King of Prussia News Spring 2021

Spring 2021

KING OF PRUSSIA NEWS Information for the Community

Doctor supervised program

Beacon of Life Chiropractic & Neuropathy Specialists

(610) 906-0636 www.gobeaconhealth.com Dr. Daniel McClimon, DC,BCN Board Certified Neuropathy Specialist 70 Buckwalter Rd., Suite 412 Royersford, PA 19468

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Thank You! Franklin Maps thanks the front line workers for their diligence & continued support during this cornavirus challenge.

Due to the impact that cornavirus has had on our postal system, we apologize if this publication was not received in a timely manner.

David Amsterdam franklinmaps@aol.com

Contents: Township Directory...................................3 South Gulph Road Closed........................4 Compost Site Dumping Fee .....................4 Parenting Corner.......................................4 Historical Society ......................................6 Home Maintenance & Repairs..................8 Home Office Ergonomics .......................10 Health & Wellness ...................................14 Pet Safety & Well-being ..........................16 Art & Creativity ........................................18 Gardening & Landscaping .....................20 Sports & Recreation................................22

Township Directory Township Administration Building

Fire and Ambulance

Upper Merion Area School District

175 W. Valley Forge Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 Phone: 610-265-2600 Fax: 610-265-0482 www.umtownship.org Mon - Fri 8:15 am to 5 pm

King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company 170 Allendale Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 Non-Emergency Ph: 610-265-1063 www.kpvfc.com

435 Crossfield Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 Phone: 610-205-6400 Fax: 610-205-6433 www.umasd.org

Swedeland Fire Co. 609 A Street King of Prussia, PA 19406 Non-Emergency Ph: 610-275-0177 www.swedelandfire.org

431 West Valley Forge Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 Phone: 610-265-1071 www.umtownship.org/departme nts/parks-recreation/ community-center

Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company 310 Jefferson St. Bridgeport, PA 19405 Non-Emergency Ph: 610-272-9853 www.swedesburgfire.com

Upper Merion Senior Service Center

Emergency Phone: 9-1-1

Township Police 175 W. Valley Forge Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 Emergency and Call for Service: 9-1-1 Phone: 610-265-3232 Anonymous Tip Line: 484-636-3888

Animal Control ...610-265-3232 Courthouse .........610-278-3000 Library................610-265-4805 Parks & Rec.........610-265-1071 Public Works.......610-265-2606 Safety & Codes....610-265-2608

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Upper Merion Community Cetner

431 W. VALLEY FORGE ROAD (in the Community Center Bldg.)

Phone: 610-265-4715 www.umssc.o

Published by Franklin Maps 333 South Henderson Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 610-265-6277

Spring 2021

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Parenting Corner DEAR LOVED ONES:

Compost Site Dumping Fee Upper Merion Township Compost Site Dumping Fee

An Honest Guide to Helping the Special Needs Family You Love, Debuts as #1 New Release!

Available Now in Print and Kindle Formats

Effective as of March 1, 2021

Special needs mother of four, Julie Falcone, released a guide to support special needs parents by educating their extended family and friends on what they can specifically say and do to truly help. Julie Falcone addresses this group through letters written at the end of each chapter that provide a variety of no-nonsense tips to support the special needs family they love, as well as validate the feelings and struggles of special needs moms.

The anecdotes speak to wellmeaning friends and family, who so desperately want to help but sometimes inadvertently say or do things that come off as insensitive or offensive.

diagnosed with ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, and sensory processing disorder, respectively, looks like on a daily basis.

Falcone explains, “The importance of having the open and raw conversations about what is really going on in our homes is necessary to promote inclusivity and understanding. By being honest with ourselves and others, we have the power to create a path of acceptance and education, in which our ‘imperfect’ families can be better embraced by the entire community.”

In an effort to offset composting cost, township residents will be assessed a $10.00 dumping fee per load. Residents will be required to show a driver's license or other form of I.D. that contains the residential property owners name and address.

Residents will receive an invoice at the end of each billing cycle.

Residents can also use the MyUMT portal on the Township's website to schedule a free yard waste pickup from Monday, April 5 to Friday, October 29, 2021.

