St. Johns Magazine February 2023

ST. JOHNS magazine

The Wonders of Wolfson

Children’s NICU

When you’re expecting, you have questions. We help answer them.

Rest easy knowing that you and your baby are in the right hands. That’s because Baptist Health is the No. 1 health system in Northeast Florida for maternity services and Wolfson Children’s provides the most sophisticated care for infants and children of all ages.

To learn more or find an OB/GYN who delivers at Baptist Health, call 202.4HER (4437) or visit baptistjax.com/baby

Moms and babies need special types of care. We deliver both.

Murabella-3531 Garibaldi Way MLS# 1201385- $579,900

Tamaya-13042 Aegean Dr MLS# 1108195 - $620,900

Del Webb PV 14 Idlewild MLS# 1190548 – $590,000

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Del Webb PV –22 Fawn Gully Ln MLS# 1193439 - $399,000

Williams Walk-12700 Bartram Park Blvd #1610 MLS#1199600-$270,000

Tributary -75133 Pondside Ln MLS# 1188221 - $423,085

Palm Coast–7 Whitting Pl MLS# 1190948 - $65,000

St Johns Golf & CC-1516 Drury Ct MLS# 1188275 - $540,000

One of the most terrifying moments of my life was the day my triplets were born at 31 weeks weighing only 3.3, 3.1 and 2.7 pounds. They were immediately whisked away to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where the life-saving ability of the NICU doctors, and the round-the-clock expert care given by nurses allowed them to thrive and finally come home with me after three weeks. Although much of that time was a blur, I remember going to the hospital daily filled with fear (that something would go wrong) and guilt (that I was not there 24/7). But I was also hopeful. My tiny babies were in good hands, experts who knew everything there was to know about preemies. Modern medicine is what saved my triplets and I am forever grateful for their care.

This month’s cover story about new life-saving procedures at Wolfson Children’s Hospital is truly inspiring, giving us a glimpse at the world-class care available to us through Baptist Health.

When I met Jennifer Sesniak and learned about her story that began at Wolfson, and I See You NICU, the non-profit she started to help NICU families, I knew I wanted to share it with the community.

Also in this issue please enjoy learning more about the Health & Wellness Professionals in northern St. Johns. This information will be published online as a continued resource.

As always, thank you to our partners and please let them know you found them in St. Johns Magazine.

Debbie Gaylord Publisher, SJM

The smallest child to date to have a PDA closed at Wolfson Children’s, Jaden was less than five pounds at the time of the procedure.

TINY Technology for Tiny Hearts

By Katie Nussbaum, Wolfson Children’s Hospital

New heart device helps the smallest patients.

Jaden Stewart was removed from oxygen support and breathing on his own in July.

Born 17 weeks premature on March 29, 2022, Jaden Stewart has spent the first five months of his life in neonatal intensive care. Thanks to a tiny new technology and procedure recently introduced at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Jaden is home with his family.

Soon after birth, Jaden, who weighed less than two pounds, was diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA, a potentially life-threatening opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart.

“The lungs tend to be fairly fragile in premature babies and that extra blood flow that goes into the lungs through that PDA can cause a lot of issues,” said Robert English,

MD, a pediatric interventional cardiologist who practices at the C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry Heart Institute at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “They require support to be able to ventilate and oxygenate and that extra blood flow may cause prolongation of the need for support. That support can be damaging to the lungs over time.”

While required in fetal life, the vessel opening typically closes on its own within a few days after birth, but that’s not always the case, especially in premature babies.

“The opening was always of moderate size but it never got any smaller,” said Jaden’s mom, Tiffany Stewart.

In mid-June, Jaden was transferred to the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Center from another area hospital. Two weeks later, he underwent a non-surgical procedure to close the PDA using the Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder, which is so small it fits on the face of a dime. Wolfson Children’s is the only hospital in Northeast Florida to offer this procedure.

Dr. English is specially trained to implant this technology in babies weighing as little as two pounds

"For a long time, we have been able to close these vessels in older and bigger infants and children because the devices used to close them are of a certain size, but they're too big for the premature babies," said Dr. English, who performed Jaden's procedure. "This tiny device is the first technology that allows us to close a PDA in premature infants."

