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Palms West Journal • October 2021 • Page 1
Palms West Journal WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • WEST PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE GROVES • THE ACREAGE • LAKE WORTH Volume 1, Number 1
PalmsWestJournal.com
Palms West Special: Understanding COVID’s delta variant and the impact on schools
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FREE • October 2021
Local healthcare workers on the front lines of delta surge
COVID Quilt exhibit comes to Armory Art Museum Madeleine Fugate, a 13-yearold from California, created the COVID Quilt to honor those who have perished during the pandemic.
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Palms West Hospital is a 204-bed, acute care hospital located in Loxahatchee, Florida. By Mia Petruccelli PALMS WEST JOURNAL
Dramaworks Panther Ridge announces ‘Young Conservation Center Playwrights’ welcomes new cub winners The newest member of Panther
Ridge is an Amor leopard has cub Palm Beach Dramaworks announced its 10 winners name Mischa. Learn more of the Youngthis Playwrights 10-Minute about unique cub. Play Contest. Each winning play PAGE 4 will be read by a professional actor on March 24.
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Top travel destination near Volunteers help Palms West distribute PPE to With international travel still area non-profits uncertain, these great travel
Clinics Can Help and United destinations are only a short Way joined forces with dozens drive of areaaway. volunteers recently to PAGE 10 give away $350,000 worth of personal protective equipment.
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The nationwide surge of COVID19 infections has resulted in a surge in COVID-19 related hospitalizations while only 57% of all Florida residents have been fully vaccinated. “Viruses have variants. That’s how they continue to work,” said Palm Beach County health director, Dr. Alina Alonso in a school board meeting on Sept 1. “The vaccine is doing its job. Why? Because the vaccine’s job is to keep you out of the hospital and stop you from dying... So far, it’s working against all of the variants.” Viruses can mutate over time into different forms, or variants. These mutations occur because of minor changes in the genetic code that occur during replication. The Delta variant is one of the most dangerous. It is believed to be 55 percent more transmissible than the original Alpha strain. Total cases and hospitalization continue to improve. Palm Beach County has seen a decrease of 39% in hospitalizations over the last two weeks. However, hopitalizations from COVID still remain high throughout the state with over 7,000 people still hospitalized. While this is a decrease in comparison to previous months, it is still extremely high compared to hospitalizations in 2020. Yong Sing da Silva, the medical director of inpatient pediatrics at Palms West Hospital, stressed the importance of acknowledging how dangerous the delta variant can be for those who are not vaccinated. “This is the highest volume that we have seen at our institution since the start of our pandemic, so it’s hard to say if the sickest cases that we are seeing are so sick truly because the delta variant is more aggressive and causes more severe disease or if there is just more widespread infection,” da Silva said in late August. “If you are unvaccinated, I would be very concerned about the delta variant,” he said. Vaccinations are on the rise in Florida. 67% of Florida’s adults are fully vaccinated. Florida ranks about the middle of the pack regarding vaccinations. It is the 18th most
vaccinated state. Connecticut has the highest vaccination rate with 80% of adults fully vaccinated. West Virginia is the least vaccinated state with only 48% of adults fully vaccinated. Florida saw an increase in the number of vaccinations per day in August, reaching about 85,000 doses per day. Those numbers have decreased throughout September. By the end of September, the state was administering about 53,000 doses per day, still higher than the less than 40,000 doses per day in July. The Health Care District of Palm Beach County offers free COVID-19 vaccinations without appointments. Businesses and other organizations interested in holding a mobile vaccination clinic for employees or clients should visit www.hcdpbc.org, click the purple “Mobile Clinic Vaccination & Community Event Request” button, and submit the completed form.
Photo By Palms West Journal
The county and state have partnered to open another public testing site at the Mid County Senior Center, 3680 Lake Worth Road, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Besides the many locations found at www.pbcgov.com, most commercial pharmacies and physician offices can do COVID testing for little or no cost. Many of those sites also offer vaccines. Children under age 12 are not eligible for the vaccine. “Some of the most severe cases we have seen of COVID-related pneumonia have been of the adolescent age population,” da Silva said. Coronavirus patients in the pediatric unit range from 2 weeks to 19 years old. “Please get vaccinated,” da Silva said. The vaccination offers a “tremendous measure of protection,” he said. “It continues to present protection from hospitalization, severe illness, and death,” including the delta variant.
