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What is a General Surgeon?

Jaime Joshi Elder
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What is a General Surgeon?

By Jaime Joshi Elder

Just as a military general commands all operations and makes strategic decisions for his geographic area, a general surgeon commands a vast spectrum of surgical care affecting almost every area of the human body, making strategic medical decisions to ensure the best health outcomes for their patient.

Military precision is something Dr. Andrew Shapiro of Advanced Surgical Physicians understands well.

He completed his residency in General Surgery at Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Ft. Gordon, Georgia and went on to be awarded a Combat Medic badge, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. 

“It has been an incredible journey and I am deeply grateful for the trust my patients have placed in me,” said Dr. Shapiro.

What Is General Surgery?

One of the 14 surgical specialties recognized by the American College of Surgeons, General Surgeons have an acute understanding of the entire surgical process from the initial evaluation, preparation for surgery, the procedure itself and post-operative management.

Additionally, a general surgeon must have an in-depth understanding of all nine basic areas of surgery: 

  • The digestive tract
  • Skin and soft tissue such as the breasts
  • The heart and blood vessels
  • The abdomen and its contents such as stomach, duodenum, liver, gallbladder, the tail of the pancreas, spleen and the transverse colon
  • Hormones and glands (part of the endocrine system)
  • The head and neck
  • Surgical treatment of cancer
  • Surgical treatment of traumatic injuries
  • Care of critically ill patients who need surgery

In order to specialize in general surgery, a doctor needs a minimum of 13 years of education – a four-year bachelor’s degree, a four-year medical degree, a five year surgical residency and they need to pass the medical boards.

Following formal education is a five year training program with a year or less dedicated to a single specialized surgical discipline and six months or less dedicated to non-surgical disciplines such as pediatrics or anesthesiology. 

At least four and a half years must be dedicated to clinical surgery with experience in emergency care, intensive surgical care and endoscopy with three of these clinical surgery years dedicated to the principal components of general surgery.

“What inspired me to become a general surgeon was the ability to take complete care of a patient from the very beginning. From initially diagnosing what is ailing them to completing surgery and alleviating them of their pain or illness to watching them recover and feel better,” Dr. Kyle Eldredge of Advanced Surgical Physicians. “There is no greater relationship in medicine than a surgeon and their patient.” 

Additionally, general surgeons must also keep abreast of advances in medical technology such as minimally-invasive surgical procedures.

Minimally invasive robotic surgery is used for various procedures ranging from general to gynecologic to bariatric to single-site gallbladder surgery. Because the procedure only uses small cuts, it’s less traumatic on the patient’s body which ultimately results in less pain, fewer complications, less blood loss and less scarring than with traditional surgery. 

Last August, Dr. Shapiro celebrated his 1000th surgical procedure with the cutting edge da Vinci® robot – a minimally invasive system which guides a physician’s hand movements with a precise range of motion while also delivering high-resolution magnified images of the surgical area. 

“I am focused on ensuring the best outcomes for my patients,” Dr. Shapiro said. “The advancement of medical technology like the da Vinci system means not only improving surgical outcomes but also quicker recovery times and reduced hospital stays.”

When You Might See A General Surgeon 

Because the practice of general surgery is varied, there are numerous reasons a patient might see a general surgeon. 

A patient’s doctor might recommend a surgical option if non-surgical options have been exhausted or merely are not enough. If a patient is opting for elective surgery which can be planned in advance such as the removal of skin lesions or hemorrhoidectomies, they might see a general surgeon.

Conversely, if a patient is having a medical emergency such as a swollen appendix in need of an appendectomy or a gunshot wound, they will need to see a general surgeon immediately. 

A good general surgeon is an invaluable resource and the staff at Advanced Surgical Physicians are happy to help and provide answers to any questions you might have.

They can be reached at: (561) 333-1335 or via their website at: https://www.toplinemd.com/advanced-surgical-physicians/

Boost Your Mental Health with These 5 Low-Maintenance Houseplants

Charmaine Peters
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Boost Your Mental Health with These 5 Low-Maintenance Houseplants

By Charmaine Peters

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month! That means it’s time to highlight the powerful connection between plants and our well-being. Some studies find that houseplants are beneficial to our mental health, and interacting with them can make us feel more comfortable and soothed.

Whether you live in a spacious house, or small apartment or condo – there’s always room to bring the healing touch of nature indoors! You also don’t need to be a gardening pro to care for your houseplants. Many of them are highly adaptable and can thrive with just a bit of tender loving care.

