14 minute read
FEATHERED FRIENDS
the Pros and cons of keeping Birds as Pets
by Julie Peterson
Kata May is a 30-inch-tall, blue-andgold macaw. “It’s nice to come home and have a conversation with a snuggly bird,” says Joshua Luther, who took over care of the avian when he was 13 years old and she was 11. Now 17 years later, Kata May holds a commanding presence in Luther’s home in Columbus, Wisconsin. “She’s set up where our dining room should be, so my wife and I can sit and talk or play with her.” Luther notes that the cherished pet has a bit of a temper and can bend the bars on her $1,000 cage if she’s bored or angry. Considering the bird has a bite force of 1,800 pounds per square inch, it’s sensible to keep her happy, which could be for another 50 years.
Complex Commitment
Birds follow only dogs and cats as the country’s favorite companion animals, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Lovebirds, budgies and canaries have an average lifespan of eight or more years, but can live to be 20. Typically, larger birds live longer. Because it’s common for birds to outlive their owners, the Avian Welfare Coalition, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, helps ensure these pets are included in wills and estate planning.
Birds need to chew, and if they play outside their cages, must be kept away from hazardous items. Besides droppings, birds also create dander and dust. “Cleaning her cage and the room is a two-hour project every week,” says Luther.
There’s also the potty mouth. Kata May learned some unsavory phrases from her previous owner. She sometimes screams, “Shut the hell up!” or, “Turn that #@%&ing thing up!” to get the TV at the desired volume.
Babette de Jongh, an animal communicator and romance author in Bay Minette, Alabama, once knew a bird that routinely screamed, “Fire!” resulting in 911 calls. “Birds can be loud,” says de Jongh. “They generally try to be louder than the ambient noise in the room.”
Luther agrees, saying, “You can hear my bird yell from a city block away.”
Happy and Healthy
Talking birds are delightful. Some mimic human language, others understand word meanings and use them appropriately. “Birds are as intelligent as a young child and as emotionally temperamental as a toddler,” says Mary Miller, who has raised budgies and the small- to medium-sized parrots known as conures at her home in Buffalo and has worked with other birds in rescue facilities.
Luther agrees that birds don’t just mimic what they hear. “They understand like a 2- to 3-year-old child. When we are cooking dinner, she will ask, ‘For me?’ or, ‘Can I have some?’”
Kata May also articulates her fondness for the pizza delivery person with, “I love you!” Then, “Mmmmmm, thank you,” in anticipation of a treat.
Even without words, birds are excellent companions. “If raised correctly and interacted with on a regular basis, birds can be very affectionate. They are highly intelligent and social animals, so they form deep and lasting bonds with humans,” says de Jongh.
Nutrition is key to a raising a bird. Leslie Moran, a Reno-based holistic animal nutrition and care consultant, is working to end avian malnutrition through the Healthy Bird Project, which conducts nutritional research on exotic species. Traditional grain and seed mixes lack essential nutrients and contribute to unbalanced protein intake for caged and companion birds. Moran’s goal is to
Cappy, a 23-year- old white-eyed conure, resides in Mountainside, New Jersey, with his lifelong image courtesy of Rosemary Wellner human companion, Rosemary Wellner. move the food industry toward the inclusion of more wholesome choices. “Fresh fruits and vegetables can be purchased at the grocery store, but parrots need specific, high- quality, tropical bird food, which can be hard to find,” says Luther.
Keeping a tropical animal healthy also requires bathing, temperature control, clean air and water, exercise and mental stimulation. Costs vary. Owning a small parakeet could include the purchase or adoption price ($12 to $65); cage ($30 and up); food; toys; and checkups (typically less than $200 a year). A large macaw might cost $500 to $5,000. Supplies, food and vet care could top $2,000 the first year.
Don’t Shop, Adopt
Birds are available from breeders and pet stores, but there are many needing adoption. Sanctuaries struggle to care for animals with such long lifespans and complex needs, including diet, space, intellectual stimulation and emotional bonding. Lacking proper care, birds may develop mental illness and pluck out feathers or bite, but happy birds can be snuggly, social and fun.
