcare workers against COVID-19, Gov. But Florida hospitals say theyโre not getting enough vaccine doses from the state to make a significant dent in that vulnerable population. Since December, more than 200 hospitals throughout Florida have received shipments of the vaccine from the state. UF Health Jacksonville received two shipments within a week of each other in mid-December when vaccines began in the state of Florida. Because of that, the hospitals are not currently vaccinating any members of the public, let alone those with preexisting conditions.
Winter storm delays 200,000 vaccines headed for Florida
His office told News4Jax on Tuesday that 200,000 Moderna vaccines expected to arrive Tuesday have been delayed and are now expected to arrive on Thursday. Weather conditions across the United States are impacting the shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine to Florida. โ Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) February 16, 2021News4Jax was told a shipment to Florida expected Monday might arrive either Tuesday or Wednesday. Walmart, Winn-Dixie and Harveys stores, which began giving vaccines in Northeast Florida counties earlier this month. Vaccine appointments in Houston and Austin were expected to be canceled again Tuesday because of the severe winter weather.
Quiz: How much do you know about prolonged COVID-19 protection?
How much do you know about COVID-19? The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. If youโve had COVID-19, you may be wondering how long your protection from reinfection lasts. The virus is new, so many experts (and members of the public) still have questions when it comes to COVID-19 immunity.
Video: How long does COVID-19 immunity protect you from reinfection?
If youโve had COVID-19, you may be wondering how long your protection from reinfection lasts. The virus and science are both new, so many experts -- and members of the public -- still have questions when it comes to COVID-19 immunity. Scientists donโt know exactly how long natural immunity (which occurs after an infection) lasts for COVID-19. However, current evidence does suggest that getting the virus again is uncommon in the first 90 days after infection. Dr. Elizabeth Ransom, executive vice president and chief physician executive at Baptist Health, shares what we know (and donโt know) about the duration of immunity from the COVID-19 vaccine.
A toddlerโs frightening fall on the basketball court turns life-threatening
The Trauma Team includes a pediatric emergency medicine physician, pediatric surgeon, pediatric anesthesiologist, pediatric critical care physician and pediatric neurosurgeon, in addition to pediatric emergency nurses. Malachi was then transferred to Wolfson Childrenโs Neuroscience Unit and was able to go home two days after his fall. And while their paths were yet to cross, the team who saved Malachi was ready for him before he ever stepped onto the basketball court. Wolfson Childrenโs Hospital has pediatric specialists ready around-the-clock to treat the most serious injuries. For more information on Wolfson Childrenโs Emergency and Trauma services, visit wolfsonchildrens.com/emergency.
Neighbor saves repairman from stroke: โThe stars alignedโ
Knowing weakness on one side of the body is a symptom of stroke, Melogyโs client checked him for other symptoms such as facial drooping and difficulty speaking. AdInside his headIn just 20 minutes, JFRD transported Melogy to Baptist Medical Center Jacksonvilleโs Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center, a Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. AdโTime is everything when it comes to stroke,โ Dr. Nima said. Within minutes of arriving at the hospital, Dr. Nima recommended Alteplase, an FDA-approved blood clot-busting medication that helps improves recovery for stroke patients. โThe stars aligned for me to be where I am today.โTime is brain when it comes to stroke.
5 common causes of spinal stress, and how to get relief at home
โWhen we sit, the pelvis tends to slide forward over time, which leads to a forward bend in the spine. โWhen we bend forward from the spine to pick up an object, we place the spine in an unideal position. The forward bend compresses the front of the lumbar disks and pushes the fluid in the disk backward. Weak core muscles cause an imbalance which forces other parts of the spine to take on more stress.โ5. Physical therapy is usually the first line of defense with back pain,โ he said.
Jacksonville frontline workers return from โbucket listโ Super Bowl trip amid pandemic
Roxas, and 11 other Baptist Health frontline workers were invited to be the guests of the Jaguars and the NFL at the Super Bowl. โSo itโs definitely on my bucket list to be to go to the Super Bowl. So yes, I can cross that off.โLike many frontline healthcare workers, Roxas admits that the last 11 months have been more stressful than usual. โbusyโ and the chance for a trip to the Super Bowl was a welcome getaway. While the game wasnโt particularly competitive, the experience of attending a Super Bowl, and seeing all of the activities around the game made for a memorable weekend.
