Ignore the usual predictions — the hot destinations, the airfare trends, the hidden travel fees. The only thing you need to know about travel in 2026 is this: Agentic AI will touch every trip you take.
What’s that? Well, think of agentic AI as the next version of today’s chatbots. Generative AI summarizes but agentic AI acts. It’s the difference between a map that shows the route and a self-driving car that takes you there.
These tools will do more than suggest an itinerary. They’ll book flights, reserve hotels, and manage your trip—in other words, they’ll put your entire vacation on autopilot.
“Travelers will ask AI to book a trip that suits their preferences,” says Ross Borden, CEO of Matador Network. “And the AI will do it. This vision will become reality in 2026.”
But as these autopilot vacations take off, a question remains: When a robot plans your trip, who answers for the rookie mistakes, the security risks, or the flight simply invented by an algorithm?
Love Is In The Air Miami
You Are Guaranteed a Good Time Filled with Luxury, Relaxation and Unforgettable Memories
Love is in the air at InterContinental Miami, with special activities all month long inviting guests and locals to experience an unforgettable February filled with festive programming designed to spread the love and savor precious moments.
Whether you’re celebrating with your Valentine or with your girl gang, all are guaranteed a good time filled with luxury, relaxation and unforgettable memories. Celebrate the sweetest day of the year at the award-winning Pan-Latin steakhouse Toro Toro; experience Freddy’s Speakeasy
like never before with its new Secret Sip Society; enjoy fun in the sun, cupid-style, with an exclusive poolside Cupid Cabana experience; create lasting memories with your fur babies at Paws Patio™ or pamper yourself or your loved one at mySpa, rated #1 on TripAdvisor.
The following is the schedule of events for February 2026 at the iconic luxury downtown Miami property.
Your Cupid Cabana Escape Awaits For couples seeking a relaxed, sun-soaked stay this
ChatGPT Health Promises Safety And Clarity But At What Price To Your Privacy?
By Stefanie Schappert
AI health assistants are here to stay, and they may provide real value in helping people interpret complicated medical information, but consumers should understand exactly what that means before inviting those tools into their most sensitive digital lives. What are the data risks consumers need to know before plunging headfirst into this new era of healthcare?
ChatGPT Health: Insight vs Exposure in AI-Driven Healthcare Health data is already among the most sensitive personal information people have, and with the introduction of ChatGPT Health last week, users will undoubtedly be pouring their medical data into the AI chatbot with the same verve they have since ChatGPT
was first launched in November 2022.
But should they?
The amount of sensitive information users freely and regularly post into ChatGPT (and other popular AI chatbots) is astounding.
A study last January found that nearly one in ten workers regularly exposed their own companies’ sensitive data when using AI. And when thousands of ChatGPT conversations were leaked via search engines last August, the conclusion was that people pretty much share everything with AI, literally.
So when OpenAI introduced its ChatGPT Health to the public, tech and health experts began sounding the warning bells about
privacy and security issues, as well as the limits of AI’s accuracy.
This makes it crucial to understand where information is going and how it’s being used, especially when the data in question includes deeply sensitive details such as medical history or chronic conditions.
“Designed to Support, Not Replace, Medical Care”
OpenAI touts ChatGPT Health as a “dedicated experience” intended to help people understand lab results, prepare for doctor visits, track fitness and wellness trends, or compare insurance options, marking a significant shift in how consumers interact with AI.
February, the poolside Cupid Cabana Escape at InterContinental Miami offers a true getaway curated with memorable moments, making it a Valentine’s Day to remember. Guests can enjoy a luxurious one-night stay in the heart of the Magic City, boasting stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean,
Your ‘Window Of Tolerance’
Why Stress Breaks People When They Need Control Most For Stress And Mental Stability
For years, conversations about stress, emotional regulation, and resilience have focused almost exclusively on mindset. Think differently. Reframe the story. Stay positive. While these approaches sound reasonable, they often fail at the moments people need them most, when the body has already shifted into threat. To understand why so many well-intentioned strategies break down under pressure, it helps to look beneath thoughts and behaviors and examine what is happening in the nervous system itself. That is where the concept of the window of tolerance becomes not just useful, but essential.
The phrase “window of tolerance” is widely used and often misunderstood. Many people treat it as a mindset issue, something to be managed through better thinking or stronger discipline. That framing misses the point. The window of tolerance is a physiological bandwidth. It nomic nervous system to stay
“Health is already one of the most common ways people use Users can now upload and
Travel Trend, Page 4A
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The Allure Of Casa Velas Hotel Puerto Vallarta, 10A
Love Takes Center Stage Valentine’s Day Weekend, 9A
The Grand Klezmer
ChatGPT Heath, Page 9A
Conviva 3A
Your Cupid Cabana Escape Awaits.
cabana for two, perfect for soaking in the sun and diving into romance on the newly refurbished pool deck overlooking Biscayne Bay. In addition, the offer includes complimentary parking; evening turndown service with thoughtful romantic touches; early check-in and late checkout to extend your time together; and 24/7 access to mySpa amenities including the sauna, steam room, fitness center and relaxation room, for a serene wellness escape. Booking is now open for the Cupid Cabana Escape and is valid for stays through Saturday, February 28th, 2026 (based on availability). For more information or to book, visit: https:// www.icmiamihotel.com/.
Treat your Valentine at mySpa Relax, rejuvenate and pamper yourself – or your partner – this February at mySpa with a variety of specialty treatments including Endless Love Body Ritual to relax your body and calm your mind, leaving you with a feeling of wellbeing (50minute $250 | 80-minute $340); Love The Skin You Are In Facial where guests can personalize their luxurious facial to focus on their skin type such as a Hydrafacial to achieve glowing, radiant skin you’ll love (50-minute $290 | 80-minute $395) and Signature Raindrop Massage, a healing and relaxing Swedish massage (50-minute $230 | 80-minute $350).
Join your Valentine for a day of relaxation with the Champagne & Caviar Couples Massage Package, which includes a 50-minute hot stone myMassage and aromatherapy, a bottle of bubbly, caviar for two, and a Couples Gift Box for two ($599).
Celebrate love and friendship with the ultimate Valentine’s Getaway experience and spoil your bestie with a blissful 50minute myMassage and a 25-minute rejuvenating facial in mySpa’s Massage Suite. Guests can also enhance any treatment with a luxurious add-on such as a caviar facial mask, chocolate foaming scrubs for hands or feet, and a foaming salt scrub and moisturizer for the face. For more information or to book a spa treatment, visit: www.icmiamihotel.com/myspa. Telephone: (305) 372-4444. Email: myspa. miami.ihg@gmail.com
Love at First Bite at Toro Toro
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day at Celebrity Chef Richard Sandoval’s PanLatin steakhouse Toro Toro at the iconic downtown InterContinental Miami. On Saturday, February 14th, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the restaurant is featuring live entertainment and a special prix-fixe dinner menu including bottomless rose wine for $150++ per person. Start the romantic evening with a choice of appetizer including Nest Salad – frisee lettuce, chives, Mandarin segments, golden beets, toasted pepitas & macadamias, burrata cheese and champagneagave vinaigrette; Ceviche Duo – Peruvian hamachi ceviche and hot honey passion fruit tuna ceviche, served with chips; and Pan-Latin Lobster Bisque – coconut foam and caviar. For the main course, enjoy your choice entree selection such as Toro Toro Surf & Turf – scallops, lamb chops, pork belly, chicharron, morita romanesco and green beans; Gambas al Sweet Chili Mojo – tiger prawns, corn puree and baby bok choy; or Roasted Butternut Squash –coconut dumpling, sage oil, toasted coconut flakes and parmesan. Also on offer, at market value price, several steak upgrades such as 8 oz. Wagyu Tenderloin, Wagyu Tomahawk, 8 oz. Wagyu Filet, 12 oz. Wagyu Pichana and 32 oz. Dry Aged Ribeye. The celebration of love will conclude with specialty dessert options such as Romance in Bloom – berries, cookie cake, raspberry mousse and strawberries; or Choco Bliss — flourless chocolate cake, chocolate ganache and gold leaf.
Advance reservations are required and can be made on: www.OpenTable.com. For more information, visit: www.torotoro miami.com. Telephone (305) 372-4710.
Secret Sip Society at Freddy’s Speakeasy
On Friday, February 13th, 2026 and Saturday, February 14th, 2026 Freddy’s Speakeasy, the Prohibition-style hideaway inside the hotel, invites guests to go behind the bar and shake things up with the Secret Sip Society to enjoy a night of romance and intrigue. It’s the perfect date-worthy experience for couples or a glamorous Galentine’s Day outing for you and your besties. Priced at $59++ per person, the experience begins with a welcome cocktail, followed by an intimate mixology session led by Freddy’s expert mixologist. Guests will
use a full mixology kit to craft one of the speakeasy’s signature cocktails like a pro. Afterward, guests are invited to step back into the Prohibition Era and enjoy a second cocktail in this secret setting and toast to romance. Reservations are available exclusively through BucketListers, with two-hour seatings at 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.. Access details are shared upon booking. Must be 21+ to attend.
