Page 8 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - February '24

Page 8, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens
Commissioner’s Update

County Keeps Watchful Eye is such a large and diverse state, lawmakers often have regulating short-term rentals in local ordinances.

On 2024 Legislative Session diverse priorities and conflicting agendas. Residents continue to look to their government for
Each year the Board of County Commissioners
assistance with pocketbook issues, as the cost of living
approves Palm Beach County’s State Legislative Agenda. continues to rise. Homeowners are facing massive
By Commissioner The 2024 state legislative agenda includes general property insurance rate increases and loss of coverage,
Maria Marino government and environmental and natural resources but legislators anticipate that we have only begun to
Florida’s legislative issues with a focus on items related to economic feel the effects of the tort reform package passed during
session stands as a pivotal development, substance use and mental health, affordable the 2023 legislative session and the additional guardrail
period in shaping the housing, homelessness, protection of county ordinances, previously put in place. The costs of insuring vehicles
state’s policies, laws and transportation and water and environmental restoration. in Florida has also skyrocketed and a series of bills has
overall governance. Unlike The agenda outlines what the county’s legislative affairs been filed to repeal and overhaul the state’s “no-fault”
some states with full-time and intergovernmental offices, in conjunction with the auto insurance system.
lawmakers, Florida’s county’s contract state lobbyists, will advocate for, and The decisions made during this legislative session
legislature is part-time work to oppose. have a profound impact on the social, economic and
and convenes for a 60-day A significant topic among local officials is home environmental fabric of the state and will ripple through
regular session each year. rule. Home rule refers to the authority granted to communities, schools, businesses and homes across
This year, the 2024 legislative session began on Jan. 9, local governments to govern themselves within the Florida. As leaders, it is imperative that we to continue
and lawmakers have only 60 days to pass legislation, framework of state laws. Striking a balance between to find ways to relieve the increased burden placed on
including the state budget which grew to $118.5 billion local autonomy and state oversight has been a serious our residents and lead with fiscal responsibility. As I
in FY 2023/24. challenge as lawmakers pass legislation that has have advocated with the County Commission to adopt
Over 3,000 pieces of legislation are filed each year and statewide ramifications. That balance is essential to a 5 percent millage rate reduction for FY 2024/25, I am
lawmakers will only take up and pass a small percentage ensure communities can effectively address their unique keeping the same watchful eye on any legislation that
of these bills, leaving many untouched. Different types challenges. could create undue financial burdens on our residents.
of bills include: appropriations, claims, general, local, Local governments have a keen eye on bills affecting The vigilance and engagement of local officials during
memorial, resolution, reviser and trust fund. In order home rule, like HB 267 – Building Regulations, which the legislative session is critical to ensure that outcomes
for a bill to become law, an identical bill must pass both aims to make a comprehensive update to the residential align with the needs and values of the communities we
legislative chambers, the Florida Senate and the Florida building review process. SB 280 – Vacation Rentals, serve.
House of Representatives, and be signed by the Governor. attempts to revise regulations within the industry. In As always, if I can be assistance to you, please contact
With 120 members in the Florida House and 40 members 2011, when online rental business wasn’t well known, me at (561) 355-2201.
in the Florida Senate, this is challenging. Because Florida legislation passed that preempted local governments from
Understanding Chest Pain: A Cardiologist’s Perspective

By Oral Waldo, M.D., Noncardiac causes of chest pain can include Cardiologists use various diagnostic tools to evaluate
FACC, Cardiologist gastrointestinal issues due to conditions such as acid reflux, chest pain, including electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).
Angina or chest pain can gastritis, or peptic ulcers that cause chest pain. The pain may This test records the heart’s electrical activity and can
occur due to cardiac and be burning or sharp and might be exacerbated by certain help identify abnormalities indicative of heart problems.
noncardiac causes. Often, foods or lying down. Musculoskeletal problems can also Blood tests can include enzymes released into the blood
chest pain is a symptom cause chest pain due to strained muscles or inflammation in during a heart attack, such as troponin, can be detected
that causes individuals to the chest wall that can lead to chest pain. Repetitive motion through blood tests. Imaging studies or tests like
seek medical attention, injuries, muscle strains, or conditions like costochondritis echocardiograms, stress tests, and coronary angiography
and rightfully so. Dr. Oral can also mimic cardiac chest pain. An additional cause can provide detailed images of the heart and blood
Waldo, a cardiologist of chest pain can be respiratory conditions, pneumonia, vessels, aiding in the diagnosis of cardiac conditions.
with Cardiovascular Care pleurisy, or inflammation of the lining around the lungs Preventing cardiac chest pain involves adopting a
– Palm Beach Health can cause chest pain. Individuals with asthma may also heart-healthy lifestyle. Engage in regular exercise, eat
Network Physician Group and on staff at Good Samaritan experience chest tightness and discomfort. a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean
Medical Center and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Any chest pain should prompt a visit to a healthcare proteins to support heart health and help control risk
aims to shed light on the various aspects of chest pain. professional, especially if the pain is severe, persistent, factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Waldo emphasizes the importance of prompt evaluation or associated with other concerning symptoms. Quick Quitting smoking is also one of the most significant steps
and the importance of identifying potential underlying and accurate diagnosis is crucial in determining the one can take to improve heart health.
cardiac issues. While chest pain can be caused by a underlying cause and initiating appropriate treatment. To learn more about cardiology care and Dr. Oral
variety of factors, it is crucial to recognize when it might “Chest pain is a symptom that demands attention and a Waldo, cardiologist, visit pbhnphysiciangroup.com. For
be indicative of a cardiovascular problem. thorough evaluation. If you experience chest pain, don’t hesitate more information or to schedule an appointment with
“Chest pain is one of the most common reasons for which to seek medical care and if it’s severe call 911,” says Waldo. Waldo call his office at (561) 407-0611.
adults seek the care of a cardiologist. Chest pain can present
from a cardiac or noncardiac origin,” says Waldo.
Cardiac causes of chest pain include angina or chest
pain, resulting in discomfort that occurs when the heart
muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It
is often described as a pressure, squeezing, or burning
sensation in the chest and can be triggered by physical
exertion or stress. Another cardiac cause of chest pain can
be a myocardial infarction also known as a heart attack.
A heart attack occurs when there is a sudden blockage of
blood flow to a part of the heart muscle. Chest pain during
a heart attack is typically more severe and prolonged than
angina and may be accompanied by shortness of breath,
sweating, nausea, and lightheadedness.