“If you are unvaccinated, I would be very concerned about the delta variant”
-Dr Yong Sing da Silva Medical director of inpatient pediatrics at Palms West Hospital
Page 2 • Palms West Journal • October 2021
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FACES & PLACES
COVID Quilt gives hope at Armory Art Center The Armory Art Center is showing the first panel of the quilt, whose squares tell the stories of some of the pandemic’s early victims. The exhibit also teaches how science is working to understand the virus and its effects, as well as what you can do to help reduce the spread. A total of 16 panel are on exhibit at the Amory Art Museum. Outside of California, there is only one other place in the country that has a COVID Memorial Quilt exhibit, the International Quilt Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska. The name of the exhibition, All in This Together, comes
PanelTwo.jpg
from a comment by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization: “We are all in this together and can only stop it together. This is the time for facts, not fear. This is the time for science, not rumors. This is the time for solidarity, not stigma.” Madeleine and her COVID quilt have been featured in many national news stories including CBS News, People Magazine, and many others. The Armory Art Center is at 811 Park Place and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit armoryart.org.
Photo by COVID Quilt Madeleine Fugate is working on the COVID Quilt with her director of qulit operations, Wendy Wells By Jody Miller PALMS WEST JOURNAL All in This Together, a special exhibition of the Covid Memorial Quilt, is coming to the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach from Sept. 10 to Dec. 6. Madeleine Fugate, who lives in Southern California and is now 14, started the quilt in April 2020 as a way to help people heal from the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired by the AIDS Memorial Quilt, which
her mother, Katherine, worked on 35 years ago. When the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, Madeleine’s 7th grade teacher gave her an assignment to give back to the community in her home town of Studio City, California. That is where the COVID Quilt was born. The Covid Memorial quilt is composed of 8-by-8-inch squares that are hand-made and donated by people worldwide who have lost loved ones to the virus. Twenty-five
squares are sewn together to form a panel. The ongoing art piece has grown to 21 panels so far. Realizing she can’t do all the work herself, Madeleine recruited Wendy Wells, her textile instructor to become the director of quilt operations. The quilt’s website offers images of many of the squares and the stories behind them. Many of the squares have the names of the COVID victims as well as items that are related to their lives.
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FACES & PLACES
Panther Ridge Conservation Center welcomes a new cub the opposite of albinism, produces an excess of black in the cat’s coat. Her exotic appearance highlights the endangered future of the Amur leopards, which are native to southeastern Russia and northern China. Panther Ridge shows Mischa in a re-creation of her temperate forest habitat to teach visitors about the preservation of the species. This amazing gem, which specializes in the care of threatened and endangered cat species, enjoys a five-star rating from TripAdvisor’s Palm Beach County visitors. Tourists get up close and personal with cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, ocelots, panthers, and other big cats. Panther Ridge specializes in the care of threatened and endangered cat species. Visitors learn about each animal’s story as well as the status of
Photo by Panther Ridge Conservation Center
Mischa, a rare Amur leopard cub, was born at the Panther Ridge Conservation Center in Loxahatchee.
the species in the wild. The nonprofit facility also provides a home for exotic felines that have been neglected, abandoned, or abused. The center relies on volunteers and donations to support the health and care of the animals. You can book a tour of 45 minutes to an hour online or by phone. Guides introduce you to more than 20 cats of nine species. One option, the Head Keeper Tour, highlights the special bond between the keepers and the animals. High-schoolers 15 and older can shadow animal care professionals to learn about animal husbandry and other aspects of Panther Ridge. Panther Ridge Conservation Center is at 2143 D Road in Loxahatchee. For further information, you can visit their website at pantherridge.org.