South Gulph Road Closure South Gulph Road to Close through November 2021

South Gulph Road (SR 0320) will be closed for the Hanging Rock construction project. This closure is expected to last until November 2021. The closure will be between Upper Gulph Road / Old Gulph Road and Arden Road. Additional information will be posted on www.umtownship.org/hanging-rock-construction-project

Julie Falcone’s heart wrenching and funny stories perfectly Falcone suggests, “With Covid 19 straddle tragedy and humor. spreading, many students With chapters like “FLEXIBLE diagnosed with invisible special SCHMEXIBLE” and “STOP needs like ADHD, autism, learning STARING AT ME, BITCHES”, disabilities, anxiety, and readers will be unsure of whether depression are struggling with to laugh or cry. the virtual learning model. This is the perfect time to become About Julie Falcone educated on these disorders and Julie Falcone is a veteran special work to create positive needs mother of four in the atmospheres around all families trenches, an advocate for special with special needs children.” needs mothers newly diagnosed "DEAR LOVED ONES: An Honest Guide to Helping the Special Needs Family You Love" made its debut as #1 New Release in Special Needs Parenting on Amazon, December 8, 2020.

Julie Falcone gives a brutally honest, behind-the-scenes look at what raising four children, 4

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with ADHD, a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the Delaware County Family Court System, and a member of pertinent national organizations.

As well as writing her own blog on Julie-falcone.com, she also contributes to numerous parenting podcasts and blogs.

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O’DONNELL

ROOFING CO. S I N C E 1924

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O’Donnell Roofing Co. has been providing commercial and residential roofing, siding, and carpentry to Delaware County and the Main Line area since 1924.

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Local History

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Acosta Contracting

610-265-4845 the process is the product

Carpentry Additions Decks Kitchens Baths Windows Doors Roofing Siding Plumbing Electrical Painting Power Washing Basements Concrete Paving Pavers Tile Drywall Carpeting Flooring Fencing Sheds Ask for George Licensed & Insured ga3456@gmail.com HIC# PA 104528 acostacontracting.com Since 1970 473 Prince Frederick Street, King of Prussia, PA 19406

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& Classics

Auto Repair And S ervice 223 S. Henderson Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406

610-265-1215 Jeff The NO Gimmick Shop! Auto & Classic Repairs Jeff.DeSimone@Comcast.net Computer Diagnostics Over 35 Years of Experience State & Emissions Inspection

Serving the Community Since 1941

Bernard S. Gutkowski

Funeral Home Upper Merion's Only Funeral Home 305 Jefferson Street Swedesburg, PA 19405

610-275-6385 www.gutkowskifuneralhome.com Keith J. Murphy Supervisor

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Home Maintenance & Repairs WHAT CAN CAUSE A BASEMENT TO FLOOD?

In our experience as basement waterproofing professionals, detecting the cause of water in the basement is a tricky issue. There are many potential causes, starting from the moment when the building was erected. Inadequate backfilling or poor grading of the landscape may cause water coming up through the basement floor after heavy rain.

As a matter of fact, water in the basement after rain is the first sign that makes homeowners call us to solve the issue. And the first step is to identify the root cause. Even if you have water in the basement during new construction works, your builders may not be at fault. Apart from poor planning and workmanship, there are several causes for water leaks into the basement: Condensation – also known as wall sweating, it occurs in the form of water droplets on the walls when humid and warm air hits the cold walls and water pipes Runoff – usually caused by poor grading allowing rainwater to seep in the direction of the building, instead of away from it Faulty downspouts – when downspouts discharge water too close to the foundation of the house, it will pool around the basement Window well leakage – installed to let in natural light, the window well can also let water in the basement if it is not properly insulated Leakage of surface water or groundwater – the leakage can be caused by cracks in the foundation or loose joints between the walls.

HOW DO I FIX THE PROBLEM OF WATER IN MY BASEMENT?

The first thing that you must remember is NOT to go inside immediately after you notice water in the basement. The electric wiring system of your house runs through the basement and you know that water and electricity are a terrible combination.

Here is what you must do instead: - Have the electricty & gas turned off by utility company or licensed contractor - Homeowner responsible to remove furniture, appliances, & valuables - Homeowner responsible for soaking up water - Homewoner is to call insurance company - Have Waterproofing Specialist fix root cause of water in the basement 1. ADDING GUTTER EXTENSION In some cases, the gutters discharge rainwater too close to the building, causing it to pool into the basement. Adding a foot of a gutter extension will solve the problem.

2. SUMP PUMP INSTALLATION If the water table in the area is too high, the best solution is to opt for sump pump installation. This will put an end to the problem with water in the basement after rain or for no apparent reason.