Rosemary Wellner, of Mountainside, New Jersey, has owned parakeets, cockatiels and lovebirds. Currently, she has two parrots, the oldest is 24. “Many people do not understand… but birds feel true attraction for their companions—and who doesn’t want to be loved?” she says.
Julie Peterson is a health and wellness writer. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 4 Easter Joy
\TUESDAY, APRIL 13
Create Your Ideal Healthy Body –7-8:30pm (4 Tuesdays). The Mind-Body CohesionSystem, developed by Patricia V. Scott, PhD, combines Hypnosis, NLP & Pivotal Response Conditioning to create new healthy habits, confidence and exercise motivation while eliminating blocks and limiting beliefs. Hypnotic process each class, handouts and hypnosis recording for reinforcement. $85 or $65 (UPHI Members). Register 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 18
How to Un-Hypnotize & Re-Hypnotize Yourself
– 1-4pm. Online class. Learn Self-Hypnosis techniques to use immediately to change unwanted past programming and reprogram yourself for positive behavioral, emotional and physical life goals. Patricia V. Scott, PhD, Certified Medical Hypnotherapist (since 1992) & Master Trainer of Hypnosis & NLP, facilitates this fun, fast-paced, interactive class. $35 or $25 (UPHI Members). Register: UPHypnosis@ outlook.com, UPHypnosis.com.
TUESDAY, APRIL 20
Virtual Earth Day – Attend a four-hour digital Global Youth Climate Summit with panels, speeches, discussion and special appearances by youth climate activists such as Greta Thunberg; followed by a four-hour Hip Hop Caucus, a youth-led virtual summit entitled “We Shall Breathe”. EarthDay.org/ earth-day-2021.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21
Free Mini Webinar: Regression for Positive
Change – 7:30-8:30pm. Live interactive webinar with Certified Master Trainer, Patricia V. Scott, PhD. Over 29 years of experience as a Medical Hypnotherapist, NLP Master Practitioner, and Certified Metaphysical & Spiritual Counselor, Patti explains Regression & answers questions (3rd Weds. monthly/new topic). Register by 5pm for log-in details: 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis@outlook.com, UPHypnosis.com.
Virtual Earth Day – Enter a multi-lingual global education virtual summit entitled “Teach for the Planet”, spanning several time zones and featuring activists from around the world. EarthDay.org/ earth-day-2021.
THURSDAY, APRIL 22
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Virtual Earth Day – Noon (EST). Attend a multihour, multi-channel livestream including workshops, panel discussions and special performances focused on Earth Day’s 2021 theme, “Restore Our Earth”. EarthDay.org/earth-day-2021.
Acupuncture Basics for Physical, Mental & Emo-
tional Health – 4:30pm. Facebook Live seminar, presented by Liana Kramer, DOM, Peaks of Health Metabolic Medical Center, Largo. Facebook.com/ PeaksOfHealth.
PLAN AHEAD
WEDNESDAY, MAY 19
Medical Hypnotherapy Specialty Training – 9am-6pm. May 19 & 20. Online Zoom training pre-conference at the IACT-IMDHA HypnoExpo. Patricia V. Scott, PhD & Dr. Eric Rosen offer advanced Medical Hypnotherapy techniques, theory & practice. Prior hypnosis training and/or knowledge needed. $275/includes workbook, PowerPoints, TUESDAY, MAY 25
Hypnosis International Certification Early Reg-
istration Ends Today –Online training begins 6/13. Receive two certifications, International Association of Counselors & Therapists and UP Hypnosis Institute. Due to Covid, training on Zoom (possible live days for “locals” in Dunedin, FL). Learn basic and advanced techniques, medical uses, regression, parts integration, NLP and more. Enroll by 5/25: $3095, $2895 (UPHI Members); After: $3395/$3095. UPHypnosis.com.