Dr. English is specially trained to implant this technology in babies weighing as little as two pounds through a cardiac catheterization procedure in which the wire mesh device is guided through the vessels to close the opening.

A non-surgical option for premature infants

Previously, the only other option to close a PDA in infants was surgery.

"Heart surgery is more invasive and involves an incision between the ribs," said Dr. English. "The children usually recover well following the surgical procedure, but there are some risks associated so we prefer a non-surgical procedure to close the PDA when possible."

The smallest child to date to have a PDA closed at Wolfson Children's, Jaden was less than five pounds at the time of the procedure. Stewart said she noticed a positive change in Jaden just hours after the procedure was completed.

"Almost immediately, you could see a difference just with his oxygen support levels," she said.

Within a couple of days, Jaden was taken off the ventilator and put on low-flow oxygen support.

In late August, Jaden was removed from all oxygen support, breathing on his own and ready to join his dad Justin and sisters, Jordan, 12, and Riley, 10, at home.

"He's doing a lot better with his breathing and he's even starting to bottle feed now," Stewart said. "He is definitely pacing himself as far as being able to breathe and swallow at the same time, but the procedure turned things around."

Stewart said Jaden is growing stronger each day and hitting milestones a lot quicker than before.

"He's on his way to being healthy and being able to really function without as much support as he needed before," she said.

The pediatric cardiology, imaging, cardiac intensive care, cardiac anesthesiology and heart surgery teams with Wolfson Children's C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry Heart Institute treat a full range of pediatric cardiac conditions, from defects present at birth to heart rhythm disorders. To learn more, call 904.202.8550 or visit wolfsonchildrens.com/heart

Profiles

Allergies

Watkins Allergy & Asthma

Raquel Suzanne Watkins, MD

Allergy and Asthma Specialist Raquel S. Watkins, MD earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Miami. She received her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Maryland. After completing her Internal Medicine Residency training at Wake Forest University, she was 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. Before leaving Wake Forest to live in Jacksonville, FL., 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.

Dr. Watkins has authored numerous scientific publications, championed using the best available evidence in patient care and has a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology. Dr. Watkins is a board certified allergist by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, a conjoint board of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics. Raquel enjoys yoga. She likes to try new recipes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. She loves kayaking and biking with her husband and children. On the weekends you can catch Dr. Watkins at her childrens’ school and club sporting events: youth soccer, lacrosse, cross country and track and field. Dr Watkins has been in practice in the Jacksonville/Orange Park area for over a decade. She cares for patients with asthma, allergies and related skin conditions.

13241 Bartram Park Blvd. Suite 2601 Jacksonville, FL. 32258

904.298.1800

www.watkinsclinic.com

Bartram

Dental Center

Dr. Jason Lewis & Dr. Royce Barlow

55 Jaidev Road

St. Johns, FL 32259 904.201.6000

Bartram Dental Center, BDC, has been in business since 2005, and its focus has always remained on positivity, compassion, teamwork, and family with the goal of providing patients with quality care and treatment. The doctors, Dr. Jason Lewis and Dr. Royce Barlow live and work in St. Johns along with their families.

As they designed their new office, providing a premier patient experience was always their intention. From the inviting lobby, the offer of a blanket, a warm hand towel, or a fresh baked cookie, they want patients to truly enjoy their time. Customer service is a lost art in the medical profession, and they are passionate about providing it for their patient family.

1555 Kingsley Avenue, Suite 401 Orange Park, FL 32073 904.298.1800

www.watkinsclinic.com

BDC made an investment to become a “Complete Health” dental practice and continue to receive training to enhance the level of care and connection to the medical community of their patients. For patients this means they are focused on helping them maintain their very best “complete health” –not just ideal “dental health”.

BDC is also home to Bartram Dental Assisting School (BDAS). Classes are held in the dedicated classroom space on Saturdays 8 AM – 5 PM and is available for community use during the week. Educating students on the importance of caring for patients, professionalism, chairside technique, and enabling them for success is something they are proud to contribute to the dental community.