3. CORRECTING LANDSCAPE GRADING This solution will also involve hiring a building company to fix the grading of the landscape around the building. However, the first step is to bring in waterproofing professionals for yard drainage.

4. WATERPROOFING THE WALLS In order to make sure that you will no longer find groundwater in the basement, install advanced

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waterproofing in it. This is even more important if you have converted the basement into a living space, with furniture, carpets, and home electronics.

5. CLEAN THE FOOTING DRAINS Some buildings have footing drains. These are underground pipes that the builders installed when they started erecting your house. The role of the footing drains is to divert away water around the foundation of the house. If the pipes are clogged, they are no longer doing their job and you have to call a plumber to clean them.

6. RESTORE THE CROWN OF THE BUILDING If all the other causes of water in the basement (faulty gutters or cracks in the walls) are ruled out, it is possible that the crown of the building needs to be restored. This crown is a mound of soil on which your building sits. It must slope at least 6 inches for 10 feet in all directions. However, due to land subsidence, the crown will diminish in size and slope. You can restore it yourself with supplies from a home improvement store or call a contractor.

WHO DO YOU CALL WHEN YOU FIND WATER IN THE BASEMENT?

When you experience basement leaks in heavy rain, it is quite understandable to be uncertain whom to call first. As we showed in the table above, your first priority is to interrupt the supply with electricity and gas at your home. In this way, you will remove the danger for your family and the contractors you call to solve the problem of rainwater in the basement.

Once the basement is safe to walk into, the team of specialists in waterproofing will arrive promptly to identify the cause of water on the basement floor and recommend a solution or start fixing it.

In some cases, you may need foundation repair or other major renovation works. The basement waterproofing specialists will give you a detailed estimate for the necessary repairs.

7 SIGNS OF A BASEMENT LEAK

In some cases, you may not be aware that you have water in the basement, especially if it is not arranged as a living space and you do not go in it frequently. However, you will certainly notice some signs that something is not right.

These are some of the typical signs of water in the basement: 1. MOLD ON THE WALLS Mold is extremely dangerous in any building. It aggravates allergies and is one of the causes of asthma. It also compromises the solidity of the walls in the foundation of the building. It’s not enough to hire a company to perform mold removal and repaint the walls. You must solve the issue of water leaking into the basement, as well.

When it comes to removing the mold from the basement walls, please note that this is not a DIY project, especially if you have black mold. Its spores can easily become airborne and cause serious health problems for you and your family.

2. EFFLORESCENCE ON THE BASEMENT WALLS After water in the basement evaporates, it leaves behind the telltale sign of efflorescence. It is a white, chalky substance, consisting of minerals and other solid particles in water. If there is a thick layer of efflorescence on the floor and walls, then you’ve had groundwater and rainwater in the basement for a long time.

Everyone probably knows the musty smell of dampness. It is not just unpleasant, it is also the precursor of mold, mildew, and fungi developing inside your basement and then crawling up the walls to the rest of the house.

Once you have solved the root cause of the musty smell – water in the basement – consider installing a dehumidifier to remove both the smell and the remaining excess humidity in the air.

4. THE PRESENCE OF PESTS IN THE BASEMENT Pests of various kinds, such as bugs, snails, and rats love dark and damp places. This is the perfect description of the foundation of your home if you have water in the basement. If you have to call an exterminator on a constant basis to solve this issue, consider eliminating the root cause instead.

5. DAMAGED DRYWALL If you installed drywall into the basement and it looks damaged, the precise nature of the deterioration will tell you whether you have water leaking into the basement. The signs that drywall is damaged by water from the foundation of the house are: It is bowing outwards.

It is pulling away from the mounting screws.

It is soft and damp to the touch.

Please remember that it is dangerous trying to salvage drywall after being exposed to water in the basement. Even if the surface outwards is dry, the insulation underneath could be moist and develop mold. Plus, salvaged drywall may be contaminated with fungi, pesticides, and various bacteria.

6. WET SPOTS ON THE FLOOR That spot in your basement that needs constant mopping is not a puzzle – it is a sign of water leaking into the basement through a crack. The sooner you call a team of specialists in waterproofing to solve the issue, the better it will be for you and your family.

Otherwise, you will experience the full horror of a flooded basement after a heavy rain, with all the associated losses and expensive repair costs.

7. THE STACK EFFECT The stack effect refers to the way air circulates through your home. Warm air is lighter than cold air and goes up, escaping through the ventilation gaps in the attic. At the same time, a vacuum forms at the lowest levels (that is, the basement), causing air to be sucked up inside the house.

