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A TOAST AND A CHEER DURING LUNCHEON KICKOFF TO CELEBRATE JWF’s 15 YEARS

Meredith Westheimer
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A TOAST AND A CHEER DURING LUNCHEON KICKOFF TO CELEBRATE JWF’s 15 YEARS

A TOAST AND A CHEER DURING LUNCHOEN KICKOFF TO CELEBRATE JWF’s 15 YEARS
Guests of Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches’ luncheon kickoff look ahead to “Imagine the Possibilities” luncheon on December 13

(Palm Beach, Fla.) With a toast by Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches’ (JWF) CEO Tami Baldinger, inspiring remarks by JWF founding chair Eileen Berman, and the clink of glasses, JWF kicked off its seasonal celebration – the Imagine the Possibilities luncheon – with a pre-event reception in Palm Beach. The fundraising luncheon will celebrate 15 years of creating positive change for women and children by the independent nonprofit. Taking place at The Colony on December 13 at 11:30 a.m., the event is chaired by Lisa Schneider, a founding trustee; co-chaired by Richard Comiter and Beth Wayne; and will honor founding trustee Sandra Krakoff.

“Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches is perfectly poised to expand the impact of our gender lens philanthropy and be a public voice for justice and equality,” said Baldinger. “The time is now. Women’s rights and issues are at the forefront of a growing national conversation; financial support allows us to stand up and work towards removing the barriers to equality for all. While we have much to celebrate – including giving more than $2.5 million in grants over the years – it is clear there is still so much work to be done. We are grateful to our luncheon leadership, who are working diligently to ensure our event is a great success.”

The annual luncheon, aptly named Imagine the Possibilities three years ago, encourages guests to envision a world where women and children all over the globe can be safe and economically secure. This year’s luncheon will feature local grantee partners – The Lord’s Place and Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County – and local students who participate in the Foundation’s “No Small Change” teen philanthropic leadership program.

Sponsors-to-date include: Eileen Berman and Jay Bauer, Arlene Bearman, Barbara Mines, Sydelle Sonkin, Shirley Siff, the Leonard & Judy Lauder Fund, Evelyn & Arthur, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, TD Wealth, Jewish Federation of PB County, U.S. Bank.

Luncheon kickoff attendees included: Tami Baldinger, Jay Bauer, Eileen Berman, Richard Comiter, Mona Forstadt, Alana Faintuch Hoch, Adiel Hoch, Ellen Kaufman, Sandra Krafkoff, Erin Leibowitz, Vivian Lieberman, Ozzie Medeiros, Lisa Schneider, Lisa Schreier, Eddie Schmidt, Hope Silverman, Sydelle Sonkin, and Beth Wayne.

Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches is a nonprofit grant making and advocacy organization established to improve the lives of women and girls. Guided by Jewish values, JWF advocates for advancing all women and girls, and funds projects that have long-term effects for societal change on local, national and international levels by placing an unwavering focus on the root cause of issues. An inclusive organization, JWF welcomes members of all beliefs and genders who believe that when women and girls are empowered, the entire community benefits.

Tickets are $150 and sponsorships are still available. To purchase tickets, or for more information about JWF, please contact Erin Leibowitz at 561-275-2200 or email her at erin@jwfpalmbeach.org. You can also register online at jwfpalmbeach.org. The Colony is located at 155 Hammon Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480.

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Wellington Nonprofits Receive Life-Changing Funds

Jennifer Cope
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Wellington Nonprofits Receive Life-Changing Funds

Quantum Foundation awards $750,000 to grassroots nonprofits
Palm Beach County organizations receive funds for basic needs

RIVIERA BEACH, Florida: Quantum Foundation recently hosted a celebratory breakfast at the Riviera Beach Marina to award grants totaling $750,000 to 94 grassroots organizations in Palm Beach County. In the season of Thanksgiving, the annual Quantum in the Community initiative provides funds for operating support in amounts up to $25,000 to qualifying nonprofits that help meet the basic needs of the county’s most vulnerable residents. The grantee organizations represented all four corners of the county, from Tequesta to Boca Raton and from Belle Glade to Riviera Beach. The atmosphere was spirited and filled with gratitude as these organizations received funds to continue their good work in the community.

“Health is our mission, but we realize that if people don’t have food, shelter or basic needs to start with, it’s impossible for them to lead healthy lives,” said Quantum Foundation President Eric M. Kelly. “We are proud to continue to support such an excellent group of organizations, and are inspired by what they do every day on very limited budgets.”

Quantum Foundation is a private grantmaking organization with a mission to inspire and fund initiatives that improve the health of Palm Beach County. According to the latest data compiled by the Florida Philanthropic Network (FPN), Quantum Foundation is the largest Palm Beach County-based health funder with 100% of grant dollars used to support local communities. Since its founding in 1997, Quantum Foundation has given away more than $125 million in grants to more than 450 organizations.

During the breakfast, a few of the grant recipients were invited to address the gathering to share how the funding would impact their organization. Representatives from Lighthouse Café, Our Sisters Place, and Wheels for Kids shared how their organizations help the community. “I came from addiction, and I didn’t know where my next meal was going to come from,” said Bernard Robinson, a client of Lighthouse Café. “Lighthouse Café helped me get into rehab. I’ve been clean eight years now, and the Lighthouse has blessed me with a nice job. Now, I volunteer there on my days off to give back what they gave me.”