PAVING A WAY for Families

There is a A New Charity in Town I See You NICU

by Jennifer Sesniak, Founder & President, I See You NICU

I See You NICU is an organization started by NICU mom, Jennifer Sesniak, who saw the lack of available support in the experience of parents with preemies who stay in the NICU and wanted to do something to fill the need.

The statistics are alarming and going in the wrong direction.

♥ 1 in 10 U.S. babies are born preterm -- a statistic increasing yearly and is one of the worst among high-resource nations.

♥ As many as 60% of NICU parents experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

♥ On a positive note, 98% of babies survive the NICU due to the latest care and technical developments.

Jennifer’s story:

After what seemed like a picture-perfect pregnancy, I went into premature labor at 28 weeks. Logan arrived fast and furious in an operating room filled with doctors and nurses at 2 lbs, 8 oz, and 14 inches. He breathed on his own, a blessing given the laundry list of potential possibilities. Whisked away to the Wolfson Children's NICU for an 81-day stay.

"The experience of seeing my tiny, fragile baby in a plastic box with wires connected everywhere, depleted all my strength. I thought, is this my fault, did I eat healthy enough, and why did my body fail me? "

This inner dialog sent me into the darkness of postpartum depression and anxiety with PTSD symptoms. I lost what being a first-time mom should look like and found there was no help on how to navigate my mental health, work life, insurance questions, or any sense of normalcy.

NICU professionals provided extraordinary care and were patient but our new normal meant permission had to be granted even to hold Logan. Depending upon his condition, some days we couldn't. I’ll never forget the alarms and late-night phone calls we hoped would never come, but day by day, Logan grew stronger,

achieving milestones that seemed like mountains! Today Logan is a strong-willed, happy fouryear-old. We still reflect upon our journey as if no time elapsed. "We appreciate how lucky we are -- we could have used more support beyond one lone Facebook group. We didn’t know who to turn to for help during this time. I now know none of this was my fault, but we want to make sure others benefit from networking with those who share their experiences."

Unfortunately, the road of being a NICU parent doesn’t end at discharge. Our experience became the inspiration for I See You NICU, whose mission is to develop a network of past, present, and future NICU families. Also providing support, awareness, and education to our community. The goal this year is to grow our support network and build relationships with hospital NICUs to improve the process and patient outcomes.

Interested in getting involved or supporting the cause? You can share, like, volunteer or donate. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Let's all support the NICU community better. Remember, I See You NICU really does see NICU families.

Mental Health

Welcoming a New Baby

by Diana Brummer, MSW, LCSW Good Mental Health LLC

There is nothing more exciting than the anticipation of welcoming a new baby into our lives. Whether we are growing for the first time from a family of two to three or expanding our family of three or more, nothing can quite prepare us for the adjustment that comes with adding a new family member... but, we have to try!

We read all the books, we paint the room, we gather clothes and blankets and diapers and advice. We eat the right things and avoid the wrong ones while trying to get plenty of sleep while we still can.

Just as we would take good care of our physical bodies during pregnancy, and prepare our physical space for the arrival of baby, we must also prepare ourselves and our relationships for the adjustments that will have to occur. From a psychological standpoint, growing a family is one of the most difficult life stage transitions we will navigate in our lifetime. It would make sense to prepare for it physically, along with mentally and emotionally as well.

Remember that both grief and joy are part of the process.

Often overlooked during the anticipation of

baby's arrival is the reality that most of us will grieve the life we previously had. No matter how much we are looking forward to this new chapter, the previous chapter must end for the new to begin. The time we may have had for each other as a couple, or the undivided attention we previously gave our older child will be noticeably missing. There may be feelings of longing, and even sadness, for the way things used to be. Remind each other that it's okay to be sad during this time of change and adjustment. Be kind to yourself and to each other while the initial adjustment takes place.

Prioritize traditions and routines

As simple as it seems, being consistent with traditions and routines can help ease the transition into the new normal. Be intentional about spending one on one time every day. Alternate taking care of your older child's bedtime routine so that both parents continue to have equal opportunity to participate. As partners who are now parents, wake up a bit earlier to have coffee together in the morning or stay up a bit later in the evening to check in with each other and talk. Small deposits in each other's emotional bank accounts pay huge dividends.