But how does the stack effect relate to water in the basement? If you and your family start suffering from various allergies and/or increased asthma attacks, the cause is the humid air from the basement circulating through the entire house.

CALL THE SPECIALISTS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF WATER IN THE BASEMENT! At Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions, we have over 25 years of experience in basement waterproofing solutions and helping homeowners stop water leaking in the basement. We proudly serve the Tri-State territory of Southern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

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You can remove efflorescence with a wire or plastic brush easily, but you must also solve the underlying issue that can compromise the safety and solidity of your building.

3. MUSTY SMELL IN THE BASEMENT

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Home Office Ergonomics PAIN-FREE HANDS AND ARMS By: Adam Strohl MD FACS, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Subspecialty in Hand Surgery Lauren DeTullio MS, OTR/L, CHT, Certified Hand Therapist, Clinical Education Director

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the overwhelming shift to work-from-home and virtual school, Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center has seen a sharp rise in patients complaining of numbness and tingling in their hands as well as painful wrists,

Most often, our at-home work and virtual school stations don't offer a set up that has been properly designed and outfitted. Many people have gotten “comfortable” working from their couches, floor, kitchen table and their beds, however this temporary comfort can be damaging to optimum human performance and musculoskeletal health.

Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center can assess, diagnose and treat the aches, pains, and numbness in your hands, wrist, elbows and shoulders. We also offer a comprehensive ergonomic assessment and treatment program for each patient. We create a customized program, starting with an evaluation of each patient's personal workstation. This evaluation can be done either in our office or during a telemedicine appointment.

Our physicians and therapists will offer tips for removing common barriers to good ergonomics such as: poor lighting, the lack of support for one's feet while working and sitting for too long. Simple solutions like adding a desk lamp to your desk, using a collapsible step stool to support your feet and taking regular breaks to move around and stretch can make a difference.

We are all in this together, and the hand surgeons and therapists at Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center can help alleviate any discomfort in your hands, wrist, arms, elbows and shoulders during this unusual and stressful time. Our experts offer non-surgical care, leading-edge surgical procedures and upper extremity therapy in 16 offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey including Havertown, Glen Mills, Paoli and King of Prussia. Our offices follow all CDC COVID-19 safety recommendations to protect our patients and our staff.

Telemedicine appointments, from the comfort of your home, are also available. Give us a call at (800)385-PHSC (7472) to schedule an appointment with us or visit us at www. hand2shouldercenter.com for more information.

By placing your wrist in a neutral position while typing, you can avoid nerve compression that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome and decrease stress on your wrist extensors that can cause tennis elbow. forearms, and elbows. It is not surprising to find out that most of these patients are not working at an appropriate desk setting, and many are not using a desk at all, as couches, floors, kitchen tables and beds have become makeshift desks, leading to poor posture and extra strain on necks, shoulders, arms and hands.

In this new “virtual world” we are learning the value of ergonomics, which is defined as “the study of people in their work environment”.

Its principles ensure that the demands of the job match the worker's physical capabilities. Good ergonomics can improve performance and increase productivity. Poor ergonomics can contribute to muscle imbalances that can result in strain and fatigue on the body. Poor posture, in particular, can affect your spine alignment and cause muscle pain in the neck, back and shoulders. Sometimes we can confuse symptoms as a result of poor ergonomics with other conditions such as eye strain, muscular pain and tingling in the upper extremity.

The improper positioning of the hands, arms, and neck while working for extended periods of time can place damaging strain on your tendons, nerves, and joints. This repetitive stress can cause inflammation that leads to soreness, swelling, sensory changes, limited mobility and even weakness. Overuse tendinitis such as DeQuervains at the wrist and lateral epicondylitis (or “Tennis Elbow”) at the elbow are common. Increased pressure on the nerves at the wrist and elbow can lead to episodic or progressively continuous numbness and/or tingling in the fingers such as carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes.

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Clinical Director of Therapy Lauren DeTullio,MS,OTR/CHT helps patients set up their at-home work and school stations to promote healthy posture that can reduce neck, shoulder, arm, wrist and hand pain while improving performance and increasing productivity.

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Expert Orthopaedic Care IN 16 OFFICES OR FROM HOME

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Call to reserve your seat for our FREE SEMINAR Attendees will receive Dr. McClimon's book

Dr. Daniel McClimon, DC,BCN Board Certified Neuropathy Specialist

Beacon of Life Chiropractic & Neuropathy Specialists 70 Buckwalter Rd., Suite 412 Royersford, PA 19468

(610) 906-0636 Doctor supervised program

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Health & Wellness had multiple operations. For the small fraction of patients who require more complex surgery, we can perform open procedures.