Many of these organizations heavily rely on this funding. “As grassroots programs, we don’t always get the recognition we deserve, so thank you to Quantum Foundation for recognizing us,” said Jane Riley from Our Sister’s Place. This organization regularly changes lives. “When you’re told you’re nothing, you feel like a ghost on the wall,” said Anna, a client of Our Sister’s Place. “The organization helped me find my voice, which is pretty awesome. I will be ever-thankful. I had no job and no money, and Jane helped me gain the courage to be myself.”

Donna Mulholland, Quantum’s Board Chair, noted the more than $15 million in estimated value of services provided in 2016 by grantees in Palm Beach County. “We congratulate you and celebrate you, and it’s important to recognize that most of you are volunteers,” Mulholland said. “You have truly improved the quality of life in Palm Beach County.”

Applications for Quantum in the Community grants open in the spring every year and funds are awarded each November. To qualify, applicant organizations must be based in Palm Beach County and have annual operating budget of less than $500,000. The board of Quantum Foundation approved the Quantum in the Community initiative in 2011 when economic surveys showed local nonprofits were to struggling to keep their doors open in the troubled economy. Since then, the Quantum Foundation has awarded a total of $4.75 million to this initiative in addition to the millions it invests each year in other major health-related initiatives.

To learn more about the Quantum in the Community initiative, please visit the organization’s website at: www.quantumfnd.org/quantum-in-the-community

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2017 Quantum in the Community Grantees (in alphabetical order)
• A&A Workforce, Inc., West Palm Beach
• AHOP A Way Community Outreach, Inc., West Palm Beach
• Alliance Primitive Ministries, Inc., Delray Beach
• Alpha Omega Alliance, Inc., Riviera Beach
• Angel Flight Southeast, West Palm Beach
• Arms of Hope Community, Lake Worth
• Back to Basics, Wellington
• Balanced Living Mentorship, Pahokee
• Bella’s Angels, Jupiter
• Big Heart Brigade, Jupiter
• Brown Bag Ministry, Lantana
• Caps of Love, Inc., Lake Worth
• Care With Dignity, West Palm Beach
• Children and Family Charity, Inc., Riviera Beach
• Church of the Harvest, Pahokee
• Cityhouse Delray Beach, Inc., Delray Beach
• Club 100 Charities, West Palm Beach
• Community Outreach Foundation Mission, Delray Beach
• Cornerstone Recovery Enrichment Center, Riviera Beach
• Derrick Dean Wagner Memorial Foundation, Palm Beach Gardens
• Do Right Church of Jesus Christ, God & The Holy Ghost, West Palm Beach
• Dot and Ruby Helping Hand, Belle Glade
• Dress for Success Palm Beaches, Inc., Lantana
• Eglise Chretienne de la Porte Etroite, Inc., Greenacres
• Eglise de Dieu Agape, Boynton Beach
• Estella’s Brilliant Bus, West Palm Beach
• Extended Hands Community Outreach, West Palm Beach
• Family Promise North/Central Palm Beach County, Inc., West Palm Beach
• Family Promise of South Palm Beach County, Delray Beach
• Feeding the Hungry, Inc., West Palm Beach
• First Baptist Church of Greenacres, Greenacres
• First Baptist Church of Lantana, Lantana
• Four Corners of Faith, Inc., Riviera Beach
• God’s Stone Tabernacle Ministries, Inc., Riviera Beach
• Good Samaritan Alliance Church of Boynton Beach, Inc., Boynton Beach
• Hands of Love Community Development Center, West Palm Beach
• Hands Together of The Palm Beaches, North Palm Beach
• Hannah’s Home of South Florida, Inc., Tequesta
• Heart of God Missions International, Lake Park
• Heart, Health, & Healing Ministries, Inc., West Palm Beach
• Helping Hands Assistance Program, Greenacres
• Hepzibah House, Boynton Beach
• Holy Ground, Riviera Beach
• Hope 360 Community Resource Center, Inc., West Palm Beach
• Jethro Community Learning and Resource Center, West Palm Beach
• Joint Mission, Inc., Lake Park
• Ladies of Futurity, Inc., West Palm Beach
• Light House Café Ministries of the Glades, Inc., Pahokee
• Little Smiles, Inc., West Palm Beach
• Live Fresh, Inc., West Palm Beach
• Love Boca Outreach Ministries, Boca Raton
• M&S Community Stars of Performing Arts and Academics, Inc., Boynton Beach
• Marie Louise Community Foundation, Inc., Boynton Beach
• MCC of The Palm Beaches, Palm Beach Gardens
• My Own Home Project, Inc., West Palm Beach
• National Addiction Treatment Center Alliance, Greenacres
• National Council of Jewish Women, Palm Beach Section, Greenacres
• New Alliance Ministries, Boynton Beach
• New Beginning Community Outreach, Belle Glade
• Next Generations of Holocaust Survivors, Inc., Boynton Beach
• Oasis Compassion Agency, Inc., Greenacres
• Our Planet, Inc., Boca Raton
• Our Sister’s Place, Inc., Tequesta
• Pahokee Deliverance Christian Center, Pahokee
• Philadelphia Church of God of the New Testament, Inc., Delray Beach
• Propel, Boca Raton
• Redemptive Live Urban Initiative Corp AKA Redemptive Life Fellowship, West Palm Beach
• Renewed Deliverance Christian Ministry, Inc., Lake Park
• Restoration Bridge International, Lake Worth
• Riviera Beach Community Outreach, Inc., Riviera Beach
• Sojourners With Healing Hearts, Inc., West Palm Beach
• South Florida Sanctuary, Inc., Lake Worth
• Speak Up For Kids Palm Beach County, Inc., West Palm Beach
• St. George’s Center, Inc., Riviera Beach
• St. Vincent De Paul of St. Peter, Jupiter
• Street Beat, Inc., South Bay
• Suits for Seniors, Inc., Cocoa
• Sweet Dream Makers, Boca Raton
• Sweets Foundation, West Palm Beach
• Tepeyac Mission, Inc., Palm Beach Gardens
• The Cole Preston Foundation, Lake Worth
• The Jacob Zweig Foundation, Inc,. D/B/A In Jacob’s Shoes, Margate
• The Open Door Mentoring for Teen Mothers, Inc., Palm Beach Gardens
• The Phoenix Mission, Lake Worth
• The Pink Queen Foundation, West Palm Beach
• The Valley of Love Ministries, Inc., Riviera Beach
• Thrive for a Change of The Palm Beaches, Inc., West Palm Beach
• Village Baptist Church, West Palm Beach
• Vital Flight, Inc., Jupiter
• Wellington Cares, Wellington
• West Palm Beach Rotary Club Charity Fund, Inc., West Palm Beach
• Wheels For Kids, West Palm Beach
• Wheels From The Heart, Delray

