Page 8 - Martin Downs Bulletin - March '20

Page 8, Martin Downs

tip of tHe tail

Importance of Year-Round case. We see heartworms year-round, especially here in heartworms in our small animal companions. The
Heartworm Prevention Florida. Additionally, mosquitoes routinely travel inside mainstay is a monthly preventative pill, with many of the
our homes to escape the elements and in search of a blood
products including protection against fleas and intestinal
meal. Therefore, even indoor animals or pets that only parasites. These medications come with stickers in the
go outside to use the restroom are still at risk. And here’s packaging that you can place on your monthly calendar
another alarming fact: One heartworm positive dog in the to remind you when it’s time to give the prevention. If
neighborhood (this can be someone’s pet or a stray) will purchased directly from your veterinarian, these products
result in 74 percent of the mosquitoes having infectious come with a guarantee from the manufacturers. Contact
heartworm larvae. This means that your pet, if not on your veterinarian to determine which option might be
heartworm prevention, is at an even greater risk. best for you and your pet’s lifestyle. If your dog has
As previously mentioned, heartworm disease can be been off of prevention or missed doses, your veterinarian
a fatal disease. Adult worms measuring up to 14 inches will likely want to perform a simple blood test to ensure
long can lodge in the heart and major blood vessels. he or she has not already contracted heartworms. It can
This can cause irreversible changes to the heart muscle, take up to six months for heartworms to be detected via
as well as damaging your pet’s lungs causing a cough blood test. So, if you’ve recently adopted a dog with an
or shortness of breath on walks, etc. In untreated cases, unknown medication history, you’ll likely want to retest
congestive heart failure can result in fluid accumulation six months after the initial sampling.
in the pet’s abdomen. Heartworm disease can be treated, Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
As many of you may or may not be aware, heartworm but it does carry an expense that far outweighs the cost Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
disease is fairly prevalent here in Florida. It is a of keeping your pet on prevention. Not to mention the for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
potentially fatal disease that is spread to dogs and cats via potentially long-term effects on your pet’s heart muscle. surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
mosquitoes. The good news: It is completely preventable For an average 40-pound dog, it would cost as low as $11 medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service,
with heartworm prevention, usually in the form of a per month to keep him or her protected, depending on Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
monthly pill. Did you know that your pet is still at risk of the product chosen. Alternatively, if the same pet were to medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
contracting the disease in fall and winter months? There become infected with heartworms, the cost to eradicate owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
is sometimes a false perception that because we see less them could be 10 times this amount depending on the www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on
mosquitoes during that time, the risk of your pet getting treatment. Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
heartworms is not present. Unfortunately, this is not the Thankfully, there are many options for preventing
estate planninG

Call 2-1-1 In Crisis Or Need The mission of 2-1-1 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast suggest alternatives and methods for relaxation like deep
is to connect people to services 24 hours a day by breathing exercises, writing in a journal, and provide
By Carrie Lavargna understanding their individual emotional, financial, and encouragement to the caller.
How do you find out where community needs and to support the health and human Call 2-1-1 also provides help to parents who are
to get help when you need service system as a whole. overwhelmed or worried about the development of their
it? Call 2-1-1 for help and Call 2-1-1 for Elder Crisis Outreach to have someone children. They are part of “Help Me Grow” which is a
information for many services check on a vulnerable adult over 60 years of age that national program designed to identify young children
that are available. This service has overwhelming problems due to grief and loss, from 0 to 8 years who may be at-risk for developmental,
is operated by 2-1-1 Palm financial hardships, social isolation, self-neglect, illness, behavioral or social challenges. There is no charge to
Beach/Treasure Coast, a victimization and emotional distress. Elder Crisis participate in the 2-1-1 Help Me Grow program and they
private nonprofit charitable Outreach can provide supportive counseling, needs partner with other programs that provide services free,
agency which began in 1981 assessment, goal setting and plan of action, linkage to low-fee or sliding scale services.
as a drug hotline. community services, suicide prevention and advocacy Call 2-1-1 also has a special needs helpline to assist
They quickly expanded with family or service providers. families with support, answers and resources, and their
into crisis counseling and Elder Crisis Outreach can also set up daily “sunshine” goal is to alleviate the emotional stress experienced by
suicide prevention and now they offer services for elder crisis, reassurance calls to check on the well-being of seniors, parents and caregivers of children with special needs.
veterans, and families in need. In the early 2000s, the agency the homebound or disabled. This service is provided seven They also provide information on special needs events
expanded its services into the Treasure Coast, serving residents days a week between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. and is available and have contacts with the Family Care Council of Florida
of Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties. in Martin, Indian River, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and and the programs that provide workshops and training for
The FCC has designated 2-1-1 to be the national call St. Lucie counties. To receive your daily sunshine call autism and related disabilities.
number for information and referral purposes. just dial 2-1-1 and say you are interested in receiving the Volunteers are encouraged to contact 2-1-1 to make a
sunshine calls. difference.
Florida has the third largest veterans’ population in As a nonprofit organization, Call 2-1-1 Palm Beach/
Palm City Auto the nation. Call 2-1-1 for information and referral to Treasure Coast, envisions a community where people in
crisis receive the information and support they need to
VA funded services and additional community-based
Lube & Services services. Call 2-1-1 provides emotional support by trained weather life’s storms.
professionals.
This column is an overview of the subject matter and
Call 2-1-1 if you or someone you know is feeling is not intended as legal advice. Carrie Lavargna is an
suicidal or may hurt themselves. By calling 2-1-1 there attorney practicing law in Stuart at Lavargna Law, PLLC.
The DiTerlizzi Family of Companies is someone on the line who cares and has experience She is board certified in real estate law by the Florida
helping people through difficult situations. You may be
Supreme Court and recognized as an Accredited Estate
Planner by the National Association of Estate Planning
talking with a private therapist, counselor or psychologist
Celebrating Our 28th Year who can help you calm down by listening to you and then Councils.

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