By Sharon Penn PALMS WEST JOURNAL The Panther Ridge Conservation Center in Loxahatchee welcomed one of the rarest big cats in the world this summer with the birth of an Amur leopard, Mischa. She is believed to be only the sixth Amur leopard born in captivity with melanistic pigmentation. This condition,
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FACES & PLACES
Quantum Foundation awards $1.5 million to local nonprofit health centers
Photo by Quantum Foundation
FoundCare in West Palm Beach is the largest recipient of Quantum’s award By Mia Petruccelli PALMS WEST JOURNAL The Quantum Foundation awarded nearly $1.5 million in grants to 16 nonprofit health
and wellness organizations in Palm Beach County in the first half of 2021. The grants range from $7,500 to about a quartermillion dollars. “Our foundation has evolved
to become a valued strategic partner in grantmaking to Palm Beach County initiatives that improve access to health services, improve health systems, expand health education, and focus on wholehealth initiatives,” said Eric Kelly, the president of the Quantum Foundation. The largest award went to FoundCare, a nonprofit federally qualified health center whose services include pediatric and adult primary care, dentistry, women’s health services, X-rays, laboratory testing, and chronic disease assistance. The grant will help FoundCare open a pharmacy to provide affordable prescription medication at its new location on Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach.
“This funding for our ongoing capital campaign will enable us to serve more patients at our new, soon-to-open location, regardless of their ability to pay for services,” said Yolette Bonnet, the CEO of FoundCare. The other grant recipients are Northend RISE; Promise Fund of Florida; Palm Beach County Health Department; Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies; Meals on Wheels; Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County; Children’s Bereavement Center; Center for Family Services; Education Foundation of Palm Beach County; Farmworker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County; T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society; Help Our Wounded Foundation; the Women’s Breast & Heart
Initiative; Miami Lighthouse for the Blind; and TeleHealth Access for Seniors. The Quantum Foundation was formed in 1995 with $135 million in proceeds from the sale of JFK Medical Center. The foundation has awarded more than $150 million since 1997 to hundreds of Palm Beach County nonprofit agencies. The foundation aims to improve access to health services and to expand health education to make Palm Beach County a healthier home. Groups funded by Quantum Foundation must meet strict grant criteria, must be classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and must benefit the people of Palm Beach County.
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SCENE FROM by Aaron Wormus | awormus@palmswestmonthly.com PALMS WEST WEST COVIDPALM SPECIAL
Alpha, delta and Lambda: What new COVID-19 variants mean for you these viral variants could pose serious risks to humans that may be somewhat different than the risks associated with the originally reported form of the virus. What Are the Variants of COVID-19? The strain of the COVID-19 virus that was most common in 2020 was known as the Alpha strain. This form of the disease was moderately easy to transmit and posed serious health risks for those who contracted a severe form of the disease. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, several other variants of concern have been identified and tracked:
By Tess Row PALMS WEST JOURNAL The COVID-19 strain has caused significant disruption to everyday activities, workflows, and other aspects of life around the globe. While masks offer some protection, nearly all medical professionals recommend the COVID-19 vaccine as the best way to
protect yourself and your family from the effects of this dangerous disease. As new variants of COVID-19 emerge, it is important to separate fact from fiction and to dispel some of the uncertainty surrounding these new threats to public health. Here is what you need to know about the COVID variants. What are variants?
Viruses typically mutate over time into different forms, which are known as variants. These mutations occur because of minor changes in the genetic code that occur during replication, the process by which viruses multiply. Some of these variants are substantially similar to the original strain. If the virus changes enough, however, it may become a new variant that
has somewhat different effects on the health of living creatures. What are variants of concern? If a variant of an existing viral strain appears to present significant risks to public health, the World Health Organization may designate the new versions of the virus as variants of concern. This signifies that
• Beta first appeared in South Africa in August 2020 and was responsible for a surge in COVID-19 cases in that area. The Beta variant, however, does not appear to be significantly more dangerous or transmissible than the original Alpha strain. • Gamma appears to have originated in the country of Brazil and in the Amazon. It was first reported in December 2020 and shows some significant differences from both Alpha and Beta variants of the COVID-19 virus. • The Delta variant is one of the most dangerous variants of COVID-19 reported CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE
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PALMS WEST COVID SPECIAL thus far. It is believed to be 55 percent more transmissible than the original Alpha strain and can cause a wider range of symptoms, including hearing impairment and increased risk of hospitalization for those who have been infected with the Delta variant of COVID-19. • The Lambda variant was first spotted in Peru in August 2020 and has increasingly been blamed for COVID-19 infections in South America and elsewhere in the world. The Lambda variant is believed to be responsible for 81 percent of the cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Peru between April 2021 and July 2021.
