Our City Davie: February 2023

WITH COOPER CITY

PHOTO: ARPHOTOSTORY.COM

Miguel Rodriguez, MW Rolando Morell, MW

Otoniel Jimenez, NP

Jennifer Garcia, NP

Laviniu Anghel, MD

Felicia Bahadue, MD Maria Fernandez, MD Catalina Granada, MD Jonathan Weiser, MD

Anabel Sanabria ,RN

Lissette Porras, Nutrition

Lorena Canelon, NP

Jeanette Hernandez, NP

David Guerra, MD

Claire Smart, NP

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PUBLISHERS

Christy & Terry Jaillet publisher@ourcitymedia.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Christy Jaillet

ART DIRECTOR

Tom Rowe

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alana Brodie

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Nancy Koval nancy@ourcitymedia.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

John Brodie, Denise Caligiuri, Adrienne Collins, Mariem Garcia, Caleb Furlong, Carlos Medina, Kenny Rodgers, Silvia Silva

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Terry Jaillet, Jon Duka, Dr. Robert Donoway, Dr. John Goodner, Amelis Lopez, Mayor Frank C. Ortis, Dr. Isabel Suate

PHOTOGRAPHER

Anya Raibenko arphotostory.com

ADVERTISING INFO sales@ourcitymedia.com

VISIT US ONLINE ourcitymedia.com

954-306-1007

400 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway Suite 200C • Sunrise, FL 33325

GOT NEWS? EMAIL THE EDITOR! editor@ourcitymedia.com

Celebrating Black History

February is Black History Month, also known as African American History Month. It is an annual observance in the United States and Canada that celebrates the achievements and contributions of black individuals. First recognized in February of 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February as "Negro History Week."

Over the years, the celebration expanded to an entire month, and in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month. "I call upon the public and the press to recognize the important contributions of black history in the history of the United States," he said.

But the history of Black History Month extends even further back. In 1915, black community leaders in Chicago held the first "Negro History Week" to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Organized by a group known as the "Committee of Ten," which included prominent figures such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Carter G. Woodson.

Since its inception, Black History Month has been a time to recognize and honor the countless black leaders and activists who have made significant contributions to society. "A people without the knowledge of their history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots," said Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican-born black nationalist leader.

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is essential to remember and recognize the struggles and triumphs of the black community. It is also a time to reflect on our progress and the work that still needs to be done toward racial equality.

Sincerely,

Christy & Terry Jaillet

Yul Lopez, APRN

Hector Fabregas, MD

FEBRUARY 1

All-Star Hockey Festival

The NHL All-Star Weekend returns to South Florida! Residents are invited for a day of activities at the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs. Outdoor activities open to the public: music, food trucks, games, street hockey, bounce houses and more. Learn to skate (register in advanced)

4:45 - 5:45 pm. Public skating 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm. Hosted at the Florida Panthers Ice Den, 3299 Sportsplex Drive. For info visit www.panthersiceden.com.

FEBRUARY 2-5

Saint Demetrios Greek Festival

Celebrate the largest and happiest party given by Greek Americans in Fort Lauderdale. Come to the Fort Lauderdale Greek Festival to be fed, entertained, and enlightened about Greek culture and heritage. Visit all the booths and try delicious, homemade foods and pastries. In the true spirit of “Filoxenia,” that is, hospitality, we welcome you and pray your stay with us will be enjoyable.

Thursday: 5 – 10pm, Friday: 12 – 11pm, Saturday: 12 – 11pm, Sunday: 12 – 7pm. Hosted at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 820 NE 14th Ave. For more info call 954-467-1515.

FEBRUARY 1

STOMP

STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Hosted at the Coral Springs Center For The Arts. Scan the QR code for tickets or more info.