Here are five houseplants that are low maintenance, so you can relax more while seeing them flourish:

Cuddly Cactus

True to its name, Cuddly Cactus doesn’t have sharp spines, so you can touch it without getting pricked! That makes it ideal for households with kids and pets. It thrives in bright, indirect light, and, like all cacti, it needs minimal watering. Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings, typically every two to three weeks. Use well-draining soil to prevent soggy roots. Keep an eye out for mushy stems or brown spots, which are signs of overwatering, and wrinkling, a sign of underwatering. This slow-growing plant typically reaches a maximum height of 15 inches, so you’ll only need to repot it every two to three years.

Snake Plant

The Snake Plant is another great houseplant to consider if you don’t spend much time at home. Even if unattended for a few weeks, it is resilient and can thrive well. It’s not too particular, you can place it in a bright or shady spot at home. It is also well known for its air-purifying properties and can keep your indoor space fresh and clean. Water it only when the soil feels dry, usually every two weeks. Its stunning sword-like leaves, usually dark green with lighter stripes, can provide a visually soothing focal point in your space. Give them a gentle wipe now and then to keep them dust-free.

Rosemary

A refreshing scent from herbs can evoke feelings of calm and relaxation, so adding Rosemary to your houseplant collection is a double thumbs-up! It is drought-tolerant and needs little maintenance. You can use the herb when cooking or for teas. Make sure that the plant receives plenty of sunlight, about six to eight hours a day. Use a well-draining potting mix and lightly mist some water once or twice a week. Prune the plant at least once a year to keep it tidy and encourage more leaves and flowers to grow.

Peace Lily

If you’re looking for a plant that brings calmness and peace, Peace Lily is an excellent choice. Although mildly toxic, it’s still one of the most popular houseplants. The plant’s elegant white flowers and lush green leaves add beauty to your entryway, corners, or home offices. If you don’t see any flowers, the plant needs more light. Place it in a location with indirect but bright sunlight. The plant will let you know when it’s thirsty; just look for drooping leaves. When it looks less lively, check the soil with your finger and water it when it feels dry. Keep the soil slightly moist but not overly saturated. Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during its growing season in spring and summer.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a must-have at home as it has so many benefits to offer. Its succulent leaves contain a gel-like substance that can treat wounds or skin irritations, providing you with natural relief whenever you need it. You can place the plant on a windowsill, shelf, or bathroom. It is an extremely low-maintenance plant, which thrives on plenty of light, little water, and almost no fertilizer. Use well-draining soil and choose a clay pot to keep the soil dry. Water it once a week, and let the soil dry out between waterings. When the tips of its leaves turn brown, pluck them off with your fingertips to keep the plant looking its best.

Houseplants offer more than just aesthetic appeal. Caring for them fosters a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, which in turn can boost our self-esteem and overall mood. For many, they even become companions. Let’s cultivate a sanctuary of calmness and peace within our homes and prioritize what brings us happiness this Mental Health Awareness Month!

How Should I Measure Fitness?

Lillian Khanna
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How Should I Measure Fitness?

By Lillian Khanna

Fitness is a very broad term for the ability to execute daily activities with strength and endurance with the end goal of managing diseases and stress. The level to which you define success varies based on personal opinions, goal physiques, or the pursuit of feeling “good” which makes the journey incredibly individualized! The best way to determine what you should be doing in the gym and to measure your progress is to figure out your end goal – in your day to day life.

For the stay-at-home mom who spends most of her day chasing little ones around, picking them up and cleaning the house, functional fitness is the key. Training functionally means training to engage your core and make the activities and movements you do in your everyday life less likely to injure you or feel so bad and straining. It’s valuing exercises that engage multiple muscles at once that requires your balance and coordination. Carrying a baby on your hip and 4 bags of groceries in the other hand are similar to the “farmers carry” which engages your core, legs and arms by carrying a weighted plate in each hand and walking a particular distance with your shoulders back and head facing straight forward.

For the full-time sedentary desk worker who spends the majority of daylight hours at the computer, getting your blood moving and heart pumping is very important with cardio. Cardio does not mean running and especially not running a marathon every day. Cardio can simply be walking at a pace that breaks a light sweat on the treadmill (maybe even with a little incline). Running can be very difficult on the knees and joints and is really out of touch as an introductory cardiovascular movement. Get a supportive pair of shoes (avoid flat-footed shoes) and try to get in 10,000 steps each day. Take a walk outside, go with your friends or girlfriends, listen to a podcast. Make it enjoyable!