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World Series Champions Houston Astros, pitcher, Brad Peacock, to be featured in the Wellington Holiday Parade, December 10th

Mikayla Carroll
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World Series Champions Houston Astros, pitcher, Brad Peacock, to be featured in the Wellington Holiday Parade, December 10th

World Series Champions Houston Astros, pitcher, Brad Peacock, to be featured in the Wellington Holiday Parade, December 10th

CENTRAL PALM BEACH (December 1, 2017) — The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Wellington are proud to announce the 34th Annual Wellington Holiday Parade. The presenting sponsors this year will be long-time supporter Schumacher Family of Dealerships and Wellington Regional Medical Center. Palm Beach County First Responders will serve as the Grand Marshals and this year’s parade will feature special guest, Brad Peacock, pitcher for the 2017 World Series Champions, Houston Astros.

In 2017, Peacock began the season as a relief pitcher for the Houston Astros. On May 22nd, he received a spot start in place of Dallas Keuchel due to an injury. Following his start where he allowed only one hit and no runs in 4 1/3 innings, Peacock replaced Mike Fiers in the starting rotation. The Astros faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series after winning the American League West with 101 wins. Peacock  earned his first major league save in Game 3 by finishing the final 3 2/3 innings of a 5-3 win where he allowed no hits and struck out four. This was the longest hitless relief since Ron Taylor’s four innings in Game 4 of the 1964 World Series. Peacock tied with Ken Clay for the longest hitless postseason save, which was first accomplished in the 1978 American League Championship Series. The Astros went on to win the 2017 World Series, the first in their franchise history. Peacock is from West Palm Beach, Florida. He attended Palm Beach Central High School in Wellington, Florida

The event, which draws 20,000 spectators, will take place on Sunday, December 10th. This year’s theme, A World of Make Believe, will be on display as participants ride and walk the route of the parade beginning at 1:30 pm up Forest Hill Boulevard. To ensure a safe path for pedestrians, road closures will begin at 1:00 pm.

Holiday Park sponsored by Waste Management along with Center for Bone and Joint, Retreat of Palm Beach, International Polo Club, Winter Equestrian Festival and Global Dressage, will be open from 11:00 a.m-4:00 p.m., featuring Anna and Elsa to greet the little ones and exhibitors offering arts and crafts, food, face painting, music, inter active displays with local businesses and more. The holiday Park is located at the Wellington Amphitheater.

Other Community Partners include: The City of Greenacres, Westlake by Minto, Republic Services of Palm Beach, The Mall at Wellington Green, TD Bank, J&J Produce, Wellington Golf Cars, Florida Coast Equipment, Boynton Financial Group, Whole Foods Market, Two Men and a Truck, Carrabbas, Starbucks, Hill Audio Visual, JJ Muggs Stadium Grill, Print It Plus, Tidy Coast Event Services, Primerica, AGTS Insurance and Walgreens.

Media Partners include: The Palm Beach Post, Town Crier, Sun Sentinel, Wellington the Magazine, Around Wellington, ESPN West Palm Beach, 97.9 WRMF, 900 am The Talk of the Palm Beaches.

Texas Church Mass Shooting

Eagle Arts Intern
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Texas Church Mass Shooting

Texas Church Mass Shooting

By Layla Frasier, 8th Grade Student, Eagle Arts Academy

A gunman opened fire during a church service on Sunday, November 5. The shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, left 26 people dead and 20 others injured. Those killed in the attack were said to be between the ages of 18 months and 72 year olds. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the attack on the church was the “largest mass shooting in the state’s history.” On Monday, Texas officials told news reporters that out of the 20 injured people 4 of them are in serious condition, 6 of them are stable and the remaining 10 are in critical condition. The following day after a press conference was  held and police disclosed the suspect as Devin Patrick Kelley, age 26 . Witnesses say that an armed local resident addressed the suspect and they exchanged gunfire. In process,  Kelley was wounded and took off in his vehicle. The law concluded that he crashed his car and then shot himself.  