Although the vaccinations were created before many of these variants existed, it is still the best way to protect yourself from the disease. Can COVID-19 tests identify variants? Scientists believe that testing procedures may be somewhat less reliable in patients infected with a variant other than Alpha. Tests that use reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction processes may not be as effective in spotting variants of COVID-19 as they are in identifying the Alpha variant. This may lead to increased use of
How do variants affect vaccine effectiveness?
Each of these variants and any future mutations of the COVID-19 virus could potentially pose serious health risks to individuals who have not been vaccinated against the illness.
rapid antigen tests to determine if a patient is infected with COVID-19. If you are feeling symptoms of COVID, it is still better to get tested regardest of the variant.
In general, vaccines work by alerting your immune system to the threat posed by certain viruses. This allows your body to respond more quickly to exposure and potential infection by viruses against which you have been vaccinated. A vaccine cannot prevent you from infection entirely. Instead, it makes it much more likely that your immune system will be able to combat the viral infection during its early stages,
which can significantly reduce the symptoms for you and the likelihood of transmitting the virus to others with whom you come in contact. Some medical researchers are concerned that the variants of COVID-19 may be different enough to reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine. Public Health England, for instance, has found that the vaccine is significantly less effective against the Delta variant of COVID-19 than against the Alpha variant after one dose or two doses.
How is the COVID surge affecting schools? The Palm Beach County School Board member for District 4, Erica Whitfield, said the school opening was a success after the difficulty of virtual learning last year. “The kids were so excited to be back, seeing their friends and teachers and getting back to some sort of normal.” Whitfield said the students at one school in her district, South Grade Elementary in Lake Worth CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE
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Page 8 • Palms West Journal • October 2021
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ARTS & WEST ENTERTAINMENT PALMS COVID SPECIAL Beach, were ready with ”100% mask compliance and lots of giggles!” Under the policy set by Superintendent Michael Burke, facial coverings were required to start the year for all students and staff members inside buildings and on school transportation. What can you do to protect yourself? If you have received the COVID-19 vaccination, you have already done the most important thing to prevent serious illness that could result from COVID-19 or any of its variants. You may also want to wear a mask in public places or anywhere that you might be exposed to COVID19. Staying up to date with the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization can also provide you with the most current guidance for preventing the spread of COVID-19. This can help you to manage your risk of contracting these variants and can help you stay healthier and safer now and in the future.
Photo by AP Students wearing masks on their first day of school at iPrep Academy in Miami, Florida
“The kids were so excited to be back, seeing their friends and teachers and getting back to some sort of normal.” -Erica Whitfield, Palm Beach County School Board member
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PALMS WEST MONTHLY SPECIAL
Florida advocates COVID treatment tions in people 12 and older. According to the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, evidence indicates that the treatment can lower the viral load in patients, which leads to milder symptoms. The treatment may help people who have tested positive for COVID19 and have had symptoms for no more than 10 days and those who are at high risk of more serious symptoms. The body naturally makes monoclonal antibodies to fight infection but might not have antibodies that recognize a new virus such as COVID-19. A vaccination triggers the body’s natural immune response but can take weeks to develop enough antibodies to prevent a viral infection. A Regeneron infusion, by contrast, uses monoclonal antibodies manufactured in a lab to fight a particular infection. To receive a monoclonal anti 3D rendered image of COVID-19 antibody Photo by Koto Feja body treatment if you test posi tive for COVID-19, get a referized or dying are unvaccinated. By Sharon Penn ral from a health care provider, Although DeSantis acknowlPALMS WEST JOURNAL or call 877-332-6585. Infusion edged that the overwhelming locations include Wellington Gov. Ron DeSantis has majority of people admitted to Regional