For the new and eager teen to early adult who is looking to build muscle and strength, weightlifting is the ideal activity. Figure out how many days a week are feasible for you to get to the gym and build a split from there. My favorite one is chest/back, shoulders/arms, legs and I rotate through that list twice a week for a total of six days each week and one rest day. If you plan on going three days a week, I would recommend three full body days. Any more days after that, I would focus on a dedicated split.

Moving your body is important no matter your identity. If you fall anywhere between the three “avatars” it’s ok, your goal is to be active in a way that feels good for you and yields the results you want so that you stay motivated. Figure out what you want to get out of it and work backwards from there.

Wellington Art Society Announces Winners of Annual Art Scholarships

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Wellington Art Society Announces Winners of Annual Art Scholarships

The Wellington Art Society are please to present their annual Art Scholarship Awards at a special event, which is open to the public, on Wednesday, May 08, 2024, at 5:30pm at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington. For more information, please contact presidentofwas@gmail.com.

Please join us for the Meet and Greet, Members Spotlight, a brief meeting, and the highlight of the evening, the Awards Presentation. All are welcome.

The jury’s selection, based on artistic and creative excellence, was made from entries submitted by students of Palm Beach County schools. All entries demonstrated dedication, talent, and hard work. We encourage all to continue exercising their artistic creativity. The award recipients for 2024 are: 

Lea Abito- Jupiter Community High School

Lili-Rose Leonard- West Boca High School

Isabella Sanchez- Wellington High School

A 2024 Scholarship Award was generously donated by Premier Family Health/Dr. Apicella

The WAS Scholarship Program was established in 2001 to provide scholarships to talented young artists for art related College and University expenses and tuition costs.  Over the past twenty-two years, WAS has awarded over $120,000 in scholarships to some of the brightest and most creative students within our community. Past recipients of the WAS Scholarship have gone on to become educators, illustrators, authors, curators, artistic directors, professional artists and art advocates.

To support the Scholarship Program, WAS relies solely upon money raised from donations, membership dues, monthly raffles, artist exhibitions, municipal art shows, and commissions. Help support the WAS Scholarship Program with a tax-deductible donation on its website: www.WellingtonArtSociety.org.

The Wellington Art Society (WAS) has been supporting the advancement of the arts in the Palm Beach County community since 1981 with the intent to encourage young artists to pursue careers in the fine arts, provide programming that expands art in public places, and make art accessible within the community daily. 

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The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 42nd year.  It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.  

2024 USPA Open Final

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2024 USPA Open Final

Photos and Story by Alan Fabricant

For the third time this season the Gauntlet of Polo Series was played between La Dolfina and Valiente.

Each team previously won one tournament, however this third and final event was for the prestigious U.S. Open Polo Championship. 

The final was played under partially cloudy skies with anticipated rain at any moment. 

In a back-and-forth game with the lead changing  hands 10 times and the score tied at seven, La Dolfina ran off the next three goals to win 10-7.

Father, Adolfo Cambiaso of Valiente and his 17-year-old son Poroto playing for La Dolfina, both 10 goalers, were the main attractions of the day before a completely sold out stadium.

The rain held off during the game, however as the presentation ceremony began, the rain finally arrived.

By the time the awards ceremony was ending, a rainbow appeared over the awards stage.

The game’s leading scorer for Valiente as well as the MVP was 16-year-old Paquito de Narvaez.  His teammates were Adolfo Cambiaso, Joaquin de la Madrid and Peke Gonzalez.

La Dolfina was by led by 9 goaler Tomas Panelo with a game high 6 goals, Poroto Cambiaso, Alejandro Azmar and Rufino Merlos.

Adolfo Cambiaso wore jersey #1 dedicating the game to Valiente’s patron Bob Jornayvaz who was seriously injured in a polo accident on April 8th and remains in intensive care at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Support New Haiti

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Support New Haiti

Visit www.new-haiti.com

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Driftwood Hosts Locals Only Dinner 

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Driftwood Hosts Locals Only Dinner 

Celebrating Local Products and Local People on Monday, May 20th 

As the high season in South Florida draws to a close, Driftwood, led by the dynamic husband and wife team Jimmy Everett and Ilia Gonzalez, is gearing up to kickstart the summer with a unique multi-course dinner. This intimate event will shine a spotlight on local purveyors, offering guests a rare opportunity to discover and learn about some of Florida’s hidden artisanal producers and growers. From the only oyster farm in the area, Treasure Coast Shellfish, to Charmed Life Farm in Loxahatchee and Delray Beach’s 51/50 Chocolates, this dinner promises to be a celebration of Florida’s diverse agriculture. 

