Page 12 - Hobe Sound Reflections - December '24

Page 12, Hobe Sound

taMpa GeNeral News

TGH Pulmonologist Uses New new, minimally invasive possible to detect and diagnose lung cancer earlier for better
technology that enables
treatment options and outcomes.
Technology To Diagnose And earlier and more accurate “If an abnormality appears on a patient’s lung CT scan,
Treat Early-Stage Lung Cancer diagnosis of lung cancer. the robotic bronchoscopy is used to pinpoint the nodule’s
The technology is a robotic
location and take a biopsy of the tissue,” said Wellikoff. “The
bronchoscopy that integrates technology works in concert with the CT scan, offering us a
According to the American Cancer Society, lung the latest advancements in more precise road map to reach problem areas in a patient’s
cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. robotics, software, data lung that are hard to access. It’s a real game changer because
among both men and women. Often asymptomatic, it can science and endoscopy it means we can detect and treat the disease earlier.”
go undiagnosed for an extended period. When symptoms (the use of small cameras Wellikoff is board certified by the American Board of
do appear, it’s usually because the cancer has spread, and tools to enter the body Internal Medicine in the subspecialties of pulmonary diseases
and there’s less chance for survival, which makes early through its natural openings). Adam Wellikoff and critical care medicine. Additionally, Wellikoff was the
screenings critical to diagnosing and treating the disease. Dr. Wellikoff was among first board-certified interventional pulmonologist in Florida.
Who should be screened for lung cancer? The U.S. the first pulmonologists in the United States to utilize the TGH PCSI recently joined Tampa General as part of the
Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly lung technology, which was recently cleared by the U.S. Food hospital’s initiative to serve more patients on Florida’s East
cancer screening for people who: and Drug Administration (FDA). Coast. Tampa General has been creating a framework of
• Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history A physician operates the robotic bronchoscopy via a state-of-the-art services for patients in the Palm Beach and
• Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years video game-like controller. The bronchoscopy utilizes a Treasure Coast areas, with the expertise and innovation of an
• Are between 50 and 80 years old flexible robotic endoscope to navigate through the periphery academic health system. TGH PCSI has offices conveniently
Dr. Adam Wellikoff, a Palm Beach County-based of the lungs with improved vision, reach and control. The located in Atlantis and Wellington.
pulmonologist with Tampa General Hospital (TGH) technology allows physicians to reach locations in the lung For more information about TGH PCSI, please call (561)
Pulmonary Care and Sleep Institute (PCSI), offers a that are inaccessible by a traditional bronchoscopy, making it 739-4TGH (4844) or visit TGHPCSI.com.
tip oF tHe tail

Puppy “Potty” Training Tips in the crate for naps throughout the day and go through Having a puppy is fun but is a serious commitment.
the same process as in the morning each time he or she The potty training process requires, above all, patience
is taken out. and consistency. It will be well worth it to have a fully
This rigid routine can be a few weeks to a couple house trained pup!
of months depending on the breed and consistency of Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is
training before he or she is officially “potty” trained. dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With
Just remember that even the most diligent owner should focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and
expect accidents and should not get upset. If you happen rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics,
to catch your pup in the act, just say no potty to him or and emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center
her to make them stop and take out right away to allow combines exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy
your pup to finish and then offer a treat. If you punish for pets and their owners. For more information, call 772-283-
your pup you could cause them to be scared. This can lead 0920, visit www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us
to him or her sneaking off to go potty in the house where on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
you cannot see them instead. Just saying no will confuse
them. No potty is specific to the situation.
Like infants and toddlers, young puppies require an
extensive amount of time, planning and energy-usually
much more than one predicts. Potty training a puppy, one
of the most trying tasks, can be difficult. You can make
this process easier by understanding your puppy and the
tricks that will help you train him or her.
First, you should get a crate for your puppy. A crate
is a place where your dog can feel safe and secure. It’s
important that they have their own space in which they can
go when they need to be alone-it is their den. The crate
should be big enough for them to stand up and lie down
in comfortably, but small enough so that they don’t have
room to pee or poop on the floor of the crate. If you’re
using a plastic crate, make sure it has ventilation holes so
that your puppy doesn’t get too hot or too cold inside of it.
Do not use the wire cages because they will feel exposed.
When the pup wakes up, take him directly outside to the
same spot each time and stand there, do not distract him
or her. You can use the cue word “potty” just once so he or
she associates the word with the action. Once he has gone
to the bathroom, both pee and poop, reward him or her
with a treat. If he or she has not done both pee and poop
then put him or her back in the crate and try again in 15
minutes. Once he or she has done both then you can feed
and have a play session. Keep your eyes on your pup at all
times. Watch for signs of sniffing the ground, wandering
off away from play area. If these signs are noticed, then
take outside immediately. If less than 12 weeks of age,
take him or her outside every 30 minutes until he or she
begins going potty outside consistently. Then extend the
time to 1 hour, then 2 hours and so on until no accidents
occur. Always take him or her out about 15-20 minutes
after eating or drinking, wakes up from a nap or has been
playing hard and then slows down. Also have your pup go