Share how you're feeling

Being a parent is one of the most challenging, yet most fulfilling, roles we will ever fill. Despite the myriad of books on the topic, there is no one-size-fits-all instruction manual for parenthood. What worked for others may not work for us. It's important to communicate how we're feeling, to speak up when something feels uncomfortable, ask for help when we need it, or ask for space when we don't. Communicating our boundaries kindly but directly is how we protect and preserve our relationships, just as recognizing that asking for help is actually a sign of strength that builds connection versus weakness. Should you find that you or your family need support during this time of transition and adjustment, we are here for you.

Good Mental Health, LLC is a counseling and coaching practice located in St. Johns, Florida, offering services to individuals, couples, and families. 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, read more about us or contact us at www.GoodMentalHealthLLC. com.

As a therapist, I help clients from all walks of life feel, function, and communicate better; teaching them the skills they need to access their own resiliency and strength, empowering them to be their own best advocates and to mindfully create the lives they desire.

Lattacoaching.com

heart

objective creator

the matter, seamlessly, all while painting a picture of opportunity that includes an objective view that is universal and inclusive of each subject. She has a natural and deep perceptive way of listening that makes one comfortable, at ease, and open to move to grow. Her natural ability to bring out the best in each one is truly a gift to experience.

"I am a Life Artist who coaches, constructs, and coordinates, the colors of our lives to produce a vision and view that reflects the internal hue. As a result I produce the coordinated effect upon the white canvas to overcome the ultimate fear, the fear of the unknown called, "The Art of Transformation", which consistently and confidently connects us to the "Continuum" of life."

When you need care right away

Timely ER care is important — some types of care just can’t wait. Doctors and care teams at Ascension St. Vincent’s listen to quickly understand and care for your needs.

Our fully staffed ER is open 24/7 and is conveniently located at I-95 and CR210. And we’ll connect the dots to any follow-up care, including lab, imaging, follow-up specialty care and Ascension Rx or your preferred pharmacy.

Find your nearest Ascension ER at ascension.org/StJohnsFL

12 Weeks Towards Overall Transformation

"A Little Bit of Exercise Goes a Long Way"

150 minutes. This is the minimum time the CDC recommends for physical activity per week. It may not seem like much, but utilizing that time for transformative, healthy actions can be hard work. Those who struggle with self-motivation towards fitness goals may simply need someone to provide guidance and knowledge.

At the First Coast YMCA, we have certified personal trainers that truly want to improve people’s health and have the expertise to reach their goals. With a one-on-one approach, staff are available to allot time for exercise, teach proper form, and be an accountability partner. This is why the First Coast YMCA offers the evidence-based Exercise is Medicine (EIM) program.

EIM is a 12-week program created by the American College of Sports Medicine. The goal of the program is to have participants learn how to improve their overall health through exercise and education. To participate, your total minutes of physical activity must be under 150 minutes per week and a physician’s referral is required. Once determined eligible, a consultation is set with a personal trainer to go over health history and see what workouts are best.

Participants meet up to three times a week in a small group setting to meet 150 minutes of physical activity. Each individual is working towards their personal health goals and by the end of the program, participants can complete the workouts on their own. EIM truly is a journey to strengthen a person’s independence and transform their relationship with exercise.

EIM-credentialed staff meet with participants throughout the course to deliver sleep and nutrition education programs in 24 sessions. Here is where participants take their health journey to the next level and see how they can implement health in all aspects of their life such as nutrition and heart health. This is what makes this program stand out from others.

Because of the different focuses within the program, many have completed the EIM program twice in one year. It allows them to focus on the two aspects of the program — physical activity and health education. This is exactly what YMCA member Marcia Straub did.

“I am so pleased with the Exercise Is Medicine program that I’ve completed

it twice,” Marcia said. “It motivated me to start a regular workout regimen that I can maintain and enjoy. The main benefit has been the reduction in back and neck pain and the improvement in posture that I didn’t think was possible at my age. The EIM program overall has exceeded my expectations!”