Paws Patio™- Puppy Love Pawwty
On Wednesday, February 11th, 2026
treat your pup to a special edition of Paws Patio™ as InterContinental Miami hosts Puppy Love Pawwty Valentine’s event. Celebrate love with your four-legged friends on the Picante Terrace from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (weather pending), where dogs are encouraged to mix and mingle and perhaps find a Valentine. The tail-waggin’ good time includes a variety of local vendors, music, endless pup cups and more fun surprises. For more information, visit: www.icmiamihotel.com/ paws-patio.
InterContinental Miami is located at 100 Chopin Plaza in Downtown Miami. For more information on weekly programming, visit: www.icmiamihotel.com/play.
[1] Love at First Bite at Toro Toro. [2] Ceviche Duo. [3] Choco Bliss — flourless chocolate cake, chocolate ganache and gold leaf.
[4] The celebration of love will conclude with specialty dessert options such as Romance in Bloom – berries, cookie cake, raspberry mousse and strawberries; or Choco Bliss. [5] Toro Toro Surf & Turf. [6] Celebrate love and friendship with the ultimate Valentine’s Getaway experience such as a caviar facial mask, chocolate foaming scrubs for hands or feet, and a foaming salt scrub and moisturizer for the face.
[2]
[5]
[3]
[4]
everyone can afford,” says Rabbi Menachem Smith, Director of United Jewish Generations. The vast majority of seats are priced at only $20, and that is unheard of for this type of a concert!
The performance will take place on Sunday, February 15th at 2 p.m. at the Julius Littman Performing Arts Theatre at 17011 NE 19th Ave in North Miami Beach.
Tickets can be purchased online at: Grandklezmerconcert.eventbrite.com or in North Miami Beach/Aventura at Aspaclaria Judaica (Ticket Sales from 10AM-2PM ONLY) at 18240 West Dixie Highway. Tickets can also be purchased in Miami Beach at Torah Treasures at 524 W. 41st Street.
If you need help purchasing tickets (or for transportation to the concert,) please call: (954) 458-6000. Seats are priced at $20, $36, and $50. Sponsors of $180 or more, can choose their seats in the front two rows. Please be aware that the theatre has a rule that anyone with a walker or a cane must buy seats in the lower section only, because the upper section requires climbing stairs.
This group of exceptional Klezmerists
keep in mind that this event has sold out in the past! For more info, please email: admin@unitedjewishgenerations.co m or call: (954) 458-6000.
includes internationally acclaimed Clarinetist Jaime Bronsztein from the Jaime Bronsztein Klezmer Band, Chaim Rubinov from the Klezmer Company Jazz
Orchestra, Richi Shapiro from Tekiah Orchestra, & other incredible Klezmerists. Attendees are encouraged to buy tickets early to attain the best seats, and also
The performance will take place on Sunday, February 15th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy this beautiful music with the highest caliber musicians and cantors” says Rabbi Menachem Smith, Director of United Jewish Generations.
AI is already planning your vacations - sorta
AI is already part of the travel process, of course. Barbara Alexander recently used ChatGPT to plan trips to Scandinavia and Japan. For a 24-hour stopover in Helsinki, she asked the AI bot to maximize public transportation to get her to an overnight ferry on time.
“It took some refining,” says Alexander, who works for a nonprofit in Washington, D.C. Eventually, the bot gave her a perfect schedule. “It’s fun, like talking to a smart travel agent.” But Cleo Parker, a retired advertising executive from Livonia, Michigan, found AI unready to take the wheel. She used Google’s Gemini to plan a 12-hour road trip to a dog show in Perry, Georgia. The AI bot generated a 20page document. It looked impressive. It was wrong. It suggested rest stops on the northbound side of the highway while she drove south. It trusted her car’s manufacturer’s highway mileage claims, leaving her low on gas in Tennessee. “You have to check the AI’s work,” says Parker. So much for an autopilot vacation.
The industry doubles down on AI bots
Still, everyone seems to be betting on bots. IDC predicts that by 2030, 45 percent of organizations will use AI agents. Capgemini is even more bullish, estimating that agentic AI could generate up to $450 Billion in economic value within two years. Despite the hiccups, travel com-
panies are pushing their chips into the pot.
Steve Hafner, CEO of Kayak, says his company is building software to plan, book, and manage trips in real time.
“We envision some travelers using a Kayak AI agent directly,” Hafner explains.
“Others will rely on assistants powered by our data. As this technology grows, our goal is simple: make AI do the hard work.”
The risks of relying on algorithms for travel
Should you trust a robot with your vacation? Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recently surveyed thousands of travelers about their 2026 plans. While 47 percent have used AI to build itineraries, one-third reported receiving false or misleading information.
“As AI grows, its convenience can obscure the risks,” warns Lauren McCormick, a spokeswoman for Squaremouth. “We recommend proceeding with caution.” She notes that most travel insurance policies won’t cover you if your AI agent hallucinates a flight.
There are security risks, too. Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director for World Travel Protection, warns that by 2026, AI will know a lot more about you than you realize—or than you want.
Convenience has a cost.
“As the digital footprint grows, so does a traveler’s exposure,” Harrison says. “Cyber hygiene, once a niche concept, has become a foundational duty of care.”
The human element isn’t dead yet
Before you fire your travel advisor in favor of an autopilot vacation, listen to
Holy Cross Health Takes Cardiothoracic Surgery To A New Level
Esteemed Surgeons Kushagra
Katariya, MD, FACS And Marc Gibber, MD To Lead The CT Surgery Team
As Holy Cross Health celebrates 70 years of serving the healthcare needs of the community, the hospital has elevated its Cardiothoracic Surgery program to the highest level with the addition of two internationally recognized Cardiothoracic Surgeons.
Leading the Cardiothoracic Surgery Team is Kushagra Katariya, MD, FACS who was named Medical Director and Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Marc Gibber, MD, who has assumed the role of Surgical Director of the Intensive Care Unit. They join the Holy Cross Medical Group, a multi-specialty physician-employed group of more than 180 physicians providing services throughout Broward County. This announcement comes at a time when Heart Disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update.
At Holy Cross Health, Dr. Katariya and Dr. Gibber will lead an expert Cardiothoracic Surgery team that has access to the latest innovations when it comes to techniques and equipment. They will perform a wide range of lifesaving heart surgeries including coronary revascularization, coronary bypass, minimally invasive procedures, aortic and atrial fibrillation.
“We’re offering cutting edge surgery for patients and the compassionate, kind care the community knows Holy Cross stands for,” said Dawn Lacska-Tommerdahl, MBA, BSN, RN, FACHE, Director of Cardiology at Holy Cross Health. “We are escalating our program to continue serving the community for generations to come. When you need cardiothoracic surgery, you need the best. We’re proud to now have Dr. Katariya and Dr. Gibber on our team. As a Catholic health system, when people come here, they expect and deserve to receive a different kind of care they cannot find elsewhere.”
Most recently, Dr. Katariya was with Tenet Healthcare’s Palm Beach Health Network Physicians Group at Delray Medical Center in Delray Beach, Florida. A milestone career accomplishment was returning to his home country of India where he started and led a group of hospitals performing larger numbers of cardiac surgeries than most hospitals in the United States.
With his legacy in place in India, Dr. Katariya is ready to put his lasting stamp on South Florida and grow Holy Cross Health’s cardiothoracic surgery program from 250 surgeries annually to as many as 800. Dr. Katariya himself has performed more than 15,000 heart surgeries, three times more than the average heart surgeon performs in a lifetime. “I am really impressed with the passion and inclusiveness of Holy Cross Health’s cardiology group. Holy Cross has what it takes already in place to create a great program,” said Dr. Katariya. “Heart surgery is so much more than an individual heart surgeon. If you can collaborate and bring forth a program that puts patients first, I think that’s something that’s very lasting. Holy Cross has been part of Fort Lauderdale and South Florida for so long and has had a legacy of great heart surgery and a great cardiac program. We are assembling a superlative team who will raise the bar for all in South Florida by bringing cutting edge heart surgery and cardiac care to the community and treating our patients as we would our own family members.”
Previously the Medical Director and Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Baptist Health Bethesda Hospital in Palm Beach County, Dr. Gibber is thrilled to work alongside Dr. Katariya to elevate Holy Cross Health’s Cardiothoracic Surgery Program. The specialty spoke to him when he was in medical school and training because the field touches so many lives.
