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Clean Water for Calhoun County This is an area of great natural beauty and resources. Residents and visitors enjoy outdoor activities focused around the Chipola River and the Apalachicola River. Unfortunately, living between two rivers can sometimes have negative consequenses. Summer storms and heavy rain bring flooding and standing water. Our environmental health technicians are always on the go, ensuring the community has safe drinking water and safe septic systems, while keeping hordes of mosquitoes at bay. Until being notified of funding for a PACE-EH grant, we had a serious area of need. Calhoun County Health Department didn’t have an adequately-equipped water lab. Water samples from private wells and from the community drinking supply were packaged and mailed to another county for assessment. This caused a delay of several days, which can be critical since contaminated water can be a threat to public health. Having the ability to test water samples on site will significantly increase our ability to ensure our community has a safe and healthful water supply. The long-term impact will be clean safe water to drink and play in, contributing to better health for our community and visitors. For more information contact Michael DeVuyst, Environmental Health Manager, Calhoun County Health Department (850) 674-5645 X 237.
American Diabetes Alert Day was Tuesday, March 24, 2009 During the month of March, Calhoun County Health Department participated in a Diabetes Alert Media Campaign, featuring radio announcements in English and Spanish. The
Since the banner out front was visible on a highly travelled road (State Road 20) thousands of people drove by and saw it. Since we used the red logo that was on our printed ads,repeated exposure increased recognition of the fact that diabetes is a risk to our citizens. As a result, the Senior Citizen’s Center has requested diabetes education, which one of our nurses has agreed to provide soon. | |||
UpStreet KIDVENTURE 
October 18, 2008 was our second annual GOAT DAY GALLOP
Goat Day is an annual event in Blountstown, and for the second year in a row we piggybacked on this event with a physical activity. The Goat Day Gallop was not not a competition; we didn't want to discourage anyone from participating. The route is a beautiful, well maintained trail where people can bike, run, walk, skip or hop. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the Greenway, and the distance from Sam Atkins Park to the Apalachicola River and back is 5K.
Calhoun County's rural environment doesn't provide frequent opportunities to get outside and get moving. As a result of people living far apart and the weather often being oppressively hot, it's easier to sit inside and watch TV. Our goal is to get people outdoors and moving and having fun at the same time!
Eighty-six Blountstown citizens and visitors signed in at the trail head between 8:00 and 10:00 Saturday Morning. The weather was sunny and a brisk wind blew. 63 participants said they were not in the habit of exercising daily, and they were in a jolly mood as they headed down the trail. Fifteen of the participants were given a pedometer when they returned, to encourage them to keep track of their steps or miles. Seven were fitted for bicycle helmets, and one lady needed new pads for her helmet. After the "gallop" they headed to Sam Atkins Park and the Pioneer Settlement to enjoy the rest of the Goat Day Activities.
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Weight Loss Project: Dr. Jerry Boland with Lilika White, University of Florida Medical Student. Ms. White provided one-on-one counseling and follow-up to patients who were interested in losing weight. With Dr. Boland, she provided education about healthy lifestyles at the Senior Citizens Center in Blountstown, as well as in several of the branch libraries throughout the area. |
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For weight loss advice and tips, see The Road to Weight Loss. | |
SUCCESS STORY: 2008 miles in 2008
With the first half of the year completed, the goal of the fitness challenge has already been met. 78 people reporting as teams or individuals have reported their steps and miles. As of June 6, 2008 they have covered more than 3000 miles. Each participant has received a motivational book called "Walk Yourself Thin" and their accomplishment will be featured in next week's newspaper, "The County Record".
Rather than resting on our laurels, the new challenge is to do it again. Exercise teams are challenged to keep moving, keep reporting steps and miles, with the new goal of 4016 miles by the end of December 2008!
Saturday, May 17, 2008, RiverTown Community Church hosted "KidVenture - Goin' on the Bike Trail!" The group of 140 adults and kids started out at the Blountstown River Landing and pedaled the 3.5 mile distance to Sam Atkins Park. 70 of the riders were sporting new safety helmets that were provided free by the Calhoun County Health Department and Calhoun/Liberty healthy Start.
For previous events, go to the next page:
Brought to you by Florida's Healthy Communities; Healthy People Program
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