Women's Health:

Common Questions About Gynecologic Cancers

Can women undergoing treatment for gynecologic cancer still have children?

We refer women who wish to have children to reproductive fertility specialists to learn about fertility preservation options before cancer treatments begin. Depending on the cancer, during surgery we try to avoid removing both fallopian tubes and ovaries and spare the uterus in young women who have not had children. Moreover, there are ways to decrease the effects of chemotherapy on fertility. Some women may choose to save their eggs in advance.

We also discuss preserving the ovaries with women younger than 50 since removing them causes early menopause, associated with higher risk of bone fractures, heart disease and stroke.

Don't delay breast cancer screening.

David Holtz, MD, chief of Gynecologic Oncology, Main Line Health, answers some of the most frequently asked questions on gynecologic cancers,including ovarian, cervical and endometrialcancers.

What's one of the most important things most young women don't realize about cervical and vaginal cancers?

They don't realize that the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes a vast majority of these cancers, and they are preventable with vaccination. HPV causes most cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers, as well as anal and penile cancers and cancers of the back of the throat, tongue or tonsils, called oropharyngeal cancers. HPV spreads through genital contact: Most sexually active Americans become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. The virus can lay dormant for years before cancer arises.

That's why every male and female between ages 11 and 44 should be vaccinated.

In these challenging times, everyday life can feel stressful, as we juggle altered work and school schedules while dealing with family concerns. But it's still important to make your own health a priority, pandemic or not.

“If you are due for your mammogram, make the appointment today. Catching breast cancer early results in less invasive treatment and better survival,” explains Robin Ciocca, DO, breast surgeon at Main Line Health King of Prussia.

Main Line Health King of Prussia offers imaging services, genetic counseling, breast surgeon consultation and same-day biopsies.

And because it's an all-outpatient facility, women can access convenient care without stepping into a hospital.

“Our safety precautions are paramount,” says Dr. Ciocca. “Women can feel comfortable getting the preventive care they need.”

To schedule a mammogram at Main Line Health King of Prussia, call 484.324.7100.

A destination for women's health.

The Women's Specialty Center at Main Line Health King of Prussia delivers an innovative combination of high quality primary and specialty care amenities and programs to advance each woman on her personal journey to health and wellness. To read more about these services, meet the doctors and schedule an appointment, visit mainlinehealth.org/kop.

Which cancer patients are the best candidates for minimally invasive surgeries, such as laparoscopic or robot-assisted procedures?

We know the benefits of these surgeries can include faster recovery, less scarring and less pain than open surgery. We consider all patients potential candidates for minimally invasive surgery, including elderly or overweight patients, and those who have 14

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Pet Health & Well-being My Pet Was Diagnosed With A Heart Murmur!

What Does That Mean?

By: Megan Poad, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology)

A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound that is heard when listening to the heart with a stethoscope. It is caused by abnormal turbulent blood flow. Abnormal turbulent blood flow can occur when blood passes across abnormal heart valves or across abnormal structures within the heart. It can also occur when blood flows very fast across normal structures (such as when an animal is excited). An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) is a non-invasive test that is performed to determine the cause of the murmur.

A cardiologist can perform an echocardiogram and determine the stage of chronic valve disease present. The presence or absence of congestive heart failure is diagnosed by X-ray of the chest. If congestive heart failure is present, oral medications can be prescribed to help maintain a good quality of life. Some dogs can do well with these medications for 1-2 years.

Your veterinarian will grade the heart murmur out of 6, with 6/6 being the loudest murmur. In some instances, the louder the murmur, the more significant the abnormality within the heart.

If you have a new puppy or kitten: Soft heart murmurs (grade 1/6 to 2-3/6) can occur in young animals and are of no consequence to them. These types of murmurs are called “innocent” murmurs. They are soft and usually go away by 14 weeks of age.

Loud heart murmurs (Grade 3-4/6 to 6/6) in a new puppy or kitty and soft heart murmurs that persist beyond 14-16 weeks of age should be evaluated by a cardiologist. This may indicate that congenital (present at birth) heart disease is present. The cardiologist will perform an echocardiogram as well as other tests (EKG, blood pressure, etc.) to assess the heart and determine if congenital heart disease is present. Depending on the disease present, some congenital diseases can be fixed or made better with an interventional catheter procedure, traditional surgery, or administration of cardiac medications.

