Page 1 - Southern Exposure - August '23

VOL. 31 NO. 8 www.seabreezepublications.com AUGUST 2023

Charity newS

Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Leads Statewide Effort

To Provide Dental Care To Veterans In Florida

Driven by their mission to improve veteran dental care WVRF Executive health conditions have fair to poor oral health, with 33 percent
throughout the state of Florida, the Wounded Veterans Relief Director and Army Veteran finding it difficult to eat due to dental issues. Poor oral health
Fund (WVRF) is the first nonprofit in the state to lead the Michael Durkee said the low affects veterans’ overall health, including their mental health.
statewide effort to offer free critical dental care to veterans VA dental care statistic is a According to the VA, up to 50 percent of veterans returning
who are unable to afford dental care and do not have access critical concern, as poor oral from Afghanistan and Iraq have been diagnosed with a mental
to care through the United States Department of Veterans health can lead to a range of health disorder associated with substance use disorders (SUDS),
Affairs (VA) or private insurance. serious health and mental and 63 percent with SUDS also met the criteria for post-
According to the VA, only 15 percent of veterans receive issues, placing more burdens traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With the increasing number of
VA dental care, which places veterans into benefits classes on our military members veterans suffering from mental health disorders, the VA reports
based on military service history and current health and who already face challenges when transitioning back to approximately 17 veterans die by suicide every day.
living situations. Specific benefits are assigned to each class, civilian life.
meaning not all veterans may receive comprehensive dental The connection between poor dental hygiene and mental Charity News on page 3
care. Only veterans who are 100 percent disabled or sustained health issues is evident. According to the American Academy
an oral injury while serving are given dental care at the VA. of Family Physicians, 60 percent of veterans with mental
Southern profile

Southern Spotlight
KOOL 105.5

FPL’s Manatee Lagoon Invites Families Radio Hosts Mo

To Explore, Learn And Enjoy Fun And Sally Attend

Summer Programming Wine Tasting

Free Activities And Experiences Inspire Visitors To Discover

And Learn About Florida Manatees At Doris Italian

Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center exhibits and programs Market & Bakery
®
is now offering a mix of indoor and outdoor summer that are either brand-
activities that celebrate Florida’s favorite marine mammal new or back by popular
and encourage fun family time. This summer, visitors can demand, including: Morning drive hosts Sally Sevareid and Mo Foster
enjoy educational programming, arts and crafts, interactive • Play, stretch and of KOOL 105.5’s “The Mo & Sally Morning Show”
simulations, outdoor games and new exhibits. enjoy the fresh air: were among the guests that attended Wine Night at
“At Manatee Lagoon, our goal is to create an interactive, Upon arrival at Manatee
entertaining and educational environment to inspire people Lagoon, visitors will
to preserve and protect Florida’s ecosystems,” said Zack discover new outdoor
Greenberg, leader at Manatee Lagoon. “There’s something games like cornhole,
for everyone, and rain or shine, visitors can expect to have tic-tac-toe and Connect
fun while learning about manatees in the wild and what they 4 for the entire family.
can do to help protect them.” Adults can work on the
This summer, the facility offers visitors a variety of mind, body and spirit
every Tuesday and Thursday
at 5:45 p.m. and Saturday
at 8 a.m. with yoga classes
led by certified instructors,
taking place outside against
the calming backdrop of Mo Foster and Sally Sevareid, from The Mo & Sally
Lake Worth Lagoon for a Morning Show on KOOL 105.5, with Nick Alfano and
low cost of $5 per person, John Alfano
per class.
Southern Profile on page 4
Southern Spotlight on page 2