Free autism screening for young children Sept. 20

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, offers a free monthly autism spectrum disorder screening for toddlers 18 months to 5 years of age.

The next screening will be held Friday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Pediatric Specialist Office, 15901 Bass Road, Suite 102, Fort Myers.

It is estimated that one in every 44 children is diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.

Medical consultants for the project stress that an early diagnosis can make a vast difference for toddlers and their families. They say early intensive behavioral intervention can make an immense difference not just in the development of the child, but in their families as well.

The ASD screening is conducted by the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The screenings are administered by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, who has extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders.

A physician referral is not required. To schedule a screening, please call 239-343-6838.

Drug Free Lee holding seminar on older adults and substance abuse

Drug Free Lee is holding an Aging Seminar “Substance Abuse and the Older Adult” Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 8:30 a.m.

Topics to be discussed include “Increased Alcohol Use Due to COVID,” “Medication Interaction with Prescription Drugs” and “Safety Prevention for Drugs/Alcohol Related Injuries.”

Guest speakers for the seminar include Mayra Cardenas-Flynn, manager of the Hazeldon-Betty Ford Addiction Services, Naples; Clorival Lappost, health and wellness coordinator for the Area Agency on Aging, SWFL; and Guy Blanchette, CEO of Drug Free Collier.

The event will be hosted by Kristin Reagan at the Hazeldon-Betty Ford Foundation, 950 Sixth Ave., Naples.

Seating is limited and reservations are available through eventbrite.com.

Christian Medical Ministries adds hyperbaric chamber to its treatments

Christian Medical Ministries, a free medical clinic specializing in the treatment of mold illness and chronic pain, recently announced the addition of a hyperbaric chamber to its range of services. This cutting-edge therapy, made possible through grant funding, will be offered free of charge to qualifying patients.

Mold illness, also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, affects tens of thousands of people in the area, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Many residents are suffering from exposure to water-damaged structures, leading to significant health issues.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhances oxygen delivery to tissues, promoting healing from conditions such as fatigue, pain, brain dysfunction, neurological problems and gastrointestinal issues. Typically costing at least $200 per session, this therapy is now accessible for free to those in need through our clinic.

Christian Medical Ministries,a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is part of the Florida Department of Health Volunteer Healthcare Provider program and functions as a Sovereign Immunity Clinic. It operate two existing clinics: the Mold Illness Treatment Centers and the SWFL Free Pain Clinic at the Daniels Parkway site, and soon at a new Grace Church location, both in Fort Myers.

For more information about Christian Medical Ministries’ services, please contact Anna Hogan at 239-308-7107 or anna@christianmedicalministries.org.