St. Johns Magazine April 2023

St. johns

Leading breast cancer care, close to home.

The power of one of the top ranked cancer centers in the country, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the full resources of Baptist Health, close to home.

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center at Baptist South has a team of experts who provide complete access to comprehensive breast cancer care, including:

• Targeted radiation therapy

• Infusion therapy

• Oncology pharmacy

• Clinical trials and novel therapies

• Support care including nurse navigation, nutrition guidance, genetic counseling and more

• Complex breast surgery, including removal and reconstructive surgery

Expert breast cancer treatment and surgery is right here, at Baptist South.

Wherever you are in your treatment plan, we’re here to help you in your journey against breast cancer.

To learn more or book an appointment, call 904.202.7300 or visit BaptistMDAnderson.com.

With the expertise of Dr. Ching-Tismal and Dr. Desai, patients can receive immediate reconstructive surgery, which combines removal and reconstructive surgery at one time, eliminating more surgeries and future decisions down the road. Ask your doctor if you might be a good candidate for this type of surgery.

Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center at Baptist South

14550 Old St. Augustine Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32258

Meet Your Breast Surgery Team at Baptist South

Karen Ching-Tismal, MD Breast Surgical Oncologist

Ankit Desai, MD, FACS Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

About Us

BY: SHANTEL DAVIS, First Coast YMCA Member & Board Member, Metropolitan Board of Directors

The YMCA Saved Our Lives

Could you jump into a pool to save someone’s life? In the deep end? What if it was your child? That’s a scary thought but it’s a nightmare I lived through when my daughter was five years old. Had both of us not learned how to swim at the YMCA, she might not be alive today.

It was clear from a young age McKinley was a fish. She took swim lessons at the YMCA when she was two years old and loved it. It’s so important to get your kids in the water early so they develop critical skills that’ll last a lifetime.

That was never more evident than the day she got stuck in a neighborhood pool. She was maneuvering her body to try and free herself, but she was trapped. There was no lifeguard on duty, so I jumped in and pulled my daughter out. She wasn’t breathing, so I administered CPR and was able to revive her before taking her to Baptist Medical Center, where Dr. Neeraj Neval, Neocritical Care ICU Medical Director took over.

I remember sitting in the emergency department, soaking wet, wondering what would happen next. I knew my daughter would survive, but would she be afraid of the water for the rest of her life? I didn’t have to wait long to find out.

About a month later, our neighbors asked us if we wanted to go the Williams Family YMCA to watch their kids take swim lessons. I immediately tensed up. I remember thinking the only way my daughter was going to be around a pool again was if we sold our house and bought one with a pool so we could constantly keep an eye on her. Reluctantly, I agreed to go with our neighbors and McKinley came too.

I’ll never forget that car ride. She initially stared quietly out the window but then spoke up.

“Do I have to get in the water?” she asked. “No, of course not,” I replied. A few minutes passed.

“If I just want to put my feet in, can I?” she said. “Yes, if you want,” I answered.

We eventually got to the pool and after watching her friends go through their class, McKinley stood up and said, “I’m ready.”

When she jumped in, I immediately started crying and thanking God for seeing us through this.

My brave little girl, who I had to bring back to life just a month prior, fearlessly got back in the water and started swimming like nothing had happened.

It’s incredible to witness the heart of a child but in that moment, it was just as moving to see the heart of everyone at the pool. As soon as McKinley started swimming, they all started to applaud and cheer. They didn’t know our story and what she had been through. Rather, they were cheering simply because that’s what the Y family is about – we support one another to live healthy and fulfilling lives. I’ve never felt more supported at the Y than I did that day.

Because we live in Florida, we’re almost always around water. Still, there are a surprising number of adults and children who don’t know how to swim. If that’s you or your child, please reach out to your local Y and sign up for lessons. If it’s important for your child to breathe, it should be just as important for them to learn how to swim. I know what it’s like to see my child not breathing, but because she and I both know how to swim, she’s alive today and enjoying the water, like every kid should.

Become a YMCA Lifeguard!