“I am very excited to join forces with Dr. Katariya. He has a tremendous reputation not just as a physician, but as a human being. He’s a kind, humble individual who is easy to get along with,” said Dr. Gibber. “The community has always supported Holy Cross Health, and our goal is to support the community. So many people are affected by Heart Disease, so it’s essential for every community’s nearest hospital to provide expert Cardiac Care close to
Susan Sherren, Founder of Couture Trips. She’s seen the AI itineraries clients bring her. They often miss the subtleties of travel—the road closures in Big Sur, the unreliable Greek ferries in windy weather, or the fact that a “hiking trip” might be a bad idea for someone with a heart condition.
“Unless you become sophisticated with your AI inputs, you’re going to miss the nuance,” Sherren warns.
Jessica Parker, Founder of the agency Trip Whisperer, is even more blunt.
“AI tools are designed to fill rooms and chase the cheapest or fastest option, not to curate your best experience,” she says. “AI can get you a room, while relationships get you the experience.”
AI cannot replace everything. You want a real person answering the phone when you call your insurance company with a problem.
“In a real medical emergency abroad, no traveler is looking for an algorithm,” says Nicole Perrault, COO of AXA Partners North America. “They want a human expert.”
How to use AI to plan your trip in 2026
Agentic AI remains theoretical, but it will become real in 2026. If you let a bot plan your next vacation, proceed carefully. Start small. Don’t ask the AI to book a month-long expedition to Antarctica. Use
it for discrete tasks: finding a hotel near a landmark or comparing flight prices. Resist the urge to let it book. Take baby steps. Verify everything. As Parker discovered in Georgia, AI doesn’t always know which side of the road a rest stop is on. Doublecheck routes, opening times and prices. AI bots are subject to what are known as “hallucinations”—simply inventing facts. Guard your data. Ensure you understand how the agent stores your credit card and passport information. “Cyber hygiene” is the new hand-washing. The last thing you need is a bot going on a spending spree with your credit card. Use it for logistics, not taste. Agentic AI excels at action. In 2026, these tools will do more than compare prices. They will monitor flights for delays and rebook your connecting flight before the first flight lands. They will negotiate refunds by analyzing the fine print of your insurance policy. They can coordinate multi-leg journeys, syncing your rental car pickup time with your actual flight arrival. But they can’t tell you if the neighborhood is cool. You may be able to book an autopilot vacation in 2026, but that doesn’t mean you should. Use AI for the homework; don’t let it take the final exam. Remain in charge of your vacation. The robot is the navigator—but sometimes it holds the map upside down.
Christopher Elliott is an Author, Consumer Advocate, and Journalist. He Founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at: chris@elliott.org.
home. It’s really humbling to be able to help people live longer.”
When patients come to him, Dr. Gibber wants to provide a sense of comfort during what is often a stressful situation. “I take a holistic approach to the care I provide patients, focusing not only on their medical condition, but also the Mental Health and emotions of my patients and their families,” the Miami Beach resident said. “The procedures are routine to us as surgeons, but to each individual patient, this is one of the most significant times of their lives.”
The cardiothoracic surgery office is located at 4725 N. Federal Hwy., Suite 402, in Fort Lauderdale. To schedule an appointment, call: 954-542-6770 or visit: holycross.com for more information.
Learn More About Dr. Katariya
Dr. Katariya is a second-generation surgeon who began observing his dad in the operating room in India when he was only four or five years old and scrubbed in for the first time at age 11. With this impressive pedigree, it was evident at a young age he had a passion for surgery and would pursue it as a career. He went on to earn his M.B.B.S. and Medical Degree from University of Delhi in New Delhi, India.
His residency in the Department of Surgery at Beth Israel Medical Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York is what initially brought him to the U.S.
During his time as Chief Resident, Dr. Katariya was presented with the Resident Achievement Award from the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons and the Leon Ginzburg Award.
Dr. Katariya completed a fellowship in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Jackson Memorial Medical Center at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Upon completion, he remained there as an attending Physician and Associate Professor for the next eight years of his career, where he was recognized with the Best Teacher Award in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. He also is a previous recipient of the prestigious State of Florida Governor’s Award.
In the early 2000s, Dr. Katariya was a principal investigator of various studies backed by substantial grants. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, he received a $10 Million Federal Grant for a study that compared on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.
Dr. Katariya returned to the U.S. in 2013. He spent nine years at Tucson Medical Center and Pima Heart Physicians in Tucson before taking his career full circle back to South Florida in 2022. Board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and American Board of Surgery, Dr. Katariya is licensed to practice medicine in Florida, Arizona, Washington and India. He is a resident of Fort Lauderdale.
Learn More About Dr. Marc Gibber
Since 2021, Dr. Gibber has been on staff at various
Baptist Health locations throughout Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties. He was previously in private practice in Miami, Aventura and Memphis.
Dr. Gibber has successfully integrated his faith with his professional pursuits. He earned a Bachelor of Talmudic Law from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore, Maryland, while simultaneously completing premedical studies. An active member of his synagogue and local Jewish day schools, and involved with the Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association, Dr. Gibber remains deeply committed to his Jewish values while dedicating his career to improving lives through Cardiothoracic Surgery. He completed a PostBaccalaureate Premedical Program at Towson University in Towson, Maryland before matriculating at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. At the University of Maryland Medical Center, Dr. Gibber completed his internship, residencies and fellowship in General and Cardiothoracic Surgery, serving as Chief Resident during both residencies.
A Diplomat of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Dr. Gibber has taught medical, Advanced Practice Provider and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner students and residents at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute in Kendall, Florida, Aventura Hospital and Kendall Regional Medical Center in Miami and Saint Francis Hospital and Methodist University Hospital in Memphis. Dr. Gibber was recognized with the Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute Annual Residents’ Award and The Robert W. Buxton Prize at the Harry L. Sponseller Research Symposia. From 2007 to 2009, with a $100,000 Joseph M. and Corinne C. Schwartz Cardiac Surgery Research Grant, he studied Cardiac Muscle Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction.
About Holy Cross Health
A member of Trinity Health, Fort Lauderdale-based Holy Cross Hospital, dba Holy Cross Health, is a fullservice, not-for-profit, Catholic, teaching hospital operating in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. Holy Cross has been recognized for six Types of Care in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospital rankings, was named among the 2024 America’s Best-In-State Hospitals by Newsweek and selected as a Forbes America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals in 2025. Holy Cross has also been designated as a High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for LGBTQ+ health care access. Through strategic collaborations and a commitment to being a personcentered, transforming, healing presence, the 557-bed hospital offers progressive inpatient, outpatient and community outreach services and clinical research trials to serve as the community’s trusted health partner for life. Holy Cross Health also includes Holy Cross HealthPlex outpatient facility, urgent care centers and more than 40 Holy Cross Medical Group physician practices. To learn more about Holy Cross Health, visit holy-cross.com. Connect with Holy Cross Health on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Kushagra Katariya, MD, FACS
Marc Gibber, MD
Women Trailblazers: Champions Of Change
Six New Honorees Announced In Celebration In Honor Of Women’s History Month
History Fort Lauderdale and Galleria Fort Lauderdale have announced the honorees for their “Women Trailblazers: Champions of Change - Broward County” 2026 reception and photography exhibition to run March 26 through April 19.
History Fort Lauderdale and Galleria Fort Lauderdale are proud to announce this year’s “Women Trailblazers: Champions of Change - Broward County” honorees: Mary Adams, principal consultant and owner of The Employee Relations Group; Monica Cepero, county administrator at Broward County Government; Genia Duncan Ellis, President and CEO at Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Inc.; Kristina Hebert, President and CEO of Wards Marine Electric; Suzanne Higgins, Director of Development at Henderson Behavioral Health and Dara Levan, Author/Board member of Memorial Healthcare. These impactful and inspiring women who lead our community will be recognized at a ticketed reception benefitting History Fort Lauderdale, hosted by radio personalities Julie Guy and Tamara Gant, set for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26th, 2026 at Galleria Fort Lauderdale, located at 2414 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Women’s History Month celebration will kick off a special photo exhibit highlighting these women alongside their groundbreaking historical female predecessors who helped to pave the way for our community. The exhibition celebrating their achievements will be on display through Sunday, April 19th, 2026.
“We’re looking forward to our annual tradition of celebrating these modern women - true champions of change - who continue to fearlessly build the foundation for our next generation of community leaders,” said Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director of History Fort Lauderdale. “This year’s role models and achievers have made significant contributions in the fields of human resources, government, journalism, the marine industry, healthcare and community activism. Our great City of Fort Lauderdale has reaped numerous economical and philanthropical benefits from their passionate enthusiasm and desire to help others. We invite the community to join us in celebrating their achievements during Women’s History Month.”