FEBRUARY 4

Senior Lifestyle Expo

The City of Cooper City is hosting its annual Senior Lifestyle Expo event which highlights Cooper City’s services and programs, providing valuable information, resources and products adding to the lifestyle of our area seniors. Admission to the Expo is free with complimentary refreshments provided to attendees. Raffles held throughout event and light snacks and beverages will be available. 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Cooper City High School Cafeteria - 9401 Stirling Road.

FEBRUARY 11

Stay Fit

Get your bikini body back for the New Year! Boot camp workouts every Saturday. Led by personal trainer Susan Malinski, these sessions will get your blood flowing and set you off with a positive mindset. For more info call 954-2452071 or visit www.SusanMalinski.com.

FEBRUARY 13

Flamingo Gardens Orchid Society

Come hear about Cattleya Hybrids from Omar Gonzalez who is a Chemist by trade and a Botanist at heart. Omar's presentation for tonight will be "Differences in Cattleya Hybrids and How These Differences Can Be Useful in a Home Setting" .Come learn about Orchids, meet other orchid hobbyist and have a great evening. Meeting in the Mary N.Porter Learning Center at Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330. Doors Open at 7:00pm, Program begins at 7:30pm.

FEBRUARY 14

Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrate with someone you love! The holiday is named after Saint Valentine, a Christian saint who is believed to have been martyred for secretly marrying couples in ancient Rome during a time when marriage was forbidden. Valentine's Day is now celebrated in many countries around the world, although the way it is celebrated can vary significantly from place to place.

FEBRUARY 17

Michael Carbonaro: Lies On Stage

Best known as the star and executive producer of the hit series, THE CARBONARO EFFECT, Michael Carbonaro has also headlined incredible stage performances. Now he is back with a brand-new show which will continue to showcase his unmatched blend of humor and charisma along with brand new illusions which will amaze audiences of all ages. Hosted at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. Scan the QR code for info or tickets.

FEBRUARY 17

Movies in the Park

Catch a movie outdoors at Volunteer Park! The City of Plantation Parks & Recreation Department and Baptist Health present “Movies in the Park”, a series of FREE movies shown at different parks on the third Friday of every month November 2022 - February 2023. The gates open at 5:30 PM and the movie starting at dark. The movie that will be showing in February is Encanto (PG | 1 Hr. 49 Min.). Families can bring their lawn chairs and blankets to set out in their space and there will be light snacks, candy and drinks available for purchase (cash ONLY). For more information please call (954) 452-2510.

FEBRUARY 24-26

86th Annual Orange Blossom Festival, Parade & Rodeo

Hold your horses and come on down! Join your neighbors and help The Town of Davie celebrate the 85th annual Orange Blossom Festival. Events will take place at the Bamford Sports Complex. There will be a parade, concerts, Kiwanis Pancake breakfast and so much more. For more info scan the QR Code.

FEBRUARY 25

James Taylor & His All-Star Band

James Taylor is the archetypal singer/ songwriter, who helped create the template for the troubadour style that dominated the 1970s. When he brings his blend of folk, pop, rock, and soul influences to the stage, it's Broward Center’s Annual Celebration in February, it will be like a part of history is unfolding before the crowd, with enough tuneful energy to generate some major goodtime vibes. Hosted at the Au-Rene Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Scan the QR code for info & tickets.

FEBRUARY 20

Presidents’ Day

Presidents Day was originally established in 1885 to recognize the efforts of the United State’s first President, George Washington. It was later broadened to recognize President Abraham Lincoln and now all of our Presidents. The Federal Holiday is a good time to reflect on civic service.

BCPS Receives a $14 Million Magnet Schools Assistance Program Grant

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) announced that it was awarded the U.S. Department of Education’s Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant for more than $14 million. BCPS is one of 19 school districts in the nation and one of only three districts in Florida to receive funding in 2022.

The five-year grant will increase school choice options and support the implementation of a new Achieving Career Equity for Students (ACES) magnet theme in six schools. The ACES program focuses on career exploration, allowing students to participate in career-themed instructional models based on their interests and giving them the opportunity to connect their learning and experiences to future career aspirations. The program also provides a personalized learning environment that prepares students for the future through exposure to careers and post-secondary interactions.