In this month’s cover story, Shantel was able to save her daughter’s life because she learned CPR at the First Coast YMCA. There was no lifeguard on duty at the pool her daughter was swimming at and unfortunately, that’s a reality at an increasing number of pools across the country. The lifeguard shortage can be especially dangerous for us living here in Florida, since we have so many pools and bodies of water.

At the First Coast YMCA, we’ll never open any of our pools unless we have sufficient lifeguard staffing, but that means there’s a critical and ongoing need for trained and certified lifeguards.

If you’re looking to give back to your community, learn life-long skills, potentially save lives, and earn extra money, consider becoming a lifeguard at the Y. We’ll pay for your training, which includes certifications in becoming a lifeguard, CPR, AED, first aid, and oxygen administration. We can also work around your schedule – if you’re only able to be a lifeguard one day a week, no problem. We want to make sure our pools are safe for everyone as often as possible, and we can only do that through the incredible services our lifeguards of all ages provide.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a lifeguard or if you or your child are simply interested in learning how to swim, reach out to your local First Coast YMCA branch. You can also visit watersafetyflorida.org for more information.

It’s so important to get your kids in the water early so they develop critical skills that’ll last a lifetime.

FACE THE WATER WITH CONFIDENCE

Water safety in Florida is essential.

Drowning is preventable. That's why the YMCA has been committed to making aquatics programs accessible to all ages and income levels for more than 100 years. By providing kids and adults with the tools they need to be confident in and around water, we can help save lives.

Sign up for swim lessons or register to become a certified lifeguard today.

Learn more at FCYMCA.org

As a therapist, I help clients from all walks of life feel, function, and communicate better; teaching them the skills they need to access their own resiliency and strength, empowering them to be their own best advocates and to mindfully create the lives they desire.

4-H Summer Day Camps

Registration is now open for the St. Johns County 4-H Summer Day camps starting on March 15th. Camps are for ages 5-18, (age as of September 1, 2022). Archery, sewing, science, and gardening are just a few of the camp topics that will be offered. To register or find out more information about the summer day camps go to: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/stjohns/4-h-youthdevelopment/4-h-events-and-activities/ 4-H is a youth development program that enables youth to develop life skills, leadership, and citizenship. Youth members ages 5-18, as of September 1st, 2023 interested in joining a 4-H Club can enroll in the St. Johns County 4-H program ONLINE on August 1st by going to: https://florida.4honline.com . Please contact the 4-H Office at 904 209-0430 for more information. The St. Johns County 4-H Program is an equal-opportunity institution.

Apex Theater

For young artists between the ages of 7-14 The Apex Theatre Studio Inc. is the only training program in Northeast Florida which provides a challenging and enriching training program specifically for the intermediate to advanced level theatre student through challenging interactions with an expert faculty, a range of programming and a commitment to excellence.

Apex is celebrating its tenth anniversary of summer theatre programming with the Broadway hit Beautiful, the Disney contemporary classic, Newsies Jr.

in a rotating repertory at Lewis Auditorium on the college of Flagler campus during the month of June. For more info go to apextheatrejax.com

YMCA

Summer is a critical out-of-school time when children benefit from enriched learning and unique adventures. That’s why YMCA day camps and specialty camps offer activities that engage both the body and mind. Our goals are to eliminate summer learning loss, nurture self-confidence and sound values, and encourage healthy lifestyle habits. Plus, children make new friends along the way. Campers identified as non-swimmers or poor swimmers receive free lessons at day camp. The Y also offers financial assistance to ensure that all kids get the chance to experience camp. Visit FCYMCA.org or call your neighborhood Y for more information.

St. Augustine Art Association

2023 Summer Art Camp

Join the St. Augustine Art Association, in partnership with the Lightner Museum, for Summer Art Camp! Weekly themed sessions build foundations for drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting and photography! Students will work with the various mediums and learn techniques that encourage art appreciation and critical thinking, as well as allow for creative experimentation. Complete details and registration can be found at www.staaa.org/ artcamp. $175/weekly session.

Draw It! – June 5-9 at the St. Augustine Art Association; 9am to noon; ideal for ages 6-10 & 11-14 Drawing is a key skill for artists. Begin with using pencils, charcoal, pen and ink to observe elements of nature, then incorporate paints and other materials in both realistic and abstract designs.

Limited Edition – June 12-16 at the St. Augustine Art Association; 9am to noon; ideal for ages 6-10 & 11-14 Printmaking and Patterns. Color and Design. Discover different printmaking techniques including etching, Lino cutting and eco-printing.

Hot Wheels – July 10-14 at the Lightner Museum; 9am to noon; ideal for ages 6-10 Drawing inspiration from the Lightner Museum’s “Ride On! Historic Bicycles from the Keith Pariani Collection” students will use their artistic and engineering minds to create 2D and 3D works of art.

My Point of View – July 17-21 at the Lightner Museum; 9am to noon; ideal for ages 11-14

Students will study the basics of photography and learn how to use camera tools and settings to capture their own points of view.

Contact the St. Augustine Art Association with questions: info@staaa.org or (904) 8242310 M-F. The Art Association is located at 22 Marine Street in historic downtown St. Augustine

Anastasia Watersports

Looking for a fun way for children to learn how to kayak and paddle board, and sail this summer? Discover watersports, hike through salt marshes, and explore the beaches during our second annual Anastasia Watersports Camp! Designed for children 9-12 years, campers will explore aquatic activities, develop basic paddling skills, and develop an appreciation for the ecology of oceans, estuaries, and tidal marshes. Anastasia Watersports is located within beautiful Anastasia State Park.

Camp runs Monday through Thursday. The cost for the camp and includes lunch, drinks, and 2 snacks. We do offer sibling discounts. For information and to reserve your child's spot, please visit our website at www. anastasiawatersports.com

St. Augustine Surf School

Youth Fitness Summer Camp Empowering Youth Through Activity!

St. Augustine Surf School

St. Augustine Surf School is North Florida’s #1 Surf School. Don’t just take our word for it....Check out our 5-star reviews on tripadvisor.com, and see what everyone is saying about us. St. Augustine Surf School is dedicated to teaching safety, proper technique, and HAVING FUN!!! We are a family-owned and operated surf camp with the most experienced and professional instructors around. Our camps consist of fun games and activities, daily organic and fresh snacks, a week-ending surf contest with a trophy presentation and a pizza party. Each student gets a t-shirt and certificate of completion at our trophy presentation and mellow mushroom pizza party. We look forward to sharing our surfing stoke with you! staugustinesurf.com/ 904-206-SURF

If you would like to add your camp to the stjohnsmag.com online listing please email Debbie@stjohnsmag.com with a detailed description and contact information

BEAT PAC Performing Arts WE

GLOW TOGETHER

St. Johns County's Performing Arts Camp

Join us for BeaTPAC 2023. This year marks our 19th summer of fun celebrating the performing arts with non-stop singing, dancing, and acting. The BeaTPAC counselors and staff are so excited to welcome back returning campers and meet new campers. We’re excited to share our love for the arts with your children this summer! We cannot wait to see you! 10-Day Camp at Creekside High School for children ages 6-14. June 19-23 and June 26-30

The camp theme is We Glow Together, and we will have campers exploring a range of dances, songs, and theatrical styles. Age Groups: Campers will be placed in groups with other campers their age. If your child is attending with a friend, please let us know so we can place them together (they must be within one year of each other in order for us to move a camper from one age group to another). BeaTPAC is open to

children entering 1st grade all the way up to rising 9th graders.. *Special Class for Rising 9th Graders: Preparing for High School Theatre *Please indicate 9th-grade status in the other information section of the registration form. Pricing (for 2023 summer): The cost for one camper is $405, for two campers it is $740total, for three campers it is $1085 total and for four campers the total cost is $1410. We have a no-refund policy. To register: contact@beatpac. com www. beatpac.com/

APRIL 2ND

Sundays at Stetson’s Bethalunahatchee Park

Presented by The Stetson Kennedy Foundation and St. Johns County Parks, this monthly folk music concert series features artists who reflect the values, spirit, and goals of Stetson Kennedy. Shows are from 2-4 p.m. and admission is a suggested donation of $10 per person. All proceeds support the Sundays at Stetson's concert series. Tours of Beluthahatchee (Stetson's cottage) may be available. Beluthahatchee Park, 1501 SR 13 N., Fruit Cove. www.facebook. com/SundaysAtStetsons

APRIL 6TH

Easter Egg Hunt

Veterans Park

11 a.m. This event is for children ages 0-8.

APRIL 7TH TO 30TH

Over the River & Through

The Woods At Limelight Theater

Nick, a single, Italian-American marketing executive from New Jersey, routinely visits his four grandparents every Sunday for family dinner since his parents retired and moved to Florida. As their only close relative, Nick’s grandparents inundate him with family tradition and lots of food. When Nick announces he is being promoted and moving to Seattle, his grandparents are devastated and quickly concoct a series of hilarious schemes to keep Nick from leaving, including introducing him to the woman of his dreams. Performances run Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. www.limelight-theatre. org

APRIL 7TH TO 30TH

Spring Member’s Show

This bi-annual exhibition at the St. Augustine Art Association features a variety of works by emerging, seasoned and professional artists.

The exhibition is free and open to the public. The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday noon-4 p.m. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. 904824-2310 www.staaa.org Join Art Galleries of St. Augustine the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. for new exhibits, refreshments and live music at many participating galleries.

April 7th

First Friday Art Walk St. Augustine

Tour maps are available at participating galleries or online. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org/artgalleries-of-st-augustine

APRIL 7TH TO 30TH

All County Middle School Art Show

On display both in-gallery and online through May 1. With over 80 pieces of artwork by students in grades 6-8, this exhibit is a community outreach partnership with St. Johns County schools and is a compilation of student art from 13 different middle schools in St. Johns County. Admission is free. St. Augustine Art Association, 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. 904824-1023 www.staaa.org

APRIL 9TH

Crescent Beach Easter Sunrise Service

Greet the Easter sunrise at Crescent Beach. The program, presented by Crescent Beach Baptist Church, begins with the sunrise at 7 a.m. on the beach with special music and an inspiring message. Crescent Beach ramp, 45 Cubbedge Rd., Crescent Beach. 904-794-7777 www. crescentbeachbaptist.com

APRIL 9TH

Vilano Beach Easter Sunrise Service

Begin the Easter celebration with Turning Point Calvary at Sunrise to rejoice in our Saviour’s Resurrection! Bring a chair, blanket or towel to sit. The service

begins at 8:00 a.m. at Vilano Beach Ramp, 3070 Coastal Hwy., Vilano Beach Entrance. www. tpcalvary.com/events

APRIL 9TH

Easter Brunch

St. Johns Golf & Country Club

9 AM-1 PM and dine on a buffet full of delicious choices that include a selection of salads, an omelet bar, a waffle bar, glazed ham, and crusted salmon!! Don't forget to indulge in Chef's desserts as well. After brunch, head on out to our event lawn and enjoy the complimentary petting zoo by Noah's Landing. They will have fluffy chicks and bunnies, goats, pigs, and more!

APRIL 12TH

2023 Let Freedom Swing

Military Charity Golf Tournament

St. Johns Golf & Country Club -Benefitting Five Star Veterans Center. Presented by Attorneys' Title Services, LLC & Future Home Loans. Captains Choice Team Scramble. Golf, Chick-Fil-A Lunch, BBQ Awards Dinner, On Course Drinks, and More! Visit www. ATSGolfJax.com for sponsorship opportunities and golf registration.

APRIL 14TH TO 16TH

Gamble Rogers Folk Festival

Join Gamble Rogers this spring for a fun festival featuring four stages, camping, food trucks, local artisans, vendors, and more all at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds! Headliners for 2023 include Iris Dement, Bill & The Belles, Robin & Linda Williams, Annie & The Hot Club, Richard Smith, Red & Chris Henry & Their All Star Band, and Wyatt Ellis. This Gamble Rogers Folk Festival event is made possible with support from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and the St. Johns Cultural Council. 5840 S.R. 207, Elkton. www. gamblerogersfest.org