Medical Center, Palm announced that Florida is setting Florida hospitals with COVID Beach County Firefighters up monoclonal antibody treat- have not received the vaccine, Wellness Center in West Palm ments for those infected with his goal is to prevent infected Beach, and Bethesda Hospital COVID-19. A mobile treatment patients from having to go to West in Boynton Beach. Find a distribution center was opened the emergency room. complete list of infusion locaRegeneron, which produces in Jacksonville, and monoclonal tions at protect-public.hhs.gov/ antibody treatments are avail- the monoclonal antibody treatpages/therapeutics-distribument administered by infusion, able in other parts of the state. tion. Amid a surge in COVID infec- has limited Food and Drug tions, hospitalizations, and Administration emergency-use Photo by AP deaths in Florida, estimates approval in lower doses for mildare that 99% of those hospital- to-moderate COVID-19 infec- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at a press conference
Page 10 • Palms West Journal • October 2021
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FACES BEYOND & PLACES THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Top travel destinations near Palms West By Peter Shanosky PALMS WEST JOURNAL With a large population, ample diversity, and a wide spectrum of dif ferent environments, south Florida offers options for all types of vacationers. As traveling remains unpredictable as we enter the second fall season of the pandemic, we are fortunate to have so many great destinations within driving distance of our Palms West communities. From serene, isolated beaches in the southwest to the plethora of nightlife in the southeast, anyone should be able to find a destination that Ocean Drive in South Beach, Florida suits their needs. Below are The area also boasts some of the best locations for historic architecture in the those looking to stay close to Art Deco district, including home. some of the aforementioned Miami Beach hotels. The area is known to For those seeking a be frequented by celebrities destination with great as well, particularly at some nightlife, it is difficult to top of the higher-end restaurants Miami Beach. While the Miami in the area. For those not as Beach area as a whole is a keen on the nightlife, the area bit more subdued than Miami also offers prominent highproper, the South Beach area is end retail shopping as well as just the opposite. Packed with several historical societies and nightclubs, top-tier restaurants museums. The classic beach and luxury oceanfront hotels, and ocean activities are always this area is ideal for those available as well. looking for an active, social Collier County destination. On the other end of the
5th avenue, while Marco Island offers similar attractions. Real estate aficionados and architecture fans will also have plenty to see here, with the wealth of the area translating into some magnificent construction of commercial shopping areas and single family homes.
Key West
Perhaps best known for it’s prominence in the writer Ernest Hemingway’s life and novels,
spectrum, both figuratively and literally, is Collier County. Directly across the state from Miami Beach on the opposite coast, Collier County offers a serene, peaceful environment free from the noise and activity of Miami Beach. For those looking to relax in a beautiful environment, Collier County is a top choice. Boasting plenty of beaches with far less traffic than Miami, this area is among the wealthiest in the state, if not the country. Naples City is known for both its cuisine and the shopping along their
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BEYOND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Beach, there are still plenty of more local options for those looking to have a night out while they’re away. As the southernmost point in the (continental) United States, cool weather is not a concern, though arriving in peak-season (November - March) could result in higher costs and more traffic.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands
More like Collier County than any other destination on this list, the Sanibel and Captiva islands represent a relaxing, serene getaway location far away from the noise of everyday life. As with much of Florida, beaches and
water activities abound, but Sanibel and Captiva both offer an array of nature walks and other environmentally conscious vacation options. There are multiple wildlife rehabilitation and refuge centers on the islands, as well as conservation foundations. The area also boasts fantastic options for golf and tennis fans, with over 60 golf courses within a twentyminute drive of the islands. Several are located on the island itself, as well. Botanical tours and lighthouses round out the attractions offered here. For those looking for a calmer, more family-oriented trip, Sanibel and Captiva
represent a great option.
