The temperatures are rising. The sun is shining. It’s time to explore the world with your pup, right?! Wrong! Before you head into the dog days of summer, it’s important to make sure you and your pup are prepared. Here are five tail waggin’ tips for keeping your pet safe this summer:
Know Thy Dog
People often ask me how I keep my snow dogs cool in the heat. The answer? Just like any other dog. In fact, huskies’ double coats allows them to cool off better than short-haired breeds like labs or beagles. Still, I avoid taking them out during the hottest parts of the day. Some breeds already have breathing challenges, like boxers or Frenchies, and the heat can exacerbate this. No matter what, it’s imperative to know what your dog specifically needs.
Keep Your Pet Hydrated!
During the summer months, you must keep your furry friend hydrated! Always make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water. You can also place ice cubes in your dog’s water bowl to keep it cold for longer! For a special treat, offer your pup some dog-friendly ice cream or a frozen banana to enjoy.
Plan All Outings Carefully
Take your dog for their walk in the early morning or evening to beat the hot temperatures. If you need to run some errands during a sweltering day, consider leaving your pup at home. Hot pavement (and even sand) can burn paw pads and lead to serious injuries. If you’re planning a road trip, make sure you have enough food and water for your pup, and never leave your dog alone in the car.
Create a Cooling Off Playground
Water fun isn’t just for kids! Fill a baby pool with water and ice, or turn on the sprinkler. You can also place a cooling blanket on your dog’s back or take her to a dog-friendly beach! Don’t forget to make sure there’s a shady spot for your dog to rest, and limit exercise time outside to ensure your furry friend stays cool and safe. Always monitor your pet for signs of overheating, such as fatigue, extreme thirst, disorientation, and unusual breathing.
Have a Backup Plan
Sometimes it’s just too dang hot to be outside for long. So, why not set up toys and enrichment activities indoors? Try using a special puzzle (Buddy loves this one!) or a peanut butter mat. Or, take your dog to a pet-friendly brewery so they can get in some new sights and smells—and enjoy a nice cold floor!
No matter what your summer activities hold, ensuring your pet stays hydrated, cool, and has plenty of safe opportunities to exercise will allow you to both enjoy the summertime as much as possible! For a full list of dog-friendly activities in The Palm Beaches, click here.
Dr. Jonathan Shaw from Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute Shares Expert Tips for Easing Knee Arthritis Pain
ByGianna Picard
Most people, as they age, are affected by joint arthritis, and it presents as pain, swelling, and stiffness. Living with knee arthritis can be challenging, but staying active is key to managing the condition—movement helps maintain joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, and alleviate pain, ultimately improving your quality of life. Dr. Jonathan Shaw, a local hip and knee orthopedic surgeon at the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, is sharing four suggested exercises and stretches specifically designed to help those battling knee arthritis. These simple yet effective movements are aimed at strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving flexibility, and reducing pain, all while promoting better joint function and mobility.
Quadriceps Set (Exercise)
This exercise targets the front of the thigh, above the knee, which is better known as the quadriceps. Strengthening the quadriceps helps to support and stabilize the knee joint, reducing strain and improving joint function, which can help alleviate pain from stiff joints.
How to perform:
Sit on the floor with your leg stretched straight in front of you.
Tighten your thigh muscles by pushing the back of your knee down toward the ground.
Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds, then relax.
Recommendation: repeat 10 to 15 times on each leg.
Straight Leg Raise (Exercise)
Straight Leg Raises are an exercise that targets the quadriceps and hip flexors. This motion strengthens the muscles around the knee and improves knee stability, reducing discomfort and promoting better joint mobility.
How to perform:
Lie down on your back with one leg sticking out straight and the other bent with your foot on the ground.
Slowly lift the straight leg upward about 6 to 12 inches, keeping it straight.
Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds, then lower the leg back down.
Repeat 10 to 15 times for each leg.