About the Shooter

Kelley was dishonorably discharged from the Air Force when he was found guilty for Assaulting his child and wife. Unfortunately, The Air force did not succeed in following defense department procedure and file Devin’s criminal history to a federal database, which is used for background checks on people who try to buy a gun. Therefore, he was able to purchase the weapons used in the attack. Authorities say they discovered a Ruger A-556 assault rifle on the premises of the church, as well as 2 handguns in Kelley’s vehicle. Police have also been observing the suspects social media for incriminating post made days before the attack. They found one that turns out to be showing an AR-15-style semi-automatic weapon. The death of the shooter is not yet known to be made by the self-inflicted gunshot or by the armed local resident.

 

Manhattan Terror Attack

Just 6 days before the shooting at the Texas church, there was an alleged terrorist attack in lower manhattan. 29 year old, Sayfullo Saipov plowed a pickup track through a crowded bike path beside the Hudson River in Manhattan, New York. Saipov killed 8 people and injured 11 more. The spree of destruction ended the attacker crashed into a school bus fleeing his truck and ran up and down the highway, waving a pellet gun and paintball gun, screaming “Allahu Akbar” arabic for “God is great”. Soon after a police officer shot Saipov in the abdomen. That evening, he stayecd in critical condition. 5 of the people killed were Argentine tourists who came to NY for a 30-year high school reunion.  These tourists were Hernan Mendoza, Diego Angelini, Alejandro Pagnucco, Ariel Erlij and Hernan Ferruchi. There was a 6th member of the group who survived his name is Martin Ludovico Marro. Mayor Bill de Blasio pronounced at a news conference “Based on the information we have at this moment, this is an act of terror, and a particularly cowardly act of terror aimed at innocent civilians.” Investigators have not found any evidence that Mr. Saipov and ISIS had any direct or enabling ties.

How to Spot a Personal Injury Predator

Jonathon Chung
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How to Spot a Personal Injury Predator

Ask the Docs

How to Spot a Personal Injury Predator

By Dr. Jonathan Chung of Keystone Chiropractic

Outline

  • The famously dirty personal injury industry
  • When profit leads to failed patient care
  • How to spot predatory practices

Personal injury (PI) is a famously dirty industry. When people think about PI, you usually think about ambulance chasing attorneys taking up local billboards, radio, and television commercials. In a state like Florida where just the act of a car crash can make you eligible for $2500 of personal injury protection at minimum, and many eligible for $10,000 of coverage from their insurance company, it has opened the door for many avenues of scams and unscrupulous activity.

Common fraud activity includes people paid to stage accidents, forced referrals from tow truck companies, enticing victims with cash payments to go to certain clinics, and more.

Attorneys get a bad rap (some of them deserve it), but when it comes to your health after an accident it may be the doctor you choose that could be the biggest threat to your health and your money.

When Profit Leads to Failed Patient Care

While attorneys get most of the blame for a corrupt delivery system, unethical practices by healthcare providers have contributed to the problem.

There is an unspoken trust between medical providers and the public to always practice with the best interests of the patient in mind. While doctors will try their best to insulate themselves from getting too involved with the business side of medicine, the personal injury business has made it difficult to practice strictly based on clinical findings.

Health providers face pressure from patients and attorneys to help build a case for larger settlements. New doctors have large student debts to pay on top of trying to support their families. No one is trying to harm the patient, but it’s easy to see how money can muddy the waters of patient care.

So many patients are subjected to unnecessary imaging and procedures because of pressure from attorneys and patients to pad the medical bills and build a case for lawsuit. MRI’s are so widely prescribed for personal injury cases because the findings can show greater injury despite the fact that the correlation between imaging findings and pain are surprisingly weak.

In some cases, offices and facilities have become places that exclusively see injured patients for the sake of billing thousands of dollars from insurance with little regard for appropriate management. Their only goal is to increase their billing as high as possible until the injury benefits are exhausted, and the patient is released from care regardless of whether they received the care they need.

This not only robs patients of benefits that may provide them with appropriate care from other providers, but it also causes take money out of the pocket of consumers as insurance premiums rise to pay for these unethical practices.

So what’s a person supposed to do? Here are some thoughts:

