St. Johns Mag February 2021 by St. Johns Magazine

ST. JOHNS magazine Happy Holidays! December 2020

February 2021

Health & Wellnness Issue

Watkins Allergy & Asthma Clinic Dr. Raquel Watkins, MD www.stjohnsmag.com

Photo by Nature's Child Photography

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ST. JOHNS Designed with Love

ST. JOHNS

magazine

Connecting the Growing Communities of Northern St. Johns since 2012 Publisher & Creative Director Debbie Gaylord debbie@stjohnsmag.com 1 904-687-8538

CONTENTS

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Photographer Mindy Kerr, Nature's Child Photography St. Johns Magazine is dedicated to covering the topics readers care about - from hometown stories and community spotlighs to food, health & business. St. Johns Magazine is designed to engage readers and inspire them to enjoy the good life in Northern St. Johns!

All rights reserved ÂŠ2012-2021 ÂŠSt. Johns Magazine LLC. St. Johns Magazine is published monthly and distributed by US postal Service to select homes in Northern St. Johns. It is free of charge to consumers receiving it in the mail. It is also availalble at many drop points in Northern St. Johns. All material is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and published without responsibility for errors and ommissions.

@St JohnsMagazine facebook/St.JohnsMagazine 4

FEBRUARY 2021

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Meet Watkins Allergy & Asthma Clinic's Dr. Raquel Watkins, MD Dear Readers, Welcome to our annual health and wellness issue, featuring all the best local hospitals, doctors, dentists, orthodontists and other wellness providers serving northern St. Johns. In addition to our print publication, we also provide an online directory. So please check it out. This month's feature article is about Dr. Raquel Watkins, MD, owner of Watkins Allergy & Asthma Clinic, with offices in Bartram Park and Orange Park. Get to know Dr. Watkins and why she works in this important field. May you all have a wonderful month filled with LOVE & JOY! Best Wishes Debbie Gaylord Publisher, SJM

Heart Healthy Meals in a Hurry contributed by Baptist Medical Center South

Pg 14 Help! My Child's Tooth Fell Out contributed by Dr. Jonas Ashbaugh of Blue Sky Dental Group

Pg 16 Smile with Confidence contributed by Dr. Jimmy Glenos and Dr. Craig Hadgis of Smiles by Glenos & Hadgis Orthodondists.

Pg 18 Covid Blues contributed by Dianna Brummer, owner of Good Mental Health.

Pg 20

For Seafood Lovers contributed by Lori Allen, our favorite local foodie at #MyWanderingfork

Pg 23 Spotlight on Intestinal Parasites - Roundworm contributed by Dr. Deckard at Pets R Family

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Watkins Allergy & Asthma Clinic Raquel S. Watkins, MD Board Certified Allergy/Immunology

atkins Allergy & Asthma is owned by Raquel S. Watkins, MD, a local specialist in the field of Allergy and Asthma. Dr. Watkins completed her Internal Medicine Residency training at Wake Forest University, and was later appointed Chief Resident. She served on Faculty at Wake Forest University School of Medicine as the Associate Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Training Program, before returning to fellowship in Allergy and Immunology, both pediatric and adult. Dr. Watkins was on the Wake Forest University School of Medicine faculty in the Section on Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergic and Immunologic Diseases, specializing in the care of pediatric and adult allergy and asthma. She opened her practice in north Florida in 2008.

What inspired you to become a doctor specializing in allergies and asthma? I have always felt as if my calling as a physician was to help patients manage their allergies and asthma. Many patients with asthma have allergies as a trigger so there is quite a bit of overlap. While in medical school at the University of Maryland and during my residency and fellowship at Wake Forest University, I was able to experience firsthand how asthma and allergies can affect one’s quality of life. I also lost my paternal grandfather to asthma. Now, nothing motivates me more than hearing a patient comment how much better they feel with their treatment regimen. It always make me smile inside. What is your practice’s mission? Our Allergy/Immunology practice is a division of Borland Groover and our mission is to provide excellent healthcare through innovation and personal service with exceptional physicians and staff. What is your favorite aspect of being a doctor? Meeting patients from all walks of life and hearing their story and working with them to improve their health. Over the years, my patients have inspired me! How do you help your patients? I really listen. Are there any cases that really stand out over the years? There are many scenarios that stand out over the years. Our patient with asthma has frequent attacks and had a hard time identifying her triggers. Same day testing revealed that her main triggers were ragweed, grass, trees and dust and pets. We