The evening will commence with a cocktail reception, where guests can enjoy two unique libations, including a Siesta Key Rum cocktail infused with Jamaican sorrel syrup made from herbs grown in Driftwood’s garden. The culinary journey continues with a variety of passed bites, each crafted with care and expertise by Chef Jimmy and Chef de Cuisine Tommy Coombs. These talented chefs are not only committed to highlighting local purveyors but also to creating many of the ingredients in-house. From the housemade ricotta sourced from New Smyra’s Keely Farms to the smoked local bottarga, a cured mullet roe often used as a delicacy in Italy, every dish is a testament to their dedication to using Florida products year-round. 

Tickets are limited, and this event is expected to sell out. 

WHERE: 

Driftwood 

2005 Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 | (561) 733-4782

@eatdrinkatdriftwood

WHEN: 

Monday, May 20 at 6pm 

TICKETS: 

$125 per person | $50 wine pairing

exploretock.com/driftwood-boynton-beach

MENU: 

Welcome cocktails & bites

Treasure Coast Gold Oyster, garden herb gazpacho

Roasted Local Beets, house-made ricotta, smoked local bottarga

Poached local Duck Egg, smoked local mackerel espuma, grilled local peppers

Koji Aged Florida Beef Shortribs, gratitude garden mushrooms

51/50 White Chocolate Pavlova, local passion fruit

West Palm Beach GreenMarket Remains A “Best Farmers Market” in the U.S.  

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West Palm Beach GreenMarket Remains A “Best Farmers Market” in the U.S.  

The three-time champion market comes in No. 2 spot in Annual USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice poll 

City of West Palm Beach’s Green Market. Photo by Scott Wiseman

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (April 26, 2023) — The West Palm Beach GreenMarket is again making news as a top farmers market in the country. The Market, which just finished its 29th Season, was ranked No. 2 on the USA TODAY 10 Best annual Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Farmers Market.” The competition started with a list of 20 editor-picked markets. The public then decided the final rankings via a four-week voting period, in which each person could vote once per day. The West Palm Beach GreenMarket earned the top No. 1 spot three times previously – in 2021, 2022 and 2023 – and is the only Market to have ever done so.  

“It is an honor to be again recognized by our friends and fans as having one of the best farmers markets in the country,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “Thank you to everyone who has made the West Palm Beach GreenMarket more than a market and instead a true experience. We look forward to celebrating our 30th Season with the community when the Market returns in the Fall.” 

The West Palm Beach GreenMarket opened in November of 1995 under the leadership of former Mayor Nancy Graham. Since its inception, it has grown from 13 vendors to more than 120, with the 2023 – 2024 season registering as the largest yet. The GreenMarket features a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, coffees and teas, plants and flowers, specialty items, and more. In addition, attendees can enjoy live music, weekly workshops and an unmatched seaside setting. An average Saturday at the GreenMarket draws approximately 7,000-10,000 attendees. The West Palm Beach GreenMarket will return to the Great Lawn in downtown West Palm Beach (100 N. Clematis Street) on Saturday, October 5, 2024.  

“The West Palm Beach GreenMarket is a seasonal community staple,” said Mary Pinak, Community Events Manager for the City of West Palm Beach, who has been involved with producing the Market since its start. “The market started small in a nondescript location, and over the years, it has grown and evolved into a full experience in one of the most desirable locations in the country. Our Market is special, as shown in our consecutive high rankings on the USA TODAY 10Best poll. We appreciate everyone who has helped us grow and shape the Market into a nationally recognized destination.” 

The top 10 winners for Best Farmers Market 2024 are ranked as follows: 

  1. Worthington Farmers Market 
  2. West Palm Beach GreenMarket 
  3. Kaka’ako Farmers Market 
  4. Maple Valley Farmers’ Market 
  5. Ann Arbor Farmers Market 
  6. St. Johns Farmers Market 
  7. Palisade Sunday Farmers Market 
  8. Pearl Farmers Market 
  9. Root’s Country Market & Auction 
  10. Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market 

For more information about the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, visit www.wpb.org/events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771) or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook @CityofWPB and on Twitter and Instagram @thecityofwpb. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.  