  1. Ask About the Expected Services and Fees Involved: When patients have the expectation that insurance will be paying for their services, they rarely ask about what services will be performed and the cost of these services.This might be okay if you have private insurance, but in capped payment systems like personal injury protection, doctors may be prescribing the same tests and procedures for all patients to get the bill to rise as fast as possible.Transparency in costs helps to control spending. If you knew that your x-rays were going to cost $500 of your own money, you’re a lot less likely to get it done unless you felt like it was necessary.If a doctor or staff is elusive about their fees and services saying things like “Oh don’t worry about that, your insurance will cover it.” Then press them on it. You will eventually get the explanation for their billing, and see if what they say and do actually matches up.Treat your insurance dollars like they are your own dollars, because when benefits start to run out and you’re not better, you may ultimately end up paying yourself.
  2. Check Your EOB’s and Your Statements: Insurance companies will send you an explanation of benefits to show patients what was billed for and what they paid for those services.In shady practices, you may see billing for services you’ve never received before. Patients who have never had an ultrasound machine touch them will see ultrasound in their billing. Patients who do a few arm circles may see a bill showing that 30 minutes of exercise is on the bill.This is a crime, and it’s called fraudulent billing, or just fraud for short. In the most extreme cases, you may see dates of service billed for days you know that you were never in the office.
  4. Are You Getting the Same 3 things Done over and over with no results?: Doctors who care about their clinical outcomes will design treatment plans based on your specific injury and how well you are responding to care.A sign that you are in an injury mill type practice is if you are being scheduled for the same treatments multiple times per week with no regard for how you are responding to care. This usually looks like getting electric stimulation and ultrasound placed on you by staff, a chiropractor manipulating your spine, and some vague recommendations for exercises. This is done 3-5x per week and the treatment doesn’t change despite the fact that you don’t feel any better, and sometimes continue to feel worse. Good practice is to triage your case based on the severity of your injuries. If you have a severe acute injury, you may need medical management from patches, meds, or injections so that you can feel functional as you go towards physical rehabilitation. Good practice also involves getting you to an appropriate specialist if you are not improving in a timely manner.When offices are not paying attention to whether the patient is getting better from their treatment, then it is a sign that they are trying to max out your benefits as quickly as possible.
  5. Are you being coerced into seeing certain doctors?:  Patients are always in control over what doctor they wish to see. If you have a comfort level with a certain doctor, then you always have the ability to find out if that doctor accepts personal injury claims.Some PIP schemes are set up to funnel patients into specific doctors’ offices for reasons that are not about helping the patient. At times people can be pushed into these offices by attorneys or patient runners saying they have to see a certain doctor for the purposes of the case. Some schemes will even go out and give patients financial compensation to go to specific offices which is outrageously illegal.This is a sign that there is an illegal kickback system involved that is built to just get maximum reimbursement from the PIP system.

Predatory PIP Practices Hurt Us All

So what’s the big deal if a practice is trying to max out your insurance money? After all, if you as a patient aren’t paying the bill then why should you care?

The truth is that these types of practices hurt us all. It hurts attorneys who are trying to build a business ethically in a dirty system that will spend more to get an advantage. It hurts doctors who treat patients for the best clinical outcome who may see insurance reimbursement go down to combat fraud. 

Most of all, it hurts us all as people who want to trust attorneys, doctors, and the insurance company. As a doctor, you’ll usually expect me to trash insurance companies for cutting payments, but in terms of PIP many times it’s just a response to fraudulent or unethical billing practices. Insurance companies raise premiums on us all when fraud gets out of hand, and in some cases, it makes it really hard to get insured at a reasonable rate after an accident lawsuit. 

I have no sympathy for a multi-billion dollar industry, but I can certainly see why the system is built the way it is when I observe some of the scams that are run by people that are supposed to be the gatekeepers of patient health.

This industry may be too far beyond repair and reform, but maybe it can get a little bit cleaner when patients are informed enough to call it out.

Diabetes in Pets

Cristina Anzures
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Diabetes in Pets

Paws-itive Press

Diabetes in Pets

By Dr. Cristina Anzures of the Anzer Animal Hospital 

Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body can not use glucose (a type of sugar) normally.  Glucose is the main source of energy for the body’s cells.   The levels of glucose in the blood are primarily controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is made by the pancreas.

Insulin is required for the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream to the cells.  If there is not enough insulin or the body is unable to use the insulin, glucose accumulates in high levels in the blood – a condition called hyperglycemia. When the blood glucose reaches a certain level, the glucose overflows into the urine (this is called glucosuria) and draws large volumes of water with it. This is why diabetic pets often drink more water and urinate more frequently and in larger amounts.

It is estimated that 1 out of every 100 dogs that reaches 12 years of age will develop diabetes. In cats, it’s estimated that between 1 in 50 and 1 in 500 will develop diabetes mellitus.

In dogs, diabetes mellitus is common in middle-aged to older animals, especially in females, but it is also seen in young dogs of both sexes. When seen in younger animals, it can be a sign that your cat or dog is genetically predisposed to diabetes—this can mean that related animals may also be predisposed.  Certain breeds of dogs also experience above-average rates of diabetes. These include: Toy Poodles, Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers.

Signs of diabetes in pets:

  • Excessive water drinking and increased urination
  • Weight loss, even though there may be an increased appetite
  • Decreased appetite
  • Cloudy eyes (especially in dogs)
  • Coat deterioration
  • Chronic or recurring infections (including skin infections and urinary infections)

In dogs, the most common diabetes-related complications include:

 

  • Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia (that may be induced by incorrect insulin dosing)
  • Ketoacidosis (ketones and high acidity in body fluids)
  • Cataracts

 In cats, the most common diabetes-related complications include:

  • Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia (that may be induced by transient remission or incorrect insulin dosing)
  • Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
  • Poor grooming and dry, lusterless coat
  • Recurrent infections
  • Ketoacidosis(ketones and high acidity in body fluids)
  • Peripheral Neuropathy(nerve dysfunction resulting in an abnormal stance)

Successfully managing your diabetic pet’s health is possible with insulin therapy, the correct diet, and exercise. With the successful control of diabetes mellitus, you can expect your pet to live a happy and normal life.