optimized her asthma therapy and gave her tips on how to reduce indoor allergens and started her on allergen immunotherapy or ‘allergy shots’. She wrote a special note thanking us for improving her quality of life How many years have you practiced medicine and how do you keep up with current treatments? I’ve been a physician for over 24 years. I keep up with current treatments by reading our allergy journals, guidelines, and by completing maintenance of certification tests every 6 months, from the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. There are quality improvement projects outlined by the Board that I complete for our practice and our staff is required to stay up-todate as well. Are there any new treatments you are using to help people? Yes, asthma has become very personalized and today more than ever we can offer patients specific therapies to improve their quality of life: i.e., biologics and injectable medications.

Watkins Allergy & Asthma Staff in Action

Amanda, RN mixing allergy serum

What are some of the special features you offer patients to make their experience enjoyable? This may sound cliché, but I truly believe it is one of our clinic’s greatest strengths or ‘special features’– our staff. I’m surrounded by competent and empathetic support staff. Patients tell me at least once a day, how awesome the staff is. If it means expediting an urgent referral, escorting a patient in a wheelchair to another building, or hearing the story of the birth of a patient’s child, or empathizing with stressors – I’ve witnessed our staff go above and beyond. From check-in to check-out, they work tirelessly with me to advance the health of our patients and our patients see that and are better off for it. I love this team! What are the most common allergies people get in North Florida? Ragweed, Tree, Bahia grass and Bermuda grass are common outdoor allergens, but dust and pets can trigger symptoms as well. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time? Ha-ha. Well, let’s see. In addition to being a physician, I’m a mom and a wife (my husband is Dr. Jim Kimberly, Borland Groover gastroenterologist), so my life is full in an awesome way. When I’m not at work, you can find me planning the next family meal, or at sporting events; my daughter plays soccer and runs track and my son runs cross-country and track. Jim and I do date nights once a week – we enjoy eating out at local restaurants, going for walks, or watching a Netflix series at home. Lately, I’ve been setting crazy goals for myself; so you may see me at 5K events. I ran a 5K recently and I’m training for one in March as well (March to get screened). Well, I say training but the goal here is to finish. I love yoga and I try to practice being mindful in many aspects of my life, so you can catch me at the yoga studio once or twice a week, and most evenings, I spend walking or jogging, trying to get in my 10000 steps.

Sherry checking patients in Jennifer, RN giving an allergy shot

www.watkinsclinic.com 13241 Bartram Park Blvd. Suite 2601 Jacksonville Fl 32258 2140 Kingsley Ave. Suite 1, Orange Park Fl 32073 www.stjohnsmag.com

Don’t let allergy symptoms get you down! TELEHEALTH VISIT OR IN-PERSON Appointments with your physician from your computer or mobile Device

Raquel Suzanne Watkins, MD Board Certified Allergist & Immunologist

Schedule your telehealth visit or in-person appointment with Dr. Watkins & Team! We will get you started on an effective treatment plan that allows you to control your symptoms and • We focus on our patients’ needs first • Same day appointments • On-site Physician for personal attention • Dedicated shot clinic with nurse *open during lunch hours • Asthma Educators on staff

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Heart Health

Heart Healthy Meals in a Hurry By Vikki Mioduszewski

or hassle-free healthy meals in a hurry, be prepared with a well-stocked kitchen. This means always having some basic ingredients in your cabinets, pantry, fridge and freezer. It can save time and worry on those busy days when you don't have a chance to get to the grocery store.