Past pioneering women counterparts to be highlighted in the photo exhibition include Louella Snyder (1875-1969), a Fort Lauderdale resident since 1910 who later Founded and served as President of the Wells-Snyder Paint Company with M.W. Wells serving as Secretary-Treasurer; Virginia Clements (1914–1995), a member of the Junior League, and the first Board Chair of Henderson Behavioral Health who was instrumental in the organization’s establishment along with other roles in
civic and cultural organizations; Ellyn
Ferguson Walters (1927-2012), a 41-year/ tenured teacher for Broward Schools, Major Fundraiser and Executive Chair of the African American Research and Library Center, Founder of the Sistrunk Festival and 1999 Urban League plus Kathleen C. Wright Award-winner; Eva Oliver (1883-1964), First President of the Woman’s Club, Chairman of the Port Everglades naming committee, historian, author, philanthropist and suffragist; Anne Kolb (1932-1981), first elected Woman Chair of the Broward County Commission, environmentalist, conservationist (1978 Florida Wildlife Conservationist of the Year) and namesake of the Anne Kolb Nature Center; and Charline Skogsberg (1906-1999), a Broward County pioneer and daughter of Captain Charles Skogsberg, a keeper of the House of Refuge (U.S. Government life-saving service stations for shipwrecked sailors in Florida), a kindergarten teacher, Trinity Lutheran Church organist and Broward Marine at Bahia Mar employee.
“Galleria Fort Lauderdale is honored to celebrate female trailblazers in our community,” said Melissa Milroy, Marketing Manager of Galleria Fort Lauderdale. “This year’s honorees truly exemplify the spirit of leadership through care, kindness, commitment, and a steadfast determination to succeed. Together, with History
Fort Lauderdale, we are proud to share their success and achievements through this reception and engaging photography exhibit.”
All honorees will become part of History Fort Lauderdale’s permanent exhibition space devoted to telling our stories. Past honorees have included Rita Case, Burnadette Norris-Weeks, Susan Renneisen, Juliet Roulhac, Arlene Pecora, Laurie Sallarulo, Heather Geronemus, Stephanie Toothaker, Esq., Ramola Motwani, Sebrina María Alfonso, Melanie Dickinson, Kareen Boutros, Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, and Stacy Ritter.
History Fort Lauderdale and Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s “Women Trailblazers: Champions of Change - Broward County” 2026 is sponsored by UKG, Rick Case Automotive Group, BBX Capital, Henderson Behavioral Health, City & Shore PRIME magazine, Gulf Stream Distillery, Dillard’s and GPR | Goodman Public Relations.
Tickets for the March 26 recognition and benefit reception honoring today’s leaders are $50 and are available at: https://bit.ly/HFLWomenTrailblazers2026.
For more information about History Fort Lauderdale and Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s “Women Trailblazers: Champions of Change - Broward County” 2026, or to join this event as a sponsor, call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit: https://
mation about Galleria Fort Lauderdale is available at: www.facebook.com/ GalleriaFtLauderdale - Or: www.galleriamall-fl.com.
About Galleria Fort Lauderdale Galleria Fort Lauderdale, recognized as one of South Florida’s premier shopping destinations, features a variety of popular dining and retail options. Macy’s, Dillard’s and H&M anchor the center which also is home to Altar’d State, Apple, Banana Republic, Free People and Pandora. The center features a fine roster of dining establishments such as Seasons 52, The Capital Grille and P.F. Chang’s. Powerhouse Gym can also be found at the property. Just steps away from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach, it is minutes from the airport, port, downtown, hotels and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center with easy access from Sunrise Boulevard, U.S. Highway 1 (Federal Highway), Interstate 95, Interstate 595, and U.S. Highway A1A (Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard). Located at 2414 East Sunrise Boulevard, it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Restaurants and anchors enjoy varied hours. More information is available by calling: (954) 564-1015. Or by visiting: www.galleriamall-fl.com.
Dara Levan
Mary Adams
Monica Cepero
Genia Duncan Ellis
Kristina Hebert
Suzanne Higgins
Ann Storck Center To Host 30th Annual Rockin’ Celebrity Chefs Event
The stage is set, and the chefs are plugged in! Ann Storck Center’s Celebrity Chefs Events is still rockin’ after 30 years. The 30th Annual Rockin’ Celeb Chefs pre sented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is taking place on Friday, February 6th, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., in the Grand Ballroom.
Over 450 of South Florida’s community leaders, philanthropists and influencers will get a backstage pass to tastings from over 20 of South Florida’s top restaurants, breweries and bakeries – all to support the rockstars of Ann Storck Center, a Fort Lauderdale-based private NonProfit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Fans will raise awareness, funds and “glasses” for Ann Storck Center’s mission, which is through out all its 14 programs and services to discover ability and build independence so that individuals live happier, more inde pendent, fulfilling lives. Ann Storck Center accommodates 96 residents and serves more than 300 individuals daily through an array of critical care, learning and abilityfocused programs.
From sizzling skillets to rockstar spirits, guests will enjoy food tastings from fea tured restaurants, including Abiaka from the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, Mimi’s Ravioli, Livia Bar & Grill, Bravo Peruvian Kitchen, South Bar & Grill, Howard’s Market, Batch, CrepeMaker, Bob Roth’s New River Groves, Tasteful Thoughts and Georgia Pig. Guests can sip, savor, and rock the night away with an open bar from Republic National Distributing Company and a custom cock tail sponsored by Tito’s. Bravo’s “Below Deck” Chef Anthony Iracane will host a live cooking demonstration.
Showstopper Florida Panthers Arena host Aaron “The Speaker” Shapiro, alongside Rock With U Entertainment, will command the stage and electrify the crowd.
Headlining the event is NBC’s The Voice Season 27 winner Adam David, with his band. David is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose soulful sound and magnetic stage presence have made him one of the most compelling emerging artists in contemporary music. Hailing from South Florida, Adam rose to national acclaim as the winner of The Voice Season 27, where he captivated millions with his heartfelt performances and masterful musicianship— ultimately securing back-to-back victories for coach Michael Buble. With a voice that effortlessly blends smooth soul and gritty blues, and guitar chops honed since the age of eight, Adam channels the spirit of icons like Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder while bringing a sound that’s distinctly his own. Ann Storck Center’s heARTS Music Therapy Department will deliver an exceptional musical performance to start the
Tolerance
From Page 1A
When someone is within this window, emotions can be felt without being hijacked by them. Thinking stays flexible. Connection remains possible. When the system falls outside of this range, the nervous system shifts into threat. Choice narrows. Habit takes over. What looks like poor coping is usually a loss of regulatory capacity.
This distinction matters. The goal is not to cope better. Coping is often part of the survival strategy itself. The work is about regulating and recovering more quickly.
What the Window of
Tolerance Actually Describes
At its core, the window of tolerance describes how much activation the nervous system can handle before defaulting into protection. Widening that window means increasing the range of activation that can be experienced while staying present. Within this range, emotions move rather than run the system. Anger becomes an experience that is felt rather than a reaction that spills outward. When anger becomes disproportionate to the moment, it signals that the system has left the window. Others sense that immediately. Disconnection follows. Safety drops. Survival responses cascade. This is rarely about the situation itself. It is about capacity.
Two Ways the Nervous System Leaves the Window
There are two primary ways the nervous system exits this optimal range.
The first is hyperarousal. This is the familiar fight or flight response. It often appears as anxiety, urgency, anger, fear, or a need for control.
The second is hypoarousal. This is the freeze response. When fighting or fleeing does not feel possible, the system drops into an older survival strategy. Dissociation follows. Emotional and sometimes physical collapse occurs. Fatigue, withdrawal, and numbness dominate. Most chronic stress problems are not caused by too much stress. They result from too little regulatory capacity.
Bravo’s Below Deck’s Captain Lee will make a special appearance. Ann Storck Center will honor VIPs Howard Usher with the Lifetime Legacy Award and Howard Adkin with the Community Leadership Award. While hearing special stories from Ann Storck Center families, supporters will have the opportunity to “Bid for Kids” through donations and participate in a silent and live auction featuring high-end items and exceptional luxury experiences. Since its inception, Ann Storck Center’s Celebrity Chefs event has raised nearly $5.9 Million dollars to support Ann Storck Center. “It’s a thrill to host our 30th Annual Rockin’ Celebrity Chefs event at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood,” said Patricia Murphy, CEO of Ann Storck Center. “We’re beyond grateful to our true headliners, our board members, donors, and restaurant partners, for helping us amplify our mission and rock the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities.”
The nervous system loses the ability to stay relaxed under activation.
Why Common Stress Approaches Fail
After decades of working with men and women, including running a mindfulnessbased stress reduction company in the 1990s, a consistent pattern emerged. Most stress management approaches fail to create lasting change.
They rely on top-down strategies. Breathe more. Think positively. Reframe thoughts. Avoid triggers. Stay calm.
These methods ask the conscious mind to override a much older survival system. That rarely works when someone is already outside the window of tolerance. In a stress response, physiology dominates. Thinking cannot pull the system back.
The way forward is physiological. Sensation must be reconnected. The nervous system must be reoriented. Insight follows regulation.
The MELD Model and the Order of Change
Drawing on two decades of research and work with thousands of people, the MELD model was developed to align with how the nervous system actually changes.