Through the MSAP grant, BCPS will create three new, whole-school magnet programs at Oakland Park Elementary School, Mirror Lake Elementary School,

and James S. Rickards Middle School and significantly revise the magnet programs at Plantation Middle School, Plantation High School, and Northeast High School.

“The MSAP grant aligns with the District’s Strategic Plan and focuses on providing high-quality instruction to our students,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright. “Through the ACES project, schools will introduce innovative educational practices that allow students to meet high academic standards and prepare them for college and careers.”

The whole-school approach to magnet programs is key to ensuring equity as it

allows more than 6,000 students currently attending these schools to have access to high-interest, rigorous and meaningful program opportunities. This program also provides opportunities for approximately 1,900 additional seats beyond these schools’ boundaries.

Magnet schools are founded on the five pillars of diversity, innovative curriculum and professional development, academic excellence, high-quality instructional systems, and family and community partnerships.

▸ To learn more about BCPS’ Magnet Programs, visit browardschools.com/magnet.

HIT THE ROAD AT THE 13TH ANNUAL Tour de Broward

If you’re a cyclist, a runner, or a walker take your passion one step or one mile further by spending your Sunday morning exercising with a community that has the same pastime. For a decade, members of an active community have been benefiting their health, while benefiting the health of the many children and families at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (JDCH).

The 13th Annual Group Tour de Broward will take place on March 6th at Miramar Regional Park from 7:00 am-1:00 pm. Participants can choose between 50K or 100K bicycle rides, a 5K run or a 3K walk. There will also be the sports-themed “Power of Play Kid Zone” which will provide healthy, fun activities for children ages 13 and younger. Registration fees range from $15-$50 depending upon the event one signs up for and the sign-up date.

This year’s event has already raised more than $500,000 for South Florida’s largest pediatric facility serving Broward, Palm Beach, and northern Miami-Dade counties.

“Philanthropy is an important part of the growth of our hospital and Tour de Broward is a fun way for people of all ages and abilities to help ensure our kids continue to have access to next level pediatric healthcare,” said Scott Wester, MPH, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

Last year more than 7,500 participated in-person and virtually, raising more than

$550,000, positively impacting more than 80,000 kids who required outpatient visits, surgery, admissions, and observation stays during the year. So far, in its twelve-year history, the Tour de Broward has raised more than $5 million for pediatric healthcare in South Florida.

Pre-registration and day-of registration fees range from $15-$50, depending on the event and sign-up date. Participants can register in advance at www.tourdebroward. com or at the park on the day of the event. For riders, there may be an additional fundraising commitment, although some exclusions apply. For those unable to participate on the day of the event, a virtual participation donation can be made online at tourdebroward.com.

▸ Miramar Regional Park is located at 16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar. To learn more about Tour de Broward visit www.tourdebroward.com. For sponsorship opportunities, call (954) 265-7241. For general information about the event, call (954)905-5633.

Orange Blossom Festival, Parade & Rodeo is Back!

On February 24th, 25th, and 26th, the Town of Davie will commemorate its unique legacy and beginnings as an agricultural community by hosting the 86th annual Orange Blossom Festival. The Orange Blossom Festival, Parade, and Rodeo is projected to draw more than 15,000 people. The Parade and Festival will take place at the Bamford Sports Complex on Saturday, February 25, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, February 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free to attend.

“The Orange Blossom Festival is a wonderful way to celebrate Davie’s heritage with friends and neighbors,” said local resident Claire Underwood, “Each year gets better and better!”

Over 200 displays will be shown during the Orange Blossom Festival, which will take place along Orange Drive from Davie Road west to SW 66th Terrace. There will be free attractions on both days, including an arts and crafts market, a fine arts show, musical entertainment, "Cowboy Town," a Native American display, an animal farm, a western carriage display, a commerce corner, information displays, and green product exhibits. Additionally, there will be free concerts on Saturday and Sunday and a kids' zone with activities, inflatables, and vendors.