If you have an older, small breed dog: Heart murmurs in these dogs may indicate that these dogs have a leaky mitral valve (the heart valve in between the left atrium and left ventricle). The mitral valve's job is to allow blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle but not allow blood to flow backward from the left ventricle to the left atrium. This valve degenerates as dogs age and when it does, the older valve allows blood to leak backwards. We refer to this disease as chronic valve disease, endocardiosis or degenerative mitral valve disease.

Mild chronic valve disease that leads to small leaks across the mitral valve usually does not create a problem for a dog. The disease is slowly progressive in most cases and the leak will continue to worsen over months to years. If the disease becomes severe, the dog is at risk for developing congestive heart failure.

Congestive heart failure means that the leak across the heart valve overwhelms the heart and fluid goes from the heart backwards into the lungs (instead of from the heart forward to the body). Signs of congestive heart failure include cough (especially a cough at rest), a fast breathing rate (especially at rest), difficulty breathing, fainting, weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance and/or abdominal distension.

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If you have a middle-aged to older large breed dog (especially a Doberman Pinscher, Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane, Boxer, St. Bernard, Newfoundland, Cocker Spaniel, Dalmatian or Portuguese Water Dog): Heart murmurs in these dogs may indicate that they have a disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (with a subsequent leaky mitral valve). Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the pumping chamber (ventricle) of the heart where the muscle becomes weakened and the contraction of the heart is decreased. When the ventricle is unable to pump blood to the body, fluid goes from the heart backwards into the lungs (instead of from the heart forward to the body). This is known as congestive heart failure. Signs of congestive heart failure include cough (especially a cough at rest), a fast breathing rate, difficulty breathing, fainting, weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance and/or abdominal distension. In addition, because the heart is not pumping effectively, these dogs can develop profound weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance and fainting. Unfortunately, they can also pass away suddenly from abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias) from the diseased heart chambers.

A cardiologist can perform an echocardiogram and determine if dilated cardiomyopathy is present in susceptible breeds. Oral medications can be initiated in the preclinical (asymptomatic) phase of dilated cardiomyopathy and in some cases, these medications can delay the progression of the disease to the development of congestive heart failure. If a dog develops clinical symptoms of congestive heart failure, X-rays are used to

confirm the presence and determine the severity of the congestive heart failure. If congestive heart failure is present, oral medications can be prescribed to help maintain a good quality of life. Some dogs can do well with these medications for a period of months to 1-2 years.

If you have a middle-aged to older cat (especially a Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, American Shorthair, Sphynx or Devon Rex): Heart murmurs in cats can be due to the excitement of the veterinary visit (physiologic heart murmurs) or due to underlying heart disease. An echocardiogram is necessary to differentiate between a heart murmur that is just due to excitement versus a heart murmur from underlying heart disease. Heart murmurs (or other abnormalities heard with a stethoscope) may indicate that cats have a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

This is the most common acquired heart disease seen in cats. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease of the pumping chamber of the heart where the muscle does not relax well after it contracts. Blood is then unable to fill the heart normally and fluid goes from the heart backwards into the lungs (instead of from the heart forward to the body). This is known as congestive heart failure. Signs of congestive heart failure include a fast breathing rate, difficulty breathing, fainting, weakness, lethargy, hiding and a decreased appetite. Unfortunately, in addition, these cats can also pass away suddenly from abnormal heart beats from the diseased heart chambers. Some cats can develop signs of arterial thromboembolism, in which a clot forms within the heart, exits the heart, and interrupts blood flow to tissues/organs of the body (including the front or back legs).

A cardiologist can perform an echocardiogram and determine if hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or other structural heart disease is present in susceptible breeds and in cats that have abnormal heart sounds on physical examination. The progression of disease is different in every cat. Some cats develop congestive heart failure soon after their disease is diagnosed by echocardiogram. Other cats remain asymptomatic for their hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for many years before they develop congestive heart failure. Still others never develop congestive heart failure or any symptoms of their heart disease. Recheck cardiology visits and echocardiograms are necessary to determine the progression of disease in each patient. If a cat develops clinical symptoms of congestive heart failure, X-rays are used to confirm the presence and determine the severity of the congestive heart failure. If congestive heart failure is present, oral medications can be prescribed to help maintain a good quality of life, and some cats can do well with these medications for a period of months to 1-2 years.