The first principle is regulation before insight. When regulated, access to creativity, connection, and learning increases. When stressed, resources shift toward survival.
The second principle is capacity before catharsis. Emotional release alone does not widen the window unless the body has enough containment. Regulation must come first.
The third principle is repetition over revelation. Lasting change does not come from a single breakthrough. It comes from repeated mild to moderate activation followed by successful return to regulation. Neuroplasticity follows repetition.
What Widening the Window Looks Like
Widening the window does not mean eliminating activation. It means recovering faster. Spending less time in extremes. Having more choice under pressure.
Tension is noticed earlier. Breath shifts are felt. The body signals reaction before habit takes over. Over time, activation
required; a touch of rock and roll flair is encouraged.
Single tickets for the 2026 event are $200 with tables for 10 discounted at $1,800. Sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are available and range from $1,000 to $35,000. Be alongside wonderful sponsors like the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, The Ben Law Firm, PLLC, Broward County Clerk of Courts, Parkshore Pharmacon and PNC Financial Services Group.
For more information about the event or to purchase tickets and sponsorships, please visit: https://www.annstorckcenter .org/celebritychefs2026 - Or contact Sarah Depante at: sdepante@annstorck center.org.
Restaurants, breweries and bakeries wishing to participate in the event, at no charge, can apply at: bit.ly/Chefsignup 2026.
occurs less frequently and resolves more efficiently.
Somatic Awareness as Foundation
Somatic awareness is a foundational skill. It is the ability to track sensation.
Stephen Porges describes this as interoception. Awareness of internal signals such as muscle tension, breath changes, or gut tightening.
When these signals are noticed early and named, a different path opens. The system stays within the window rather than sliding into overwhelm. Everything does not need to be felt at once. Small doses are enough.
Practiced over time, this reduces chronic stress, what researchers call allostatic load. Stimuli that once triggered threats become neutral. They pass through without sticking.
The ROC Formula
Another core principle is the ROC formula.
Relax. Slow down and allow the nervous system to settle.
Open. Allow awareness beyond insight. Be vulnerable to experience. Connect. First to self. Then to others or the environment.
Emotion follows physiology. When the body is addressed first, the trajectory changes. Without this step, habitual reaction dominates.
Relational Regulation and Co-Regulation
Humans are wired for connection. Attachment theory shows that lack of connection registers as a threat.
Co-regulation describes how one regulated nervous system helps another settle. Through voice, posture, facial expression, and presence, safety is communicated. Mirror neurons respond automatically.
When one person stays within their window, others often follow. Conflict shifts toward cooperation.
Communal Regulation and the Myth of Self-Reliance
The nervous system evolved in communities. Regulation happens more easily together.
A supportive group can hold regulation when an individual cannot. Over time, this
About Ann Storck Center: Ann Storck Center (ASC) is a 501(c)(3) NonProfit Organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities through an array of critical care, learning and ability focused programs. ASC has been serving the community for more than 65 years, originally known as the Pediatric Care Center, then in 1981 becoming ASC. Today, ASC accommodates over 300 individuals on six separate sites including a school/therapy center, adult day training program, two intermediate care facilities offering specialized residential services, as well as four group homes embedded in the community offering a more independent lifestyle. For more information, visit: www.annstorckcenter.org/ - Or on Social Media, visit Facebook at: www.facebook.com/annstorckcenterAnd Instagram at: www.instagram.com/ annstorckcenter/.
external regulation trains internal capacity.
Children show this naturally. A regulated parent allows a child to settle quickly and return to play. The same principle applies throughout life.
The belief that regulation must be entirely self-generated is flawed. Healthy relationships and group-based somatic work scale capacity far beyond individual effort.
Trauma-Informed Without Trauma-Fixation
Being trauma-informed helps. Being trauma-fixated does not.
Much of what is labeled PTSD reflects a physiological pattern stuck outside the window rather than a psychological story needing endless retelling. The goal is presence, not reliving.
Measuring Progress Differently Progress is not fewer triggers. Triggers remain part of life. Progress is faster awareness. Faster recovery. Greater choice.
The nervous system learns through experience. With the right conditions, it can learn again.
About the Expert
Owen Marcus is the Founder and CEO of MELD. A pioneer in the field of men’s emotional health, his retreats, workshops, coaching, training and other programs serve to enhance relational dynamics as well as men’s personal and professional growth and leadership development. For nearly three decades, MELD has stood as a trusted guide for men navigating the complex terrain of modern life: stress, relationships, leadership, and identity. Marcus is also author of ‘Grow Up: A Man’s Guide to Emotional Maturity.’ In it, Marcus leads readers along an enlightening path toward the authentic self, revealing the extent to which men need clarity, purpose, connection and the support of other men to thrive. A founding member of the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP) and a member of Division 51 of the American Psychological Association, Marcus integrates neuroscience, Polyvagal Theory, and somatic mindfulness to help individuals and groups cultivate emotional intelligence and authentic leadership.
show.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is located at 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Florida 33314. Cocktail attire
Frankie Billisi, Gina Billisi, Lilliana Billisi, Linda Billisi, Frank Billisi, Mio Cledano, Anthony Billisi, Pat Murphy
Aaron Shapiro, Theresa Fobbs, Pat Murphy, Julie Guy
Lilly Piccolo, Peter Rondeau, Kathryn Zedick
“Love At First Bite” At Arc Culinary’s
Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen
Guests can enjoy an immersive Valentine’s Day Chef Experience Dinner inside the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen in Sunrise. (Photo credit: Arc Culinary)
Arc Culinary invites couples and food lovers to celebrate love with an unforgettable Valentine’s Day Chef Experience Dinner, “Love at First Bite,” on Saturday, February 14th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen in Sunrise.
The decadent four-course menu features a yuca croquette with pork belly and passion fruit glaze; a seafood mosaic with mahi, cod, nori, pickled red cabbage and jalapenos, finished with chipotle crema and cilantro on a mini tostada; truffled beet with lobster, risotto, fennel and pangrattato; and a mouthwatering dessert to complete the culinary experience.
Tickets for the “Love at First Bite” chef experience dinner are $123 for the chef’s table or $102 for communal seating,
including gratuity and alcoholic beverages. Ticket sales from every Chef Experience Dinner support Arc Broward’s mission to strengthen the community by empowering adults and children with disabilities to grow, develop and thrive.
Arc Culinary’s Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen offers a blend of mid-century classic and modern elegance, featuring a Chef’s Table, refined décor and an outdoor patio. Beyond Chef Experiences, the catering venue hosts private cooking classes, corporate meetings and events, bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, small weddings and more for seated guests up to 49 and buffet or cocktail-style events up to 125 guests and provides full-service off-site catering. Arc Culinary and Arc Educates are revenue-generating social enterprises of Arc Broward that directly support programming for 1,200 children and adults with disabilities.
Chef Experiences are sponsored by Amazon. The Emeril Lagasse Foundation
Innovation Kitchen at Arc Culinary is located at 10250 Northwest 53rd Street, Sunrise, Florida 33351. For tickets and more information, please visit: arcculinary.com/chef-experience-dinners/. Or call: (954) 299-7515.
About Arc Broward
In 2026, Arc Broward proudly celebrates 70 years as a leading provider of services that empower individuals with disabilities and their families to thrive. Today, Arc Broward is focused on opening
doors, creating pathways and expanding opportunities through 24 programs at 16 locations across Broward County, serving individuals with disabilities from preschool children to adults and seniors. Its two social enterprises, Arc Educates and Arc Culinary, help people with disabilities and various employment barriers gain education, experience and employment. For more
LEGAL NOTICE
As of March 1, 2026, physicians and other providers at Conviva Care Centers and Clinical Care Medical Centers in Broward will no longer be accepting MEDICAID patients. If you are a MEDICAID patient who receives care from one of these centers, the following address may be contacted for assistance with a medical records request: 1380 S Hiatus Rd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33025, (954) 432-1511.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE SALE
NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE SALE
JAM Area Debuts
With Comedian
Whitney Cummings Kicking Off A New Chapter For The Sport Of Jai-Alai In South Florida
The World Jai-Alai League (WJAL) will kick off a fresh chapter for the sport of professional Jai-Alai when it opens its ninth competitive Battle Court season on Friday, February 13th, 2026 debuting play at the newly renovated and rebranded JAM Arena. Opening night begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a headline performance from comedian Whitney Cummings at 10:00 p.m., setting the tone for a season that blends thrilling live action Jai-Alai with top-tier live entertainment. The JAM Arena at the former Miami Jai-Alai facility at 3500 NW 37th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33142 – has undergone a multi-milliondollar renovation and rebranding project designed for a new era and a modern consumer. The 1,500-seat arena will feature state-of-the-art audience amenities including VIP courtside seating and family-friendly sports challenge activations designed to create an immersive fan experience. “We’re ready to kick off a new chapter for the sport of Jai-Alai, a sport that is iconically Miami and introduces it to a new generation of fans,” said Scott Savin, Chief Operating Officer of the World Jai-Alai League. “Pairing the world’s fastest ball sport with nationallyrecognized entertainers like Whitney Cummings sets the tone for an updated sports and entertainment experience.” Cummings, one of comedy’s most recognizable voices, headlines opening night as part of the Big Baby tour. A comedian, actor, writer, producer and director, she is
the creator and star of NBC’s “Whitney” and the co-creator and co-writer of the Emmy-nominated CBS series “2 Broke Girls.” She is also the host of the popular podcast “Good For You” and released her sixth stand-up special, “Mouthy, in November 2023. Tickets for Whitney Cummings’ limited-engagement performance are available at: www.jamarena.com.