  

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Sponsors for the 2023 – 2024 GreenMarket season included: Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, Land Rover Palm Beach, Paradise Exteriors, NextHome Real Estate Executives, Humana, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, Nordic Tree Water, NW Mutual – McKernan Financial Group, WPB Magazine, West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, WPB Food Tours, The Palm Beach Post, SUNNY 107.9, New Country 103.1 and WPBF 25 News. 

  

About the City of West Palm Beach:   

The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Linked-in.

The Human-Animal Alliance grants $10,000 to Pawsitive Beginnings

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The Human-Animal Alliance grants $10,000 to Pawsitive Beginnings

for funding construction of a new Healing Den

New Therapy room due to be completed summer 2024 at fox sanctuary

Above: L to r: Pawsitive Beginnings Founder Nicole Navarro and The Human-Animal Alliance Founder Jackie Ducci  with sanctuary resident ‘Kai’ in Key Largo, FL. Photo: The Human-Animal Alliance.

UPPER FLORIDA KEYS – The Human-Animal Alliance has granted Pawsitive Beginnings $10,000 to fund construction of the organization’s new The Human-Animal Alliance Healing Den in Key Largo. 

The space is scheduled to be completed this summer when those seeking therapy can take full advantage of the permanent on-site facility at the home of the fox sanctuary. 

Pawsitive Beginnings CEO, Nicole Navarro, states: “We’re so appreciative of the help and support from The Human-Animal Alliance. The purpose of the Human-Animal Alliance Healing Den is to allow therapists and counselors a unique space to hold off site private sessions with their clients within our fox sanctuary.” Construction begins next week to provide a dedicated space to offer animal-assisted therapy – involving foxes saved from the fur trade – to at-risk youth and adults who are in various stages of their healing journey.

“Our animal-assisted therapy program was born out of the idea that sharing stories of survival – from the fox’s perspective – has the power to help heal those that may be struggling with trauma, PTSD, or circumstances beyond one’s control, that have placed them in emotional imbalance,” said Navarro.  “Each and every one of our foxes has a story to tell and when we share those stories, they have the power to heal and inspire hope.” 

The Human-Animal Alliance directly supports programs that share their belief in the power and value of human-animal connection. 

Jackie Ducci, founder of The Human-Animal Alliance, said: “Pawsitive Beginnings provides a truly unique healing opportunity to people through its remarkable foxes, and we are honored to play a role in advancing the program even further.” Ducci, who founded The Human-Animal Alliance two years ago in Wellington, Florida, personally covers the organization’s overhead costs to ensure that every dollar donated goes directly to the charitable projects it selects for grants. “We meticulously research and carefully select the very best programs nationwide to receive our support. Pawsitive Beginnings’ innovative work reflects our deep-rooted belief that the magic of human-animal connection is real,” said Ducci. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to feel and know its life-changing benefits.”

Since its inception in 2022, The Human-Animal Alliance has distributed 11 grants to similar projects focusing on the power and value of human-animal connection. Funds are raised through exclusive events and private donations.

Above: The fox sanctuary in Key Largo will soon have a healing room added thanks to the grant from The Human-Animal Alliance. Photo: The Human-Animal Alliance.

Notes to Editors:

About Pawsitive Beginnings 

Our mission is to provide a safe and permanent home to foxes that have been saved from the fur trade. We offer crucial animal-assisted therapy to at-risk youth and adults experiencing intense trauma. And we impact change through compassion by educating the public on fur farming, and how, as individuals, we can help make fur history. For more information visit www.pawsitivebeginnings.org or call (305) 376-1887. 

About The Human-Animal Alliance

The Human-Animal Alliance provides grants to exceptional, yet often overlooked nonprofit organizations that support and enhance human-animal connection. Programs receiving funding are identified nationwide through an extensive sourcing and screening process. The Alliance also supports relevant legislative policy initiatives and educates the public on the importance of human animal connection. For more information visit www.h-aa.org or call (561) 485-0445.

Chic and Sassy Fashion Show

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Chic and Sassy Fashion Show

Please join us for our “Chic and Sassy” fashion show, brunch and auctions on Sunday, May 19, 2024, 11 a.m., Wellington National Golf Club, 400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington. Emcees are Mo and Sally from KOOL 105.5 FM, and fashions are provided by Dillard’s in the Mall at Wellington Green. $75. Get your tickets now by contacting Mair at 561.635.0011 or mairarmand1@gmail.com. 

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