Festivities begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday with a parade down Davie Road between Orange Drive and S.W. 39th Street. Marching bands, youth organizations, fire trucks and more horses than you can imagine will take part. Following the procession, awards will be awarded to the parade winners.

All weekend long, there will be plenty of food. At the old-fashioned farmers market, guests can buy fresh home-grown vegetables and fruits, much like in the old west. There will also be a massive food court where you can buy everything from burgers and fries to gyros.

Family entertainment will take place on both days. In addition to the free concerts on Saturday and Sunday, guests may see an old-fashioned rodeo at the Davie Rodeo Grounds on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Challenge 2,000-pound bulls, ride bareback, wrestle calves, barrel race, team rope, and more as cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world battle for championship titles.

The Orange Blossom Festival and Rodeo is the premier civic event of the year. Put on your best boots, don your cowboy hat, and have a great time!

BROWARD WELCOMES THE 2023 SOUTHEAST FLORIDA SCOTTISH FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES

For almost four decades, the Southeast Florida Scottish Festival and Highland Games has become well-known around the country for its high-quality organization and featured entertainment celebrating Scottish Culture and Heritage.

Once again, the anticipated 98th annual event will be held on March 4th at Plantation Heritage Park. The centrally located premier venue will be transformed into an exciting exhibition of Scottish culture.

The Scottish Festival is a very colorful cultural event, and highlights include massed bagpipe bands, heavy athletics, country dancing, highland dancing, clans and societies, Celtic rock and traditional music, piping and drumming competitions, children’s games, living history demos, sheep-herding, Scottish food, drink, and merchandise. Live music performances feature Albannach, Steel City Rovers, the

Blue Skye Pipes & Drums, and the World/North American Champion City of Dunedin Pipe Band.

This is coupled with a Highland Games, which comprises competitions in bag-piping, drumming, and heavy athletics with participation by people of all ages, ethnicities, and sexes and is not restricted to those of Scottish heritage.

Additionally, an area of children’s activities will immerse young lads in Scottish culture through dress-up, coloring, child-appropriate athletics, and a passport game that guides them around the heritage displays.

This year the impressive lineup of live music performances feature Seven Nations, Dunedin City Pipe Band (Grade 2 winners at 2018 World Pipe Band Championship held in Scotland), and Blu Sky Pipes & Drums. There will be a Kilted Legs Contest as well as Scottish Country Dancing.

Hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM., rain or shine, no refunds. For further information and advance tickets please click on the QR code, visit www.SASSF.org or call 954-460-5000

▸ The Scottish American Society of South Florida, Inc., is a not for profit 501(c) 3 Florida corporation. Over the years, in addition to providing a community cultural opportunity, the event has provided one-hundred and thirty-two performing arts and fifty-eight academic scholarships for academic courses and Scottish performing arts totaling over $53,000.

Broward County Educators Celebrate Increase in Graduation Rates

The Florida Department of Education released graduation data for school systems across the state with positive news state-wide and in Broward County last month. 87.2% of Broward County Public Schools seniors graduated following the 2021-22 school year. This is a 1% increase versus pre-pandemic levels and was in line with the state-wide graduation rate of 87.3%.

“Florida’s graduation rate is a direct result of the determination of our students and the parents, school

2021-22

counselors, teachers, and district leaders who worked hard to ensure the 2022 Senior Class was ready for their next opportunities in life,” said State Board of Education Member Monesia Brown.

“Today’s increase in graduation rate for Broward County Public Schools is something we are very happy about, very proud of,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Vickie Cartright , “this was the result of our staff being laser-focused on our students when they came back to brick and mortar instruction.”

All of the local public schools had 2021-22 Graduation rates above 90%, with College Academy at Broward College leading the pack with a perfect 100% graduation rate, followed by Cooper City High School at 98%, Nova High School with 96.8%, and Western High School at 94.4%.