APRIL 14TH & 15TH

St. Augustine Poet Fest

Poets and poetry lovers may gather at the festival, a National Poetry Month celebration of creative writing and reciting, is presented by St. Johns Cultural Council, Flagler College English Department, and Ancient City Poets. This free event begins with a Kick-off open mic presented by the Flagler College English Department from 7-9 p.m. at Relampago Coffee Lab, located at 74 Spanish Street. Sign up sheet is out at 6:30 p.m. sjcc@historiccoastculture.com

APRIL 15TH

Nocatee Farmer’s Market

10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Nocatee Station Field, Enjoy a traditional market with a new and unique theme. Activities, shows, and demonstrations for the entire family. Nocatee Station Field, 400 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ NocateeLiving

APRIL 15TH

Beach Exploration at GTM

Join GTM Research Reserve docents from 9-11 a.m. for a beach walk! You will learn about the animals that call the beach their home, as well as seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience that the entire family will enjoy. Registration is required. 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-380-8600 www. gtmnerr.org/events

APRIL 15TH

Afternoon Tea with SA Orchestra

Heavy hors d'oeuvres, hot tea and entertainment provided by orchestra members makes for a perfect afternoon. The festivities begin at 4 p.m. and tickets are $40. Saint Anastasia Catholic Church, 5205 A1A S., St. Augustine. 904-540-6664 www. staugustineorchestra.com.

APRIL 25TH

Cars & Coffee at SA Classic Car Museum

Must love Coffee ~ Must love Classic Cars! If you do then cruise over to Classic Car Museum for Cars & Coffee from 8-10 a.m. Enjoy the morning checking out over 150 beautiful classics, and enjoy free coffee and doughnuts. Event sponsored by Bozard Lincoln. 4730 US 1 South, St. Augustine. 904-8064625 www.facebook.com/ classiccarmuseumstaug

APRIL 28TH & 29TH

FLOWER SHOW

Garden Club of St Augustine

From 2-4pm. Admission is free to see the beautiful and interesting floral arrangements our members will be creating. Plants and cuttings will also be on display. 3440 Old Moultrie Road, Saint Augustine, FL, United States, Florida. Gardenclubofstaugustine.org

APRIL 30TH

Trail Blazer Country Music

Fest and Craft Beer Fest

All things country from music, food, drink, exhibits and more. Featuring live country music, country food, fine crafts & country fashion exhibits, a kids korner, contests, family fun and more. THIS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. Event takes place at St. Johns Fairgrounds., 5840 S.R. 207, Elkton. For more information and ticket prices , visit www. staugustinecountryfest.com

APRIL 30TH

Trivia Nation Live Music

Bingo at Gator's Dockside

- Fruit Cove

Thursdays at 7:00pm! Free to Play Music Bingo and $100 in prizes up for grabs each week!!

Restaurant WARS At

by Lori Allen My Wandering Fork

St. Johns Technical High School

Restaurant Wars here in St. Johns?! That's right St Johns Technical High School - Academy of Culinary Arts held their first ever restaurant wars!

This fundraising event features 18 students from the Academy of Culinary Arts in two teams for technical knowledge and skills competition in the Back of the House and Front of the House. Each team had three professional chef leaders, one for savory, one for sweet and one front-ofhouse director. Each team had one hour to cook, prepare and plate tasting plates of an appetizer, entrée, and dessert to paid guests. In addition, the teams provided a fully composed plate of each dish to three judges. The Front of the House students were responsible for decorating their display table along with a signature drink (non-alcoholic) and garnish.

There were special guests and chefs from all around the area to help with judging. The two teams were scored on sanitation, safety, Mise en place, cooking techniques, presentation, portion size, nutritional balance, ingredient capability, signature drink, teamwork, creativity, taste, texture and doneness.

Cajun Carnival's team consisted of a Hurricane cocktail, Mojito cocktail, Chicory coffee - Savory- Cool Cajun Chicken lettuce cups and Chicken Jambalaya - for their sweet - a Bourbon Street Bread pudding. Although everything tasted delcious, my favorite in this group was the Chicken Jambalaya - so deep and rich with flavor and spices.