CABINETS AND PANTRY

• Dry beans like black beans, chickpeas, pintos and red beans • Canned “dinner builder” items like beans, chicken, salmon, tuna and soup • Canned vegetables (like carrots, corn, green beans, peas, pumpkin and tomatoes) for adding to soup, rice, pasta and sauces • Canned and dried fruits like apple sauce, dates, oranges, peaches, pineapple and raisins (look for items with no added sugars) • Whole-grain pasta, brown rice and other easy whole grains like couscous and quinoa • Whole grain bread or tortillas (if you don’t use it daily, store in the freezer) • Old-fashioned rolled oats, instant oatmeal and whole-grain cereal for a quick breakfast • Whole-wheat flour, oat flour and cornmeal for baking • Nuts, seeds and nut butters for healthy snacking • Healthy cooking oils like canola, corn or olive (buy in limited amounts because they can go rancid over time), nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray • Balsamic vinegar and low-sodium soy sauce for salad dressings and sauces

• Spaghetti or marinara sauce in jars • Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for making soup • Dried herbs and spices, salt-free seasoning blend, pepper

FRIDGE AND FREEZER

• Frozen vegetables without salty sauces (like broccoli, cauliflower, mixed vegetables, spinach and squash) make easy sides and add-ins • Frozen fruits without added sugars (like berries, mixed fruit, peaches) for cereal, yogurt and smoothies • Low-fat/non-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese • Frozen meats like fish fillets, skinless chicken breasts or lean ground beef • Soft margarine with no trans fat (made with nonhydrogenated vegetable oils, usually in a tub)

Make it a habit to compare nutrition labels. Choose products with the lowest amounts of sodium, added sugars, saturated fat and trans fat that you can find in your store. And look for the Heart-Check mark to easily identify foods that can be part of your healthy eating plan. Source: American Heart Association

Baptist Health offers free wellness and nutrition coaching sessions to the community. For more information, visit baptistjax.com/hlc.

Come get better with us. Taking care of your health is more important now than ever. And so is who you trust with your health care. Baptist South is the hospital you’ve trusted for more than 15 years. We’re committed to your safety during every step of your care experience. We want to make sure you continue to get the medical care you need – from routine wellness checks, to ER care and everything in between. Temperature screenings, detailed cleaning protocols and mandatory masking are just a few of the ways we pledge to protect you. Learn more about our enhanced safety measures at covid19.baptistjax.com. So keep getting stronger, healthier and better with the hospital that’s A-rated in safety. Come get better with us.

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Dental Health

HELP!

by Dr. Jonas Ashbaugh & Dr. Kathleen Stevens Owners of Blue Sky Dental Group

MY CHILD'S TOOTH WAS KNOCKED OUT! Having a child's tooth knocked out or forcefully re-positioned can be a nightmare scenario for any parent. Baby teeth are one thing but a permanent tooth can have lasting complications. Teeth are held in place by an elastic tissue called the periodontal ligament, which attaches the tooth to the bone and provides nerve sensation and blood supply. When a tooth is knocked out, many periodontal cells remain on the root. As long as those cells remain alive, they can regenerate once the tooth is reinserted in the socket. But the longer the tooth is out of the socket, the more likely these cells will desiccate (dry out) and die. However, if you act quickly after a tooth has been knocked out, you have a much better chance of saving it.

ACT QUICKLY

Chances of a tooth’s survival increase if it can be reinserted into the empty socket within 5-20 minutes after the injury—and the earlier, the better. Reinsertion doesn’t require extensive training; it’s a matter of following five simple steps: First, locate the tooth and pick it up without touching the root, as this is

where the delicate periodontal cells are. Rinse the tooth with clean water to remove any debris. Hold the tooth by the crown (the visible part of the tooth) and insert the root end into the empty socket. This will require some pressure, so don’t hesitate to use some force. Place a piece of clean gauze or cloth between the inserted tooth and its counterpart in the other jaw, and have the injured person bite down gently and hold their bite.

OBTAIN DENTAL OR MEDICAL CARE RIGHT AWAY.

The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) has developed a free mobile app to guide you through various dental emergencies, including a knocked-out tooth. Available in both Android and IOS app stores, ToothSOS gives illustrated, step-by-step care instructions for each type of injury. If for whatever reason you can’t reinsert the tooth, place the tooth in a container with milk and take it to the dentist right away. Keep in mind that every minute counts, and the first 5-20 minutes are critical when it comes to saving a tooth. You can also use a pre-filled container like Save-ATooth™ that can be kept in your first aid kit. Though not as effective as reinsertion, transporting the tooth in liquid is much better than letting it dry out.