SUNDAY, JUNE 13
Hypnosis International Certification Begins – Receive two certifications, International Association of Counselors & Therapists and UP Hypnosis Institute. Due to Covid, training online Zoom (possible limited live days for “locals”, Dunedin, FL). Learn basic & advanced techniques, medical uses, regression, parts-integration, time-line techniques, smoking cessation, weight/diet control, NLP & more. Enroll by 5/25: $3095, $2895 (UPHI Members); After: $3395/$3095. 727-943-5003. UPHypnosis.com.
Email your favorite pet picture to Debbey at dwilson@natampa.com for inclusion in the magazine.
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide call 727.865.9339 or go to NATampa.com and request a media kit.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture & OrIentAl MedIcIne
Chris Dziubinski, DOM, AP, L. Ac 12952 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 813-935-CARE (2273) MindBodySpiritCare.com Florida Board Certified Acupuncture Physician offering acupuncture therapies for the whole family. Established, comfortable, caring and professional integrative medicine clinics in South & North Tampa. In-network with most medical insurances; accept payments from HRA, HSA and FSA.
nAturAl Med tHerApIeS
Machelle Perkins, D.O.M. 7600 Bryan Dairy Rd # C, Largo 727-541-2211 NaturalMedTherapies.com National & state board certified with 15+ years experience in Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Cold Laser & more. Bio-Puncture and Mesotherapy to treat pain, ADHD, anxiety, depression. Lab testing, most insurances. Free Nutritional Consultation.
ALTERNATIvE MEDICINE
lIfewOrkS wellneSS center
Dr. David Minkoff Sue Morgan, APRN and Karima Redouan, APRN 301 Turner St., Clearwater 727-466-6789 LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com Specializing in Ozone Therapy, IV Therapy, Heavy Metal Detoxification, Neurological Issues, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Gut Issues, Thyroid Issues and IPT for Cancer treatment. See ad inside front cover.
prOfeSSIOnAl HerbAlIStS trAInIng prOgrAM
Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies 2520 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-551-0857 AcuHerbals.com
The 2-year program meets one weekend each month for class and Wednesday nights for our hands-on student clinic. This program is designed to create clinical herbalists in a combination of Chinese and western herbalism.
Many open classes. Designed to meet
American Herbalists Guild standards. See ad page 16. OrtHOMOleculAr nutrItIOn & wellneSS
9225 Ulmerton Rd., Ste. 312, Largo 727-518-9808 OrthoLiving.com.
We address the underlying root cause of disease by using a variety of modalities such as Nutrient IV’s, Chelation, Weight loss, HRT, PEMF, Ozone Therapy and more. To see if you qualify for Medical Marijuana go to OrthoMMJ.com.
APoTHECARY
SIx OAkS wellneSS ApOtHecArY
Carolyn Zinober, LMT, Esthetician, Clinical Herbalist, Aromatherapist 607 1st. Ave. SW, Largo 727-501-1700 SixOaksWellness.com
Clinical herbalist and massage therapist offering consultations, extensive line of Eastern/Western Herbs, Teas, Essential oils, CBD, Supplements, and learning workshops. Visit your neighborhood apothecary today! See ad page 31.
ASTRoLogY
AStrOlOgY fOr YOur SOul
Aluna Michaels, M.A., Esoteric Astrologer Dunedin 727-239-7179 AlunaMichaels.com
Second-generation astrologer and Soul Evolutionist practitioner. Over 25 years of experience. Insightful, unique perspective on goals and issues. “Together we will unveil your soul’s purpose.”
CHIRoPRACTIC
gentle tOucH cHIrOprActIc And wellneSS center
Dr. Colette Cseszko 10575 68th Ave., Seminole 727-235-3265 Gentle-Chiro.com Spa-like wellness center offering chiropractic, acupuncture and physical therapy modalities. 18+ years’ experience in treatment of spine-related conditions, including tailbone misalignments, chronic sacroiliac dysfunction, piriformis issues and upper cervical disorders. On site X-ray. See ad page 6. Dr. Paula Giusto 310 South Brevard Ave., Tampa 813-253-2565 NaturalLivingChiropractic.org Family chiropractic care, wellness care, nutritional counseling, neuromuscular massage therapy. Jin Shin Jyutsu & craniosacral therapy.