Dr. Shaw highly suggests that if sharp pain is experienced at any point during the movement, stop immediately and seek medical attention to avoid further damage to the joint.
Hamstring Stretch
Other than low-impact exercises, stretching is also recommended for those experiencing knee arthritis. Hamstring stretches target the back of the thigh, which is known as the hamstring muscle. By stretching the hamstrings the correct way, a release of tightness will be felt in the back of the leg. This will overall improve flexibility and reduce strain on the knee joint.
How to perform:
Sit on the ground and stick one leg out straight and the other leg bent, foot placed flat on the floor.
Slowly lean forward at the hips, reaching toward the toes, keeping the leg straight.
Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, then relax.
Repeat 2 to 3 times for each leg.
Dr. Shaw stresses the importance of knowing your limits. To avoid overstretching, it’s recommended that you stop if pain occurs during the action. “If pain, swelling, or difficulty moving your knee is experienced after physical activities, it’s important to address the issue early,” said Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Hip and Knee Surgeon at the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute. “These symptoms may be an indicator of a strain, sprain, or even a more serious injury like a tear or fracture, which those with arthritis are at higher risk for. I strongly recommend seeing an orthopedic specialist if symptoms persist, as prompt treatment can prevent further damage and improve recovery outcomes.”
Calf Stretch
Calf stretches focus specifically on the lower leg. These particular stretches can alleviate tension in the lower leg, reducing pressure on the knee. Overall, calf raises will promote the leg’s mobility and make it easier to perform daily tasks.
How to perform:
Stand facing the wall, with your hands placed on the wall at shoulder height.
Step one foot back, keeping both feet flat on the floor.
Gently press your back heel into the ground while bending your front knee slightly.
Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, then switch legs.
Repeat this 2 to 3 times on each leg
Dr. Shaw encourages those with arthritis to implement exercises and stretches in their daily routines to avoid flare-ups of aches and pains. Staying active will help keep the knee joint moving, improve strength, and reduce pain, allowing you to ease some of the side effects of arthritis.
By following these key tips and listening to your body, taking Dr. Shaw’s advice can help those who experience knee arthritis enjoy their time performing daily activities, while minimizing the risk of severe knee injuries. Ultimately, stretching and exercising can positively impact joint health!To learn more about Dr. Shaw and the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, visit https://www.pboi.com/jonathan-shaw.
During one of my recent trips through the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, I made a point of visiting the underground thoroughfare that connects Concourse B and Concourse C. Instead of taking the Plane Train that connects the two concourses, I decided to walk. As I walked through this section of the airport, I noticed that the walls are adorned with a series of portraits, paintings, pictures, images and quotes from former leaders of Atlanta. The images and their short descriptions helped showcase and describe the evolution of the City of Atlanta. It truly is a remarkable documentation of the growth of one of the world’s leading cities.
The first image gives a brief pictorial overview of what life was like in that part of Georgia from 1540 until the mid-1830s.
The documentation of life in the greater Atlanta area started when Atlanta established itself as a Railroad Town in the 1830s. At the time, Stephen H. Long, a chief engineer for the Western & Atlantic Railroad, was not very optimistic about Atlanta’s immediate and long-term future.
“A good location for one tavern, a blacksmith shop, a grocery store, and nothing else,” said Long, back in 1837.
Clearly, his assessment of Atlanta’s long-term prospects was not very accurate.
Of course, one of the most significant periods of time in Atlanta’s history was the Civil War, which took place from 1861-1865. To say that the Civil War years were traumatic for Atlanta residents and its business community is an understatement.
“The shells of General Sherman were the strokes of the hammer of liberty, unfastening the fetters of the accused and inhumane institution of slavery,” said Reverend Dr. Edward Randolph Carter, a writer and social activist back in 1864.
From 1866-1895, Atlanta went through a period of time known as the Resurgens. During this time, Atlanta was rebuilt during Reconstruction following the Civil War.
“I want to say to General Sherman, that from the ashes left us in 1864 we have raised a brave and beautiful city,” said Henry W. Grady, editor, Atlanta Constitution, in 1886.
From 1896-1946, life in Atlanta was labeled The Color Line.
“Bucks, ballots and books are the keys to African-American freedom,” declared civic and political leader John Wesley Dobbs, circa 1940.
From 1925-1971, that time period was known as Forward Atlanta. During those years, businesses became firmly established in Georgia’s capital city.
“Office buildings are to Atlanta what furniture is to Grand Rapids (Michigan) and automobiles are to Detroit,” said Charles Palmer, Atlanta-area businessman and developer, in 1930.
By the 1930s, Atlanta was truly the leading city in the Southeast of the U.S.
“The Southeast is on wheels and Atlanta is the hub around which the wheels revolve,” said Ivan E. Allen, Sr., businessman and civil booster, in 1925.
The Civil Rights Era in Atlanta stretched from 1946-1973. The fact that Martin Luther King, Jr. and his family lived in Atlanta made the city the focal point of the civil rights movement in the U.S.
“We are not satisfied and will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream,” said King back in 1963.
From 1973 to the present day, life in Atlanta has been labeled Global Getaway.
Clearly, the presence of CNN in Atlanta, Delta Air Lines utilizing Atlanta as its main hub, and the arrival of the Summer Olympics in 1996 confirmed Atlanta’s status as a global destination.
“We stand not so much as a gateway to the South, but as a gateway to a new time, a new era, a new beginning for the cities of our land,” said Maynard H. Jackson, Atlanta Mayor, in 1974.
Without a doubt, the maturation of Atlanta is the direct result of people and businesses working together for the greater good.
“We have a beautiful, fragile planet where all people and all things are interdependent and interconnected,” said Ted Turner, CNN founder, businessman, and philanthropist, in 2006.
Atlanta is also one of the great sports cities in the U.S. as the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four (for college basketball), and a massive sporting goods trade show known as The Super Show have all been held in Atlanta since the late 1980s. Atlanta is also the home many professional sports franchises: Atlanta Braves (Major League Baseball), Atlanta Hawks (National Basketball Association), Atlanta Falcons (National Football League), and Atlanta United FC (Major League Soccer). And, Atlanta has been selected as one of the venues in the U.S. for games affiliated with soccer’s World Cup in 2026. The games will be held inside the Mercedes-Benz Dome in downtown Atlanta.
It’s also worth noting that Atlanta is where you’ll find the global headquarters of Coca-Cola and Chick Fil-A, as well as major universities such as Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Emory University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University.
You will see all this local history and more on your next trip to and through the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The history of the City of Atlanta – currently on display between Concourse B and Concourse C at the airport — awaits your arrival.
Well, we are now counting down the days for the 2024/2025 school year. For me, it is the end of an era. My son will be graduating high school and starting college in the late summer. I have mixed feelings about this, as I’m sure you can imagine. I’m proud of both of my kids. Their journeys have been, and continue to be, completely different – unique. Just like them. They have their own style, mannerisms… things that have nothing to do with me and as strange as it seems, I am quite proud of that. Why? Simply put it means that I gave them enough space to figure things out on their own. As a stay at home mom, that is hard.
I think it’s really important to, at a certain point, let the kids decide or do for themselves. The things that make us us … should be determined by each individual person. My job is to monitor, to make sure their choices are healthy (no, you aren’t drinking Monster) and safe (nothing good happens in parking lots after midnight. Your curfew is midnight), and then to lay down the foundation. Besides helping them develop good healthy friendships and making good choices, I’ve really tried to instill a love of literature or just reading in general. It’s one of the things I’ve insisted upon.