▸ Scan the QR Code or visit www.edudata.fldoe. org/AdvancedReprots. html for more information about your school.

Let Your Little Explorer Free at Explorico Indoor Playground

Explorico Indoor Playground opened its doors on October 22, 2022, and it has quickly become a popular destination for families with young children. The playground is a purposeful and enriching space designed to provide children with a safe, clean environment to play and explore. Parents and caregivers appreciate the opportunity to give their little ones a place to burn off some energy while they enjoy some much-needed "me" time and interaction with other adults.

The playground is filled with a variety of age-appropriate activities and equipment to keep children entertained and engaged. Children are encouraged to explore and learn and is open to little ones ages 0-7 years old.

The staff at Explorico are passionate about creating an environment that is safe and fun for children. The playground is regularly cleaned and sanitized, and there are strict safety

protocols in place to ensure the well-being of all visitors. Parents can rest easy knowing that their children are in a safe and nurturing environment and that the staff are dedicated to providing an enjoyable experience for all.

Open Space

Explorico Indoor Playground offers an open layout. This allows parents to keep an eye on their kiddos from any spot in the facility while still enabling the little ones to play and discover on their own. There is even a built-in nursing room where new moms can meet with lactation consultants.

Party Central

You can celebrate your child’s big day and milestones at Explorico. They specialize in creating celebrations worthy of social buzz! Your little Explorers are their pride and joy and celebrating them is always a top priority! There are celebration packages built for all family

needs. Party planning experience offers: Celebration Style + Theme, use of the Explorer Birthday Room or Explorer Space, planning help from the Explorico Design Creative Team, and event set up and clean up.

Membership Programs

Explorico Indoor Playground has several membership options, starting at $69/mo for unlimited play. Members also receive priority booking for special events, invitations to complimentary Explorico member events, a $50 credit towards a party package, special member rates for enrichment & development classes, and much more.

▸ Explorico Indoor Playground is located at 8711 Stirling Road. Call 754-268-8276 or visit them at www.exploricoindoorplayground.com.

Terms and conditions: O er redeemable only when customer purchases a qualifying Generac PWRcell Solar + Battery Storage System from an authorized Generac dealer* and registers the PWRcell Solar + Battery Storage System on Generac.com. O er not available at retail, wholesale, or e-commerce businesses where Generac PWRcell Solar + Battery Storage Systems are sold. Refurbished products are excluded from this o er. PWRcell Solar + Battery Storage System must be installed and activated in order for the customer to be eligible to receive the Ecobee Smart Thermostat. Proof of purchase along with other documentation may be required to be submitted to receive this o er. Individual prices may vary. Generac reserves the right to modify and/or rescind this o er at any time without notice. O er valid only on qualifying purchases made in the United States (excluding American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and Canada. Customer has 60 days from the day of PWRcell Solar + Battery Storage System registration to redeem their o er for an Ecobee Smart Thermostat.

THE BRADY BUNCH: ENSURE A LASTING LEGACY FOR BLENDED FAMILIES

By Andrea L. Jakob, Esq.

Remember The Brady Bunch? The "Blended" family dynamic has become the new normal, but very different than the Brady Bunch Family of 1970’s TV. Today many families are "blended" and have stepchildren that aren't legally adopted, but are considered “their” children, nonetheless. As a second marriage lasts for many years, quite often, the spouses decide to leave everything to the surviving spouse instead of planning for their own children.

Imagine that Mike Brady, in today's world, sits at his desk to draft a will from an online resource. He wants to save some money, so the price looks reasonable. He leaves everything to his lovely wife, Carol, as he knows she will take care of his children. Later that year, Mike passes away. The following are potential problems he created.

Disinherited Loved Ones

Suppose the will he created online omitted information for a blended family or definitions of "descendants." In that case, he may have unintentionally disinherited his stepdaughters, Marcia, Jan, and Cindy, by electing to divide his assets among his "descendants" (biological or adopted children, not stepchildren.)