The
The World Jai-Alai League’s Winter Battle Court season runs through Friday, May 8th, 2026 and features high-intensity
and Roll comes to the
Celebrate the day of love with the magic of shadow
matchups, elite international athletes and a continued focus on community impact. Since 2022, the league has contributed more than $400,000 to South Florida nonprofits through its charitable partnerships. Live Jai-Alai matches are open to the public on Fridays at the JAM Arena. Matches stream live on ESPN3 and are available for legal wagering in Florida via the Hard Rock Bet app, as well as nationally through DraftKings, FanDuel and ESPN Bet.
is dedicated to revitalizing the world’s fastest ball sport by modernizing gameplay, capitalizing on the international sports wagering market, and delivering the sport through social media to a new generation of fans across the globe. The WJAL plays at the Magic City Fronton in Miami, located at 450 Northwest 37th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33125.
Love Takes Center Stage Valentine’s Day Weekend At The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
Center invite audiences to celebrate romance, passion and heartfelt connection with two unforgettable performances that capture the spirit of the holiday. The City of Aventura presents an explosive, high energy, rock and roll music experience that celebrates the inspiring life and legacy of music icon, Tina Turner, when Dear Tina: My Love Letter to the Queen of Rock and Roll comes to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Friday, February 13th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. World-renowned actor, singer and storyteller Avionce Hoyles, who has starred in the Tony and Pulitzer prize-winning, “A Strange Loop,” Off-Broadway’s “Titanique,” the TonyAward winning “Memphis,” “Bat Out of
ChatGPT Heath
From Page 1A
creating a complete individual health profile, the likes of which we have never seen before.
Traditionally, health data has been scattered across many devices and platforms – a hospital portal here, a fitness tracker there, a PDF of bloodwork in your inbox.
But now, health data will be woven together into new AI-generated interpretations and summaries, all stored within a single system.
Not just storing medical records, Health will aggregate and interpret them, creating narratives, patterns, and insights – a fundamental departure from how most people think about their medical data.
This matters because the value of health data isn’t just in its raw form; it’s what can be inferred and contextualized from it.
Derived insights, health trends over time, connections between symptoms and test results, and personalized explanations can prove more revealing than the “data points” themselves.
People may also consent to sharing individual data points, for example, a
Hell” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” honors his childhood inspiration in an electrifying rock experience featuring stories and songs made famous by the legendary
“Queen of Rock and Roll.” Featuring a high energy band and dazzling backup singers and dancers, audiences will witness songs such as “Private Dancer,”
“Addicted to Love,” “River DeepMountain High,” “I Can’t Stand the Rain,”
“We Don’t Need Another Hero,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Simply the Best,” “Nutbush City Limits” and “Proud Mary.” VIP add-ons are available which include a “Dear Tina” t-shirt and hat and a postshow meet & greet / photo opportunity with Hoyles. From the power of a legendary rock icon to a visually stunning celebration of love in all its forms, this Valentine’s weekend lineup offers some-
symptom or lab result, without understanding the new meaning that emerges once those data points are combined.
AI algorithms developed from aggregated data have already proven that, in the wrong hands, could easily lead to AI biases, workplace, or societal discrimination, impacting such variables as individual treatment plans or health insurance premiums, among many others.
Understanding the Privacy Tradeoffs
On the technical side, OpenAI says ChatGPT Health builds on its existing security architecture with additional, layered protections, including purpose-built encryption and isolation to keep health conversations protected and compartmentalized.
Users can also enable multi-factor authentication, review or delete Health memories, and revoke access to connected apps at any time, according to OpenAI. With layered, end-to-end encryption, health conversations are isolated and not used to train models, the company further states.
Still, privacy critics have pointed out that when users upload medical records into an AI service – even one with promises of encryption and compartmentali-
thing magical for every heart. Celebrate the day of love with the magic of shadow dance with The Silhouettes: LOVE Happens at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Saturday, February 14th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. presented by the City of Aventura. Created and directed by Lynne Waggoner-Patton, The Silhouettes, America’s premier shadow-dance company and finalists on “America’s Got Talent,” take audiences on an emotional journey exploring the many forms of love, including friendship, family, romance, music, pets and even chocolate. With powerful storytelling, graceful movement and stunning visuals, this family-friendly production will leave audiences laughing, tearing up and feeling the love. Tickets to all shows are on sale now. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the
zation – they may effectively remove traditional privacy protections that would otherwise apply in regulated healthcare settings.
One expert recently told The Record that giving an AI access to electronic medical records can strip those records of the legal safeguards they enjoy under rules like HIPAA, which lays out how Protected Health Information (PHI) is processed, stored, transmitted, and secured.
“ChatGPT is only bound by its own disclosures and promises, so without any meaningful limitation on that, like regulation or a law, ChatGPT can change the terms of its service at any time,” explained Sara Geoghegan, Senior Counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center.
Because health data remains among the most valuable targets for hackers, any system that aggregates medical records, wellness data, and AI-generated health insights – especially on a single platform –can significantly increase the amount of data exposed in the event of a breach.
From a cybersecurity perspective, aggregation also concentrates value, making AI health platforms especially attractive targets for attackers seeking high-impact data rather than isolated records.
Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org. By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 4620222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307.
The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @aventuracenter. Or: #aventuracenter. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-Square-Foot, 330-Seat Waterfront Complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages.
The tradeoff – insight versus exposure – is destined to be the burning question we face moving forward.
One thing is certain: weighing insight vs. exposure is no longer theoretical – it is now the defining moment of AI-driven healthcare.
About The Author Stefanie Schappert, a Senior Journalist at Cybernews, is an accomplished writer with an M.S. in cybersecurity, immersed in the security world since 2019. She has a decade-plus experience in America’s #1 news market working for Fox News, Gannett, Blaze Media, Verizon Fios1, and NY1 News. With a strong focus on national security, data breaches, trending threats, hacker groups, global issues, and women in tech, she is also a commentator for live panels, podcasts, radio, and TV. Earned the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification as part of the initial CC pilot program, participated in numerous Capture-the-Flag (CTF) competitions, and took 3rd place in Temple University’s International Social Engineering Pen Testing Competition, sponsored by Google. Member of Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu (WSC), Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE) International Honor Society for Computing and Information Disciplines.
[L] Dear Tina: My Love Letter to the Queen of Rock
Aventura Arts & Cultural Center.
[R]
dance with The Silhouettes: LOVE Happens at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center.
About World Jai-Alai League
World Jai-Alai League (WJAL)
The newly renovated and rebranded JAM Arena.
A Passport To Paradise
Unveiling The Allure Of Casa Velas Hotel Puerto Vallarta
By Merilee Kern, MBA - Nestled within an upscale residential neighborhood, just a short five-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta airport, the AAA Four Diamond Casa Velas stands as a serene, adults-only boutique resort exemplifying standards in the luxury all-inclusive sector. As part of the prestigious Velas Resorts portfolio— renowned for being the only chain with four properties in U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top 25 all-inclusive resorts in Mexico—Casa Velas continues to exceed expectations with its unique charm and bespoke hospitality. Unlike traditional hotels, this Spanish hacienda-esque resort feels like a private estate replete with attentive staff members who add a personalized touch to the guest experience.
The 80 traditional, artwork-adorned Mexican-styled suites at Casa Velas are designed for utmost comfort, each featuring a private terrace with a plunge pool or insuite Jacuzzi, hypo-allergenic pillows, goose down feather duvets, free WiFi, satellite TV, safe deposit box, coffee maker, bathrobes and slippers and L’Occitane bath products, as well as a fully stocked mini bar. Guests can choose from five room types: Master Suite; Grand Class Suite; Ambassador Suite; Governor Suite or the Presidential Suite. For those seeking copious privacy and space to spread out, the 3,000-Square-Foot, fourbedroom Presidential Suite is a haven offering a top-end luxury escape. The space, suited for up to eight guests, boasts original artwork by Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante, a large dining room, living room, master suite with a spacious marble-laden bathroom and an expansive terrace with an oversized plunge pool and Jacuzzi. It also comes complete with its own butler and bartender. It’s worth noting that Casa Velas actually has Bustamante’s sculptures in the majority of the suites, allowing most guests to enjoy the captivatingly authentic artwork.
is DIY Botanical Cocktails, where guests can pick their ingredients for their drink at the onsite garden. Perfect for creative beverage concoctions, the garden features rosemary, lavender, mint, basil, lemongrass, peppermint, a Mexican tea called epazote, aloe vera, sage, nopales cactus pads, thyme, tamarind, jackfruit, mango, guava and more. Our mixologist will use the selected ingredients to make a personalized botanical cocktail to enjoy on the Koi pond-dotted terrace. Varieties of fruits, herbs, vegetables and botanicals are also used in the cuisine and spa treatments at Casa Velas.”
