Page 20 - The Jewish Voice - February '25

Page 20, The Jewish Voice

Lifestyles from page 19 Concierge Care Is a Family plans. TGH Concierge Health includes same-day or next-
day appointments, after-hours communication with the
Allergies: Many frenchies develop food and Affair concierge physician or staff, annual executive-level physical
environmental allergies, leading to chronic skin infections examinations, and more.
and itchiness. A hypoallergenic diet and proper skin care When Kim Hoffman Since 2020, Tampa General has been creating a
can help manage these issues, but it often requires frequent began experiencing framework of state-of-the-art services for patients in the Palm
veterinary visits, bathing, and topical treatments to keep it complications following an Beaches and on the Treasure Coast, with the expertise and
under control. emergency appendectomy innovation of a preeminent academic health system.
Reproductive Issues: Due to their narrow pelvic at a community hospital in One of the leading academic health systems in the
canals and relatively large heads, along with their decreased Palm Beach County, Tampa nation, Tampa General has been affiliated with the USF
stamina levels for strenuous activity, they are at high risk General Hospital’s (TGH’s) Health Morsani College of Medicine at the University of
for developing complications during natural childbirth. For Dr. Laurie Rothman was South Florida since the school was created in the early 1970s.
this reason, most frenchies are born via C-Section and often the first person she called. Today, more than 700 medical school residents and fellows
require a reproduction specialist for the best outcome and “She answered on the first receive specialty training at the academic health system in
highest survival rates. ring,” says Hoffman. “I areas ranging from general internal medicine to neurosurgery.
Frenchies are undeniably captivating. As a veterinarian, was upset and concerned Tampa General is the highest-ranked hospital in the
I love seeing them bless our hallways and exam rooms with about what the doctors at market in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best
their presence. However, their unique needs require informed the hospital were telling me. Kim Hoffman Hospitals, with two medical specialties ranking among the
and responsible ownership. If planning to make a frenchie a She reassured me that she’d top 20 in the nation and eight medical specialties ranking
part of your loving family, it is wise to be aware of the many speak with them and that everything would be OK. I was among the top 50 best hospital programs in the United States.
health issues your pet may face and realize that all of these incredibly grateful and relieved knowing she was there for “Dr. Rothman has been there for all my ups and she’s
issues require financial responsibility and a close relationship me, and would determine the next best course of action.” been there for the downs, and it’s been quite the journey,” says
with your veterinarian. It is advisable to have your new puppy Hoffman has been a happy patient of Dr. Rothman’s for Hoffman. “But we’ve come to the other side, so everything’s
examined by a veterinarian right away and have the ability more than 12 years. A friend recommended her after Hoffman going pretty well right now. I’m so very happy.”
to return to the breeder if there are major health concerns. moved to Florida. “They told me that I would love her, and For more information about TGH Concierge Health,
By prioritizing their health and well-being, together we can I do!” Dr. Rothman has been practicing medicine in Palm please visit TGH.org/ConciergeHealth or call (561) 739-
ensure these beloved companions continue to bring joy to Beach County for more than 20 years. Recently, when Dr. 4TGH (4844).
homes for years to come. Rothman joined TGH Concierge Health, a service of TGH
Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Primary Care, Hoffman jumped at the chance to reunite The Singles Scene Column ©
Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care for with her trusted primary care physician. In fact, she not only
your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery, signed herself up with TGH Concierge Health, but also her Real Talk: Your Love Life
physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine, husband and two adult sons. Diagnosed with several different
extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City autoimmune disorders, Hoffman has a complicated medical By Kelly Leary, MS, and
Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical history. She says Dr. Rothman is truly at the center of her Miranda Capparelli
care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners. care — a master of coordinating and communicating with (The Award-Winning
For more information, call 772-283-0920, visit www. multiple medical specialists so everyone is on the same page. Matchmakers)
palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com, or find us on Facebook Hoffman notes that Dr. Rothman excels at breaking down “To truly change the way
at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic. information into ways she can understand. “She remembers we approach love, we have to
everything,” notes Hoffman. go to the source of everything
Along with coordinating Hoffman’s health care, Dr.
Medicare Corner with Kathy O Rothman monitors Hoffman’s husband and sons’ well-being, we do: our minds.” — Todd
Perelmuter
General Medicare Tips and Advice ensuring preventative measures like specialized blood tests Romance has arrived and
for her adult sons, one of whom has type 1 diabetes. “When you have front row seats.
T h e si n g l e m o st our younger son is home from college, he can easily reach Cupid’s arrow is aimed and
important thing you can do out to Dr. Rothman to get a refill on a prescription. She is couples are falling in love all over town, thanks to us. Whether
for yourself is to have your like an old-fashioned family doctor,” notes Hoffman. “She you’re actively looking for it or quietly wishing for it, LOVE
own agent. Your agent is an treats patients holistically.” is on everyone’s mind this month. So, how is your love life?
amazing resource to reorder Prior to joining TGH Concierge Health, Dr. Rothman (Take a moment to think about it.) Do you need a little extra
lost cards, answer benefit served the brave men and women in law enforcement as help from our sweet, professional cupids this month? Well,
questions, provide a list of the dedicated doctor for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s good news — we’re right here in your local area, ready to
specialists, review notices Department. She is also a member of the Florida Medical help! As always, don’t forget to share this valuable info
and claim statements, and Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, with your single family and friends — especially during this
so much more. Your agent and the American Board of Obesity Medicine. inspiring month. They might just be more motivated to take
can even answer questions TGH Concierge Health is part of Tampa General’s action than they think.
about those pesky TV ads commitment to connecting the Palm Beach County and
and all the gossip from your friends about Medicare. Best Treasure Coast communities to innovative care. TGH Lifestyles on page 21
of all, there is NO cost to have an agent. Concierge Health patients receive the highest level of
Moving? Do NOT change your address with your primary care, with after-hours access and personalized care
Advantage, supplement, or drug plan carrier prior to your
move without first speaking to your agent — and if you
don’t have one, find one. When you call member services
and change your address, they may cancel your plan at
the end of the current month, even if you don’t move until
next month. This could unknowingly leave you with no
coverage.
The Special Enrollment Period for moving outside
your plan service rules are: 1) If you tell your plan before
you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month
before the month you move and continues for two full
months after you move; or 2) If you tell your plan after
you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month
you tell your plan, plus two more full months.
It is also important to change your address with
Medicare. This is done through Social Security by phone
or online at ssa.gov.
Why is Social Security involved when I need services
with Medicare? Social Security (SSA) is the gatekeeper
for Medicare. Your earnings are tracked by SSA and you
must qualify with 40 work quarters to receive Medicare.
Medicare also relies on SSA to determine your Part B
Premium and, if you receive SSA benefits, to collect your
premium. If you are not receiving SSA benefits, you will
be billed quarterly by Medicare.
If you still need to review or change your Medicare
plan, Open Enrollment ends March 30 and you may
qualify for a Special Enrollment. Call me! If you have any
Medicare topic suggestions, email me at czak82@aol.com.
I speak Medicare: Supplement, Drug Plan, and
Advantage Plan. For your free Medicare plan review,
please call me, Kathy Olejniczak, Agent, 561.835.5413,
or cell/text 561.212.7640.