Sarasota Sarasota perhaps boasts the most thriving cultural scene of any of our destinations. The city hosts many cultural festivals and events, including a major film festival held annually. There are also historic sites and attractions, such as The Ringling, which houses three museums in one building, or The Bishop Museum, which focuses on science and nature. Other exhibits include classic car museums and habitats for
the majestic feline creatures such as lions or cougars. State parks and mangroves are other major attractions for those looking for more outdoor activities beyond the usual beach fanfare. There are outdoor botanical gardens and nature walks available as well. Sarasota strikes a good balance between the major city destination of Miami and the quieter, more quaint locations on our list. These are just a few of the most prominent destinations
within driving distance to Palms West. Fort Myers Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach are among the many other great options that the state offers for its visitors. The south Florida area provides a plethora of choices for vacation destinations that suit almost any personality. For those that still want to travel but are thinking of putting off those bigger trips, we have some wonderful options that are close to home.
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Page 12 • Palms West Journal • October 2021
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LOCAL HAPPENINGS
Find a treasure at the West Palm Beach Antique Festival PALMS WEST JOURNAL Browse the interesting items and find a treasure at the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival. The monthly antique shows are held monthly at the Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Take a trip down memory lane and find vintage, collectible and antique jewelry, dolls, toys, furniture, paintings, pieces in porcelain, and pottery. You will also discover ceramics as well as china, home décor items
and artwork. On-site services include jewelry repair, free Florida art appraisals, and silver replating.
A Labor of Love The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival began in 2007 when Bill and Kay Puchstein were offered the opportunity to purchase the largest monthly antiques and collectibles antique show in Florida. Their mission is to make the show a success. Kay, an antique show manager and
Bill, a dealer, purchased the Deland Antique Show near Daytona in 2000, and today they promote seven antique shows across the state.
Plan your Visit The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival offers General Admission tickets for $8 for Saturday from 9 am – 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Senior Admission is $7. Early buyers are welcome on Friday for 12 pm to 5 pm. An Early Buyer 3-day ticket is
available for $10. The next West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will take place from October 1 to October 3, and the following winter shows are scheduled for November 5 to November 7, and December 3 to December 5. The South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions is located at 9067 Southern Boulevard. Enter through Gate 8 for the antique show. For further information you can visit their website, wpbaf.com.
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Palms West Journal • October 2021 • Page 13
HEALTH MATTERS
Why returning to the office could actually be good for your health By Daniel Moss PALMS WEST JOURNAL
different; with other people around, you’ll generally have less opportunities - and be less tempted - to snack. This won’t be the case for everybody, but it’s easy to see how working from home can lead to a less healthy diet, weight gain, and other health problems.
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses have been forced to embrace remote working, not only to protect staff and customers, but also to maintain productivity. However, as businesses gradually return to normal operations, some employees are understandably reluctant to return to the office. While many employees have a genuine need to work from home, there are some who are missing out on the various benefits of the office environment. If you’re working remotely - either on a full or part-time basis - and you’re unsure about returning to the office, here are six reasons why spending more time at the office could benefit your health.
Returning to the Office: Finding a Healthy Balance
Reduce Stress By Effectively Separating Work and Home Life When you set clear boundaries between your work life and home life, you’re less likely to experience conflicts between the two, which can significantly reduce your overall stress levels. In a recent Chubb survey of Americans working from home, around 60 percent of remote workers said that distractions from family, housemates, or pets sometimes made it difficult to work from home (1). When you commute to an office, it’s easier to leave your personal issues at home. At the same time, when you travel back home from the office, it’s easier to switch off from the pressures at work. Ultimately, this healthy routine can help you reduce the symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. What’s more, the ritual of preparing to leave the house and commuting adds structure to each day and provides valuable thinking time to prepare for the day ahead. Improve Your Cardiovascular and Muscular Health Frequently commuting also contributes to a less sedentary lifestyle, even if you’re driving or using public transport. When you’re at the office, you also tend to move around more than you would at home, even if it’s walking to a colleague’s desk or moving between rooms. Various studies have linked sitting for long periods of time with increased blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and an increased risk of chronic illnesses. Getting outside also helps you get more vitamin D from the sun, which supports bone and muscle health, and boosts your immune system. Strengthen Your Social Connections Working remotely cannot replace the psychological benefit of working in close