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Art & Creativity

TIME FOR KIDS TO CREATE ART! Did you know that the Greater Norristown Art League offers the most amazing summer camp for kids? You will be happy to know that even though it’s cold outside, GNAL is busy preparing for the warmer months with our SUMMER ART CAMP. We are looking forward to sharing the beautiful summer and making special memories with you! Our hands-on classes are held in our cozy schoolhouse located right in the heart of Montgomery county. Its warm, inviting, and safe atmosphere is the most lovely place to learn, for both kids and adults.

Our art camp opens-up a whole world of possibilities for your children. It allows kids ages 7 to 13 years to explore and grow their creative spirit. We must admit that what truly makes the camp special is our fantastic instructor, Diane DeRogatis. Diane is a certified art educator, having taught both elementary and high school art. She has a unique talent for bringing-out the children’s innate talent in a fun and comfortable environment. Having run the program for several years, she knows exactly what works.

Diane, has a fun packed summer planned with loads of artwork to be created! Camp activities include hands-on art projects such painting, sculpting with clay, drawing and 3-D projects. Art supplies are included and the building is even air conditioned! Just bring your own lunch and drink.

The program will run for 8 weeks from June 21 to August 20. Each week Diane will focus on a particular theme keeping project ideas fresh, new, and exciting. Each Friday concludes your week of fun with a spectacular Art Show and reception for family and friends. For those of you who are familiar with our program, you will be happy to learn that this this year’s camp is extended by an hour, so instead of 10 to 2 pm, our new hours will be 10 am to 3 pm.

To join in on the fun, sign your children up for one or more weeks throughout the summer. You can register your child at gnal.org/summer-camp. If you have any 18

King of Prussia News

questions about registration, email gnartleague@gmail.com with a subject line of Summer Camp. If you are worried about the in-person atmosphere regarding covid safety in an educational setting, please know that GNAL is following Montgomery county educational safety procedures.

Please go to www.GNAL.org right now and become a family member. It will open-up a whole world of possibilities for both you and your children. Summer is the perfect time to embrace your creative side. This summer, we are offering a variety of new, innovative virtual and live programming that will fit just about anyone’s creative needs. We offer plenty of adult courses for beginners, both on-line and in person. And while you are signing up your children, why not go ahead and take a course yourself? You may be pleasantly surprised to discover your very own creative side! After all, the benefits of art have been well-documented. Art lowers stress, lets you focus deeply, and helps you imagine a more hopeful future. Just what we all need right now.

GNAL was founded in 1941 and offers art instruction for both adults and children in our one-room converted schoolhouse.

Although we have a small footprint, we know that we have a big impact on our community.

At GNAL we believe art is therapeutic to mind, body, and spirit, beneficial to all regardless of artistic abilities. We are conveniently located at 800 Germantown Pike in East Norriton. 610.539.3393 · gnal.org Remember at GNAL,

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ART HAPPENS HERE!

STEAM Classes · Camps · Birthday Parties using Lego® bricks

SUMMER CAMPS!

Fun STEAM camps using LEGO® bricks & technology: popular themes, robotics, animation, “escape rooms”, and so much more!

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View & register for our camps ®

Lego is a registered tradmark of The LEGO Company, which is not affiliated with these programs.

BRAD G. JACOBSON, D.D.S. JAMES E. PICKEL, D.M.D. ROBERT L. RAPINE,D.M.D.

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Spring 2021

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Gardening & Landscaping Plant A WildLawn This Summer!

Birds, butterflies, and bees will be searching for welcoming homes this Spring. With fewer and fewer places for them to go, your property can be that haven: an alternative lawn filled with native plants that attract pollinators and provide food, shelter, and habitat for beneficial animals. What is an alternative lawn?

Basically, alternative lawns eschew the antiquated practice of monoculture (or single species) turf grass lawns, and instead opt for a wide variety of native grasses and wildflowers. The selection can depend upon a homeowner's preferences and the environment at the site, such as the soil type, light, and moisture levels. But the most optimal plants for each property need to be chosen with care so they can live long and productive lives.

Planning and planting a beautiful, resilient alternative lawn requires an understanding of local ecologies and sustainable plants.

The team at WildLawn (WildLawn.com), an ecological restoration firm, specializes in the growth and use of local species. They analyze what options are compatible with your property, only select plants that are meant to grow there, and ensure a highquality installation that makes your lawn an invaluable asset for your community's ecosystem.