CoLoN HYDRoTHERAPY
renew lIfe
Bonnie Barrett 28469 US Hwy 19 N. #402, Clearwater 727-461-7227
RenewLifeFla.com, Lic# MA14802 MM35406 25 years experience. Expert in colon hydrotherapy using pressure points, abdominal massage, essential oils, and lymphatic drainage. All disposable tubing used. Very comfortable and relaxing room with private bathroom. See ad page 6.
DENTISTS
beAtA cArlSOn, ddS
1825 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater 727-888-6523 NaturalAndCosmeticDentistry.com
Natural, Holistic, Aesthetic Dentistry. Careful Silver filling removal. Non-metal crowns and bridges. Be pampered in our Spa-like atmosphere. See ad back cover.
cArlO lItAnO, dMd
Natural Smiles of Tampa Bay 9087 Belcher Rd., Pinellas Park, 33782 727-300-0044 Natural-Smiles.com Offering Holistic/Biological dentistry. Swiss dental protocols, ceramic implants, safe mercury removal, ozone cleaning and on site sedation. See ad page 7.
To Advertise in the
Resource Guide, email Debbey at dwilson@natampa.com or call 727.865.9339.
Clearwater Family Dental 215 S Myrtle Ave., Clearwater 727-442-3363 MyClearWaterFamilyDental.com We are a full service family dental practice that stresses metal free restorations, safe mercury removal, ozone and laser dentistry. We welcome patients of all ages and can handle any concern that you may have. See ad pages 3 & 4.
rObert J. Yu, dMd
Tampa Bay Dental Implants & Periodontics 6700 Crosswinds Dr., Ste. 200-B, St. Petersburg 727-384-9122 TBPerio.com
The only board certified periodontist and implant surgeon in Tampa Bay offering ceramic/ zirconia non-metal implants. State-of-the-art treatments include CBT imaging, LANAP and digital intraoral scanner, eliminating messy impressions. See ad page 10.
HYPNoSIS
unlIMIted pOSSIbIlItIeS HYpnOSIS, Inc.
Patricia V. Scott, President 727-943-5003 UPHypnosis@yahoo.com, UPHypnosis.com Professional Hypnosis & NLP Certification Training, Weekly classes & Private sessions (Smoking, Weight, Stress, Sports, Habits), Clinical/Medical Hypnotherapy available w/referral. Speaking Services & Corporate Programs. See ad page 25.
INTUITIvE HEALINg
SOlgArden HOlIStIc tHerApY, llc
Ellen Mooney, Reiki Master 727-754-4340 EllenMooney7@gmail.com SolGardenHolistic.com Relax, de-stress and come back to the peace of your Soul with Guided Meditations, Intuitive Healing or Usui Reiki sessions by phone and in-person. With over 25 years’ experience and training, I will help you release energy clutter and shift you to your true light-filled self. Gift Certificates available. cHrIStIe Md functIOnAl & AeStHetIc MedIcIne
Dr. Heather Christie 2837 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg 727-220-9080 ChristieMDfam.com
See ad page 14. Functional, Aesthetic and Intravenous Medicine. Offering hormone therapy; nutritional evaluation and therapy; fatigue and stress management; detoxification; diabetes; cardiovascular diseases; weight control; aesthetics. Outof-Network Provider.
IntegrAtIve tHerApeutIcS
Dr. Prudhvi Karumanchi 8320 Stone Run Ct., Tampa 33615 813-322-6171 IntTherapeutics.com
Committed to finding the root cause, Holistic MD offers: IV Nutrition, Regenerative Treatments, Functional Medicine, Heavy Metal Detox, Energy Healing, Weight Loss, Anti-aging and more. Out-ofNetwork Provider. Dr. Les Cole Kathie Gonzales, ARNP 2100 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg 727-202-6807 StPetehw.com AwakeningWellness.org
Functional, Regenerative, Integrative & Preventative Medicine. Treating Thyroid, Autoimmune Diseases, Cancer Support, Natural Hormone Replacement, Stem Cells, Exosomes, PRP and Joint Rejuvenation, IV Nutritional Therapy. See ad page 21.
