Page 19 - The Jewish Voice - June '24

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The Jewish Voice, Page 19

Lifestyles from page 18 Tip of the Tail focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and
rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics, and
goal is to live a normal life,” said Dr. Schwimmer. “We want Heat Stroke in Dogs emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center combines
the disease to be an afterthought.” According to a recent study exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and
by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, nearly one in 100 people their owners. For more information, call 772-283-0920, visit
in the United States has a form of IBD, one of the highest www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
national rates in the world. at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
IBD encompasses various gastrointestinal conditions
and serves as an umbrella term that refers to several Financial Focus
different conditions causing chronic inflammation within
the gastrointestinal tract. Two of the most common types Financial Tips for Widows and Widowers
of IBD are:
• Crohn’s disease, which can cause pain and swelling in Heat stroke in dogs is a serious condition that can result By Sally Sima Stahl
any part of the digestive tract in organ failure and even death if not promptly recognized Losing a spouse is
• Ulcerative colitis, which can cause inflammation and and treated. Dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke than one of the most painful
ulcers within the rectum and colon humans because they cannot cool themselves efficiently experiences anyone can have.
Many people refer to IBD and inflammatory bowel through sweating. Instead, they rely on panting to regulate Unfortunately, widows and
syndrome (IBS) interchangeably. While they have similar their body temperature. widowers have to deal with
symptoms, they’re two different conditions requiring different There are several factors that can contribute to heat stroke more than just the emotional
treatment approaches. As its name suggests, IBS is a syndrome in dogs. First, high temperatures and humidity can increase the trauma — they also must
rather than a disease, which means that it involves a group of risk. Therefore, it is important to keep dogs in a cool and well- consider a range of financial
symptoms that may not have an identifiable cause. IBD is less ventilated environment during hot weather. Second, certain issues. If you’ve recently
common than IBS and, unlike IBS, can be life-threatening. It’s breeds are more prone to heat stroke, including brachycephalic been widowed, what financial
also possible to have both IBD and IBS. breeds such as Bulldogs, Frenchies, and Pugs, as well as moves should you consider?
Dr. Schwimmer said there is no one-size-fits-all treatment dogs with thick or dark coats. These dogs should be closely For starters, don’t rush into any major decisions. If you’re
for IBD. It’s unique to each patient, and various combinations monitored and provided with extra care during hot conditions. still in the grieving process, you are unlikely to be in the best
of treatment can be used. “It’s important to treat everyone Recognizing the signs of heat stroke in dogs is crucial shape to make significant choices affecting your finances and
individually and carefully listen to what they need to decide for early intervention. Some common symptoms include your life.
the best course of action.” Treatment can include one of a excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, But once you feel ready to look at your situation objectively
variety of medications that can be given orally, intravenously, and collapse. The dog’s gums may appear bright red or pale, and make appropriate choices, consider the following steps:
or subcutaneously. Also, since people can lose a lot of weight, and their body temperature may be significantly elevated.
treatment can include nutritional optimization, working with If you suspect your dog may be experiencing heat stroke, • Review your finances. Look at your entire financial
nutritionists and dietitians. it is important to take immediate action. Move the dog to a picture — your assets, investments, debts, and income. If you
With Dr. Schwimmer’s extensive interest in and experience cool and shady location, and provide them with fresh water and your spouse had communicated well about your finances,
with treating IBD, many primary doctors seek his input, to drink. Wetting their fur with cool (not cold) water can also and you shared decisions, you hopefully won’t encounter
regularly referring patients to him. He looks forward to help reduce their body temperature. However, it is important any big surprises. But if your spouse was the partner who
working with more patients in Palm Beach County and believes to avoid using ice-cold water or ice, as this can cause the mostly handled financial matters, you may need to get up to
the TGH Digestive Health Center’s affiliation with TGH blood vessels to constrict and prevent efficient cooling. speed quickly on what you have and what you owe. And if
offers the practice access to a robust academic health system. Contacting a veterinarian is essential for proper treatment your spouse had provided a large amount of your household
“Surgery becomes an option when medications prove no longer and guidance. Even if the dog appears to be recovering, it income, you will also need to determine what changes you
effective. Our affiliation with Tampa General Hospital offers is important to seek professional advice, as internal organ may need to make to your lifestyle.
us access to phenomenal colorectal physicians.” damage may have occurred. The veterinarian may need to
Dr. Schwimmer earned his doctor of medicine from provide additional treatments such as intravenous fluids, • Address insurance issues. If you will receive a death
the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He oxygen therapy, and medications to manage complications. benefit from your spouse’s insurance policy, what will you
completed his internship and residency in internal medicine Prevention is key when it comes to heat stroke in dogs. do with the money? It may prove helpful in funding your
at the University of Texas Southwestern – Parkland Health in Avoid leaving dogs in hot cars or enclosed spaces, and own retirement or meeting other financial goals. But you’ll
Dallas, and trained for his fellowship in gastroenterology at provide them with access to fresh water and shade at all also want to be clear about what other beneficiaries, such as
UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville. times. It is also important to limit vigorous exercise during your children, might receive. And while you’re looking at
He is an active member of the Crohn’s & Colitis hot weather and consider taking walks during cooler parts insurance, you also might want to look at your own policies
Foundation, the American College of Gastroenterology, of the day. — do you need to change beneficiaries?
and the American Gastroenterological Association. He In conclusion, heat stroke in dogs is a serious condition
has published in major medical journals and presented at that should not be taken lightly. Recognizing the signs, taking • Review your Social Security options. If you are at least
medical conferences speaking on the treatment, outcomes, immediate action, and seeking veterinary assistance are 60 and you were married at least nine months, you may be
and management of IBD patients. crucial for the well-being and survival of our furry friends. entitled to Social Security survivor benefits. (If you remarry
The TGH Digestive Health Center has offices in West Palm By following preventative measures, we can help ensure that before age 60, you typically cannot receive survivor benefits,
Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, and Dr. Schwimmer sees our dogs stay safe and comfortable during hot weather. but you can reinstate them if this subsequent marriage ends.)
patients at both locations. For information, please call (561) Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is The amount of your survivor’s benefits depends on your age
739-4TGH (4844) or visit TGH.org/ThePalmBeaches. dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With and the age of your deceased spouse. You can’t claim your
deceased spouse’s benefits along with your own retirement
benefits, so if you qualify for survivor and retirement benefits,
Are You Ready Hurricane? you’ll receive the larger amount. Depending on your situation,
you might come out ahead by delaying your retirement benefits,
giving them the chance to grow, while you accept survivor
For The Next Storm? benefits. For more details on receiving Social Security benefits,
visit the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov.

• Review your estate plans. The death of a spouse can
No Air Conditioning? certainly affect your family’s estate plans — so, it’s a good idea to
No Refrigeration? review these plans to see what changes, if any, need to be made.
When conducting this review, you’ll benefit from working with
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561.774.7714 This article was written by Edward Jones for use by

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