contact with other people. Put simply, working with others gives you a sense of belonging, self-worth, and security. When you’re at home, you lose the ability to chat spontaneously and share your personal or work-related thoughts with others. Humans have a basic need for friendship, and being in an office environment gives you the opportunity to cooperate with others and receive their support. In a study by Officevibe, 70 percent of employees considered work friends to be the most crucial element to a happy working life (2). Workplace social interactions have also been found to increase positive feelings at the end of the day. Combat Loneliness Remote workers are also more vulnerable to loneliness. In a survey by Buffer, 17 percent of remote workers reported struggling with feelings of loneliness (4). Various studies have linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks of a variety of physical and mental conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, weaker immunity, and depression (5). Improve Your Posture In the Chubb survey, more than two in five workers reported new or increased pain in their shoulders, back, or wrists since they started working remotely (1). This is due to the fact that a lot of equipment and furniture in the home is not ergonomically designed. In the of fice, you’re guaranteed certain standards by law. For example, most offices today are equipped with ergonomic chairs that
support your lower back and screens that don’t strain your eyes. Achieve a Healthier Diet The Chubb survey also found that only five percent
of workers were eating less while working remotely (1). When you’re working next to your kitchen at home, it’s easy to go and grab something to eat whenever you feel like it. Working at the office is
It’s totally natural to feel anxious about returning to the office; many employees who have been working remotely feel the same way. However, it’s also important to recognize the many benefits of working in an office environment. Apart from helping you achieve a better work-life balance, returning to the office can help you feel less socially isolated, boost your mood, and improve your physical health. It can also boost your productivity, which is good for your career. If you have concerns about returning to the workplace, talk it through with your boss. You might be able to return to the office for one or two days a week for the first few weeks to maintain some flexibility. This way, you can help your mind and body steadily adjust to a new routine.
Page 14 • Palms West Journal • October 2021
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THE VILLAGE NATURE CALLSIDIOT by Jim Mullen
Equine first aid kit essentials and phenylbutazone are good options because they’re orally administered - and mild sedatives in your kit. You can also include electrolyte paste in your kit; this supplement is used to induce horses to drink.
By Samuel Maina PALMS WEST JOURNAL Wellington and the Palms West community is known for its beautiful horse farms. However, when it comes to horses, you need to keep two of Murphy’s laws in mind: ‘Anything that can go wrong will go wrong’, and ‘left to themselves, things tend to go from bad to worse.’ Horses are very accident-prone, and if you do not have an equine first aid kit handy, you could end up with a crippled or dead animal on your hands. You should store an equine first aid kit in a convenient location for fast access. Hunting around for a kit is the last thing you want to do in an emergency where you’re pressed for time. Another reason you should keep your kit in an easy-to-find spot is because you may not be around during an emergency, and you may have to direct someone else to its location over the phone, for example. Storing a kit in a convenient location also makes it easier to check and update it - something you should do regularly to avoid nasty surprises. You can purchase a
purpose-built receptacle for storing first-aid supplies or repurpose a tight-sealing plastic container, a small tool box or a fishing tackle box. Whatever you choose, ensure it is portable, clean, airtight and waterproof. If you’re using a repurposed container, ensure it is divided into appropriately sized compartments to facilitate storage, organization and retrieval. Of course, an equine first aid kit is only as good as what it contains, so let’s see some of the essentials it should have. 1. Medical Equipment and Supplies This is a no-brainer - your equine first aid kit should have a rectal thermometer, preferably a digital one because of its better ruggedness and easy-to-read display. Your kit should also include a stethoscope for checking your horse’s heart rate and gut sounds. Surgical latex gloves are another equine first aid kit essential; they’ll help you prevent contamination when you’re checking wounds. Other equine first aid kit medical essentials include antiseptic wound cleaners
such as chlorhexidine, povidone iodine and hydrogen peroxide; zinc oxide cream for soothing and protecting sunburned noses, helping clear up grease heel, and promoting the healing of minor wounds; cotton gauze for padding wounds; and selfsticking bandages for keeping the gauze in place. You’ll also need chemical cold packs for reducing swelling, 10-cc syringes and hypodermic
needles for administering injections, 60-cc syringes with a catheter tip for oral medications, and an equine first aid book. Include a small bottle of saline solution for cleaning sensitive wounds, such as near eyes. If you have contact lens solution, that will work as well. If you have experience giving equine medications, consider including pain relievers - flunixin meglumine
2. Nonmedical Equipment and Supplies Some nonmedical equipment and supplies that you should include in your equine first aid kit include flashlights, in case you have to care for a horse in a dim environment, a small jar of Vaseline or any other lubricant to help insert thermometers, and a roll of duct tape for wrapping a limb. Don’t forget to include a pair or two of scissors in your first aid kit. You’ll need them when cutting away bandages. To avoid injuring your horse, buy scissors with rounded tips. Get a pair of wire cutters and at least one sharp knife as well, in case you have to free a horse from a fence, cross ties or a hay net. Tweezers are another item you should include in your kit; they will come in handy when you to remove a splinter or an insect. Also keep a large, clean towel nearby for compressing large wounds or spreading out some tools.