Upon the completion of the program, the First Coast YMCA will continue to support participants in their health and wellness journey. A few areas where the Y is able to provide assistance include a discounted membership, two onboarding appointments into the YMCA, and three monthly meetings with an EIM professional.

The most difficult step is starting. That’s why we offer a consultation before the program begins. Here, any questions or concerns can be answered to give participants peace of mind and confidence to see if EIM is the best program for them. EIM costs $249 for 12 weeks, which includes a YMCA membership. To learn more about Exercise in Medicine and the other programs offered, visit your local branch or log on to www.fcymca.org

Jessica Wells, Personal Trainer Williams Family YMCA

THE LIFE-CHANGING ART OF Terri Rampone

Choosing a True Artist is an Important Decision in the Field of Permanent Makeup

Terri Rampone, owner of Nouveau Image Permanent Cosmetics LLC, is an expert at micro pigmentation also known as cosmetic tattooing, permanent makeup and microblading. Her unique story about how she decided to go into the field is a true inspiration.

Terri has always been an artist from early childhood. From as far back as she can remember, she enjoyed playing with color and many types of mediums and later in life she became the talented artist she is today. (Her work was even featured in St. Johns Magazine’s Art issue). At the age of fifty, she was drawn to the field of permanent makeup after life threw her a curveball, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After her mastectomy surgery, Terri discovered she was unable to receive a nipple reconstruction but was a candidate for a 3D areola tattoo.

“After all the surgeries, chemo and healing were complete, my private nurse asked if I would like to complete my journey with a tattooed nipple. I agreed. While watching the technician do her job, I fell in love with the process and realized why cancer had been a part of my life.”

Terri says at that moment she decided to go back to school and become a Permanent Makeup Artist herself so she could use her artistic talent and first-hand knowledge as a cancer survivor to help as many people as possible. For Terri, her work is more of a calling than a job.

Terri’s personal experience as a cancer survivor gives her an advantage when it comes to serving her clients. She understands what it is like to lose her eyebrows, all of her hair, and her areola. She has been in their shoes and relates to why a person may want permanent makeup as a way to feel complete again. “I enjoy looking in the mirror every day and seeing a survivor with a tattoo that is natural looking.”

Today she does all kinds of artistically styled permanent makeup for breast cancer survivors, alopecia clients, and people who need scar or burn camouflage. Her goal is to help women and men, or even young adults who need or desire to look and feel their best from their heart with a simple and subtle change through permanent makeup. She specializes in eyebrows, eyeliner, lips, and 3D areola for cancer survivors.

According to Terri, permanent makeup doesn't replace makeup, rather it improves your natural beauty. The application of medical cosmetic tattooing and permanent makeup can resolve time and convenience issues or solve problems when applying makeup such as allergies to ingredients of makeup, eye issues, unclear vision, arthritis, loss of hair from aging, alopecia, chemotherapy, accidents, burns or cosmetic surgery, and replacement of skin colors.

Terri says she is grateful the permanent makeup industry is non-competitive and

client-centered. Each technician brings something special to a client, and as a result, they are like a sisterhood that supports one another. Terri loves it when she is able to collaborate with others and by doing so, help more people. She shared the story of a client who had come to her for Permanent Makeup. While doing her eyebrows, they discussed their backgrounds, discovering they were both breast cancer survivors. The woman made an appointment to complete her journey and have her breasts tattooed which changed her life. Terri decided to video the process and the results for future survivor clients so they could see the power of permanent makeup. Through a series of surprising connections, Terri's educational video was used by a local Plastic Surgeon to inform their own patients.

Knowing she is changing the way someone feels about themselves is Terri's greatest accomplishment. “The hugs, the tears, the thank you's, the referrals! When I see a client in local stores and they stop me and say thank you and introduce me as "This is Terri, the woman who changed my life", that makes my heart beat.

While Nouveau Image Permanent Cosmetics has been in business locally for ten years, Terri has recently opened a new location in World Golf in St. Johns at 319 W Town Place, Suite 21, St Augustine Fl 32092. For more information about Nouveau Image Permanent Cosmetics, please visit www.nouveaupc.com or call Terri directly at 917-584-8863 for a free consultation.

