Health

O’Daniel wants to
make a difference
The Spina Bifida Association website claims spina bifida affects about 165,000 Americans and is the nation's most common permanently disabling birth defect. It occurs when a child's spine doesn't close during the first months of pregnancy. People with spina bifida usually require a brain shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid.

By DANIEL J. VANCE

Disabilities

By JENNI WILLIAMS
Special to the Citizen
Palliative massage has become one of the fastest growing trends in therapy for hospice patients. Used as a method for relaxation to alleviate stress, anxiety and pain with a light hands-on approach, as well as providing an alternative to those who can’t take medication or prefer not to, palliative massage therapy has become essential in hospice care.

Dr. Mark Johnson, director of development at Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, was the Chiefland Rotary Club’s June 8 speaker. Johnson said one of out every four people is at some time diagnosed with mental illness.
“Looking at this crowd,” Johnson said laughing,” I think the odds are probably higher.”
Johnson urged community members to become familiar with different forms of mental illness, an act that could end up saving a life.