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Palms West Journal • October 2021 • Page 15
NATURE CALLS
The importance of the Everglades to our biodiversity
By H.E. RUBIN, PHD Palm West Journal When some people think of the Everglades, they picture ugly swamps with venomous snakes, hungry
alligators and blood-sucking mosquitoes. It’s true—these are all part of the Everglades experience. But despite these unappealing qualities, the Everglades have a lot to offer. The Everglades system in Florida is the largest wetland ecosystem in North America. It has the largest mangrove sawgrass ecosystem and is considered to be the largest wilderness area in the Southeast. The water of the Everglades flows about 60 miles wide and 100 miles long. It is home to 16 endangered species of birds, reptiles, mammals and plants. In fact, the region houses the second largest amount of species diversity in America, only after the Smoky Mountains. Thus, the Everglades play an important ecological role for Florida. The Everglades ecosystem benefits Floridians by regulating our regional climate, cleansing the water and helping to stabilize our subtropical biome. It helps the world combat climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide and adding oxygen to our atmosphere. This is indeed an impressive list of accomplishments for a boring swamp. However, the Everglades face daunting problems. Drought, agriculture and increased demand for drinking water are reducing water levels. There were even efforts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Everglades Drainage District to drain the Everglades until it was realized that doing so would be an environmental nightmare. Since then, millions of dollars have been spent trying to restore this ecosystem. Lake Okeechobee, which feeds into the Everglades, has become polluted due to dairy farms, illegal waste dumping and inappropriate practices by sugarcane and rice growers. These harmful practices result in the introduction of heavy metals,
organic toxicants and excess levels of nitrates and phosphates into the lake. Pollution results in algal blooms and a dramatic decrease in population levels of many species. The result is a decrease in species diversity, increased risk to human health and declining property values. As Florida’s population increases, the ecosystem suffers further encroachment. Today the Everglades region is only a small fraction of what it was originally. Humans have taken up much of the land for housing and agriculture. Originally it covered 11,000 square miles, but now it spans only 2,300 miles. The loss of area has destabilized the ecosystem and led to the localized extinction of several species. Pollution isn’t the only way that we’re causing harm. The purposeful and inadvertent introduction of alien (nonnative) species has created a serious threat. Included among a long list of invasive species are melaleuca, old world climbing fern, water hyacinth, hydrilla, Asiatic clam, Nile monitor, wild boar, monk parakeet, Mayan cichlid, sailfin catfish, Burmese python and green iguana. These species, introduced by humans, have no natural controls such as disease and predation. As a result, they can outcompete the native plants and animals. Once they arrive, alien species are incredibly hard to eradicate and they can devastate the natural environment. There are no easy solutions to fixing the problems with the Everglades. The solutions are complex, controversial and expensive. The Everglades must be protected from further encroachment. Additional land could be purchased and made part of the Everglades. Increased amounts of pollutantfree water must be allowed to flow into this ecosystem. Alien species must be controlled. All of these solutions must be implemented without delay so that the Everglades may be here to provide future generations with the same benefits we enjoy today.
Page 16 • Palms West Journal • October 2021
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