Recommendations from the Sommeliér

by Steve Terrell, Sommeliér Uncorked Events

Uncorked Events, LLC

Steve Terrell, Sommeliér

Uncorked Events provides private wine education and tasting events, in your home or business, in person and virtual. We make wine interesting, enjoyable, and fun! This includes:

EDUCATION AND TASTING EVENTS

Private, in-home & virtual.

CONSULTING

Develop a wine list for your party or event, based on consulting with you.

GIFTING

Recommend and procure bottles of wine for gift-giving (holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)

Wine contributes unique value to our lives. It lubricates social events, making it easier to connect with a broader range of people. Red wine contains resveratrol, a compound that is associated with healthy hearts. The subject of wine is fascinating, offering a lifelong learning opportunity and enjoyable locations to visit around the world. Uncorked Events can help you learn about, appreciate, and enjoy wines of all varieties.

Steve Terrell, EdD, is the owner and founder of Uncorked Events. He earned his Level 3 designation in Wine from the Napa Valley Wine Academy (NVWA) and the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). He holds the “Napa Valley Wine Expert” credential from NVWA and has completed in-depth study of wines of the Cotes du Rhone region. Steve enjoys a wide variety of global wine styles and loves sharing his passion for wine with others.

Contact Steve at 757-647-2571 and at steven. uncorkedevents@gmail.com. Visit Uncorked Events at https://www.facebook.com/UncorkedEventsLLC/.

904.79.SMILE

Smiles by Glenos & Hadgis Orthodontists

Owners, Dr. Jimmy Glenos, DMD and Dr. Craig T. Hadgis, DDS

Agorgeous new smile has the ability to give you confidence and share your smile more openly with others. A new smile can transform your life! Dr. Jimmy Glenos and Dr. Craig Hadgis, together with their team, specialize in these transformations. They have helped thousands of residents accomplish smile transformations using state-of-the-art technology and services including impressionless 3D scanning and low-dose 3D radiography. They offer many options for patients to choose from including customized treatment with clear or metal Twin or Damon braces, Insignia custom braces, Invisalign clear aligners or truly invisible lingual braces.

Along with their gentle, friendly, and highly trained and certified team members, Dr. Glenos and Dr. Hadgis enjoy personally explaining and providing ideal customized treatment plans for any age. If you want a beautiful smile for yourself or your children or need an improvement in your bite, they will explain all your options and offer the most enjoyable experience in a cost-effective manner. There is no charge or referral needed for a new patient exam nor for having your children enter the dental growth and development program (Glenos & Hadgis Smile Club) for periodic checkups, which is recommended by age of 7. This will often save a parent or family significant treatment time and expense. “Our primary goal is to create beautiful, healthy and lasting smiles for you or your family and make it a pleasant, rewarding and affordable experience” says Dr. Glenos.

Patients of Dr. Glenos and Dr. Hadgis are under the expert care of two highly trained specialists. Both became orthodontic specialists after completing four years of dental school to earn DMD and DDS degrees and an additional two years of orthodontic specialty training in accredited orthodontic specialty programs. Additionally, Dr. Glenos and Dr. Hadgis are both certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), a distinction earned by less than 30% of orthodontists. Dr. Hadgis is currently serving as the President of the St. Augustine Dental Society. “Our passion is helping patients achieve their desires when it comes to transforming smiles,” says Dr. Hadgis.

St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Sullivan, DDS & Dr. Perry, DDS

Pediatric Dental Health

Celebrating Small Business

210 Family Chiropractic Dr. Agostino Oliveira

Spinal Health

Dr. Oliveira constantly strives to improve and update his knowledge in the field of Chiropractic and related studies. He has always strengthened his understanding of diagnosis and treatment of spine and joint disorders by reading research and attending post graduate seminars. His love of chiropractic and genuine concern for others are two qualities that impress those who know him well. Dr. Oliveira is a member of the International Chiropractic Association and the Florida Chiropractic Society. Dr. Oliveira, his wife Lisa and their four children, Caitlin, Meghan, Colin and Connor reside in Saint Johns. They enjoy the beauty of the area, the culture, and all the recreational activities the region provides. Call 904-230-2717 or visit www.210chiro.com

163 Hampton Point Dr. St. Augustine, FL 32092 904.230.2717

www.210chiro.com

In Print & Online since 2012

Our dental office is centrally located south of Jacksonville near Nocatee, Ponte Vedra Beach and Palencia.

