Page 10 - Hobe Sound Reflections - October '21

Page 10, Hobe Sound

tip of tHe taiL

Feline Heartworms Unfortunately, heartworm disease in cats can be 30 percent of heartworm-infected cats were considered

fatal, and sudden-death may be the first sign that a cat “indoor-only.”
is infected. When young heartworms reach the heart and Unlike dogs, there is no treatment for heartworm
arteries of the lungs, the cat’s body usually responds with disease in cats. If your cat is infected, your vet may
a severe immune reaction to try and kill the worms. This prescribe steroids to try and reduce your cat’s inflammatory
immune response causes inflammation in the arteries and response to the heartworms. Supportive care is really all
airways which can result in coughing, difficulty breathing, that can be provided.
wheezing, or vomiting. Long-term damage to the lungs can Fortunately, preventing heartworm disease in cats is
occur. Heartworm disease in cats can easily be mistaken easy. A topical or oral medication, used monthly, is all
for feline asthma. that is needed to keep your cat from becoming infected.
Young heartworms that don’t die early on will grow to If your cat isn’t on a monthly heartworm preventative,
an adult size of approximately eight inches long and will please contact us at Palm City Animal Medical Center
Heartworm disease is a year-round risk to our pets in survive for two to three years in the cat. When the adult today. We would be happy to answer any questions that
Florida. Our warm, humid climate means that mosquitos worms ultimately die, fragments of the worms can lodge you have about feline heartworm disease, and can help
carrying heartworms are capable of infecting our pets at any in the lungs and blood vessels causing acute inflammatory you choose a heartworm preventative that will work best
time of the year. events that can result in death of the cat. Feline heartworms for you and your pet.
And while most of Florida’s dog owners know that can also migrate to the brain, eyes, and spinal cord, which Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
heartworm prevention is an essential part of dog ownership, can result in neurological signs in infected cats. Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
very few of Florida’s cat owners realize that cats require The Companion Animal Parasite Council reports that for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
heartworm prevention too. as many as 20.9 percent of cats in Florida have been surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
Cats are infected with heartworms when they are bitten by infected with heartworm disease at some point in their medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service,
a mosquito that is carrying heartworm larvae. Once bitten, the life. National rates of infection are reported to be between Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
heartworm larvae develop in the cat’s skin, fat, and muscle 12 to 15.9 percent. medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
tissue. Approximately two months later, young heartworms If you open your doors, then your cat is at risk. It owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
emerge and travel via the bloodstream to the cat’s heart and only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to infect www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on
large arteries of the lungs. your cat with heartworm disease. Studies have found that Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.

Financial Focus

What Does Retirement such as certain annuities that are designed to provide a die earlier than expected. That’s why you’ll want to create

Security Mean To You? lifetime income stream. a comprehensive estate plan – one that might include
• Prepare for unexpected costs. During your documents such as a durable power of attorney, a will and
By Sally Sima Stahl retirement, you can anticipate some costs, such as housing a living trust. A review of your insurance coverages and
October is National and transportation, but other expenses are more irregular beneficiaries can also help protect your assets and ensure
Retirement Security Month. and can’t always be predicted, such as those connected they are distributed the way you want. In creating your plan,
But what does retirement with health care. Even with Medicare, you could easily you will need to work with your financial advisor and a legal
security mean to you? And spend a few thousand dollars a year on medical expenses, professional, and possibly your tax advisor as well.
how can you work toward so you may want to budget for these costs as part of your Thinking holistically about your retirement security
achieving it? emergency savings, and possibly purchase supplemental and developing and executing a strategy aligned with
Here are some suggestions: insurance. You may also want to consider the possibility of your goals may help free you to enjoy one of the most
• Build your resources. needing some type of long-term care, which is not typically rewarding times of your life.
While you’re working, save covered by Medicare and can be quite expensive. The This article was written by Edward Jones for use by
in tax-advantaged accounts average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward
such as your IRA and 401(k) is more than $100,000, and it’s about $55,000 per year for Jones. Member SIPC.
or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. In your a home health aide, according to Genworth, an insurance Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are
401(k), contribute at least enough to earn your employer’s company. To address these costs, you may want to consider not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice.
match, if one is offered, and increase your contributions some form of protection, such as long-term care insurance You should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified
whenever your salary goes up. Remember, especially early or life insurance with a long-term care component. tax advisor regarding your situation.
in your career, time is often your biggest asset. Be sure • Do your estate planning. It’s hard to feel totally secure Call me for a free portfolio review at (561) 748-7600,
to save early, since the longer you wait, the more you’ll in retirement if you’re unsure of what might happen if you Sally Sima Stahl, AAMS, 1851 W. Indiantown Road, Ste.
need to save to help reach your goals. have an unexpected health event, become incapacitated or 106, Jupiter, FL 33458.
• Look for ways to boost retirement income. When
transitioning to retirement, you can take steps to align
your income with your needs. For example, consider
Social Security. You can start collecting it as early as 62,
but your monthly payments will be much larger if you can
wait until your “full” retirement age, typically between
66 and 67. (Payments will “max out” at age 70.) So, if
you have sufficient income from a pension or your 401(k)
and other retirement accounts, and you and your spouse
are in good health with a family history of longevity, you
may consider delaying taking Social Security. You also
might want to explore other income-producing vehicles,

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