SucceSS bY deSIgn
9095 Belcher Road, Pinellas Park 727-548-0001 PoundsAwayTampaBay.com A Wellness Center for Age-Management, Functional Medicine and Medical Weight Loss. Specializing in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement including Pellet Therapy, Gut Health/Food Allergies, Detoxification, Nutritional Evaluations, Acupuncture, Massage therapy and more. See ad page 9.
MInd bOdY SpIrIt cAre
Ron N. Shemesh, M.D. 12952 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 813-935-CARE (2273) MindBodySpiritCare.com Integrative & holistic medicine for women & men: Natural Hormone Therapy, Anti-Aging, IV Chelation, Nutritional Vitamin Therapy, Fatigue & Stress Management, Weight Loss, Yoga, Nutritional Counseling. Affiliated with St. Joseph Hospital. Most insurance accepted. YOung fOundAtIOnAl HeAltH center
John D. Young, M.D. 7241 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo 727-545-4600 YoungFoundationalHealth.com
Author of Beyond Treatment. Creator of Young Health Products. Offering specialized treatments for chronic diseases. Therapies include Bio-identical Hormone, Stem Cell, Vitamin IV, Chelation, Ozone. Special Testing and Nutritional Education. See ad page 5.
peAkS Of HeAltH MetAbOlIc MedIcAl center
Tracie Leonhardt, DO 1120 Belcher Rd. S., Ste. 2, Largo 727-826-0838 PeaksOfHealth.com
Dr. Leonhardt is Board Certified & Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. Offers a personalized program for each individual patient. Hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, thyroid, GI issues, Diabetes, infrared sauna, IV nutrition, Anti-aging, Chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, and toxicities. See ad pages 11 and 47. REIkI
MASterS’ dOJO
Shihan Lynn Montana Freemãn Lithia 267-474-4717 LynnMontanaf@aol.com Shihando Reiki Master; 30 years’ experience. Private and group training. Beautiful crystals, candles, incense, books and giftables. Private healing sessions and shopping by appointment only.
lISA MIlIAreSIS
Extreme Communication 727-239-0656 Lisa@2Communicate.net 2Communicate.net
Lisa offers private individual and group channeling sessions, as well as private counseling sessions for those looking for direction in developing their own personal practice.
unIverSOullIgHt cOnSultIng
Rev. Amanda Segovia, Reiki Master, Certified SRT Personal Consultant UniverSoulLight.com UniverSoulLight@gmail.com Private sessions using various healing, clearing & spiritual modalities. Akashic Records, Intuitive Medium, Astrologer, Numerologist, Meditation, Chakra-Balancing, Tarot/ Oracles, Candles, EOL Transition, Teacher/Mentor & more. See website. John D. Bartone MD Thomas Hudson MD 7901 4th Street North, Suite 316 St. Petersburg, FL 33702 727-576-0100 GreenPointThermography.com The only physician owned and operated thermography practice in Tampa Bay - serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. Accredited by the American College of Clinical Thermology. See ad page 10.
flOrIdA MedIcAl tHerMOgrApHY
June Drennon, CCT 2008 JuneDrennon@FloridaMedicalThermography.com 727-729-2711 FloridaMedicalThermography.com Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Mindful Wellness with Thermography! Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location convenient for you. See ad page 25. HeAltHY pAwSIbIlItIeS nAturAl pet wellneSS center
Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM 628 Cleveland St., #17, Clearwater 727-510-3665 HealthyPawsibilities.com.
Offering only holistic health options. Nutrition, herbal support, body balancing, canine fitness, reiki and more. See ad page 41.
MedIcIne rIver AnIMAl HOSpItAl
Shawna L. Green, DVM 13495 Gulf Boulevard Madeira Beach 727-299-9029 MedicineRiverAnimalHospital.com Compassionate health care catered toward the needs of your pet offering preventative medicine, surgery, dentistry, senior wellness, and more. See ad page 41.
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