Page 6 - Palm City Spotlight - August '20

Page 6, Palm City Spotlight DOUBLE SPACE

fitnEss tip of thE tail

Ask The Anytime Gal Separation Anxiety your normal school or work schedule yet this is the perfect time

to start to transition your pet into a new routine. If you have the
When It Comes To COVID-19, Gyms Aren’t In recent months, benefit of time, taking small, baby steps can be more rewarding.
The Problem, They’re The Solution! humans are not the Begin by making an effort to associate some positives with
only ones affected by you leaving. For example, a peanut butter stuffed Kong toy or
By Linda Lawrence stay at home orders. As treat puzzle that your pet only gets when you’re leaving can be
Personal health is many people have been helpful. If your pet’s anxiety is more than mild, you’ll likely need
our best available vaccine working from home to invest time into multiple shorter instances of you leaving the
against COVID-19. Gyms, to slow the spread of house; each one involving a positive association. Remember to
health studios and personal COVID-19, our pets are be patient as your pet learns the new routine.
trainers are essential parts becoming accustomed to the new routine as well. Additionally, For more involved or severe separation anxiety, it is helpful
of our collective mental and many individuals have taken this opportunity of extra time at to reach out to a professional, either in the form of a reputable
physical health. If we want home to adopt a new four legged family member. Now, and in trainer or your veterinarian. Ask for references specific to fear
to beat COVID, we need to the coming months, as counties are adjusting their restrictions, or anxiety and ensure that any program is focused on positive
immediately unmask these five many pets will begin to have their schedules uprooted. For a lot reinforcement. Even by using prescribed medication by your
truths: of pets, this can instigate separation anxiety. We have already veterinarian for the anxiety, positive reinforcement is essential.
Truth No. 1: Obesity kills. seen an increase in their anxiety because the pets have become Some behaviors that are medical in origin can mimic
If we think COVID-19 is deadly, consider these numbers from accustomed to their owners being at home much more than separation anxiety, so if you’re worried that it might be confused
the World Health Organization: At least 2.8 million people are normal. with a medical problem, your veterinarian can help determine
dying each year as a result of being overweight or obese. Obesity What is separation anxiety? It can manifest in a variety of what is happening.
increases the likelihood of a COVID-19 hospitalization six-fold, ways depending on the pet, but is typically distress as a result of Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is
because it causes Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stress, your pet being fearful or stressed by your absence. Additionally, dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With
depression and hypertension. it can vary in intensity. Some signs of separation anxiety focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and
Truth No. 2: Two in three Americans are overweight or include barking or meowing excessively, pacing, inappropriate rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics, and
obese. Two. In. Three! eliminations in the house, panting, destructive chewing or even emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center combines
Truth No. 3: Americans are gaining weight, and physical trying to escape the home. exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and
activity has declined. Nutrisystem found, in a recent survey of How to help curb or prevent the symptoms: First recognize their owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
2,000 members, that 76 percent have gained up to 16 pounds that it is based in fear and anxiety and punishing the behavior www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
during the quarantine, and wearable data shows that physical can actually have the opposite effect. If you haven’t resumed at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
activity is down over 20 percent.
Truth No. 4: Gyms are safe, and positive COVID cases are
not tied to gyms.
• Research from the University of Oslo found no COVID-19
transmissions associated with fitness centers.
• A recent survey of 135 gyms with nearly 3.5 million check-
ins found 0.004 percent of positive cases reported as of June 30.
• Though COVID cases are spiking in Arkansas, contact
tracing shows that only 0.3 percent of newly infected people
visited a gym.
• The fitness industry, in general, has vastly expanded their
safety protocols to meet stringent health guidelines.
• Gyms have removed, roped off or rearranged equipment to
allow for social distancing.
• Staff members are wearing masks and cleaning all touch
surfaces with approved disinfectants continuously throughout
the day. Hand sanitizer is readily available and members are
encouraged to use it often, along with thorough hand washing
on arrival and departure.
• Wearing a mask is recommended (though not mandatory)
at most gyms. Yes, I know this is a controversial topic for some,
but if you are not comfortable wearing a mask while working out,
consider a face shield. The face shield completely covers your
face, prevents any droplets from coming into contact with your
eyes, nose or mouth, allows you to breathe freely, lets others see
your face and facial expressions, and gives you an unobstructed
view. That’s a win, win in my book!
Truth No. 5: Exercise is medicine. Time after time, even
moderate exercise has been shown to strengthen our immune
systems. Yet with notable exceptions, like Dr. David Katz, public
health experts have not used this health crisis to emphasize the
effectiveness of exercise, diet and sleep. Health experts should
be talking about the importance of personal health, not just
COVID-19.
When it comes to COVID-19, the fitness industry isn’t the
problem, it’s the solution!
About The Author
Linda Lawrence is the owner of Anytime Fitness in Palm
City. To submit a question for future articles, please contact
Linda at palmcityfl@anytimefitness.com. Anytime Fitness is an
upscale, 24-hour, coed fitness club with personal theater systems,
cutting edge equipment, free classes and friendly, helpful, fitness
professionals. Stop by today for a free trial membership and see
the difference! (772) 223-5515, www.anytimefitness.com

Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing
Palm Beach County and is a privately
owned and managed company.
Captain’s is committed to providing
dependable, reliable and professional
ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212
To reserve your vehicle:
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com