Yokan's team consisted of a Yokan Cherry Blossom MocktailChicken Sushi, Chicken Clear soup - Savory - Sesame Chicken Salad and for their sweet a white chocolate yuzu pie. Their Sesame chicken salad I could eat everyday! Light and refreshing.

It was so nice to see these students from grades 9-11 so passionate about their trade. It was equally nice to see how they all worked together and how much the academy supports them and encourages them to share in their creativity. How lucky are we to have such a devoted School for these students who are developing a trade that is not only a necessity but something we all enjoy! Food! For more information you can contact St Johns Technical High School, www-sjths.stjohns.k12.fl.us I love supporting and encouraging these talented students!

Atlas Pavers

THIS SPRING TAKE YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

As Spring begins and people return to the open air, many St. Johns Homeowners are inspired to spruce up their outdoor space with more than flowers. A paver project offers that oneof-a-kind wow factor that transforms a property, increasing its beauty and adding value at the same time.

Jeff Salch, owner of Atlas Pavers enjoys seeing how his designs and installations benefit homeowners. Atlas Pavers is a family-owned Northern St. Johns small business specializing in helping people create inspired outdoor sanctuaries and remodels with stunning, lasting paving projects.

Jeff started the business in 2005 but his knowledge and experience extend even further, having been in the industry since he was sixteen years old. Jeff grew up in Vernon, NJ, and at age sixteen he started working for a Landscape company. He moved to Boca Raton, Florida at eighteen and started working for a marble company setting tile and pavers. He worked his way up and got an opportunity in Jacksonville to oversee operations at a paver company. He eventually branched off in 2005 and started Atlas Pavers in St. Johns. Today, Jeff and his wife Andrea, and their three children live in St. Johns. They love raising their children here and running the business together.

For Jeff, each project goes beyond the nuts and bolts of design and installation. What he likes most about owning his company is the long-term impact he makes in people’s lives. “I get to create outdoor living spaces for families to enjoy and make memories for years to come.

Creating a space where they can relax, entertain and enjoy being outdoors.”

Atlas Pavers specializes in paving projects of every size and style. Your existing pool deck or driveway may need re-working; perhaps you want to add a perfectly placed retaining wall with a builtin stone bench and fire pit for enjoying summer evenings; perhaps you wish to replace your concrete walkway or patio with elegant pavers. Choosing a design is sometimes overwhelming but Jeff and his team are there to help explore design options that best fit your project and also stay within your budget.

A key aspect of business ownership Jeff appreciates is making connections. He says he enjoys working and meeting all kinds of people and hearing their stories and where they are from. He loves it when a client gives him their trust and allows him to jump

in and do what he is best at - designing a custom-made outdoor sanctuary.

What makes Atlas Pavers unique is that Jeff has always stuck with what he is good at and never added additional trades to his company. Essentially, he has become a trusted expert in his field but remains connected. “I meet with every client myself, I am on every job, I even get dirty and help my crew when needed. I’m all hands in with every job for my customers.”

Jeff and Andrea both feel passionate about giving back to the community. Over the years, they have donated to their church, and children’s preschool/schools, and most recently have been a sponsor for their sports. Jeff says, “I hope we can continue to help families make memories while giving back to our youth even after our children are grown.”

For a chance to see more high-quality projects and inspired sanctuaries by Atlas Pavers, including before and after images, please look for them online at www.facebook. com/atlasmtpPavers or www. jacksonvillebrickpavers.com or call Jeff and Andrea Salch at (904) 226-3477.

pets r family

full-service veterinary care, boarding, & grooming

we’re your other family doctor!

Pets R Family is a full-service 11,000 square foot Veterinary Hospital nestled in a private and serene wildlife preserve. Family-owned and operated right here in St. John’s, we are NOT a corporate veterinary facility — no pre-designed packages or sales tactics here!