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Orthodontic Health

Smile with Confidence Smiles by Glenos & Hadgis Orthodontists Dr. Jimmy Glenos and Dr. Craig Hadgis

gorgeous new smile has the ability to give you confidence and to smile more openly with others. Really, it’s more than just a simple orthodontic procedure – a new smile can transform your life. Dr. Jimmy Glenos and Dr. Craig Hadgis specialize in these transformations. Together with their team they share a common mission to change people’s lives by enhancing their smiles and bites, and they accomplish this using state-of-theart technology and services, like impressionless 3D scanning, Invisalign clear aligners, Damon braces, Insignia custom braces, and low-dose 3D x-ray. These technologies enhance precision results and overall patient comfort. Backed by friendly, gentle, highly-trained and certified team members, Dr. Glenos and Dr. Hadgis enjoy personally explaining all treatment options to every patient and providing ideal customized treatment for any orthodontic needs at any age. The path to a beautiful smile often starts early. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children see an orthodontist by the age of 7. “If you want a beautiful smile for yourself or your children or need an improvement in your bite, we are to explain all the options and offer the most enjoyable experience in a cost-effective manner,” says Dr. Glenos. “There is no charge for a new patient exam nor for

having your children enter our dental growth and development program for periodic checkups. This will often allow us to catch a problem early or prevent it from worsening which almost always saves orthodontic time and expense later.” With Dr. Glenos and Dr. Hadgis’ partnership, patients are under the expert care of two highly-trained specialists. Both Dr. Glenos and Dr. Hadgis became orthodontic specialists after finishing two years of their competitive residency programs and completing four years of dental school to earn DMD and DDS degrees. Additionally, Dr. Glenos and Dr. Hadgis are both certified by the American Board of Orthodontists (ABO), a distinction earned by less than 30% of orthodontists. Dr. Hadgis is currently serving as President of the St Augustine Dental Society. A tribute to their passion for their work, Dr. Glenos and Dr. Hadgis have been able to help many thousands of local residents so far. “Our passion is helping patients achieve their desires when it comes to transforming smiles,” says Dr. Hadgis, “which in turn changes lives.” (904) 79.SMILE (797.6453) 22 St Johns Medical Park Dr - US-1, St. Augustine AND 111 Doctors Village Dr - Ste 400 - Race Track Rd, St. Johns www.smilesbyGHortho.com

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COVID Blues Mental Health

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by Diana Brummer, MSW, LCSW & Owner of Good Mental Health

s the Covid-19 pandemic continues into 2021, our collective patience is running low and our frustrations are running high. Nearly twelve months ago, life as we knew it came to an abrupt halt. Schools and workplaces closed, social gatherings were canceled, and the word "quarantine" became a part of our everyday vocabulary. While many of us put on a brave face while embracing the Zoom meeting and brushing up on our baking skills, the undercurrent of sadness and anxiety was and continues to be, very real. For those who may have never experienced a depressive episode before, we became suspicious that our new collection of symptoms were a result of our new involuntary life change, and therefore had a name: situational depression. As a mental health diagnosis, situational depression is most often triggered by a traumatic or life-altering event such as divorce, job loss, death of a close friend or loved one, a serious accident, or other major life change- such as retirement- or a global pandemic. Symptoms can include feelings of listlessness, hopelessness, and sadness, sleeping difficulties, frequent episodes of crying, unfocused anxiety and worry, loss of concentration, withdrawal from normal activities as well as from family and friends, and in some cases suicidal thoughts. Situational depression usually resolves itself as time passes after the stressful situation or event, as the situation improves, or when the person recovers from the life event; all of which we are anticipating in 2021, but none of which have happened yet. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, please know that you are not alone. Reach out, seek professional support, and give yourself permission to make some lifestyle changes that can offer relief. A few strategies that can help a person reduce the effects of situational depression include getting regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining regular sleeping habits, talking to loved ones, joining a formal support group (online options are available), or starting a new hobby or leisure activity. Something as simple as taking a warm bath or shower can calm our bodies and help calm our minds. By giving ourselves space to self-soothe in healthy ways, we will improve our physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Good Mental Health is a counseling and coaching practice located in St. Johns, Florida, offering individual and family counseling to adolescents and adults. With sessions available face-to-face and online, we hope to provide the tools and skills necessary to heal past wounds, grow healthy relationships, and build strong families. For more information, to read more about us, or contact us please visit GoodMentalHealthllc.com.

