Page 26 - PGA Community News - October '24

Page 26, PGA C.A.N.! October 2024 October 2024
Lighthouse ArtCenter Receives A $42k Grant To Expand

Free Art Classes For Individuals With Special Needs

Lighthouse ArtCenter (LAC) is pleased to announce a “We are thrilled to expand our special needs art classes For All, ensures access to art for everyone, including
$42,000 grant to expand free art classes for youth and adults thanks to the generous support of the Cultural Council veterans, individuals with special needs, at-risk children
with special needs. Awarded through the Cultural Council of of Palm Beach County and the Frederick A. DeLuca and adolescents, seniors, and economically disadvantaged
Palm Beach County’s Arts & Cultural Education Fund, this Foundation,” said Jeni Licata, executive director at individuals. With a focus on community collaboration,
two-year grant spans through May 2026, allowing LAC to Lighthouse ArtCenter. “These classes play a crucial role Lighthouse ArtCenter runs sixteen art outreach programs
increase its support for this important community initiative. in our Art For All outreach programs, which aim to make in partnership with ten local organizations.
In 2009, thanks to the art accessible to underserved populations and contribute to For more information about Lighthouse ArtCenter’s
generosity and vision of their education, skill development, and overall well-being.” special needs programs and how to get involved, visit https://
Doctors Vince and Anne Lighthouse ArtCenter’s art outreach initiative, Art lighthousearts.org/our-classes/special-needs-classes/.
Palumbo, Lighthouse
ArtCenter launched The
Olivia Palumbo Special American Academy Of Pediatrics
Needs Art Class, inspired by
their granddaughter, which Guidelines Call For Childhood Obesity
provided free monthly
art classes to individuals
with special needs. With Treatment For Disease Prevention
the new funding, these
classes will now be held
weekly, opening up more Children diagnosed with surgery, he said patients and their parents need to fully
consistent artistic expression and a wealth of personal obesity should be treated understand the procedure.
growth opportunities for our participants. early and aggressively “You have to be very cautious,” said Dr. Betancourt. “It
with nutritional support, is not about chronological age. It is about, I would say, ‘How
therapy, medication, and mature is the patient?’ because if you are going to undergo
in some extreme cases, and put a patient through surgery, and you want to have the
weight-loss surgery for best outcome of the surgery, you have to be sure that the
teens 13 and up, according patient understands what the challenges are ahead.”
to new guidelines from Dr. Abraham Betancourt is a gastrointestinal and
the American Academy of bariatric surgeon with nearly 20 years of experience in
Pediatrics. It is the first time practicing patient-centered medicine. His practice has
in 15 years the academy has focused on people who sometimes feel most vulnerable
updated its guidance. Dr. Abraham Betancourt in the healthcare world, including patients facing chronic
More than 14 million morbid obesity. Dr. Abraham Betancourt is a bariatric
kids live with this common, chronic disease, the academy and general surgeon with the Palm Beach Digital Surgery
says, adding that if obesity is untreated, it can lead to short- Institute, a general surgery and robotic surgery practice
term and long-term health issues, including cardiovascular focused on providing minimally invasive treatment options
disease and type 2 diabetes. and care for patients suffering from colorectal disease,
Heart disease is the number one killer among men and endometriosis, hernia, and life-threatening obesity. Dr.
women, which helps explain why the academy updated its Betancourt is on staff at Good Samaritan Medical Center
advice. In addition to heart disease, heart attack, stroke, heart in West Palm Beach.
failure, arrhythmia, and heart valve problems are all associated In addition, Dr. Betancourt is fluent in Spanish, his
with cardiovascular disease. native language, and English.
While it may seem extreme to some to encourage weight- Palm Beach Digital Surgery Institute is located in
loss surgery on a child as young as 13, the old method of the Victor Farris Building adjacent to Good Samaritan
“watchful-waiting,” taking a “wait-and-see” approach, was Medical Center at 1411 N. Flagler Drive, Suite 8900,
not working. Early intervention helps lead to a healthier heart West Palm Beach, FL 33401. For more information
throughout that child’s life. visit palmbeachdigitalsurgeryinstitute.com or call (561)
Good Samaritan Medical Center robotic and bariatric 227-9238. Find information on bariatric surgery at Good
surgeon Dr. Abraham Betancourt stated that the updated Samaritan Medical Center by visiting goodsamaritanmc.
guidance is long overdue. However, before deciding on com/services/bariatric-surgery or call (866)-306-2225.
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“It has always been our long-term goal to offer weekly
rather than once-a-month classes. This grant will make Are You Ready Hurricane?
this dream come true,” Anne Palumbo explained. “It is
especially meaningful because those we serve flourish
most readily with familiar environments and routine. It For The Next Storm?
is also a boon to their caregivers, who can count on a
few hours off each week, knowing their loved ones are
enjoying a safe and enriching experience.” No Air Conditioning?
Research shows that weekly art classes for individuals No Refrigeration?
with special needs improve social skills, self-expression, and
self-esteem and reduce stress. They also foster community FREE
and enhance well-being through creative expression. 10% OFF
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