A more devastating outcome would occur if Carol became incapacitated following Mike's death and her daughters took over the family finances to their own benefit, potentially disinheriting Mike’s sons.

Even worse, if Carol remarries, her future husband and stepchildren may ultimately inherit whatever is left, leaving Greg and his brothers entirely out of the picture.

Violating Specific Laws

He may have left his home for his lovely wife, Carol. Still, he may have unintentionally violated the Florida Constitutional Law's homestead provisions by not including his children as beneficiaries.

Minor Beneficiaries

Mike loved his architecture business and may have decided his teenage son Bobby should inherit his company. Minor beneficiaries may only have the legal authority to take control of their inheritance once they reach the age of 18 or 21. If Bobby isn't yet 18, he may need to have court-appointed guardianship established.

Nightmare Probate Process

If any of the above occurred, Carol might need to hire an attorney and begin the long road through Probate. Although a will was created, a judge has determined that it was legally insufficient, and now the bunch must deal with probating an intestate estate.

According to Florida Law, the stepdaughters will not be entitled to inherit anything from Mike's estate. A battle may ensue between the step-siblings over financial assets, personal items, or even the family dog (Tiger.)

Failing to fund a trust

If Mike created a DIY trust to avoid Probate and didn't "fund the trust" (i.e., transfer the title of his money and property into the name of the trust or direct as POD), the bunch will still need to endure the probate process and trust administration.

Our takeaway: don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish in creating your lasting legacies.

▸ Andrea L. Jakob, PA is located at 12401 Orange Drive, suite 219 in Davie. They can be reached at 954-862-1479 or on the web at www.jakoblegal.com.

• Graduates are accepted into prestigious universities including: Cornell University, Emory University, Princeton University, New York University, Tulane University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, Northwestern University, Northeastern University, University of Miami, Vanderbilt University, and Washington University in St. Louis

• Low student-to-teacher ratios

• 95% pass rate on AP Exams

• Posnack School offers a full Judaic Studies curriculum based on study of Torah and classical Jewish sources as well as modern Hebrew instruction.

• Over 24 sports teams

• MakerSpace Innovation and Design Lab

• Middle and high school electives include Digital Photography, 2D/3D Art, Debate, Robotics, Forensic Science, Pre-Med, Pre-Law, Pre-Engineering, Internships, Human Genetics, Scientific Research, Creative Writing, Holocaust Studies and more!

Performing and Visual Arts 2021-2022

• Posnack School Performing and Visual Arts Department has won over 170 awards, including 25 in the district and state drama competitions and 4 CAPPIE nominations

• The most high school photography awards nationally with 80 in our high school and 25 in our middle school. These awards include 15 from drawing and painting.

IMPINGEMENT SYNDROMES IN DANCERS

ain in the front or back of the ankle can occur from a dancer standing “en point” or “demi point.” Pain behind the ankle is due to a bone prominence that pinches the soft tissue or due to a fractured bone or cartilage in the back of the ankle (Os Trigonum). A deep pain in the back of the ankle is felt and is made worse if the foot points down.

Treatment includes rest, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. If the pain does

By Dr. John Goodner

Pnot improve, a Cortisone injection is given to decrease inflammation and scar tissue. Unresolved pain may be treated surgically, thus allowing a full return to dance. The back of the ankle is cleaned out and a small piece of bone may be removed with arthroscopic surgery to allow the dancer to return to full activity. Rarely an open procedure is needed.

Pain in the front of the ankle is usually caused by thickening of the ankle joint lining and can cause pain while moving the leg forward on the foot. This impingement syndrome is usually associated with an ankle ligament injury and can become very painful, especially the first thing in the morning when getting out of bed to walk or after sitting for a short period of time and getting up to walk. The inflammation and soreness usually lessen with activity but return later on in the day. Physical therapy and a short course of anti-inflammatory medication may be necessary to reduce the inflammation in the ankle joint.