 If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior or weight, consult your veterinarian.  Diabetic dogs and cats can live long and healthy lives with proper management and veterinary care.

Why These Holiday Songs Are Perfect For Florida

Angela Shaw
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Why These Holiday Songs Are Perfect For Florida

Cultural Corner

Why These Holiday Songs Are Perfect For Florida

By Angela Shaw

Ever feel a little awkward singing “The Christmas Song” while sitting in 80-degree weather? I know I have—or at least I’ve chuckled a bit when the line, “Jack Frost nipping at your nose,” comes around. It’s more like, “A/C nipping at your nose.”

Turns out, the song is completely appropriate for our toasty climate. Singer and composer Mel Torme was in California on the hottest day on record in the mid-40s preparing for a songwriting session with lyricist, Robert Wells. Torme noticed a spiral pad containing four hand-written lines: Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost… Yuletide carols….Folks dressed up like Eskimos.  When Torme asked Wells about the verse, Wells replied that he thought jotting down memories of winters in Boston might take his mind off the heat.

Forty-five minutes later, the songwriting duo finished penning “The Christmas Song,” and it became Nat King Cole’s signature Holiday song and a popular sensation.

A-daily-dose-of–art.com

A year later, another composer on the opposite side of the country named Leroy Anderson had a similar experience. Connecticut was undergoing a fierce drought and unseasonal heat wave. While digging for pipes that lead to a spring, Anderson started formulating music with the vision of a 19th-century winter scene in his head. He finished composing “Sleigh Ride” a year and a half later. It was first performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra in May, 1948. The instrumental piece became a huge holiday hit enjoyed by folks in any clime. In 1950, Mitchell Parish added lyrics: Just hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling, ting, ting, ting-a-ling, too…

Photo credit – The Leroy Anderson Foundation

And then there’s the obvious pining-for-snow song, “White Christmas.” Truly, few north-eastern transplants are wishing for the white stuff, due to harrowing memories of shoveling it, scraping it and slipping on it for too many years. They’re most likely ecstatic to be miles away from the slush, and probably moved to the Sunshine State to escape it.  But, hailing from snow-deprived Southern California, and being spared the cold’s down side, I still romanticize the sight of whipped cream scenery, and sing every word of Irving Berlin’s verse. The sun is shining, the grass is green. The orange and palm trees sway. There’s never been such a day in Beverly Hills, LA. But, it’s December the 24th, and I am longing to be up north. I’m dreaming of a White Christmas…

So, to beat the temperatures, here are a few South Florida events that will help you find that Holiday frame of mind. See the Del Rey Tree Lighting or Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite Ballet” at the Kravis Center December 1st through the 3rd. Take in “A Christmas Carol” at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, playing through December 2nd.  “A Christmas Carol – The Musical” is also offered throughout the month.  And don’t miss the classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Kravis Center on December 23rd.

If those productions don’t get you into the Holiday spirit, try singing this Florida-inspired parody of “The Christmas Song.”

 

Chuck steaks roasting on an open grill

A/C nipping at your nose

Yule tide carols being sung by a pool

That overflows with dangling toes

 

Everybody knows a turkey and some mojitos

Help to make the spirits bright

Shiny yachts with their decks all aglow

Will twinkle on Palm Beach tonight

 

We all know Santa’s on his way

He’s bringing high-powered generators on his sleigh

Every adult and child is going to spy

To see his reindeer touching down at PBI

 

And so I’m offering this simple phrase

To snowbirds 12 to 92

Although we might sweat, we will celebrate yet

Merry Christmas to you!

 (Lyrics © 2017 A. Shaw)

Thuringia Christmas Markets: Experience The Magic

Terri Marshall
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Thuringia Christmas Markets: Experience The Magic

Travel with Terri

Story and Photos by Terri Marshall

There’s something absolutely magical about Germany’s Christmas markets. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the night, wooden stalls are filled with local wares, singers perform beloved carols, and the delicious warmth of Glühwein—the season’s traditional spiced mulled wine—is available to ward off the winter chill. The magic is amplified in Germany’s State of Thuringia. For decades, this special region in eastern Germany was off limits to westerners. As a result, it’s relatively unknown compared to other regions of Germany, but it is truly a magical place that will put you in the holiday spirit like nowhere else. Explore with me the markets of Erfurt, Weimar and Eisenach, then follow me to the Thuringian Forest where so many of our Christmas traditions were born.

Thuringia Christmas Markets - Travel With Terri
The Erfurt Christmas Market

Erfurt: A Christmas Market of spell-binding beauty

Martin Luther, the great Reformer, once declared that Erfurt is “in the ideal location …. the perfect place for a city.” The capital of Thuringia, dates back more than 1,270 years. It’s a charming city in any season with its beautifully preserved old quarter, half-timbered buildings and the Merchants Bridge—a medieval bridge lined with shops and galleries displaying the work of local artisans. But when the holiday season arrives, Erfurt transforms into a spell-binding display of sights and sounds.

Music performances at the Erfurt Christmas Market, Thuringia Christmas Markets Travel with Terri
Music performances at the Erfurt Christmas Market

I was smitten the moment I laid eyes on the Erfurt Christmas Market. Situated in the heart of the city, the market is set against the spectacular backdrop of the majestic St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus. A towering traditional Erzgebirge Christmas pyramid stands at the market’s entrance. Each of its five octagonal sections has its own distinct theme, and they are all edged with pillars and decorative fencing. The pyramid features a total of 30 life-size wooden figures.

