ProHealth: ‘Our affordability sets us apart’ [The Walton Sun, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.]

Nov. 21--Vivian Krumel never dreamed that her career as a registered nurse would grow to impact the wellness of an entire region. But that is exactly what has happened.

In 1985, with 30 years of nursing experience under her belt, Vivian began an insurance paramedical exam business out of her home called Professional Health Examiners.

From the beginning, Vivian offered a range of health services to the uninsured, for whom health care came at a premium. In the 26 years since its opening, the business has grown from her original home-based paramedical office, but the vision has not changed.

"As a registered nurse, I have always looked at prevention as a means to better health rather than treatment," Vivian says.

And though the name may have changed to ProHealth, each branch continues to provide affordable, quality services, such as lab work, drug testing, and vaccinations, many at a small percentage of the cost of local hospitals and labs.

"We fill a niche," said Danette Krumel, Vivian's daughter and the business development manager. "We don't file insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, so we are not bound by regulatory measures."

Because this allows the business to operate with a low overhead, the savings are passed to the customer, allowing ProHealth to offer the same services as other labs at a fraction of the cost.

Vivian, who retired in 2010, and her daughters, Debbie DuFour and Danette, have grown the business to include five offices dotting the Panhandle, including Pensacola, Milton, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, and Santa Rosa Beach.

Arlene Newsome, RN, has been the manager of the Santa Rosa Beach office since it opened nearly four years ago. The office is conveniently located on Mack Bayou Road just past Sacred Heart Hospital. Arlene administers the lab work and vaccinations, but most important for those who may be anxious about such procedures, she is lauded for her relaxation techniques.

Even something as simple as belly breathing soothes the parasympathetic nervous system, and "the patients cannot help but calm down," said Arlene.

The Santa Rosa Beach office specializes in two areas, vaccinations and lab work.

Vaccinations offered at ProHealth include flu shots and FluMist, shingles, T-Dap, Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, and meningitis, among others.

With the budget-friendly price of both vaccinations and lab work, good health doesn't have to come down to a deliberating decision.

"Some people choose between lab work and medications," said Danette. "But because our lab work is so affordable, people can have both."

Whether by doctor's orders or for peace of mind, lab work can test everything from diabetes to thyroid to complete blood count, which gives levels of red and white blood cells. For information about ProHealth's services, find them online at prohealthfl.com.

No appointments are necessary for vaccinations, lab work, or drug or paternity testing at ProHealth. The Santa Rosa Beach office, located at 1131 Mack Bayou Road, Suite E, is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m. to noon. When you see the yellow "Flu Shots Here Today" sign, you know you're in the right place.

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