Kids are our passion. We specialize in dental health care for infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers, including those with special healthcare needs. Our commitment is to help your child learn to care for their smiles for life with an emphasis on prevention and health. Our team is specially trained to provide dental service for kids. Your children deserves individualized attention. We strive to create a relaxed, child friendly environment from the moment you walk in.

We are excited to meet you and care for your child’s dental health. Thanks for learning about our pediatric dentists and staff! We look forward to your dental visit soon.

1949 CR 210 W St. Johns, FL 32259 904.808.4700

www.stjohnskids.com

Performance Dates:

Thursday,

BARTRAM TRAIL HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE DEPARTMENT is presenting Matilda the Musical, February 23rd – February 26th, 2023

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Matilda is a captivating masterpiece that revels in childhood innocence, imagination, and friendship. Mark your calendars and purchase your tickets today!

Bartram

Tickets:

Adults: $15.00

Students: $10.00 (Valid School ID required)

*For show times and ticket information, please scan the QR code or visit: https://bit.ly/3b9Vi1f

Vitamin Therapy

The Drip Bar, St. Johns

Dr. McCormick

The DRIPBaR St Johns offers many different IV Vitamin Therapy Drips that deliver essential nutrients right at the cellular level. This means more of what you need to stay healthy is absorbed quickly and safely—all while you kick back and relax. Our goal is to help people obtain their best health using advances in intravenous therapies.

Our services can benefit you more than the nutritional supplements you eat and drink. The digestive process takes time and breaks down many helpful nutrients before your body can absorb them. IV therapies, on the other hand, bypass digestion entirely – giving you a quick and effective boost! What separates The DRIPBaR is the fact that we compound our products onsite in a sterile medical hood environment. While we adhere to the highest levels of sterility, the DRIPBaR is anything but cold. As a client, you will be welcomed into a warm, comfortable, and relaxing space for your IV therapy.

In addition to our expansive IV menu and boosters, we also offer IM quick shots or Red Light Therapy. All of our offerings can be found on our website along with a full price list and information about our 3 different membership options. What should you expect when you arrive at The DRIPBaR? You will be greeted and checked in with our friendly front desk staff, making sure all necessary patient history forms are completed prior to your infusion. Then, we will help you find a comfortable spot either in one of our loungers, chairs, or a private room. Our registered nurse will assess your vitals and start your IV infusion. Typically, an infusion can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Our staff is always just a phone call away for any questions at 904-618-3351. Come Feed your Cells and Fuel your Life!

Owner of The DRIPBaR St Johns, Dr. McCormick, has been a pharmacist for 20 years. Her personal health journey, along with her pharmacy background, is what attracted her to The DRIPBaR. She is excited to share the benefits of IV vitamin therapy in St. John’s county.

90 Shops BLVD, 40 St. Johns, FL 32259 904.618.351

www.thedripbar.com

Good Mental Health

Diana Brummer, MSW, LCSW

Professional Profiles

Emotional Health

Diana Brummer is a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Good Mental Health LLC, a private psychotherapy practice in northern Saint Johns, Florida. With over twenty-five years of experience working in the field of behavioral health, Diana offers counseling and coaching to individuals, couples, families, and groups. With a focus on healthy communication, behavior modification, and mindfulness within our interpersonal relationships, the goal is to help clients address issues, identify their strengths, and make the positive changes they desire. The idea is to gain support before we react poorly, miss the opportunity, or cause damage to our personal and professional relationships. Our office is convenient to the communities of northern Saint Johns, SR 16, and the 210 Corridor. Remote therapy appointments are also available online via any computer or mobile device.

157 Hampton Point Drive, St. Augustine, FL Phone: 904 325-6105

GoodMentalHealthLLC.com

pets r family

full-service veterinary care, boarding, & grooming

we’re your other family doctor!