Thuringia Christmas Markets - Travel With Terri
Erfurt’s Erzgebirge Christmas Pyramid

The welcoming aromas of spiced mulled wine, gingerbread and sausage fill the air as you wander through the town’s main square. Over 200 wooden huts display everything from candles to hand-crafted toys to Christmas tree decorations. There’s also plenty to satisfy your appetite including regional favorites such as Thuringian bratwurst and Erfurt schittchen—a stollen so delicious it’s been registered as a trademark.

Thuringia Christmas Markets - Travel With Terri
Christmas Flower Festival under the Erfurt Cathedral

A Nativity scene with live animals from Erfurt Zoo awaits inside the enchanted forest on Domplatz square along with little houses depicting scenes from fairytales to whisk you away to a world of make-believe. In the underground cellars of Erfurt Cathedral, the Floral Christmas exhibition adds even more magic to the experience.

Thuringia Christmas Markets - Travel With Terri
The Weimar Christmas Market

Weimar: History and a life-size Advent Calendar

A UNESCO World Heritage site with 14 protected buildings, Weimar was home to many notable figures in history. Johann Wolfgang Goethe and Friedrich Schiller lived and wrote here, Johann Sebastian Bach played the organ, Franz Liszt was a music director, and Carl Maria von Weber composed. It’s the birthplace of Bauhaus—a revolution in design. And, in 1815, Weimar was the site of the first public Christmas tree erected in Germany.
Bookseller Johann Wilhelm Hoffmann erected the first Christmas tree outside of his shop. His desire for the poor and orphaned children of Weimar to have a Christmas tree sparked a worldwide tradition. To commemorate his gesture, every year the elaborately decorated tree is erected on the market square to the accompaniment of Christmas carols performed by local choirs.

Town Hall as a life-size Advent Calendar - Christmas Markets of Thuringia
Town Hall as a life-size Advent Calendar

A highlight of the Weimar Christmas market is the Gothic Weimar Town Hall. During the season, the 24 windows of the building are converted into a life-size Advent Calendar. Each day a window is opened by local children to discover a theme of the day at the market. You’ll also find a uniquely Weimar display on the wooden huts of the market—the onion plait. A nod to Weimar’s favorite vegetable celebrated each October at Zwiebelmarkt, the Onion Market. The festival began in 1635 as a “market for onions and beasts” and continues today. Attracting upwards of 350,000 visitors over three days, the Onion Market is the largest festival in Thuringia.

Wartburg Castle shrouded in fog - Christmas Markets of Thuringia
Wartburg Castle shrouded in fog

Eisenach: Christmas at the Castle

Perched high on a mountaintop, the Wartburg Castle silently watches over the city of Eisenach below. Dating back as far as the Middle Ages, the castle is a blend of Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance architecture. Centuries of history unfold within its ancient walls—many of which are decorated with mosaics, frescoes, and other expressions of German Romanticism. The castle sheltered Martin Luther while he translated the New Testament into German. No visit to Eisenach is complete without a trip up to the castle. But it is especially captivating during the Christmas market when the castle courtyards are filled with medieval musicians, performers and puppeteers while Advent concerts in the ceremonial hall evoke the holiday spirit.

Ornament workshop in Lauscha - Christmas Markets of Thuringia
Ornament workshop in Lauscha

The Thuringian Forest: The birthplace of Christmas traditions

While the city markets will delight, a visit to the Thuringian Forest is essential to discover the place where so many Christmas traditions were born. Traditional wooden toys, dolls and stuffed animals have been made for centuries in Sonneberg—often referred to as “Santa’s other workshop.” The town still produces high quality toys and is also home to the German Toy Museum.

The Thuringian Forest, Land of Christmas Ornaments & Toys!
The Thuringian Forest, Land of Christmas Ornaments & Toys!

Tucked into the Thüringer Schiefergebirge Mountains surrounded by forests you’ll find the small village of Lauscha. The first glass Christmas ornaments were created here in the 16th century. Generations later, the original family still produces ornaments that are distributed around the world. I watched in amazement as the glassblowers transformed unlikely raw materials including sand and limestone into delicate masterpieces—and then I shopped. How could I resist so many beautiful things in one place?

For more information on visiting Thuringia, go to www.visit-thuringia.com.

Eleventh Annual Scroogie Awards

Wendell Abern
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Eleventh Annual Scroogie Awards

Cantankerously Yours

Eleventh Annual Scroogie Awards

By Wendell Abern

Dear Holiday Revelers,

        Scroogies are awards I inaugurated in 2006, as an homage to my idol and favorite role model, Ebeneezer Scrooge.

        I award Scroogies only to those who have proved themselves worthy through acts of idiocy, inconsiderateness, boorishness, arrogance, or any other trait that just plain rankles me and merits my curmudgeonly wrath.

        The following are eminently deserving.

1 – My own big fat mouth.

        Not me. My mouth.

        Somehow or other, my mouth always seems to get into gear before my brain gets cranked up. My last blurt happened last month during a bridge tournament against two very nice-looking women.