What are some benefits of a native lawn?

Quality of Life

No Chemicals!

Relax and enjoy your beautiful, healthy, and low-maintenance property. Gaze at the butterflies, birdwatch, and know you are making a positive impact on your environment.

Cleaner Water

If you are considering improving your property this Spring, and would like to learn more about alternative lawns, please reach out to contact@wildlawn.com, call (844) 326.7344, and check out wildlawn.com.

Of course, the right native plants thrive without herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers.

Your property will be a healthier, safer environment for you and your loved ones.

Your property will absorb and purify more water and runoff than conventional nonnative turf grass lawns. Ultimately, this improves the overall water supply that feeds into local creeks, rivers, and reservoirs.

Save Money & Time

Lawns made of native short-grasses and wildflowers cut down on the need to mow or hire landscapers.

Gorgeous Guests

Desirable visitors will be attracted to your property. Replacing a turf lawn with native grasses replenishes the ecosystem and provides nutrients, shelter, and habitat allowing wildlife to thrive in a wholesome landscape.

WildLawn's roots started with a desire to help restore ecologically damaged environments back to their natural, beautiful conditions. (Most traditional lawns are inherently ecologically damaged.) This year, they would love to support more neighbors in the greater Philadelphia area restore their properties to authentic, ecologically-sound levels.

20

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Sports & Recreation Etiquette on the Tee

Tips from the Golf Tour of Greater Philadelphia

Spring is coming - so clean your clubs and get ready for your first round of golf! It will be an exciting (and probably chilly) day, so arrive early. You may want to warm up a bit on the putting green, and perhaps stretch while your foursome gets ready to go.

But once you're all on the “tee box,” there are several rules to consider:

#2) Wait for the fairway to clear.

Most players have a pretty good idea of how far they can hit the ball, but until there is no chance that your 250 + yard drive may clip a fellow player, hold up.

#3) Tee It Forward.

There are generally three tee boxes at each hole. Highly-skilled players use the back tee, good players use the middle tee, and then there are #1) Who's on first? the rest of us. The saying “Tee it Golfers do have a rather cute way Forward” relates to the aphorism of deciding who hits the first “Know Thyself.” Why? Because drive off the tee. Since golf is a when people choose a tee box that polite sport, etiquette demands a is too difficult, their game suffers. fair chance among rivals. So, your group may determine who Protocol aside, courses will be tees off first by tossing a tee in crowded again this summer, so the air! In other words, four many folks will opt to “Play Ready golfers kind of play spin the Golf.” In other words, if you're bottle with a little tiny stick. ready ahead of your partners When the tee lands, whoever it swing away! Don't dawdle and points to goes first. slow down the game. Keep up with the pace of play, or expect to Who's on second? be asked if faster golfers can play After the first hole, no one tosses through. the tee anymore. The person with the lowest score on the As always, the Golf Tour of Greater prior hole goes first.

Philadelphia* is ready to welcome

new players, and will host two open houses (at Turtle Creek and Rock Manor) for prospective members: April 10th and 17th. A Golf Tour Philly representative will be there to welcome and introduce you to your partners for the day. And of course, we always look forward to getting to know you at the “19th hole.”

Golf Tour Philly guarantees your reserved tee times, most during prime Saturday morning slots, and has a great selection of courses lined up this year. Some featured courses are Neshanic Valley, the Links at Saint Anne's, Hartefeld National, Iron Valley, Bluestone, Architects, and Sea View (Bay Course).

Think Spring, and see you on the links! *The Golf Tour of Greater Philadelphia (GTGP) is a locallyoperated golf league for amateur golfers. Our classification as a non-profit keeps costs down, and our club organization ensures all members have input in club operations. The result is competitive golf in a collegial atmosphere at a great price!

GTGP is also an associate club of the Golf Association of Philadelphia. Members are eligible to play in GAP Member Play Days at private clubs in the area.

GTCP will also be honored to participate this year in the 25th Annual SuperKids Charitable Golf Tournament on July 26th at Sandy Run Country Club! This admirable charity supports abused, neglected, and abandoned children of Montgomery County, PA. www.superkidsofmontco.org We hope you will join us!

Further information is available on the website www.golftourphilly.org, by emailing

TonyMcCarthy@golftourphilly.org

or calling 484.753.4914.

TEERR OOFF GGRREEAATHIA LPPHIA ILAADDEEL PPH HIL

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Spring 2021

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