For the health conscious, a spa food menu is available as well. Casa Velas’ commitment to excellence extends to its impressive on-site organic botanical garden, where the resort grows its own herbs, flowers and vegetables. These fresh ingredients find their way into cocktails and culinary creations, adding a farm-to-table element to the
“Our luxury resort’s environmental responsibility is a driving force behind the entire operation, from conservation efforts and recycling, to planting our own herb garden,” Sinencio notes. “From natural composting and fertilizing of our on-site gardens, to water-saving initiatives, solar heating and meticulous separation and processing of all waste and recyclables, Casa Velas sets the benchmark for green tourism and hospitality in Puerto Vallarta and beyond. We also recycle burned cooking oils to a supplier for conversion to biodegradable fuel. Local companies are in charge of processing glass, plastic, metal, cardboard and toxic material to handle their recycling, and proper disposal.”
“In addition, we clean the sand daily of any foreign debris,” Sinencio continued. “Teams of more than 30 employees are organized monthly to thoroughly clean, sweep, dig and sift the sand for extra cleaning. Designated containers are strategically located for the recycling garbage around the property. Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, Casa Velas has implemented rigorous health and safety protocols in accordance with local and international guidelines. This includes enhanced cleaning procedures, regular sanitization of common areas and the adoption of contactless services where possible. We keep our guests informed through various channels, including our website, social media and direct communication with booked guests. We want everyone to be aware of the measures in place and feel confident in choosing Casa Velas for their stay.”
Amidst its Spanish-style architecture and captivating interior design, the resort is ensconced in a lush garden setting on the 18-hole Marina Vallarta Golf Course. The tropical landscaping and abundant flora and fauna woven throughout the entirety of the hotel create a breathtaking setting, attracting wildlife—including Koi ponds and “pet” snapping turtles. For golf enthusiasts, Casa Velas guests receive special access and discounts at Marina Vallarta and Vista Vallarta Golf Clubs. For its part, the par 71 layout of Marina Vallarta’s 18-hole golf course, designed by Joe Finger, is rife with flourishing vegetation, wildlifeladen lagoons and beautiful views of Banderas Bay. Guests can also enjoy discounted golf privileges at two other top 18-hole, 72 par golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf located at the Vista Vallarta Golf Club only 20 minutes away. Casa Velas guests can soak up the sun at its private pool cushioned in a tropical landscape that overlooks the golf course. Its swim-up Aqua Bar ensures refreshments—including local brews, tropical drinks and classic Mexican cocktails crafted from premium liquor brands—flow all day through. The newest offering at Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta allows guests to experience pure relaxation with their own “Wellness Cabana.” Available in the intimate space of their suite, or at the botanical garden adjacent to the spa labyrinth, wellnessfocused amenities include aromatherapy, a personal speaker with calming meditation music, spa water, a MUSE meditation headband and mandala adult coloring books, among other items. For those desiring to unwind and explore off-site, the resort also provides complimentary shuttle service to the private Tau Beach Club, offering guests a beachside retreat with cushioned loungers, cabanas, food and beverage service for lunch and dinner and a pristine infinity pool and Jacuzzi area proffering idyllic panoramic views of the sparkling sea. Plus, the property is a mere fifteen minutes from the popular downtown area, where there are art galleries and the famed El Malecon boardwalk.
Also making Casa Velas a standout is its elevated gourmet food and beverage program, which raises the bar for all-inclusive hotels globally. The on-site, AAA Four Diamond Emiliano restaurant offers guests unlimited access to gourmet cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The intimate, romantic indoor/outdoor dining space provides lovely vistas of the pool and vibrant golf course beyond. Each evening, Emiliano features a five-course gourmet tasting menu created and overseen by head chefs from its sister resort, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Rotating each night, menus include Mexican, French and Italian-Mediterranean. A novel offering is the resort’s “taco therapy”—Casa Velas’ latest food and beverage offering for guests assisting in anxiety and stress relief, improving sleep quality and boosting antioxidants. The new tasting experience features four curated tacos that provide holistic benefits for the mind, body and soul. There are an array of other activities at the resort as well. “Workshops range from arts and crafts such as natural jewelry and abanicos, to culinary workshops such as the Molcajete option, where guests explore Mexican culinary traditions,” said Enrique Sinencio, the resort’s General Manager. “Another activity
and throughout the entirety of Casa Velas, are equally impressive, featuring premium domestic and international premium wines and liquors. Also enjoyable are spiritinduced nightly events like wine pairings and beer, tequila, wine, martini and other F&B tastings that foster socialization among guests.
Relative to in-suite victuals, the resort’s in-suite mini bars also depart from the ordinary by offering healthy, freshly-made options on-demand. This includes two different selections of crudites—a “Mexican turnip” with a combination of carrots, cucumber and jicama; and another including celery, beetroot and pineapple. These come complete with three different choices of dressing: mango, chipotle or basil, to enhance flavor while keeping the snack light and healthy. Guests can also choose from a menu of freshly made juice options available yearround.
Speaking of health, also included in the daily rate for all-inclusive Casa Velas guests is access to its fully equipped gym. A visit to the property also would not be complete without experiencing services at its on-site ABJA Spa. The 6,500 Square Foot sanctuary offers a wide variety of massages, body wraps and facials, a hydrotherapy area, spa boutique and beauty salon. Notably, Casa Velas is just as committed to the environment as it is to providing impressive guest experiences.
So pristine the locale, it’s become a highly-coveted option for weddings and other important events. The resort boasts a 3,600 Square Foot Convention Center that is ideal for meetings, seminars, formal banquets, cocktail gatherings or a spectacular and elegant wedding for up to 300 people. The center of the space is adjacent to the resort’s garden area and the Marina Vallarta 18-hole championship golf course. To ensure a memorable, hasslefree event, Casa Velas provides professional services for planning weddings from beginning to end. With settings by its beautiful pool area or the Tau Beach Club terrace surrounded by sand and sea, Casa Velas offers unforgettable scenery for the special wedding day. For utter and complete privacy, groups requiring up to 80 suites can take over the entire hotel to ensure fully private access to pools, beach areas, gardens, activities and restaurants. While at the restaurants, the “bubble buyout” offers a group their own personalized menus prepared with everyone’s diet in mind. Along with having the resort to themselves and custom cuisine, group activities range from DIY mixology with ingredients from the onsite botanical garden, Yoga, Mexican wine and craft beer tastings, casino night and more.
With various international dignitaries and multiple Mexican presidents having experienced the resort’s hospitality, Casa Velas continues to redefine the allinclusive category. This pristine property is an ideal choice for discerning travelers who value a personalized and pampered luxury travel experience.
Merilee Kern, MBA
Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the “Savvy Living” lifestyle TV show that airs in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta and other major markets on CBS, FOX and other top networks; as well as the “Savvy Ventures” business TV show that airs nationally on FOX Business TV and Bloomberg TV. Merilee also hosts the Savvy Ventures Podcast & Radio show available globally on W4CY Radio—the #1 ranked live streaming radio station—among others as well as all major podcast platforms, including Pandora, Audible, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Streamyard, iHeart Radio and dozens more. As a prolific lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at: www.TheLuxeList.com And: www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram: www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter: www. Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook: www.Facebook .com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN: www.LinkedIn.com/ in/MerileeKern.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
TPS, ICE And What It Means For Our Communities
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Over the past year, we have witnessed an intense implementation of immigration laws throughout our country. Immigration Enforcement is not unique to our nation. Every president has enforced our existing laws on immigration. Under President Clinton over 800,000 illegals, with President Bush over 2 million. President Obama 3 million, Donald Trump’s first term was 500,000 and President Biden deported over 4 million but that was during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The biggest problem was with lack of control at the borders and a shift into a policy that Biden was going to stop enforcement.
So why is it so different now? The difference is tactics. Typically, the general public was unaware of ICE. They went about their business of enforcing laws quietly and professionally. They never simply profiled individual groups and areas, at least we did not focus on their operations. ICE never went in with masks. We also did not see mass sweeps of areas.
We all knew that this was a focus of the Trump Administration. In the beginning, a vast group of Americans supported going after criminals. Even back last January, ICE officials told the Mayor Leadership
Council this was their intent. Americans supported this and also support that illegal immigration is an issue and needs to be addressed.