        My partner and I trounced them. Three hands. We demolished them in all three. When they arose to move to the next table, I turned to the woman on my right and said, “So I suppose this means I should give up all thoughts of being your boytoy.” In a Weinsteinian era, I’m still blurting.

        Dirty looks from both opponents as they left in a huff. A dirtier look from my partner.

        I have since decided my mouth is no longer part of my body, but a separate entity. While I have met many people during 2017 who merit humiliation as much as my mouth, I have decided this year to do something different.

        From time to time, we all receive humorous e-mails. Many are genuinely funny. I have never before used any of them in a column, but in cleaning out my files last month, I came across some quotes that are so priceless, I saved them for this column.

        Some of these inane comments were actually spoken by notable and famous people. However, I have not been able to verify their authenticity. In an effort to spare my editors angry phone calls from literary, sports and theatrical agents (and lawsuits from lawyers), I have not disclosed any names.

        For those of you who are curious as to who could utter the following stupid comments, please send an e-mail to me at the address noted below and I will share the name(s) with you. To wit:

2 – A Very Popular Female Singer

        “Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can’t help but cry. I mean, I’d love to be skinny like that, but not with all those flies and death and stuff.”

3 – A New Orleans Saint running back

        “This year, I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first.”

4 – A Very Famous Actress      

        During an interview to become spokesperson for the federal anti-smoking campaign:  “Smoking kills. If you’re killed, you’ve lost a very important part of your life.”

5 – A non-famous college basketball player

        “I’ve never had major knee surgery on any other part of my body.”

6 – Mayor of a very large American city

        “Outside of the killings, we have one of the lowest crime rates in the country.”

7-  A football coach to his team

        “You guys line up alphabetically by height.” To another group: “And you guys pair up in groups of three. Then line up in a circle.”

8 – A famous environmentalist

        “It isn’t pollution that’s harming the environment. It’s the impurities in the air and water that are doing it.”

9 – A famous politician

        “I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix.”

10  – A famous CEO of a large corporation

        “We’ve got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?”

11 – A famous professional football player.

        “The word ‘genius’ isn’t applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.”

12 – A non-famous ROTC instructor

        “We don’t necessarily discriminate. We simply exclude certain types of people.”

13 – From a state’s Department of Social Services

        “Your food stamps will be stopped effective March this year because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances.”

14 – From a non-famous politician

        “Traditionally, most of our imports come from overseas.”

15 – From a former FCC Chairman

        “If somebody has a bad heart, they can plug this jack in at night as they go to bed and it will monitor their heart throughout the night. And the next morning, when they wake up dead, there’ll be a record.”

16 – A famous actor

        “Having more money doesn’t make you happier. I have 50 million dollars, but I’m just as happy as when I had 48 million.”

17 – A famous speaker

        “We are here on earth to do good to others. What the others are here for, I have no idea.”

18 – A University of Houston wide receiver, on his coach

        “He treats us like men. He lets us wear earrings.”

19 – From a church bulletin

        “Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don’t forget your husbands.”

20 – A boxing trainer, on the Spartan regimen of his heavyweight:

        “He’s a guy who gets up at six o’clock in the morning, regardless of what time it is.”

                                                *

        For those of you who feel I have unfairly picked on too many athletes, I can only say I just couldn’t resist. They’re such easy prey!

Cantankerously Yours,

Wendell Abern

6 Immune Busting Tips You Should Start Incorporating Now!

Cheryl Alker
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6 Immune Busting Tips You Should Start Incorporating Now!

Health and Fitness

6 Immune Busting Tips You Should Start Incorporating Now!

By Cheryl Alker

Fall is a season of transition not only because of the changing leaves and cooler days, but for our immune system. So, with Fall now here, it might be time to take a look at boosting your immune system naturally.

Here are 6 great ideas that you should consider implementing now to help you survive the season in full health and ward off any approaching flu viruses.

Start Loading Up On Fruits and Vegetables – Whole fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of Vitamin C which ultimately plays a vital role in building a healthy immunity. Also rich in antioxidants they help remove free radicals that can potentially damage the immune system. Getting your “5” a day is essential at this time of year.

Vitamin E – This important antioxidant is found in vegetable oils, avocados, nuts green leafy vegetables and whole grains. It helps boost immunity by assisting the maintenance of T-cell levels which is a type of white blood cell that looks for infections.

Probiotics – Your digestive system is the first line of defense against infection so it is vital to keep it healthy with plenty of good bacteria. Great sources of natural probiotics are kefir, cultured vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi, kombucha, yogurt, raw cheese such as goats and sheep milk and good old apple cider vinegar!

Fresh Fish – Salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines and fresh tuna contain a powerful combo of omega-3 fats and vitamin D. Our bodies make vitamin D whenever our skin is exposed to sunshine, therefore winter time for most of us means less sunshine, so getting your vitamin D from food is important during the winter months.

Rest– Sleep plays a major role in immune health so getting your Zzzzz’s at this time of year should be a priority.

Exercise – Keep active! Whilst it might be cooler outside a brisk walk can be quite refreshing, even raking those leaves will keep your body moving. Whatever it is that you need to do at this time of year to keep your body working make it happen. Whilst it is very nice cuddling up in front of a fire on cold winter evenings don’t let it become the norm, a sluggish body leads to a sluggish immune system.

However you decide to incorporate immune boosters into your day, start now, small steps every day could make a big difference to surviving the winter months in optimum health.

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