Sister, brother doctors in Jacksonville, Tampa reunite at Super Bowl
Dr. Vincy Samuel and her brother, Vinny, a doctor who works in Tampa, both got tickets to attend Super Bowl LV. TAMPA, Fla. โ While most of us watched the Super Bowl on the big screen on Sunday, a dozen Jacksonville health care workers are among only about 25,000 people who get to go to the big game in person. Dr. Vincy Samuel, an epidemiologist at Baptist Health, was one of a dozen Jacksonville health care workers who won tickets to attend. This yearโs Super Bowl was different of course, because of social distancing guidelines brought on by COVID-19. They were thanking us for our service, so it felt really great to be among such a great group of people there.โAdWatch The Morning Show interview with Dr. Vincy Samuel
Baptist Health workers head off for once-in-a-lifetime Super Bowl adventure
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ A dozen health care workers from Baptist Health left for Super Bowl LV on Saturday. The group of health care heroes gathered at TIAA Bank Field for pictures inside the stadium before they boarded the bus for Tampa. Jennifer Bloom, an assistant nurse manager of the ICU, is one of the 12 health care workers selected to go on the trip. RELATED: Sister, brother doctors in Jacksonville, Tampa both picked for Super Bowl ticketsA dozen health care workers from Baptist Health are among 7,500 doctors and nurses nationwide invited to Super Bowl LV. โIโve never been to a Super Bowl so Iโm excited about that and taking it all in,โ Gorak said.
DeSantis: Florida getting โmodest increaseโ in next weekโs vaccine allotment
Ron DeSantis said the state will be receiving a โmodest increaseโ in first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. DeSantis said the state has received approximately 260,000 first doses per week for the past several weeks. He said next week, Florida plans to receive 307,000 first doses from the federal government. With COVID-19 surging and vaccinations off to a slow start, President Biden said earlier this month that he planned to rapidly release most available vaccine doses to protect more people, a reversal of Trump administration policies. The new administration has said it plans to rely on manufacturers to deliver enough for second doses.
Surprise! Jaguars sending 4 health care workers to Super Bowl
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ The Jaguars arenโt in the Super Bowl, but theyโre sending four health care workers to the big game in Tampa next month. As part of the NFLโs tribute to health care workers, the league is giving 7,500 frontline medical personnel a seat in the stands. With the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers playing Super Bowl 55 in their hometown, ticket prices have soared this week. You are amazing health care workers. โWe are honored to salute those who have demonstrated dedication, commitment and courage and deserve our deepest gratitude and admiration.โAll 32 NFL teams received four tickets to give to local health care workers.
Which COVID-19 test is best?
Two of the most common testing options are the PCR test and the antigen test, both of which are typically administered through a nasal swab. PCR test vs. antigen test. If you decide to get tested, itโs OK to start with an antigen test and then proceed to get a PCR test if you develop symptoms, even if your antigen test was negative. For more information on Baptist Healthโs response to the pandemic, please visit the COVID-19 information center. For questions about COVID-19 symptoms, call 904-302-5050.
5 COVID-19 vaccine myths, debunked
Dr. Elizabeth Ransom, executive vice president and chief physician executive at Baptist Health, sets the record straight on rumors circulating about the COVID-19 vaccine. MYTH: The COVID-19 vaccine contains harmful ingredients. The names of COVID-19 vaccine components may not roll off the tongue easily, but thatโs no reason to fear they might be harmful. MYTH: The COVID-19 vaccine is too expensive. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines as they become more widely available to the public, visit baptistjax.com/covid19vaccine.
Quiz: How much do you know about Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral Artery Disease may not be something thatโs discussed often, but it can cause those who suffer quite a bit of pain, numbness and discomfort. The disease develops as plaque builds up on the inside of the arteries, according to Baptist Health. Having Peripheral Artery Disease can increase the risk for infection, tissue death (gangrene), heart attack, stroke and amputation. Are you familiar with the disease, the problems it can cause, or how it can be treated? Take our quiz below to find out, and to learn, more.
Feeling tired after a long nightโs rest? How to best diagnose, treat snoring problems
Many people with loud and constant snoring have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition in which the muscles of the throat relax during sleep and block the airway. โResearch shows that untreated sleep apnea may raise your chance of dying from heart disease by up to five times,โ Nassar said. โThe extra weight places pressure on the neck, which compresses the airway and results in sleep apnea,โ Nassar said. Enlarged tonsils in children often cause sleep apnea. For patients with severe to moderate sleep apnea who cannot tolerate using a CPAP, a device called Inspire may be an option.