If that does not improve, a Fluoroscopic Guided Cortisone injection may be necessary to reduce the thickening of the soft tissue. If conservative measures fail, a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection can be given

into the joint to improve healing potential. In some cases, the impingement in the front part of the ankle does not improve and arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to completely regain the ankle mobility without discomfort.

In some cases, a small spur is present on the front part of the lower leg bone. This can cause chronic pain and stiffness in the ankle. If present, arthroscopic removal of the bone spur is also performed to allow the dancer to resume activity.

Prognosis is excellent with full return to dancing with proper treatment.

⊲ Dr. John Goodner is a Board Certified Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgeon with the Foot, Ankle and Leg Specialists of South Florida and specializes in sports medicine foot and ankle injuries, foot and ankle arthroscopy, lower extremity trauma, and lower extremity deformities in infants, children, teens and adults. The South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine is located at 17842 NW 2nd St Pembroke Pines, FL 33029-2806

Tel: (954) 430-9901 The practice website is SouthFloridaSportsMedicine.com. Instagram @SouthFloridaSportsMedicine and Twitter @SFLSportsMed

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AM I TOO OLD FOR ORTHODONTICS?

By Dr. Alon Grosman

For many years, braces have been as strongly associated with adolescents as acne. However, this has been changing dramatically in recent time. In 2010, the American Association of Orthodontics reported that the percentage of adults being treated with orthodontics has increased to 22 % nationally. This is a 50% increase from a similar study done in the mid 1990’s.

One factor which seems to be responsible for this upswing in adult orthodontic treatment is an increase in cosmetic options. The size of braces, even the metal braces, has decreased significantly. Tooth colored braces have been around for a long time, but have had the poor reputation of staining. With advancements in materials, this is no longer a concern. Clear aligners, used increasingly in recent years, have brought another option for adults hoping to hide their treatment.

Another factor which seems to have affected the rate of adult orthodontics is self-perception. When I turned 25 years old, I remember hearing for the first time that “30 was the new 20.” It was very inspiring to know that as I approached 30 I was actually getting younger. Ten years later, I was lucky enough to discover that “40 is the new 30.” This general optimism in aging has brought with it a new industry of “wellness.”

Magazines have been created that are dedicated to health at various stages of life. Doctors espousing the “truth” about longevity have taken over prime time television. Plastic surgeons have plastered local advertising with new technologies in turning back the effects of time. From the dental industry, we have seen whitening material become an over the counter item. In my field of orthodontics, Align Technology, the parent company of “Invisalign,” has poured millions of Wall Street dollars into marketing campaigns targeting adult patients.

Should age be a factor in the decision to start orthodontic treatment? Absolutely not. In my opinion, there are both advantages as well as challenges with treatment of every age group.

Treatment of the teen age population has the benefit of growth. We are able to accomplish some goals which would not be possible with adults without the use of jaw surgery. However, hygiene and motivation can become compromised very quickly. Adults, on the other hand, are usually very motivated as they have truly considered the sacrifice of time and finances before starting treatment. Still, treatment time for some adults tends to be longer. Reasons for an increased length of treatment time range from the need to open or close spaces for missing teeth, higher or lower density of bone, or a decreased level of bone support due to a history of gum disease.

The most important part of any treatment, regardless of age, is the proper diagnosis of all related conditions of the mouth. This may require input from the dentist, periodontist (gum specialist), or other dental specialist. Once this is accomplished, the orthodontist can create a realistic treatment plan using the orthodontic appliance, whether it be braces or clear aligners, which can accomplish these goals.

In short, I like to prescribe to my own philosophy that one is only as old as one feels. If you desire improving your smile and having teeth that fit together comfortably, then you should certainly consider orthodontic treatment.

▸ The office of Dr. Maria Maranzini-Grosman (Board Certified Pediatric Dentist) and Dr. Alon Grosman (Specialist in Orthodontics) is located at South Flamingo Road on the NW corner of Griffin and Flamingo Road. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 954-236-3434.

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