HEALTHY SKIN

administrative director since 2005. “We evaluate them for their needs, and if they need more professional counseling, we refer them upstairs.” “Upstairs” at The Mission is where Nakita Scott is found. Scott is the clinical director for Grace Counseling Services of Winter Haven. Housed on The Mission’s second floor, Scott – a former counselor with the Polk County School District’s Hearth Project — is credentialed through insurance companies, doctors’ offices and social services organizations to provide mental health counseling. Along with three counselors, she personally visits with about 13 clients per week, 30 or more total in the office. Scott says at The Mission, she’s able to meet with clients without restrictions or requirements, giving them the ability to discuss personal issues more directly and freely. Among the mental conditions addressed at Grace are grief and loss; relationship issues; spirituality and faith concerns; anxiety, worry and fear; depression; substance abuse and addiction; trauma; parenting; and low self-esteem and/or low self-confidence. Some of the counseling strategies employed by Grace’s counselors are prayer, scripture, Bible study, forgiveness, gratitude, personal identity in Christ, selflove and acceptance and ethical values and behaviors “It depends on their clinical needs, but we’re about meeting the clients where they’re at in life, with no restrictions or requirements,” says Scott, a licensed Christian therapist. Part of getting healthier in mind and body is accomplished through a daily schedule at The Mission, where Panera Bread and Publix Super Markets provide breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. and lunch is served daily from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Besides access to food, those visiting The Mission have access to a computer to check for email, search for work or get tutoring. They also can attend art therapy classes and small support groups for emotional needs or advice. As for the future, Berry says there are always new and enhanced programs at the doorstep of The Mission. Among those: • Making stronger case management programs through counseling services • Utilizing college interns to assist with operations and support beginning in

August • Starting an occupational therapy program in 2022 • Future plans to expand the current

Mission home “These are provided to help the homeless and other individuals to learn to transition back into the workplace, to help move them from just being limited in what they can do to becoming self-sufficient,” says Berry. The Central Avenue location is the fourth Winter Haven site of The Mission since 2000, following the use of Beauregard’s home, Rotary Park and the Hill building on Third Street. At the end of the day, Berry, his staff, volunteers and most importantly, the “neighbors” of The Mission say its most important function is to get folks healthy physically and spiritually, get them back on their feet pounding the pavement for work and making them functioning, useful citizens and neighbors. “Hopefully, it helps someone avoid going down the same roads I have,” adds Garland. “I’ve been down those roads,” he says, saying it often seems like people don’t care. “But here,” he says, “these people do care.”

HN

JASON GARLAND AND DAVID BERRY

Learn How to Spot, Treat Rosacea

Rosacea is a fairly common dermatological condition that can affect anyone of any age. It is a chronic condition with no known cure, but advances in medical technology have made it possible to treat and control the symptoms. You can recognize rosacea primarily by the presence of a facial redness that resembles a sunburn or blushing but does not go away, or by a characteristic skin thickening, especially on the nose. Rosacea may also cause small, solid, red bumps or pimples that may burn or sting, facial swelling (edema), prominently visible blood vessels on the face, eye irritation, dry facial skin, or a burning or stinging sensation on the face. Sometimes, in rare cases, symptoms of rosacea can appear on other body parts, such as the scalp, ears, neck or chest.

It is not known what causes rosacea, though there may be a genetic component, as it tends to run in families. People with fair skin seem to be at a higher risk, as are those of northern or eastern European descent. The condition is more commonly diagnosed in women, but tends to affect men more severely. Men are often affected by the skin-thickening aspect of the disease, which can cause the nose to become swollen and bumpy. Many people who suffer from rosacea experience decreased self-confidence and self-esteem because of it.

There are a variety of oral and topical medications available to treat symptoms. Once the symptoms have been brought under control, anti-inflammatory therapy can be used to maintain remission. In some cases, a laser or other medical device may be utilized to remove visible blood vessels or excess skin tissue. A physician can best advise the patient what type of lifestyle changes and skincare routines may help prevent future flare-ups.

A gentle daily skincare routine is recommended to help reduce the incidence of flare-ups. We suggest using a mild, non-abrasive cleanser and soft cloths followed by rinsing with lukewarm water and blotting the face dry. Rosacea is just one of many skin conditions we treat at Lakeside Dermatology. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you.

ALEX W. KENNON, MD, FAAD

This column is sponsored by Lakeside Dermatology, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers. Dr. Alex W. Kennon, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist who is fellowshiptrained in Mohs micrographic surgery. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Florida State University and completed his dermatology residency at Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Lakeside Dermatology has offices in Sebring and Winter Haven.

MAKE IT OK!

Peace River Center Campaign Aims to Fight Stigma Associated With Mental Illness

by TERESA SCHIFFER

With one in five people experiencing a mental health issue at some point in their lives, it is vitally important that as a society we remove the stigma associated with mental illness in order to encourage those affected by these conditions to seek the treatment they need. Peace River Center is on the frontline of this battle, working tirelessly to provide the public with the services, care and education necessary to help people struggling with mental health difficulties. To this end, Peace River Center has a number of programs and campaigns operating to provide resources for anyone who either needs care or is interested in supporting the organization’s goals. One such project is the Make It OK campaign. Ileana Kniss, director of community relations and development for Peace River Center, recently spoke with us about this outreach effort. “The Make It OK campaign is an effort for us to help reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness. It’s a campaign to reduce stigma by increasing understanding and creating a conversation about mental illness,” Kniss explains. “A lot of times, we have a stigma because of stereotypes, because it’s something we really don’t know about. So we’re just trying to talk about what is mental illness, what is mental health. The three main pillars for Make It OK are to learn, share and talk about mental illness.” The reason this stigma needs to be addressed is because it can be a major obstacle to someone getting care when they need it. They may not want to be diagnosed, so they will avoid talking about the problems they are having out of fear of having others look at them in a negative light. However, mental illnesses are diagnosable and treatable diseases, and we need to recognize that fact and encourage people to reach out in times of distress. Peace River Center is offering engaging 30-minute presentations to discuss these issues with anyone who is interested in learning more. They can send a representative to any workplace or community center, or a virtual presentation can be arranged. You can schedule a presentation by visiting www.peacerivercenter.org/makeitok. The Make It OK campaign is an ongoing effort. The website includes other helpful information, centralfloridahealthnews.com