It is a public safety issue. Over the past year this focus has also shed light on the proliferation of terrorist activity, proxies and money coming into undermine our civil society. The proof is in the 600 percent rise in antisemitism and hate.
The strong-arm tactics are not what the public expected. The elimination of Temporary Protected Status, TPS for groups of legal immigrants also was not expected. TPS has been cancelled or paused for 11 countries. Round ups were also not what anyone expected. This combined with the fact that everyday Americans are now forming patrols to follow ICE and disrupt these raids has resulted in avoidable violence.
I need to add that I am tired of the left comparing ICE to the Nazis and the Holocaust. These illegal immigrants are not being sent to death camps, they are being deported. The other reality is when a person enters any country illegally, they have done so at risk. While many are hardworking, loving people there are immigrants that did it the right way.
IGNITE Broward Returns February 13thFebruary 22nd With Bigger And Brighter Light, Art And Tech Experiences
South Florida’s immersive light and sound art festival returns to Broward County this February, and Hollywood’s ArtsPark at Young Circle will once again
nighttime environments. This year also highlights emerging local talent through a showcase from the MAD Art & Tech Studio Program, where young artists will debut original works as part of the festival.
ArtsPark at Young Circle in Hollywood Address: 1 North Young Circle, Hollywood, Florida 33022
Hours: Friday and Saturday6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | Sunday through Thursday6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
be one of its featured destinations.
From Friday, February 13th, 2026 through Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, IGNITE Broward brings ten nights of cutting-edge, technology-driven art to four locations across the county. Now in its fifth year, the 2026 festival is the most ambitious yet, featuring more than 25 large-scale installations, projection mapping experiences, interactive sculptures, sound-based works and live performances created by local, national and international artists.
More than 80,000 visitors attended last year’s festival, drawn by the opportunity to experience art in a way that transforms familiar public spaces into immersive
Through the City of Hollywood’s public art initiative, an immersive art circuit will wind through the park, inviting visitors to explore six installations by internationally recognized artists including Loop, Artur Grycuk, Onda Studio, Pneuhaus, Studio McGuire and ITHACA Studio. The setting of the park itself becomes part of the experience as light, motion and sound interact with the landscape and surrounding architecture.
Hollywood will also host a free live concert at ArtsPark on Saturday, February 21st, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., featuring performances by Spam Allstars and Dav Julca. Find out more at: https:// the.eventbrite.com/e/ignitebroward-2026-live-spamallstars-dav-julca-tickets1981391253577?aff=oddtdtcreator.
IGNITE Broward is presented by the Broward County Cultural Division and produced by MAD Arts, with support from Visit Lauderdale, the City of Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Broward County Parks and Recreation and the City of Dania Beach. The festival is free and open to the public as part of its mission to make art accessible to all.
For a full schedule, participating artists and event details, visit: www.ignitebroward.com. Event schedule and artist participation are subject to change.
Obviously, the system needs to be fixed. There is still the fact that not one party has changed it. Wednesday the Haitian TPS will expire. This is heartbreaking as we all know what Haiti has seen and natural disasters continue as well as political upheaval and gang violence. There are over 330,00 Haitians under TPS in the United States. They add $5.9 Billion Dollars to our economy and $805 Million in federal and payroll taxes. Many are caregivers, provide various cleaning services to hotels as well as homes, taxi drivers, mechanics, landscapers, and school assistance and other professional careers.
In Florida, there are over 168,000 Haitians that constitute over $1.5 Billion in revenue. We and New York are the two largest populations of Haitians on TPS. While we cannot put a value on the human impact of families, the impact on our economy will be felt by everyone. We are already seeing the ripple effect of many of our residents and businesses.
These are law-abiding industrious individuals that should be given an opportunity to reapply, be vetted and have their status renewed so long as they have not committed any criminal activity.
We have already seen the impacts of Venezuelan TPS status being terminated. In October 2026, the Ukrainian TPS status will also be terminated. We all need to work towards a peaceful resolution while understanding the law is the law. I pray for those that are being faced with the reality of the inaction of our government to address the issue.
Most recently, a federal judge, U.S. District Court Judge Ana Reyes temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s termination of Temporary Protected Status for approximately 350,000 Haitians. In spite of a scheduled expiration. The request was granted due to a request by five Haitian TPS holders. What does this mean for Haitian TPS holders? The termination is paused while the case goes through the court system, allowing them to continue living and working in the U.S. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share!
Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper
Ruff Days Or Cat-Astrophies?
How To Help Pets Handle Stressful Situations
Just like with people, when pets experience chronic stress it can raise cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure; weaken the immune system; and even cause fluctuations in weight — all of which increase a pet’s risk of becoming ill.
Fortunately, pets are skilled at expressing their emotions through body language. Learning to understand these signals and to recognize when stress is building can make all the difference in helping pets stay healthy and comfortable.
Dr. Audra Jones, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Education, Research, & Outreach campus in Canyon, Texas, explains common causes of stress and how owners can recognize and best support pets in stressful times.
Stressful Situations
Some situations — like veterinary visits, car rides, moving houses, and introducing new pets to the household — are especially challenging for pets.
“Pets may associate veterinary visits with stress related to the pain of injections or treatments, or even the smells of other animals in the same space as them,” Jones said. “While car rides are enjoyable for some pets, others can have very different responses due, in part, to motion sickness, past negative experiences, and unfamiliar sights and sounds.”
Big life changes, like moving to a new house or quick introductions of a new pet, can also heighten stress.
“Cats and dogs are territorial in nature and like to be in places that are familiar to them,” Jones said. “Pets also don’t like to share space with another animal that may threaten their environment and peace.”
Signs of Stress
Stress can show up in subtle ways before it becomes severe.
“Commonly, both dogs and cats will yawn or lick their nose and lips as an early sign of discomfort in a situation,” Jones said. If stress increases, physical behaviors may become more noticeable.
“Both dogs and cats might freeze and it is possible to see them shaking in fear,” Jones said. “They might also tuck their tails between their legs and lower their bodies closer to the ground in an attempt to ‘shrink away’ from the stress.
“Pets might also defecate or urinate under severe stress,” Jones said. “And stressed-out pets will usually not want to eat treats or drink water until the stressful situation is resolved and they feel comfortable enough to let their guard down.”
While both dogs and cats can sometimes express similar stress behaviors, there are also differences between species.
“Dogs will generally start panting when stressed and sometimes will smack their lips or jaws together,” Jones said. “Cats will commonly look for hiding places or run from stressful situations.”
How To Help Stressed Pets
When a pet becomes stressed, owners
should stay calm, be patient, and work to diffuse tension.
“When animals feel unsafe or nervous, they can become aggressive and go into fight or flight mode,” Jones said. “If a dog is growling, please do not attempt to approach the animal. This dog is reacting with ‘fight’ and will likely attack if approached or threatened.”
Instead, owners should avoid loud noises, speak calmly, and observe pets’ reactions to different tones — some animals respond well to higher-pitched voices, while others may find them irritating.
“Try to recognize what’s making the pet feel stressed or unsafe and, if possible, remove that threat from their environment,” Jones said.
Creating positive associations before stressful events can also help. To prepare for visiting a veterinary clinic for the first time, Jones recommends doing a “happy visit.”
“During these visits, dogs walk through the clinic and get used to the smells and people involved in the day-to-day activities without a negative association such as a vaccine, nail trim, or other procedure,” Jones said. “For cat patients, I let them explore and receive treats in the exam room. And all pets get treats before and after the visit.”
Medication can also be a valuable tool for particularly anxious pets.
“If you know that your pet gets stressed about car rides or vet visits, ask
your veterinarian about prescribing an anti-anxiety treatment,” Jones said. “These prescriptions are catered to each individual patient and have a great safety profile. They can make stressful experiences much more enjoyable for pets and all others involved.”
Cats, in particular, benefit from gradual desensitization, including things such as leaving their carrier out before a visit, which allows them to explore and feel more comfortable, and spraying the carrier with synthetic pheromones at least 15 minutes before travel.
“Pheromones are natural chemicals that are secreted by cats to mark a safe spot,” Jones said. “When cats rub against a tree or your leg, they are marking that spot as ‘safe’ by secreting pheromones.
“Luckily, there are products available that contain that same ‘safe’ chemical,” Jones said. “Using these sprays in a cat’s carrier and/or putting the spray on a towel and placing it in the carrier will help ‘mark’ safe spaces for cats.”
Stress is an inevitable part of life — for both humans and animals — but understanding how it affects pets and learning how to best support them during those situations can prevent long-term consequences.
Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at: www.vetmed.tamu.edu/news/ pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to: vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.
Creating positive associations before stressful events can also help. To prepare for visiting a veterinary clinic for the first time, Jones recommends doing a “happy visit.”