New treatment for peripheral artery disease decreases complications, allows for quicker recovery
An estimated 8.5 million people in the United States have peripheral artery disease, affecting approximately 12 to 20% of Americans over the age of 60. For most patients with PAD, a minimally invasive procedure through the femoral artery -- located in the groin -- is the usual approach. Morris was the first patient Gummadi performed the radial procedure on for PAD. โThis approach through the wrist decreases complications and allows for quicker recovery,โ Gummadi said. โWith the radial approach, patients can sit up and get walking more quickly, which is vital to recovery.โThe procedure requires only local anesthesia.
Is it the flu or COVID-19? How to tell which virus you might be fighting
The new coronavirus strain that leads to COVID-19, however, has been linked to serious illness and even death. If you have a fever, cough or other flu-like symptoms, getting tested for COVID-19 is one way to find out. Getting a flu shot wonโt prevent you from getting COVID-19, but it will help prevent you from getting both viruses at the same time.โBarrier explains the differences and similarities in the two viruses in this infographic:Flu vs. COVID-19 symptoms. These measures, in combination with frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes, will not only help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but also the spread of other viruses, including the flu. To speak with a Baptist Health nurse about COVID-19 care or symptoms, call the COVID-19 community nurse line at 904-302-5050.
Hospital workers receive second dose of COVID-19 vaccine as officials work to ramp up public vaccinations
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Jacksonville hospital workers are receiving their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as health department officials are still working to ramp up the volume of vaccinations given to the general public. As of Wednesday, more than 16,000 people in Duval County had been vaccinated, according to Florida Department of Health data. Bernadette Belgado, director of pharmacy at UF Health Jacksonville, said Wednesday that the hospital has vaccinated close to 50% of its workforce and planned to administer second doses of the vaccine to 700 of its workers. The state Department of Health in Duval County is leading the effort to vaccinate the general public in Jacksonville at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. A spokesperson for the Duval County agency confirmed two senior centers, Lane Wiley Senior Center and Mandarin Senior Center, have been approved to become vaccination clinics.
JSO: Man drives stolen excavator into Baptist Hospital entrance
A man stole an excavator and drove it into one of the maternity entrances at the Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville Pavilion on Saturday afternoon. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ An unidentified man stole an excavator and drove it into one of the entrances at the Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville Pavilion on Saturday, according to a spokesperson for Baptist Health. Hospital officials said that at around 6:00 p.m. the suspect stole an excavator from a construction site nearby. The man then used the excavator to ram into one of Baptistโs three Maternity entrances. The Jacksonville Sheriffโs Office is investigating the incident.
Meet Duval Countyโs 1st babies of 2021
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Born at 12:02 a.m. on New Yearโs Day, Kasani Finley was one of the first Jacksonville babies welcomed into 2021 at UF Health. Happy New Year!โ UF Health wrote on Facebook. Anna and Vladimir Orgunovโs family also got a little bigger as they kicked off 2021. Their little boy born at Baptist Health was among the first babies born at a Jacksonville-area hospital this year. โHis due date was December 31st so he was right on time,โ Anna Orgunov, Romanโs mother, said.
Baptist Health MD Anderson Cancer Center celebrates 5 years of caring
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ When Baptist Health MD Anderson broke ground on its new Jacksonville cancer center in 2016, there were high expectations. A nine-story, 330,000 square foot building replicating the world class MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. While completing its building construction came two years later, Baptist MD Anderson transitioned to Jacksonville five years ago. She couldnโt find a doctor who would take her complicated case and allow her to carry the baby, until she came to Baptist MD Anderson in Jacksonville. Baptist Health MD Anderson is also focused on screening and prevention.
UF Health CEO gets first COVID-19 vaccine in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Eleven months after the earliest recorded case of coronavirus in the United States, the first 10,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine arrived Monday morning at UF Health Jacksonville and the first 10 shots were quickly administered to emergency room and intensive care workers, including the medical centerโs CEO. Pfizerโs COVID19 vaccine shipment from Michigan arrived around 9:15 a.m. Jacksonvilleโs vaccine supply was transported in freezer packs along with 3 million other vials set to be delivered across the country. News4Jax spoke with African Americans in Jacksonville about the new vaccine who had mixed feelings about the shot. The first shipments of Pfizerโs COVID-19 vaccine headed out from Michigan Sunday morning. Five of Floridaโs largest health systems, including UF Health in Jacksonville, will receive 100,000 doses.
Everyone has hemorrhoids: All the reasons this common condition can go unnoticed or be a real pain
If youโve ever felt hemorrhoids, you know they can be a real pain in the you-know-what. While mostly painless, internal hemorrhoids can cause varying amounts of rectal bleeding and blood in the stool, Dr. But blood in the stool isnโt always due to hemorrhoids, and it should always be evaluated to rule out more serious medical conditions. โSome people may have a family history of hemorrhoids, but your likelihood of getting hemorrhoids mostly comes down to what youโre doing all day,โ Dr. โEating a healthy diet, staying active and drinking plenty of water all help reduce the chances of getting hemorrhoids,โ he added.