Wanna watch a movie? Did we read the book first? Extra time on our hands – read a book. Trip to the library and can we get some DVD’s? You can get two DVD’s and as many books as you want. Time for bed – snuggling and a book. Too much TV? Book. Summer vacation – rewards for reading books. You see where I’m going with this…
And now, my son, packing for a trip to Universal, is being forced to listen to an audio book I have playing in the background. His taste in many things (movies, books, music) tends to be a little darker than normal, but the apple doesn’t fall to far from the tree. I’m listening to Reincarnation Blue by Michael Poore. There is a lot of dark humor and has made me laugh out loud. My son, who is more interested in his music lately, peaks his head around the corner – “What is this?” I tell him. Humm… he seems interested. They say that everyone likes to read, you just have to find your book. But now it has me questioning, does the book choose you?
I think I’ve harped on this before in my column, but if you want your kids to read, they need to catch you reading. And I have the solution. Read It Write It Book and Writing Festival is happening Saturday, June 14, 2025 in the Mall at Wellington Green. Think of it as an adult book fair. Although, it’s really for all ages and it’s absolutely free. That’s right – something to do on a summer day and it’s indoors and FREE admission. Find your new author obsession. Buy a book and have it signed. Bring the kids and have them watch you engage with the author and then – here’s the real challenge – read the book and make sure they see you reading it.
You don’t have to wear the same clothes or even agree on political view points, but it’s important that your kids see you, or in my case, hear you reading.
When patients come into Advanced Surgical Physicians, they run the gamut of the emotional spectrum. Anxiety and fear when first diagnosed, cautious optimism during treatment and wild hope and joy when realizing they are in remission.
Andrew Shapiro, MD also noticed that when his breast cancer patients would come in, they would struggle with weight gain due to hormonal therapy and more often than not, this would have an adverse effect on their mental health.
Dr. Andrew Shapiro
As the Medical Director of the Comprehensive Breast Center and leader of the Breast Cancer Support Group at Wellington Regional Medical Center, Dr. Shapiro wanted to do more for his patients and he started researching deeper into the advancements in GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The program uses Tirzepatide, a medication that has shown promising results for weight loss and blood sugar control and can be found in GLP-1 medications such as Zepbound and Mounjaro.
It is a once-weekly injectable medication that works by mimicking two natural hormones in the body: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These hormones help regulate appetite, blood sugar levels, and metabolism and work in several ways to promote weight loss:
Decreased appetite: It helps you feel full longer after eating, so you’re less likely to overeat.
Slower digestion: It slows down the movement of food through your stomach and intestines, which also helps you feel full for longer.
Improved blood sugar control: It increases insulin production and lowers blood sugar levels, which can help with weight loss and reduce the risk of complications from diabetes.
In addition to significant weight loss – studies have shown that people taking Tirzepatide can lose an average of 15-20% of their body weight in 72 weeks – the drug can also improve blood sugar control by lowering A1C (measure of average blood sugar) levels over time and also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke as a result of both of these outcomes.
As with any medication, there are side effects and the most common ones for Tirzepatide include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
Patients may also experience fatigue, dizziness, injection site reactions, and, if nutritional intake isn’t maintained during significant weight loss, hair loss.
Mild allergic reactions are also possible and Dr. Shapiro emphasizes that these side effects are often mild and temporary and can often be managed with over-the-counter remedies, proper hydration, and a balanced diet.
Initially, the Advanced Surgical Physicians weight loss program was for patients of the practice but now, the program is open to adults who are overweight or obese and have a BMI of 27 or higher and eligibility depending on medical history such as type 1 diabetes, a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer.
A proud veteran and strong supporter of the community, Dr. Shapiro is offering a special discount for first responders, teachers and military members, both active and retired.
To learn more about the Tirzepatide, the weight-loss program and the discount, contact Advanced Surgical Physicians directly at: 561-333-1335.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Equipment
Baking Sheet
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
Place broccoli florets, mushrooms, butternut squash, zucchini, squash, bell pepper and onion in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and thyme; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Gently toss to combine.
Place into oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until tender.*
Serve immediately.
Notes
*Baking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the vegetables.