We believe in treating all pets with love, care, and compassion. Our large team of doctors, technicians, and customer service members are at your service to provide you with the very best care and experience.

hospital services

kennel services

• Pups N Play social day care

• Pet birthday parties

• Long-term and short-term boarding care

• Hospital boarding for pets with special needs

• Professional grooming and bathing services

• State-of-the-art medical facility

• Experienced team of compassionate doctors and veterinary technicians

• Same-day sick appointments available

• Home visits available by appointment

• Premium veterinary-grade pet food

• Full pharmacy

• Teeth cleanings and dentistry

• Specialty care including ultrasounds, thermal imaging, and K-Laser treatments

BEFORE & AFTER GROOM: CALL

Take advantage of our loyalty program, appointment scheduling, reminders, and more. Download the app to start earning rewards today!

www.petsrfamilyvet.com

A Message From The Vet by

Dr. Deckard,

DVM, Pets R Family

Annual Wellness Exam

Most pet owners want more for their pet than basic, minimal care. Pets have become an intricate part of most families and sometimes are treated better than their parents. As such, we all want our pets to live long, healthy, happy lives and to identify health problems before it becomes urgent. Other than coming to the veterinarian for an obvious problem, updating vaccinations is the other most common reason for a veterinary visit. Vaccinations are important to prevent common infectious diseases that our pets can contract, however, just as crucial is the exam that is performed at the same time, by your veterinarian.

The first part of the visit is for us to gather information from you on how your pet is doing. We ask questions like diet or appetite/thirst changes, changes in behavior, changes in activity, new things you have seen on your pet such as a lump or hair loss, mobility changes and any other things that have been noticed. We also gather a weight and temperature and determine if there have been any major changes in this area. This information helps guide the doctor on what areas to focus on during the exam and drives recommendations for testing or treatments.

The exam itself focuses on many body systems. During our exam, we are sometimes talking so much to you that you don’t realize how much information we are gathering. We focus primarily on the following body systems:

More Than Just Vaccines }

☑ Eyes – evaluate for redness, cloudiness, cataracts, discharge, masses on the lids, discomfort, pupil size/response to light, retinal changes

☑ Ears – redness, discharge, canal swelling, hair, tympanic membrane integrity, masses in canal or on the ear flap (pinna), swelling of the pinna

☑ Nose – pigment changes, changes in skin texture, discharge, air movement

☑ Oral exam – teeth – amount of tartar, root exposure, broken or missing teeth, gum inflammation, swelling, masses, halitosis, pain in mouth/jaw, dentition

☑ Heart & lungs – heart rate, rhythm, murmur detection and classification, respiratory rate and effort, clarity of the lungs

☑ Abdomen – check for pain, enlargement of organs, thickening of bowels, constipation, bladder stones

☑ Rectal exam – perianal masses, anal gland masses/infection, prostatic enlargement

☑ Musculoskeletal – monitoring throughout the entire visit how the pet gets up and moves around, muscle strength, pain in various joints on manipulation, swelling of joints, bone pain

☑ Dermatological – Whole body scan for redness, skin lesions, dandruff, bruising, external parasites, hair loss, skin masses

☑ Neurological – mentation, placement of paws, back/neck pain, sensation on face

☑ Behavior – anxiety, aggressiveness, submissive

urination, hiding, outgoing, friendly, food motivated, calm

The last part of the evaluation is to discuss tests that relate to the above findings. If your pet has a healthy exam, then another way to assess health is to do some routine lab-work to do an overall health check for things that cannot be identified on the physical exam. These tests are recommended annually (or more often if your pet is on chronic medication or has a chronic condition) and screen for organ dysfunction, infections, thyroid conditions, or endocrine disorders such as diabetes that can be seen prior to major clinical signs. The sooner we identify a problem, the better chance we have of avoiding a major illness or crisis. Other possible screening tests that can be done would include blood pressure, tests for glaucoma, survey chest and abdominal x-rays, and ECG of the heart, just to name a few.

Next time you get that vaccine

reminder, remember that preparation for your visit is key. Organize your thoughts on how your pet has been doing and have any questions ready so that we can make your visit worthwhile. If you are interested in screening your pet for health problems, ask your vet if they would recommend any special testing to screen your pet for early disease. Your pet will benefit from these tests, even if they serve as a baseline for the future. Our goal is to help your pet live a long, comfortable, and happy life as part of your family.