Having trouble getting your kid to wear a mask? Here are 5 tips to help
Some of his patients are totally fine with wearing masks, while others arenโt. โThat being said, you may try your best to keep your kidโs mask on his or her face, but sometimes you just canโt. If youโre working on getting your child to wear a cloth face mask, Diaz recommends trying to find one that feels comfortable and features a cool design theyโll love. โHear their concerns and feelings about having to wear a mask due to COVID-19 and be empathetic,โ Diaz said. โIt is important as a parent to not complain in front of children about having to wear a mask,โ Diaz said.
Itโs official: Pets are good for mental health -- an expert explains why
Dr. Lori Vallelunga, a clinical psychologist at Baptist Behavioral Health, spoke with McPherson and answered a few questions about how pets can boost our mental health. Can simply owning a pet benefit your mental health? Pets have even been shown to help people manage long-term mental health conditions like chronic depression or bipolar disorder. Animals even help us socially, facilitating meeting new people and aiding in building social networks and friendships.โAre pets especially helpful for mental health during the coronavirus pandemic? Pets ranging from fish to guinea pigs have been studied and have been found to offer benefits to our mental health.
Quiz: Do you know whatโs normal when it comes to shedding hair?
The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies.
Shedding hair: When itโs normal and when itโs time to be concerned
โHair sheds normally as part of the hair cycle,โ explained Dr. Stephanie Agyemang, a family physician at Baptist Primary Care. However, there are instances in which hair loss, or alopecia, is not considered normal. โIf you are experiencing increased hair shedding or hair loss -- including bald spots or clumps of hair coming out -- you should start with a visit to your primary care doctor,โ Agyemang said. Root of the problemโThere are so many products for and myths about hair growth and hair loss, which is why I recommend starting with your doctor,โ Agyemang said. If you are concerned about hair loss and need a professional assessment to put your mind at ease, visit your primary care physician.
Is it safe to intentionally skip your period? These doctors say yes.
If youโre sick of your period -- cramps, hormonal acne, forgetting to pack tampons -- thereโs some good news for you: Doctors say you can opt out of having a period. โItโs safe, but the warning I would give is that it does take a couple of months before you stop spotting,โ Wechter explained. And always talk to your gynecologist beforehand.โPausing your periodJust about any method of birth control can stop your period, according to these experts. โIf you take the birth control pill continuously without taking the placebo, you will not have a period,โ Guha said. โIf you take birth control continuously, itโs OK to skip your period, because the progesterone has been keeping those glands and tissues quiet,โ Guha said.
Worried about vacationing during a pandemic? Tips to ensure you can be safe and have fun
The pandemic has changed a lot about daily life, leading to canceled events and postponed travel plans for people worldwide. Now that some destinations are reopening, is it safe to travel again? Avoid these areasWhen asked about high-risk destinations, Odigie explained that crowded areas where social distancing is difficult should be avoided for now. โPlan only a few stops, and pack face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and disposable gloves for when you must stop. A vacation from work and school for your family doesnโt mean a vacation from the pandemic.
These clues can help you determine if your child might need glasses
If youโve noticed your child is having a hard time concentrating at school or frequently has headaches at the end of the day, did you know poor eyesight may be to blame? An estimated 20% of children develop a refractive error โ a type of eye problem that results in blurry vision โ requiring glasses by adolescence. โWhen the eyes do not see the same exact image, they cannot give the image to the brain correctly. โAs an infant and young child, a light is used to see the red reflex to make sure it is equal,โ she said. A pediatrician can determine whether a child should see an eye specialist for a comprehensive eye exam.
Emergency blood donations needed, LifeSouth says
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ LifeSouth is facing an emergency need for blood donors, especially type O positive. The nonprofit blood bank, which provides blood for Baptist Health, has seen a decrease in blood drives this fall, as schools and businesses continue to operate remotely or at limited in-person capacities. LifeSouth is teaming up with Baptist Medical Center South to host a community blood drive from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. All blood types are needed and eligible blood donors are encouraged to attend the two-day drive to support the local blood supply. The drive is atBaptist Medical Center South14550 Old St. Augustine Road(Interstate 95, Exit 335)Jacksonville, FL 32258For more information or to check your eligibility to donate, go to https://www.lifesouth.org/.