Christopher John Jasiak Dies At 53

Christopher John Jasiak, age 53, of LaBelle, passed away January 30, 2015 in LaBelle. He was born Sep. 13, 1961 in Battle Creek, MI, to the late John L. and Nancy E. (Wood) Jasiak.

Chris was an active member of the LaBelle Moose Lodge and VFW, and worked at Oakbrook of LaBelle for many years. He had a kind smile and brought joyous conversation to many and will be sorely missed.

He is survived by one son: Christopher Jasiak and one daughter: Brytnie Lee Jasiak, mother: Nancy E. (Wood) Jasiak, two brothers: Kevin Jasiak, Courtney Jasiak (Colette) and one sister: Kim Jasiak. He was preceded in death by his wife Tracey Jasiak and father John L. Jasiak.

A memorial service will be held at the LaBelle Moose Lodge, contact information for the time and day please call the Lodge at 863-675-6255.

Cremation Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle

How To Have A Healthy Heart

Cardiovascular Disease Leading Cause Of U.S. Deaths For Men and Women

Hearts are everywhere in the month of February, so take the time to think about your own heart and show it some love.

February is recognized as American Heart Month. Do your heart some good and learn about your risks for heart disease and stroke. Choose to become “heart healthy”.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease (including heart disease, stroke & high blood pressure) is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women.

Try these strategies for a healthier heart. Try not to become overwhelmed; every step brings you closer to a healthier heart. Every healthy choice can make a difference!!

Here are a few tips to help you to become “heart healthy”

• Eat a healthy diet. Choosing healthier meal and snack options can help you avoid heart disease and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high blood cholesterol. Limiting salt or sodium in your diet can also lower your blood pressure.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease. To determine whether your weight is in a healthy range, healthcare providers often calculate a number called the body mass index (BMI). Sometimes your waist and hip measurements are used to measure your excess body fat.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. It is suggested that adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes each day.
• Don't smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. So, if you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, quitting will lower your risk for heart disease. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways you can quit smoking.
• Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can cause high blood pressure.

• Have your cholesterol checked. Your health care provider should test your cholesterol levels at least once every five years. Talk with your healthcare provider about this simple blood test.
• Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis.
• Manage your diabetes. If you have diabetes, closely monitor your blood sugar levels. Talk with your health care provider about treatment options.
• Take your medicine. If you're taking medication to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don't understand something.
• Talk with your health care provider. You and your healthcare provider can work together to prevent or treat the medical conditions that lead to heart disease. Discuss your treatment plan regularly and bring a list of questions to your appointments.

Know your signs and symptoms. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, however, most heart attacks start slowly and you may only feel mild pain or discomfort. Many people aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

·         Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

·         Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

·         Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.

·         Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

Physical activity in your daily life is an important step to preventing heart disease. You can take a few simple steps at home, at work, and at play to increase the amount of physical activity in your life.  Make A Date With Your Heart! Start taking steps to be heart-healthy.

Crocodile Farmers On The Next Audubon Program

LABELLE, FL. -- It's Crocodile Breeding season so your calendar for an entertaining fun-filled educational program presented by Allen and Patty Register owner/operators of Gatorama and Crocodile Adventures. 

This program featuring Crocodiles and Alligators will begin at 7 p.m. on Monday February 9 at the Hendry County Cooperative Extension Dallas Townsend Building located at 1085 Pratt Blvd. in LaBelle. 

As pioneers in the alligator industry the Registers are a sixth generation cracker family living on the edge of civilization. They share their corner of the Glades and the story of the most successful sustainable use model in the world for the recovery of an endangered species with visitors to their park every day. Patty, Allen and Gatorama have been featured in numerous movies, TV shows and news publications.

For information about this free program hosted by Hendry-Glades Audubon Society contact Butch Wilson 863- 983-2870 or Margaret England (863) 674-0695

How's Your Memory? Test It For Free

The Alzheimer Association Memory Mobile is Coming to LaBelle
LABELLE, FL. -- The “Memory Mobile” one of the Alzheimer Association’s initiatives and it is a mobile clinic that is open to anyone who is concerned about their memory or that of a family member or friend. The vehicle is an innovative way of bringing the issues of memory loss and dementia to the public and it has travelled county wide. It is a simple test and takes a few minutes. The idea is to detect the earliest stage of Alzheimer's. It is not only for seniors but for people of all ages.No appointments are necessary.

The memory bus will be available at the Florida Department of Health in Hendry County (LaBelle Site) February 06, 2015 from 10:00am - 2:00pm, 1140 Pratt Blvd, Labelle, Fl 33935.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 has some form of dementia and that number can increase to 1 in 6 for those over the age of 80. Early diagnosis and care for people with dementia, as well as educating those that care for them, is one of the strategic priorities for improving a person’s health and wellbeing. 

Memory problems can be common as people get older. Tiredness, stress, depression and certain medications can all affect memory. The important thing is for people to seek help if they have any concerns about memory loss. This event will allow people to talk, in confidence, with an expert. 

For more information, the national number is 1-800-272-3900 for Alzheimer’s Association.

Allan Quaid - Sugar Industry Pioneer Dies At 72

Allan D. Quaid, 72, of Queensland, Australia formerly of Clewiston, passed away January 24, 2015, in Saint Johns, Florida. 

Allan was a pioneer in the sugar industry, for which he worked nearly thirty years. He helped to bring the first mechanical harvesters to Florida and changed the way harvesting was done. Allan returned to his native Australia in 2008 to live his dream of farming and ranching.

He was born on December 27, 1942 in Queensland, Australia, to the late William and Alberta Quaid. Mr. Quaid was married to Kasady Dunwiddie Quaid, who survives the home along with their two sons, Trevor Allan Quaid and Connor Quaid. 

He is also survived by three daughters: Kathryn Quaid, Andrea Quaid, and Joyellen Horn, four siblings: Keren Plath, John Quaid, Richard Quaid, and Patrick Quaid, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by, a son: John Quaid, a sister: Kathleen Kelly, and a brother: Albert Quaid. Allan also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, relatives, and loved ones.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 11:00 am at AkinDavis Funeral Home, Clewiston, FL. Please join us to honor his memory and celebrate his life. There will be a lunch to follow at the Clewiston Inn at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or the American Cancer Society.