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Wandering Fork

by Lori Allen #Mywanteringfork

For Seafood Lovers

t is that time of year when it can be a ridiculous cold for us southerners (or northern migrants) and so what gets me through the months before the warmth sets in is a nice big bowl of steamed seafood. Something about steamed crab legs, shrimp, lobster and more says spring is on its way! I have dined at the two below restaurants and boy oh boy do they do it right!

The boiling Crawfish- The Big Crab Seafood Restaurant 8358 Point Meadows Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32256

The Boiling Crawfish (The Big Crab Seafood Restaurant) was my first stop. I was able to get a nice seat outside and the weather wasn't too bad. They offer nightly drink and boil specials and I choose the lobster boil special thinking this one has my name written all over it! The boil included a big bowl full of steamed shrimp, a whole lobster, potatoes, corn and sausage. I chose the medium spice level on their special sauce - which is a secret but let's say there's definitely some Cajun seasoning so you know there will be a little or a lot of heat depending on what you prefer. I also ordered a side of garlic butter- and you will soon see why. Once the food arrived it came out in this steaming hot bag that is filled out like a balloon. You tear into the bag and you can immediately smell that it was time for the exuberant cook to release their inner Emeril! All the wonderful savory, spicy buttery aromas hit your nose and you can't wait to dive in! I dumped all of mine on the plate and began to dig in. (The restaurant provides you with gloves and bibs so you can get messy with the food but not wear it home) Medium spice is the level of heat I chose which from what I can make out is made with Cajun spices, garlic, maybe onion creating this buttery sauce with just the right amount of heat. The shrimp were plump and succulent and their shells soak up all the juices so each bite was a burst of flavor in your mouth. I dragged them through their special sauce just making sure I got all of that goodness. The lobster was next. This is a full lobster so being a New Englander I knew exactly where to start. Off went the claws, then cracked to get that sweet tender meat and then dragged through the sauce once again. Finger lickin good! The tail once it escaped from its shell is where the magic came in. Yes you got it the garlic butter! The meaty tail dipped into that buttery goodness dribbled down my chin. Oh so good! Sausage, potatoes and corn that accompanied the seafood soaked in all the spicy buttery seasonings as well and didn't disappoint. Of course I had to wash it all down with one of their BOGO beers. How can you go wrong with that? Boiling Crawfish is a family owned restaurant and loves their community. They have excellent wait staff and take all the covid precautions.

Red Crab - Juicy Seafood (10111 San Jose Blvd Ste.16 Jacksonville, Fl 32257)

On to my next seafood extravaganza! At Red Crab -Juicy Seafood they have several combination boil choices as well as a long list of add ons so you really can customize your boil. Anything from crab legs, shrimp, crawfish, clams, mussels, King crab, lobster, Dungeness crab and sausage can be added to your boil. It was a tough decision but I went with the crawfish, clams and lobster. As an added bonus all of the boils come with potatoes and corn. You can choose from Cajun, garlic butter, lemon pepper, and their special sauce called Juicy which is all three! So of course I went for the Juicy and a side of garlic butter. If you like it hot they can make it extra extra hot for you but I just went for the medium. My friend opted for some sausage and crab legs. I thought that this was a neat combo as well. So if you are not in the mood for a ton of seafood you can get their savory sausage instead. Both of ours came in that steaming bag full of aromatic buttery sauces. I loved that the crawfish soaked all of the spices so once I popped off the head and got to the tail meat it was drenched in flavor. And of course my ice cold beer was there to wash it all down. The clams were perfectly steamed and they serve the lobster tail cracked which made it an easy escape into the garlic butter. So tender and juicy it was like the essences of the sea in a warm buttery bath. YUM! If you are not up for the boil they do have plenty of other options as well. Lots of fried platters, wings, oysters, grilled and baked seafood and pasta dishes to choose from. Red Crab- Juicy Seafood also offers great delivery services and take out options for those that do not want to dine in. They take proper safety precautions against COVID with sanitizing and masks to keep everyone safe. So give these wonderful restaurants a try. Take a moment and close your eyes and just imagine the feel of the warm spring air and smell the salt from the ocean meanwhile your belly is full of that delicious seafood!