Pets R Family is a full-service 11,000 square foot Veterinary Hospital nestled in a private and serene wildlife preserve. Family-owned and operated right here in St. John’s, we are NOT a corporate veterinary facility — no pre-designed packages or sales tactics here!

We believe in treating all pets with love, care, and compassion. Our large team of doctors, technicians, and customer service members are at your service to provide you with the very best care and experience.

hospital services

kennel services

• Pups N Play social day care

• Pet birthday parties

• Long-term and short-term boarding care

• Hospital boarding for pets with special needs

• Professional grooming and bathing services

• State-of-the-art medical facility

• Experienced team of compassionate doctors and veterinary technicians

• Same-day sick appointments available

• Home visits available by appointment

• Premium veterinary-grade pet food

• Full pharmacy

• Teeth cleanings and dentistry

• Specialty care including ultrasounds, thermal imaging, and K-Laser treatments

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www.petsrfamilyvet.com

Dr. Deckard, DVM, Pets R Family

What's New in Animal Cancer Detection & Treatment

Everyone has been touched by either their own pet having cancer or a person that you know that has a pet with cancer. Just like in us, cancer is a scary thing and once diagnosed, it can be difficult to decide what to do. In the recent years, there have been some great advancements in both the detection of cancer and the options available for treatment. This article will touch on just a few of those amazing things that are now available.

With regard to cancer detection, the gold standard has always been to submit tissue for biopsy. This must be done surgically, either with sedation or full anesthesia, depending on the size and location of the tumor. This is still the best way to know exactly what kind of cancer you are dealing with and based on that information, predictions can be made on the biological behavior of the tumor to help determine next steps. Getting a needle aspirate of the tumor can give us a good idea of the type of tumor it is and in many cases, can also be useful at guiding us on whether a tumor is benign or malignant. When there is a single growth, this is a simple process. For patients that are covered in many lumps, aspirating each one of them can be a laborious and invasive process.

A new piece of diagnostic equipment, the HTVet, is a non-invasive way of detecting

cancer. This painless method which uses a probe that is held over the tumor has a 98% accuracy of detecting whether a tumor is cancerous by measuring thermal signals inside the tissues. It can be used on both tumors on the skin and under the skin. If the tumor tests positive, then we recommend aspirating the tumor to get more information. This procedure takes about 5 minutes per scan so many tumors can be checked easily in one visit. In fact, we recommend when there are many growths to evaluate that we do an appointment to map all the growths and scan them all at one time. This is an absolutely revolutionary piece of equipment, and we are excited to use it to help our patients.

Most of our clients are curious to know if the senior bloodwork we are recommending will help identify cancer in their pet. Unfortunately, these tests are aimed at detecting problems that are occurring in specific organs, however it is not cancer specific. There is a new cancer screening blood test that has just become available that can screen your pet for cancer. This test measures markers called nucleosomes which are elevated in patients with cancer. This test does not tell you exactly what kind of cancer is present and can be falsely elevated in patients with a lot of inflammation. If you get a positive test then your vet will recommend either retesting a later date

or exploring where the elevation could be stemming from by doing additional tests.

I personally tested my 2 golden retrievers last month and they were negative! Lastly, I wanted to share a great new treatment available for dogs with cancer made by Torigen. This treatment is a natural treatment that is made using the dog’s own tumor cells that have been retrieved with a biopsy. The tumor cells are made into a vaccine which is similar to how we treat allergies with immunotherapy. The vaccine is given in a series of 3 injections under the skin and is very safe. This treatment allows the body’s own immune system to help fight the cancer. We have been using a similar treatment for melanoma in dogs for years with great success, but that treatment uses a generic melanoma vaccine, not one that is made from the individual dog’s own cells. This treatment can offer hope for those not wanting to do radiation or chemotherapy or can be used in conjunction with those treatments.

Just as in human medicine, veterinary medicine is continuing to make incredible advancements in the fight against cancer. I hope that this article has peaked your interest in our ability to help your pet in ways that are much less invasive, and offer a great level of hope to your families.