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UDEST Receives ‘Drug Unit of the Year’ Award for Second Consecutive Year

Information and image Ocala-News On Thursday, July 21, the Florida Narcotics Officers’ Association recognized the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) as the ‘Statewide Drug Unit of the Year.’

Ocala News reports that this is the second consecutive year that UDEST has received this award for its achievements. During the past year, UDEST seized over $4.5 million in drugs, which set a new record for the unit. According to a media release from the Ocala Police Department, UDEST identified eight drug trafficking organizations during the past year, and UDEST’s investigations led to these organizations being dismantled or disrupted. UDEST agents also served 58 search warrants, and 264 individuals were arrested or federally indicted for changes that ranged from drug trafficking to murder. These investigations led to the seizure of 12,905 grams and 907 pills of fentanyl, 846 grams and 29 pills of heroin, 27,634 grams of crystal meth, $368,502 in cash and assets, and 56 firearms. In addition, UDEST investigated 110 overdose deaths and arrested numerous suspects for their alleged roles in these deaths. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said, “The dedication and commitment of our UDEST agents to arrest these criminals and remove illegal drugs from our streets is something I am proud of. As a testament to their hard work, three defendants received life sentences for their roles in either trafficking fentanyl or murder. Their hard work is making Marion County a safer place.” “The commitment of our UDEST agents to protect and serve is what continues to ensure the safety of our community,” stated Ocala Police Department Chief Mike Balken. He added that the efforts and motivation of the agents will continue to rid the local community of these deadly drugs.

Strategies for Relieving Fascia Pain

By Mark Grevelding

Feeling tightness or pain when you move? It may not be your muscles or joints. Daily aches and pains can also be caused by restricted fascia. Evolving research is paying much more attention to fascia and the role it plays in keeping your body limber, pain-free and less prone to injury. Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscle in place. Without fascia, all movement would cease including the ability to stand. Recent studies show that fascia may be almost as sensitive as skin, with restricted fascia triggering pain and other maladies. Healthy fascia slides and glides as you move, as described in an online article by John Hopkins Medicine. Fascia tightens up when it becomes stressed. As it does so, it gets thicker, stickier and drier. The collagen fibers in the fascia dry up and create a restriction, limiting mobility and causing painful knots and adhesions. If you have ever experienced foot pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis, you know all too well what this kind of fascial pain feels like. People often think their knee pain is jointrelated when in fact it is inflammation in the connective tissue that runs from the pelvic bone to the shin bone. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of movement can cause collagen fibers in the fascia to dry up and become restricted. Hence the old adage, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Repetitive movement can also cause fascia pain, as can dehydration, poor diet and stress. Additionally, fascial damage can also occur after an injury or surgery. If you want to keep your fascia healthy, start moving more. An active lifestyle and exercise are your best defense for keeping your fascial system in optimal “slide & glide” condition. Daily stretching or activities such as yoga are the best things you can do to maintain healthy fascia. Aside from stretching, it is also important to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Heat and massage therapy are also recommended for easing fascia pain. If you enjoy exercising in a pool, my UK colleague just posted a gentle stretching routine on the Poolfit app called Fascial Movement for Active Aging. Mark Grevelding is the founder of PoolFit, a fitness app and website that includes over 130 water fitness & in-home workouts suitable for older adults.