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Oceanside Patio Dining

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The Ocean or The River....The Best of Both Views Come by Boat or by Car

Open for Takeout & Outdoor Dining! Beautiful Views, Casual Atmosphere, & Fresh Local Seafood

612(2 blocks Euclid Ave - St. Augustine south of the castle off A1A in North Beach)

w w w. a u n t - k a t e s . c o m 22

829-1105

Open 7 days a week - Lunch & Dinner

A Message From The Vet by Dr. Deckard, DVM, Pets R Family

Spotlight on Intestinal Parasites:

Roundworms

oundworms are a microscopic intestinal parasite that can affect dogs, cats, and even humans! It’s a parasite with a rather complex life cycle, but there are multiple ways pets can get it, and it can cause significant diarrhea, vomiting, and even pneumonia. The most common method of infection is through the environment. The roundworm egg is initially deposited into soil via fresh feces, where it takes about a month to develop into the stage that is considered infectious. A dog or cat will step in infected soil in the environment and consume the eggs from regular grooming/self-licking. It’s important to understand that fresh feces is not considered infectious! The best practice is to pick up stool right away before it has a chance to deposit the microscopic eggs into the soil! Unfortunately, Roundworm eggs can live for years in the soil, and they can continue to reinfect hosts for several years. Once the egg is swallowed by a host, it will hatch into larvae in the host’s intestinal tract, and then burrow into the host’s body tissues. Most commonly roundworms encyst in the liver, but they can be in all body tissues. When the larvae are ready to hatch into the next stage, they migrate into the lungs, where they continue to develop. They burrow in the airways and travel into the throat, where they

are coughed up, swallowed, and then enter the intestinal tract again where they will become adults and reproduce. While in the intestines, roundworms can cause significant diarrhea, vomiting, and a pot-bellied appearance. Because the larvae also burrow into the lungs, coughing is a common symptom and it can develop into pneumonia if left untreated. Another method of infection is by consuming an infected prey animal such as a rodent, where the cycle follows the same path. Roundworms are also able to be passed from an infected mother to puppies/kittens, either by nursing, or in utero. Roundworms are treatable with several common prescription de-wormers, but it’s critical that multiple doses several weeks apart are done, so that all the worms can be eradicated. You will likely see live roundworms passed in the stool during deworming, as the dewormer doesn’t kill them, but causes the adults to detach from the intestinal wall and be passed, where they quickly die outside of the body. Annual fecal testing and monthly parasiticide medication is the best prevention to keep pets from being infected with roundworms. It’s a best practice for all puppies and kittens to be dewormed multiple times for roundworms, whether it’s found in their fecal sample or not.

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Your veterinarian will prescribe the proper medication that is best to treat them. As stated earlier, roundworms are a zoonotic parasite – that is, they can infect humans, most commonly young children. In humans, roundworms are contracted by oral ingestion of infected soil - either via improper handwashing after handling infected soil, or directly ingesting soil. Once inside a human host they can migrate throughout the tissues of the body, causing flu-like symptoms that can become very serious and cause death if severe and untreated. They also can migrate into the eye, causing blindness and permanent eye damage. The best way to stop roundworms is prevention. Follow your veterinarian’s advice for fecal testing annually or when diarrhea occurs, and pick up all stool immediately, so it doesn’t have a chance to infect the soil. If you get a new puppy or kitten, be sure to have it not only tested, but also dewormed properly by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Use a monthly heartworm prevention for your pets that contains medication appropriate for intestinal parasites; this will lessen the chance of them picking it up from their environment. If your children like to play in the dirt, teach them not to ingest it, and also employ proper handwashing techniques to help prevent the spread to humans.

BEFORE & AFTER

•Over 80% of dogs have periodontal disease by age 3. •Routine dental cleanings can help reduce major health problems (like liver, kidney, and heart disease)! •Dental x-rays help your vet identify and remove diseased, infected, painful teeth! X-rays help to see below the gumline. • Pets R Family performs expert dental procedures every week. Call us to schedule your pet’s dental cleaning today!

www.petsrfamilyvet.com www.stjohnsmag.com

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