Page 31 - Boca ViewPointe - November '19

November 2019 Viewpointe, Page 31
Emotional Support Animals

Condominium associations and homeowners’ associations process whereby the person who made the request is asked to that the accommodation is and remains reasonable. For instance,
are housing providers governed by the federal and state Fair provide information as may be necessary for the association if the ESA is a dog, then conditions of the accommodation
Housing Acts (referred to cumulatively as the “FHA”) and to come to a decision. However, once the person who made may require the dog to be leashed when it is on common areas
will be liable if they are found to have engaged in housing the request has established his or her disability, his or her need and may require the dog’s owner or caretaker to pick up and
discrimination. Amongst the classes of people protected by the for the requested accommodation, and that there is a nexus dispose of the dog’s feces, etc. The conditions placed upon
FHA are people who have disabilities. A disability is defined as between the disability and the accommodation, continuing the accommodations need to be determined on a case by case basis
a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or interactive process unnecessarily is discrimination. When the and may not be unduly burdensome.
more major life activities, a record of having such impairment, claimed disability is a mental impairment such as depression, Many associations seek guidance from their attorneys
or being regarded as having such impairment. When someone anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder, often the disability and when ESA accommodation requests are received because the
has a disability, associations are required to provide reasonable nexus will be established through a letter submitted by a medical penalties and burdens of defending housing discrimination
accommodations to rules, covenants, and policies that will afford provider prescribing an emotional support animal (“ESA”) to complaints are substantial. Although states including Florida are
the disabled person an equal opportunity to use and enjoy his ameliorate the disability or treat its symptoms. looking into ways to stop disability accommodation fraud, at the
or her dwelling. The person seeking the accommodation must When an ESA accommodation is requested in a “no pets” present time these efforts are still in their infancy. Since ESA
make a request to start the process of obtaining any desired community or in a community with pet restrictions, there is accommodations have become a complicated and developing
accommodation. There is no particular way an accommodation no special training or certifications that the ESA is required to area of the law, associations should seek legal advice when
request must be made, but associations should encourage (but have. In fact, an ESA may be an ordinary pet in all respects. determining what to do when a request for an accommodation
not require) requests to be submitted in writing. Note that, However, the requested accommodation must be reasonable in is received.
pursuant to the FHA, owners, tenants, and guests are all eligible that it does not unduly financially or administratively burden the
to request medical accommodations from housing providers. association, require the association to change the nature of the Sachs Sax Caplan, P.L., Peter S. Sachs 
Once an association receives a request for a reasonable services it provides, or create an unacceptable risk to the safety
accommodation, the association is required to consider whether and welfare of residents. An association is permitted to grant
to grant or deny the request—which can be an interactive the accommodation subject to specified conditions that ensure
In Praise Of Gratitude

By Oris Martin Write thank you Providing expert specialized care
notes to others – Think for over 25 years
For many years, researchers have touted a healthy diet, about people who have
regular exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight as the done something for you or • Commitment to Treatment and
key ingredients to successful aging and longevity. However, inspired you in some way
while those wellness habits are still important, it is now widely and let them know how you Diagnosis of Retina, Macula and
agreed that having a positive attitude and being thankful can also feel. Vitreous
contribute to improved health and longevity. Thank some one
Several studies show gratitude improves one’s sense of well- mentally – As you contemplate things that you ought to be
being and motivates employees to work harder. Gratitude can grateful for, someone may come to mind who you’ve lost contact • Personalized Patient Care
also have a positive impact on personal relationships. A study of with, or someone who is no longer alive.
couples found those who express gratitude toward their partner Keep a gratitude journal - Make note of the big and little
feel more positive about their relationship as well as increase joys in your life. On days you feel down, go back and read them • Several Locations for Patient
the positive feelings of their significant other, leading to better and they are sure to lift your spirits. Convenience
communication in the relationship. Count your blessings – Pick a time, it can be at the end of
In a joint study, researchers from the University of California each day, or once a week and write down positive things which
and the University of Miami asked one group to write about occurred that you are grateful for. Be specific about the details • Advanced Treatment for Macular
what they were grateful for. They asked a second group to note and reflect on the positive emotions that you experienced at the Disorders
moments that irritated or displeased them, while the third group time.
wrote about events that had affected them neither positively nor Pray – People who are religious often use prayer to cultivate
negatively. At the end of the ten-week study, those in the first gratitude. • Advanced Surgical Techniques
group who expressed their gratefulness, had a more optimistic Meditate – Mindful meditation can help you focus on
outlook on life. Surprisingly, those positive feelings also affected positive things that you are grateful for, such as the beauty of
other areas - they exercised more and had fewer doctor visits than nature and your health. • Affi liation with “State-of-the-Art
those who focused on the negative. While a healthy diet and exercise undoubtedly contribute to Surgical Center”
While feelings of gratitude are often spontaneous, experts longevity, researchers found that there were several intangibles,
believe that gratitude like any other habit, can be cultivated. Here among them social engagement, optimism and gratitude, which
are some proven ways to make gratitude part of your everyday were equally important. This Thanksgiving be thankful – it’s Lauren R. Rosecan,
conversation rather than doing it only at Thanksgiving. good for your health! 
M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S.

Diplomate American Board of Ophthalmology

“A center of
excellence for
the diagnosis

Stylish Modern Atmosphere Make Reservations happy hour and treatment
of retinal,
every Day 3 - 6 pm macula and
and Mon. - Thurs. vitreous
all Day at Bar Only
diseases and
Lunch SpeciaLS disorders.”

every Day
starting at 9
$
We Have

Emergency Care!

(800) 445-8898

www.theretinainstituteoffl orida.com

BOCA RATON
1050 N.W. 15th Street, #114, 33486

Locations also in West Palm Beach,
Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart