February-March 2023 edition of Purchase Area Family Magazine

on the cover Emerald

Therapy Center

PURCHASE AREA

FAMILY

P.O. Box 8061

Paducah, KY 42002 270.210.7068

admin@allgoodmedia.net

Editor/Publisher

Karen Hammond

Contributing Writers

Britt Allgood, Will Brandon, Lanita Flanary, Sandra Gordon, and Cassie Johnson

Advertising Sales Director

Cassie Johnson

Art Director/Graphic Design

Kristal D. Stallion

Advertising

Want to advertise your business in the magazine? Have a question regarding ad rates, billing or your account? Contact our advertising department at 270.210.7068 or admin@allgoodmedia.net.

Subscription & Distribution

Want to subscribe or receive a copy of the magazine by mail? Need a back issue? Want to add a location to our distribution? Please call our office at 270.559.5840 or email admin@allgoodmedia.net.

Mission Statement

PAFM is committed to providing free, accurate, and timely information to readers in western Kentucky, southern Illinois and all its communities. Our goal is to educate, inform, and enhance family life. We endeavor to support our communities by providing balanced and informative articles that spotlight nonprofits, local businesses, and events.

Purchase Area Family® is published bi-monthly by All Good Media, LLC. Advertising design and layout by Kristal D. Stallion. All Good Media, LLC is not responsible for any injury or harm resulting from the information or advice contained in this magazine. The articles in this issue of Purchase Family Magazine®, may not necessarily reflect the opinions of All Good Media, LLC. All subscription, editorial, and advertising inquiries should be directed to admin@allgoodmedia.net or call 270.210.7068.

Shelly Baer with her grandsons Rivers and Memphis

photography by Matt Hernandez Creative

Learn to Live Your BEST Life!

By Cassie Johnson

Our cover features Emerald Therapy Center’s founder and co-owner, Shelly Baer, LCSW, SAP, with her two grandsons, Rivers and Memphis. Known as Gigi to her grandchildren, this strong businesswoman loves her community and is dedicated to bringing the best emotional healthcare to our area. Welcome to Emerald Therapy Center, where your best days are ahead.

Shelly is a therapist, substance abuse professional, and life coach with extensive training in assessment and mental health. She is also a licensed Psychotherapist. She has extensive experience as a Clinical Director for in-patient psychiatric units, outpatient addiction clinics, and as a school-based therapist.

Emerald Therapy was founded in 2012. The original Emerald location was on Nahm Street in Paducah. Shelly quickly realized the need was even larger than she had imagined. A few moves and a decade later, Emerald has six locations and over 90 employees.

Shelly is passionate about providing exceptional counseling services for individuals and families. She believed that there was a way to offer mental health services that meet everyone’s needs.

"I didn’t wake up one day and decide to start Emerald Therapy,” Shelly told me. “There were a lot of challenges and difficult jobs along the way. Each one has made my convictions stronger. I remember walking into the office on our last day at Emerald Therapy's original location. There were about nineteen clients and five therapists. I knew then we had made the right decision to expand.”

“Life happens to all of us. Everyone can benefit from talking with a professional that helps their emotional well-being. Unfortunately, many counseling offices have stark white walls with hard plastic chairs and emit a sterile, medical feeling. I wanted to provide a warm space where clients felt comfortable and welcomed. I believed that I could create a positive environment that was inviting, not institutional.”

Emerald Therapy Sets Itself Apart

Emerald's mission is to provide emotional health services to meet the needs of everyone, not just individuals with chronic mental health issues. They strive to change the perception of mental health in our community and help clients adjust to life issues. Treatments are based on four areas of wellness: emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial. Their goal is that clients leave feeling better than they arrived. Whether it be grief, traumatic accidents, relationships, financial stress, job loss, or anything else, their services can help.

Comprehensive Emotional Health

Mental health consists of thoughts and feelings,” explained Shelly. Behavioral health is all about the actions taken based on those thoughts and feelings. We call the combination of the two emotional health. Taking care of your emotional health should be applauded. Seeing a therapist and talking with them does not mean you are crazy. You are taking care of your emotional health just as you would by talking to a doctor for your physical health.”

Emotional healing improves family, career, and physical health while increasing overall life functions. The needs of each client vary so at Emerald Therapy every client receives a customized plan specifically for them. Emerald wants everyone to live their best life and transform their challenges into strengths.

A Total Care Team

The team at Emerald provides help through comprehensive outpatient treatment. Recently, Dr. Laurie Ballew, founder of Holistic Psychiatry and Healthcare merged with Emerald Therapy Center Dr. Ballew is not only a Board Certified Psychiatrist but Board Certified in Addiction Medicine.

“Dr. Ballew provides compassionate care and strengthens our treatment options allowing us to meet more of our client needs,” said Shelly. Dr. Ballew’s credentials and experience are unique in this area. She believes her psychiatry practice should be as holistic as possible. In psychiatry, holistic doesn’t mean herbs and supplements, it refers to having other providers such as physician’s assistants, case

management - an entire care team. It’s a totally different approach than just going to the doctor for a prescription.”

Autism Disorder Treatment

The demand for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations in our area used to be overwhelming. Many families waited up to a year for an appointment and still had to travel to Louisville or Nashville because it was not offered locally. Shelly is certified through Vanderbilt University to provide ASD evaluations at Emerald.

Emerald recently launched their new Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) program. An autism diagnosis is required for this intensive treatment therapy that can range from 10 to 40 hours per week. Using both focused and comprehensive services, children will meet their goals including conversation and language skills, daily hygiene, and other functional skills. Programs include table work and natural environment teaching methods.

“By improving behaviors with an autism diagnosis, children can function better at home, school, and socially,” said,” Jessica Fisher, Clinical Director of the ABA Program. “The results are life-changing for both the child and their families.”

Case Management

Qualified Emerald clients can receive case management assistance. A specialized Case Manager offers direction, service coordination, and management, as well as finding resources within the community. For example, if you have a loved one with a medical condition, they can refer you to a local support group.

Shelly believes Emerald has grown and excelled because of the large variety of services they provide. Anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, relationship issues, addiction, ADHD, and eating disorders are just a few conditions Emerald can treat.

“I am proud and humbled that clients return to us,” Shelly told me. “Even though they may have successfully fulfilled their treatment goals, a few years down the road they may need our services again. We are here to meet their needs.”

Multiple Locations, Numerous Resources

With multiple locations each with accredited providers, Emerald provides comprehensive treatment opportunities.

Emerald's outpatient addiction program is at 5050-B Village Square Drive. Combining group and one-on-one sessions with experienced drug and alcohol counselors, each client receives the very best treatment plan tailored for them. Using Matrix, one of the nation’s top evidence-based addiction recovery curriculum, clients also have access to a medical provider, case management, peer support, and a recovery coach.

Adult and geriatric services are provided inside the LivingWell Center at 2327 New Holt Road. Dr. Ballew also sees patients at her office located at 2520 New Holt Road, Paducah.

The newest Paducah location is at the Information Age Park at 1640 McCracken Boulevard. The majority of children’s services, including the new ABA program, are located here.

The Mayfield office is located at 1019 Paducah Road Suite C, and the Murray office is at 111 Poplar Street, #104. These extended locations provide multiple services to meet the needs of clients of all ages.

Emerald Therapy Center accepts most insurance plans, Medicaid, Medicare, and various Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). Call 270.534.5128 to schedule your consultation or visit emeraldtherapycenter.com. They are accepting clients ages three years and up.

It’s never too late to find help and support. Remember, your best days are ahead! 

Deliciously Dodging Diabetes

By Purchase District Health Department/Diabetes Education

Do you have New Years’ goals to get healthy? Lose Weight? Reduce your risk for Type 2 diabetes? A Deliciously Dodging Diabetes class began in January 2023! If interested in these classes, call Tara Phillips at 270.444.9625 ext 131.

The PreventT2 program helps those at risk for Type 2 diabetes.

If you have prediabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, or are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, the PreventT2 Lifestyle Change Program, offered by Purchase District Health Department, can help you make lasting changes to help reduce your risk for Type 2 diabetes. You will work in a group with a trained lifestyle coach to learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to your life, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes.

It is estimated 10 percent of Kentuckians have prediabetes but that only accounts for those diagnosed. There are many unaware of their risk. The best way to find out your risk is to see your healthcare provider

and get a blood sugar test. If your results are in the prediabetes range, you can be connected to a PreventT2 program, which has been proven to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. PreventT2 is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control.

The program is based on research that found people with prediabetes can cut their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in half by losing five to seven percent of their body weight. That is about 10 to 14 pounds for a person weighing 200 pounds. Making lifestyle changes can be challenging but one participant involved in the program says, “Having a group of people with the same goals really motivated me to jump start healthy lifestyle changes.”

To learn more about PreventT2 and find a program near you, call Tara Phillips at the Purchase District Health Department at 270.444.9625 ext 131. You can also visit www.purchasehealth.org and find out your risk for prediabetes. 

Be in the Know About Bone Density

By Cassie Johnson

Most people know when you’re a women and celebrate 40 you need a mammogram. Everybody needs a colonoscopy at age 50. But at what age do you need a bone density scan? It’s an important issue that deserves more attention than it receives. My grandmom had osteoporosis. Watching her endure the discomfort of brittle bones breaking by merely sneezing, I think it’s high time we take a deeper dive into bone health.

What Is Bone Density?

Bone density is the amount of minerals, mostly calcium and phosphorous, contained in a bone. Under a microscope, healthy bones look like a honeycomb. With low bone density, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb are much larger than in a healthy bone.

A DXA or bone density scan is the only way to detect low bone density. It’s quick and painless. No poking with needles, only a scanning arm that passes over your body. There is virtually no prep for this scan. You can eat and drink as usual with no disruptions to your daily routine. Unlike other tests, it does not involve drinking a gallon of disgusting ‘potty potion’. The only thing a patient needs to do is avoid taking calcium supplements at least 24 hours prior to the scan.

“A DXA scan uses low-dose x-rays to see how strong your bones are,” said Diane Kolenich, ARNP with Marshall County Hospital. “It only takes 10 -20 minutes. Not only does it help diagnose bone-related health issues, but it can also assess the risk of you getting them. Any provider can order a bone scan, but most patients need a referral.”

Our bones are living tissue that constantly are being broken down and replaced. We are at peak mass between 25 and 30 years of age. We

slowly begin to lose bone mass at age 40. After age 50, most people start losing bone faster than their bodies can replace it. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone can’t keep up with the loss of old bone, resulting in bone weakness. At its worst, osteoporosis can cause bones to break from the slightest movements like bending over or even coughing.

Symptoms of Poor Bone Density

Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because we can’t feel our bones weakening. Typically, breaking a bone is the first sign of osteoporosis. Patients may notice they are shrinking by getting shorter or their upper back is curving forward. The most common osteoporosis-related fractures occur in the wrist, hip, or spine. According to bonehealthandosteoporosis.org, around 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass.

Who Needs a DXA Scan?

“Women are at a much higher risk of low bone density than men, especially after menopause,” explained Kolenich. “Women over the age of 65 are advised to get a bone density test. Nut its recommended

to go for a bone density scan as early as 50 if you are a smoker, have bones that break easily, a family history of osteoporosis, or low body weight. Men over 70 should talk to their doctor about a bone density scan, but earlier than that if they have easily broken bones.”

Prevention

Keep your bones as strong as you can while getting older. Don’t smoke as smoking increases the risk of weaker bones. Maintain a diet that supports bone health by making sure you have enough calcium, protein, and vitamin D every day. Low-fat dairy, leafy green veggies, fish, and grains are great sources of calcium. Stay active and get enough exercise. Strength training, walking, tennis, dancing, and hiking are all activities that help build and strengthen your bones. Limit your alcohol intake as too much can harm your bones. Drink in moderation or not at all to keep your bones as healthy as possible.

Osteoporosis causes more than 800,000 ER visits and more over 2.6 million doctor’s appointments every year. Thankfully, osteoporosis can be detected and treated. For more information about osteoporosis including risks and prevention, visit NOF.org or talk to your doctor. 

First Annual Purchase Area Coffee and Chocolate Festival

By Cassie Johnson

Two things most people can agree they like are coffee and chocolate. This year there’s a new event that brings you both. Get ready for a day of decadent fun! A Centered Space in Gilbertsville is proud to present the First Annual Purchase Area Coffee and Chocolate Festival. Everyone is invited to the Calvert City Civic Center on Saturday, March 4 from 9am to 6pm

Dayla Lihon, the owner of A Centered Space, is excited to bring this event to our area. The Coffee and Chocolate Festival is inspired by similar events that take place in New Mexico where she used to live.

“The Southwest Coffee and Chocolate Festival is a huge event with over 25,000 people attending, Lihon told me. “We loved it and looked

forward to being part of the delicious fun every year. When we moved to the Purchase Area we missed the event and decided to start one here - mainly because we want to attend it!”

Lihon has experience with running large events as she also started the Good Wu Healing and Arts Festival which is held in the fall. Her goal is to support local small businesses and introduce community members to new resources.

Admission is only $5 and covers entrance into the Civic Center, prize drawings, and presentations. All active military, veterans, first responders, and children 12 and under are FREE. There is no charge to visit the vendors in the Civic Center parking lot. Don’t let a chilly March day stop you from joining the festival because there will be a heated, enclosed dining area. Come enjoy a variety of food trucks and of course, coffee and chocolate.

Goodies for Everyone

Inside, the list of over 20 vendors is still growing. It might be a good idea to leave the calorie counter at home - you won’t be able to resist the delicious goodies you see and smell. Shop with local artisans, roasters, cafés, bakers, chocolatiers, sweet makers, apothecaries, and more. There will be coffee, cocoa, fudge, truffles, bread, cakes, toffee, teas, and sugar-free and Keto-friendly options - it’s a dessert lover’s paradise! There will also be house and home, bath and body products, and more. Prizes will be awarded for in three categories: coffee, chocolate, and other goods. Voters can cast their ballots anytime between until the show ends at 6pm

“We are excited to be a part of this event,”

Suzanne Walden, owner of Dub

House Coffee told me. “We can’t wait to welcome new faces into our community and watch our local businesses succeed. If you don’t like coffee, there will be a ton of other options to choose from and something for everyone. Bring your appetite and get ready for a great day!”

Health Benefits

Did you know that coffee and cacao have hidden health benefits? Research indicates that eating dark chocolate can reduce stress. Need I say more?!?

“These are among the world’s most revered plants,” Lihon told me. “We typically associate coffee with our morning routine and cacao with adored sweets. They both have powerful medicinal qualities as well. Coffee beans are packed with antioxidants and are high in fiber. Cacao is the superfood of all chocolates. It is full of essential vitamins and can help promote good bacteria growth in our gut.”

Workshops and Events

Admission includes the cost of presentations and workshops offered at the festival. Join classes such as a cacao ceremony, chocolate beanto-bar explanation, and a wine and dessert pairing class. No alcohol will be served - it’s a presentation, not a tasting. Marshall County Public Library will offer FREE crafts for the kids. Before the festival, a schedule of events will be posted on social media and the event website.

Proceeds from the festival will help support classes, workshops, free events, and scholarship opportunities at A Centered Space. Clients can find healing through yoga, meditation, and other therapeutic

opportunities including painting. For more information, visit their social media or acenteredspacekenlake.weebly.com

“This is a great opportunity to meet new people in the community while supporting our small, locally-owned businesses,” said Lihon. “We invite you to come and find new places to shop and have a great day with us.”

Thank you to the sponsors whose support will make this day possible - Calvert City, Calvert Area Development Association (CADA), Dub House Coffee, Hidden Gems Apothecary, and Chocolat Inn and Café. For more information on the Coffee and Chocolate Festival including vendor questions, contact Dayla Lihon at acenteredspacekenlake@ gmail.com or call 270.216.0533. 

Ditch the Diet Cycle

By Cassie Johnson

Affordable, convenient, healthy meals prepared fresh for your dietary needs.

We make New Year’s resolutions to get healthier which oftentimes include losing weight. On the first day of January, we’re motivated and committed to sticking with them. Unfortunately for many of us, the positive attitude starts to fade by the end of the month. When February rolls around, the new has worn off that New Year’s resolution. Why does that happen? Because we diet.

A diet is not usually successful if you’re working on long-term weight loss. In most cases, diets create a strict, controlled relationship with food. They focus on certain foods while simultaneously steering you away from others. Before you know it, frustration at the scale pushes you over the edge and you quit. Many people go right back to the foods they love and miss. (I see you eating that Snickers bar in the closet!) The moral of the story is crazy restrictions and depriving yourself of your favorite foods will not help you lose weight.

The Bad Parts of a Fad

Fad diets are often promoted as the best and fastest way to lose weight. Fads don’t focus on real-life, maintainable lifestyle changes to help keep the weight off. You may lose 20 pounds in 30 days, but once you stop the diet, the weight comes back. There are so many options, but they all have one thing in common - it’s a temporary solution.

5 signature options weekly plus specials!

Delicious options including chicken pad thai, chili mac, beef and mushroom swiss bowls, and smoked siracha turkey meatloaf.

ORDER ONLINE! orders@paducahmealprep.com or paducahmealprep.com

3240 Lone Oak Road Suite A | 270.558.4761

Ask about low carb, Keto, high protein, and more!

A popular fad diet is a Ketogenic diet. Keto encourages you to eliminate carbs and fuel your body with fats instead. The goal of getting most of your calories from fat is that your body in turn burns fat. Bacon lovers everywhere may rejoice, but according to the Mayo Clinic, there is very little evidence to prove eating so many fats is effective or safe. Dieticians don’t typically recommend Keto because it heavily restricts nutrient-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and grains which can be a concern for heart health.

Another fad is intermittent fasting, which offers two methods. You eat very few calories on certain days, then eat normally the rest of the week. The second approach involves eating only during certain hours and skipping meals for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, there aren’t many long-term studies to support intermittent fasting. Doctors and dieticians don’t recommend it because skipping meals can cause headaches, dizziness, and dehydration which can be dangerous. Irritability, fatigue, and nausea are common side effects.

We watch the ads on social media, read the testimonials, see the flat bellies, and decide to try it rather than consult our doctor. Some fad diets eliminate foods that carry the necessary nutrients that our bodies need to maintain good overall health. Before making any changes, talk with your doctor for their recommendation on how to safely lose weight. Chances are, their advice will not include a diet.

Lifestyle Changes

Forget the word diet and remember a new one: healthy. Start by eating healthy foods that won’t break your budget. As food prices have skyrocketed (we won’t even talk about the price of protein-rich eggs) it’s important to plan ahead and coordinate your budget with the weekly sales. Bargain meals are just as delicious as overpriced ones.

“Buy the best food you can afford and meal plan with what you have,” Colton Lyles, General Manager and Chef for Paducah Meal Prep told me. “Make an extra effort to meal prep. There are only so many hours in a day, but the benefits of taking an hour or less each week to put a few meals together will help you in the long run. In a time crunch, pick up nutritious pre-made meals to have on hand throughout the week. It’s a great way to avoid the fast-food line.”

Honesty is the Best Policy

Cheat meals or cheat days make us feel guilty. With a lifestyle change, you’re not cheating. If it’s been a while since you indulged in your favorite drink and it happens to be Sonic Happy Hour, get the drink! The occasional pasta dish won’t make you gain 50 pounds. Life is short. Drink the occasional Dr. Pepper and eat the portioned pasta. If you count calories, plug treats into your calorie tracker just like all other foods. Don’t lie to the app!

“Trying new foods is important, as it may take a few times for you to learn to like it,” said Lyles. “Try seasonings such as fresh herbs or different methods of cooking it. Don’t force-feed yourself carrots and kale because they’re good for you. Find an alternative that you do like and stick with it.”

Realistic Results

Instant gratification is our own worst enemy. Give yourself some grace and time - the results are worth waiting for.

“Body types and lifestyles don’t change overnight. Set reasonable goals that are attainable in a time frame that works for you,” Lyles advises.

Making healthy choices is easier than ever thanks to our friends at Google and Pinterest. You can find support groups on social media where members encourage one another and everyone is accountable. Don’t throw in the towel and give up. Making a few lifestyle changes could be the encouragement you need to stick to your health goals. You may be shocked at how much better you feel with a little portion control, exercise, good hydration, and patience. 

Update Your First Aid Kit

By Cassie Johnson

Do you have a first aid kit at home or in your car? Having a firstaid kit on hand has many advantages. You have everything you need from burns to bleeding in one compact case. By treating wounds quickly, the risk of infection is greatly reduced. Sometimes, injuries are messy. In the event of serious bleeding, you can help stop blood loss before it gets out of control.

A typical first-aid kit includes items such as examination gloves, bandages and gauze pads in multiple sizes, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, cold compress, elastic bandages, and tweezers. Check and restock your kit regularly. Some items may never get used, but others such as Band-Aids and alcohol wipes are used frequently. If not used, alcohol wipes may dry out and bandages may

lose their adhesive. Make sure you have fresh supplies so you are prepared in case of an emergency.

With opioid overdoses on the rise across the country, many agencies are uniting to encourage adding Naloxone to your first-aid kit.

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is commonly known as Narcan or Kloxxado. It is a nasal spray that will only help someone experiencing an opioid overdose. It will not affect someone who is not. Narcan works by targeting the same brain receptors as opioids, it blocks them from receiving the opiates which temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose until medical help arrives.

“The increase of Fentanyl in the local drug supply means all drugs are at risk of being contaminated,” said Cynthia Turner, Certified Prevention Specialist and Program Director with Four Rivers Regional Prevention Center. “People who use illicit drugs are not the only ones at risk. It can happen to anyone.”

Who Can Take Naloxone?

Narcan is safe for all ages, including children. It is also safe for pregnant women as it will not harm or have an effect on the baby.

Even if the person is diabetic, takes heart, blood pressure, or blood thinner medication, it is still safe to give them Narcan. It’s even safe for your pets! There is no maximum dosage and it can be administered every two to three minutes until medical help arrives or the victim is responsive.

“When in doubt, administer the Naloxone because it will not hurt or have negative side effects whatsoever on the person receiving it. Your decision to give it to them could truly save their life,” Turner told me.

What to Do

Learn to recognize the symptoms of an overdose because a quick response is crucial for saving lives. If you suspect someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, call 911 immediately and then administer Naloxone.

“Sometimes, witnesses may not call 911 because they’re afraid of being arrested or prosecuted,” said Turner. “Kentucky’s Good Samaritan Law (KRS 218A.133) protects witnesses and bystanders against prosecution when calling 911 to report a drug overdose.”

To administer the spray, gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose. Press the plunger firmly to release the spray. Remove the tip from the nostril as soon as the dose has been given.

Where to Find Narcan

There are several locations to locally obtain FREE Narcan. It is available at the Purchase District Health Department, Turning Point Recovery

Symptoms of an opioid overdose can include the following:

• Extremely pale and clammy face

• Limp body

• Struggling to breathe or not breathing

• ‘Pin point’ pupils or pupils that are abnormally small

• Purple or blue fingernails and lips

• Vomiting or making ‘gurgling’ sounds

• Unresponsive

• Slow breathing and heart rate

Center, and the McCracken County Public Library. It can also be obtained from certain pharmacies. To find a pharmacy near you, scan the QR code on this page or visit odcp.ky.gov/stop-overdoses/Pages/ Locations.aspx

If you or someone you know is concerned about the possible contamination of pills with Fentanyl, the Purchase District Health Department and Turning Point Recovery Center have free Fentanyl test strips available. You can reach Turning Point at 270.444.3621, or Purchase District Health Department at 270.444.9625 x.191.

Besides having one at home, it is a good idea to have a first-aid kit on hand in other bags we carry such as a purse, diaper bag, briefcase, or gym bag. Cuts, scrapes, and sprains aren’t the only injuries we need to prepare for. Adding Naloxone to your first-aid kit could mean the difference between life and death.

An opioid overdose is not to be taken lightly. The Purchase District Health Department, Purchase Area Opioid Task Force, McCracken County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy, Four Rivers Behavioral Health-Regional Prevention Center, Turning Point Recovery Community Center, and other local agencies have all joined together to help fight opioid overdose.

If you would like to learn more about Narcan, contact the Purchase Area Opioid Task Force and ask about their free training. You can visit purchasehealthconnections.com/narcan-training. Additionally, the Four Rivers Regional Prevention Center offers Opioid Toolkit training tailored to different audiences through the Kentucky State Opioid Response grant. Email clodge@4rbh.org for information. 

Summer Fun 2023

What do you have planned for your kids this summer? No parent wants to hear their kids complain about how boring it is and that there’s nothing to do. Plan now to take advantage of the fun, safe, and educational programs available in our area.

Summer programs are much more than spending time away from home. Instructional learning activities bring exciting days full of fun. Your child will learn valuable skills such as teamwork, patience, and Atheir knowledge and engage their minds. Most importantly, the majority of summer programs are screen-free!

Encourage your kids to try new things. If they have never been exposed to musical instruments, they may not know how interesting it is to learn how to play one. They could be the next up-and-coming ‘first chair’. They may be the next marathon runner or find they love reading. The old saying is true, “You never know until you try”.

Don’t let time slip up on you - sign up today! Most camps fill up quickly and you want to reserve your child’s spot as soon as you can. For current updates on each one, check the company or organization’s social media page or website.

Make this summer memorable for your child as they make new friendships and socialize. Unplug, have fun, and enjoy the summer!

Challenger Learning Center

Check out their variety of exciting STEM camps for students of all ages. Younger campers can learn about stars, build rockets, or be spies. Older campers can learn to scuba dive, build a Mars colony, become a CSI investigator, or take the controls in a real airplane. Register soon, camps fill quickly! Visit clcpaducah.org

Immanuel Baptist Preschool

IBP provides a half-day preschool for children ages 2-5. They also offer opportunities for extended days for the 3’s, 4’s, and PreK classes. Come tour a preschool where teachers are loving, play is learning, and children are valued for their unique gifts. Please call 270.443.5307 or email mvasseur@vci.net.

Marshall County Public Library

Prevent summer slide and fill your summer with fun at the Marshall County Public Library. All three branches provide reading challenges, programs, and events for all age groups all summer long. For more information or to see our calendar of events, visit marshallcolibrary.org

Paducah Parks & Recreation

Registration for summer programs such as Summer Camps and Swimming Lessons begins April 5th. Summer Camp is for rising 1st through rising 6th Grades. Swimming Lessons are for ages 4+. Call 270.444.8508 or visit paducahky.gov/parksrecreation-department for more information.

Paducah Symphony Orchestra

The PSO Summer Music Camp features high-quality skillbuilding instruction from a professional music faculty for rising 5 -12 grade students. Each student will choose from one Major Ensemble and two electives. The last day of camp features a showcase performance for friends and family of the participants.

Precious Pottery Preschool

Precious Pottery Preschool believes that we are all ‘precious in His sight’. Children are encouraged to get creative and have fun in a safe Christian environment. Watch their confidence thrive as they develop better motor skills, letter/number recognition, the ability to solve patterns, and more!

Symphony Supply

Whether you’re learning an instrument for the first time, experimenting with a new one, or a seasoned musician staying sharp on your notes, Symphony Supply is ready for you. Enrollment for summer sessions and regular classes are open, both in person and online, for all ages. 

Fighting the Flu

With healthy seniors in mind, this article is sponsored by Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

You’re probably well into the swing of the new year, tackling all your resolutions. But behind the seasonal excitement lurks a menace poised to pounce on your health and happiness: the flu.

Amid the recent concerns over COVID-19 variants and RSV, the flu doesn’t get as much coverage as it once did. And for most people, an attack of the flu –– or influenza –– is just a miserable inconvenience. But for others, especially those ages 65 and older, the flu can be a lifethreatening affliction. So, for this year, it’s important to remember the following tips so you can avoid the frightful flu!

Wash and be watchful

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu virus can survive on some surfaces for up to 48 hours. Just imagine how many surfaces you touch in two days! After spending time in public, it’s important to wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer. And always refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and face to avoid infection, from the flu or otherwise.

Pay attention to people around you when you are out in public. If someone is showing signs of sickness, such as sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose, respectfully avoid direct contact with that person. And never eat or drink sharing cups or utensils – even from friends or relatives.

Stay fortified

Your immune system is your body’s security system against illness. But many people forget that a healthy lifestyle can positively impact your body’s defenses. To help your immune system function at its best, you should:

• Achieve and/or keep a healthy weight

• Eat a vitamin-rich diet high in fruits and vegetables

• Establish an exercise regimen

• Get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night

• Manage your blood pressure

• Stay hydrated

Be wary of immune system “boosters” and other trendy health supplements. Many of these haven’t been tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and could lead to further health complications. Always talk to your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.

Get vaccinated

A recent study shows that the flu vaccine could reduce your risk for a flu infection by 40 to 60 percent. And those who still get the flu after receiving the vaccine are more likely to experience mild, nonlife-threatening symptoms. Talk to your doctor or visit your local vaccination clinic to learn more about the flu vaccine.

Schedule regular health screenings so you can be aware of your condition and how susceptible you may be to infections. And always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.

This is the time of year for discovery and growth. Don’t let a flu infection stand in your way! 

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Summer Camp

by Sandra Gordon

Open spots at summer camps can go faster than a Popsicle melts on a sweltering day. Still, for your child’s well-being and your own, it pays to get picky and do your homework.

Before taking summer camp virtual tours, “know what you want,” says camp director, Sam Doescher, who runs a day and resident camp for boys and girls ages eight to seventeen. Ask your child what he or she is looking for in a summer camp. What do you want from that camp experience for your child? What about location: Do you like woodsy, beachy, or lake-type surroundings?

Of course, the cost can be a major deciding factor. But beyond that, we asked camp directors for their top questions to ask that can help you know when you’ve found the right summer camp for your childor if you need to keep looking.

What will my child do there?

Many camps will say they offer something for everyone - from basketball, theater activities, music, sports, horseback riding, archery, robotics, rock climbing, arts and crafts, or water sports. Still, to narrow your camp selection, determine the camp’s main activities. Your child might want archery but is not much of a fan of water sports. Archery could be a small portion of the activities scheduled and your child might be swimming, fishing, canoeing, etc., for much of the time.

Is the camp accredited?

American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation signals that a camp has met or exceeds all state camp requirements. ACA requirements mandate staff-to-camper ratios of one to eight for six to eightyear-olds and younger. ACA accreditation requires documented background checks and certifications.

“When you add that layer of documentation, there’s a lot more work involved,” Doescher says. “If they are going to go through that legwork, they want to make sure they have a top-notch camp.”

Does the camp have a philosophy?

The answer to this question can help you get a sense of the camp’s overall mission. Traditional summer camps can provide the opportunity to build friendships, foster a sense of independence,

develop social skills, try new things, and learn how to fail in a safe and structured environment.

“Our philosophy is we provide campers a noncompetitive environment with which they can grow and enjoy their camp experience,” Doescher says.

Other camps may have an even more specific mission. Some camps focus on helping campers learn respect and responsibility, take reasonable risks, and reach out to other campers who need help. Some examples of this might include requiring campers to make their bed every day, take out the trash in their cabin (with a daily inspection), and get out of their comfort zone by taking reasonable risks. (That might be reaching the highest point on a huge climbing wall.)

“We also use fun as the delivery mechanism to teach critical thinking, creativity, leadership skills, confidence, and communication,” says counselor, John Bailey. “Counselors have meaningful conversations.”

Does the camp have many returning campers?

A decent retention rate - of at least 50 percent - signals that campers are satisfied enough to want to come back. Ideally, the camper retention rate should be 60 to 70 percent, advises Doescher. Ask about returning counselors, too. Again, a decent camp counselor retention rate should be 50 percent or greater.

What qualifications do the counselors have?

At the best camps, “all counselors should have to undergo a background check, be vetted through the national sex offender

database and have been trained to report any sort of sexual abuse,” Doescher says. From a water safety perspective, at least 75 percent of the staff should be lifeguard and CPR certified if your child will be spending any time in the water. Ideally, senior counselors should be high school graduates and above; head counselors should be graduating college seniors, college graduates, or graduate students.

How does the camp handle meals?

If you have a picky eater, be sure the camp has plenty of meal-time options, such as buffet-style meals, a variety of food stations, or cereal always available. If a food allergy is a concern, ask about the camp’s food allergy policy and practices, such as how far the PB and J station is from the nut-free table in the camp cafeteria. For food in general, review the camp’s sample online menus and check out the camp’s food philosophy. Some camps will feature only fresh ingredients, from-scratch cooking, or “healthy” foods. At other camps, not so much.

What do campers do on rainy days?

Most camps will probably list ten or so special planned activities for bad-weather days, particularly if the camp is located where it might often rain. But you also want to listen for indoor facility options, such as a gym and a recreation hall. Sitting under a tree in the rain playing UNO may build character, but rainy-day activities, such as skits, arts and crafts, and games are just more comfortable inside.

What happens if my child gets sick or injured?

Ideally, a nurse should be on site from early morning until bedtime, then on-call through the night, with counselors trained to dispense

medications and first aid as backups. If your child has asthma, your child can be expected to bring two epi-pens and inhalers: one to be stored in a locked cabinet in the nurse’s station and the other to be carried around with your child, depending on your child’s asthma condition. Other medications will likely be locked and stored in the nurse’s station and dispensed by the nurse or a trained counselor each day.

Will my child be allowed to bring a phone?

The answer to that can vary depending on the camp’s policy. It’s up to you to decide how off the grid you’d like your child to be. At some camps, no electronics are allowed, including in camper cabins.

“Campers are just in there to sleep,” says camp counselor Bailey. ”Other camps, may allow the use of the camp’s computers at the facility but not their phones.

What does this camp offer others don’t?

Many camps now offer trendy features, such as a GaGa pit, a water mat, an indoor arcade, and robotics classes. But innovative camps will offer something extra special such as a signature activity that campers will hopefully come to associate with the camp years later. At Doescher’s camp, it’s learning to roll logs in the water.

There are camps all over the country and the world. Maybe going a little further afield this year will take your child out of their comfort zone. But they may also learn skills that will support them for a lifetime and make friends they would never have found if they had stayed close to home. 

A Lot Is Happening at YAC!

by Will Brandon, Operations Manager - Yeiser Art Center

For the past 66 years, Yeiser Art Center (YAC) has been a strong voice for the visual arts in our community. YAC promotes the visual arts by presenting dynamic exhibitions and programs throughout the year. The exhibitions are chosen to showcase a diverse range of art forms, styles, and techniques. You will find work ranging from traditional to contemporary on display.

As well as proving a wonderful space for residents to view many forms of art, YAC provides a forum for artists and serves as an educational resource for schools, colleges, and community organizations. YAC provides art experiences for children while advocating the importance of a good visual arts education in our local schools.

“One of our biggest goals in 2023 is to bring more community involvement into our space, and to really celebrate our UNESCO designation,” said Lexie Millikan, Executive Director. “Being a UNESCO Creative City attracts people to Paducah from all over the globe. YAC is proud to share local and regional art, as well as art from around the world.”

Membership has its benefits!

Yeiser Art Center will open its door this February to another amazing year of art. Become a member and receive discounts on tickets, classes, and both the Southeast and North American Museum Reciprocal Program. Find out more at theyeiser.org or call 270.442.2453. YAC is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am – 5pm

Members Exhibition

February 3 – March 25

YAC’s first exhibition of every year, showcases work from members of the gallery in a variety of mediums featuring artists locally, regionally, and all over the country. Open to anyone with a current YAC membership.

Fantastic Fibers

April 8 – June 24

One of Yeiser Art Center’s most engaging, innovative, and colorful international exhibits, Fantastic Fibers is an internationally juried show that seeks to showcase a wide range of works related to the fiber medium. Applications can be found on CallForEntry.org

Lower Town Arts & Music Festival

May 12 & 13

LTAMF is a celebration of all things art, community, and music set in the streets of the historic Lower Town Arts District. The festival offers art vendors, live music, family activities, and more! Come off the craft beer and local wine and leave with a fantastic piece of art.

DRAW-A-THON

June 27, 28, 29

Returning in 2022, the walls of the gallery will be covered in drawing paper as the community is invited to come and create their

collaborative masterpieces. This is a wonderful community event that attracts people from across the region – all ages are welcome!

Art Through The Lens

July 15 – September 2

Originating in 1975 as the Paducah Summer Festival Photo Competition, ATTL has grown from a fledgling contest into an international juried exhibition. Over the past 40-plus years, this exhibition has become one of the Mid-South’s most prestigious annual photographic events. Applications will be found on CallForEntry.org in the Spring.

New This Year!

Creative Cities Celebration

September 16 – November 11

A new event still in the works, YAC will be working with other UNESCO-designated Creative Cities across the globe to celebrate and highlight works from our sister cities.

Teen Spirit

November 17 – December 3

This exhibit is a partnership with local and regional high schools and homeschools for Grades 9 – 12. It is one of YAC’s largest shows of the year typically featuring 10 or more schools and 200-plus pieces of art. Every type of medium is represented and it is always a visitor favorite.

Affordable Art Show

December 7

Now a fundraising event for YAC, the goals of this show are to showcase work by artists living and working in and around Paducah. It also helps to reinforce to art appreciators and shoppers that art can be acceptable and affordable. This event is a big local draw bringing the City’s residents out to the gallery for a night

Wastelanders

December 15 – 31

A local group of working artists with wide support in the community culminated in a big New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31.

About YAC

The Yeiser Art Center (YAC), a non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status, was established in 1957 as the Paducah Art Guild to promote the appreciation of the visual arts and their creation. It started as a small volunteer organization with founding members Mary Yeiser, Ginny Black, and Bob Evans leading the way. Today, YAC has a permanent exhibition space that hosts seven shows annually and a permanent collection of over 300 works. The center offers visual art-based programming including educational classes for both children and adults, public gallery talks, and artist

Warming Meals

By Britt Allgood

Winter 2023 is upon us. Cold, blustery days with a little sunshine and sometimes rain or snow make me crave a hearty and hot meal. When these cravings hit, I look for something that will lift my spirits and flirt with my taste buds. Root vegetables, soups, stews, casseroles, or gratins all help me to shake off the winter blues.

Dinner tonight

As I’m writing, I’m also thinking about what to make for dinner. Some time ago, I found a Moroccan-inspired dish with chicken, green olives, chickpeas, and apricots but it didn’t have enough spice for my taste. I’ve made it many times since and keep tweaking the recipe to amplify the flavor - today I’m going to share it with you. I’ve also modified the cooking style to cut the cooking time down from about three hours to ninety minutes.

The dish is typically prepared in a Tagine or as a Tagine. Confused, well so was I until I found out that a Tagine is another word for stew but it is also the name of the crockery in which the dish is prepared. I happen to have a Tagine but if you don’t you can prepare it in a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottom ovenproof pan with a lid.

You can serve the tagine with many things based on your preference such as white or saffron rice, a green salad, a tomato and cucumber salad, couscous, or just bread. Moroccan food isn’t very vegetable oriented but we are, so there may be some broccoli or carrots on the menu tonight as well.

Soup for the week

Soups are always on the menu in our home in the winter. They can be a quick snack, lunch, or a first course for a meal. I’ve written about soups many times and some of our favorites are carrot, butternut and parsnip, and potato leek. I recently came across a Wild Rice and mushroom soup that made my mouth water and I’m going to make a pot this weekend.

The soup has two types of mushrooms coupled with the nutty flavor of wild rice. Due to a mislabeled bulk bin at Whole Foods, I have an abundance of wild rice. So I’m not only making a potentially delicious soup, but I’m clearing some of the clutter from my kitchen cupboard.

Stay warm, Live, Laugh, Love, and Eat Well my friends.

Wild Rice and Mushroom soup

Serves 6 to 8 Total time 1 hour 45 min

1/4 oz. dried shiitake mushrooms, rinsed

5 garlic cloves, peeled (1 whole and 4 minced)

1 sprig fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried

1 bay leaf

1 ½ tsp salt, divided

¼ tsp baking soda

1 cup wild rice, uncooked

4 cups water

4 TBSP unsalted butter

1 LB Cremini mushrooms, trimmed and sliced ¼ inch thick

1 onion, chopped fine

1 tsp tomato paste

1 tsp black pepper

2/3 cup dry sherry

4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 TBSP soy sauce

¼ cup cornstarch

½ cup heavy cream

¼ cup minced fresh chives

¼ teaspoon grated lemon zest

Preheat oven to 375° F with rack in the middle. Grind the shiitake mushrooms in a spice or clean coffee grinder until finely ground (should be about 3 TBSP).

Bring four cups of water, whole garlic clove, thyme, bay leaf, ¾ tsp salt, and baking soda to a boil in an oven-proof pot. Add rice and return to boil. Cover and transfer to the oven and bake until rice is tender, 35 to 50 minutes. Strain the rice through a fine mesh strainer, and set it over a container that will hold 4 cups. Discard the garlic, thyme sprig, and bay leaf, and set the rice aside. Add enough water to the reserved cooking liquid to measure 3 cups.

Melt butter in a Dutch oven over high heat. Add the cremini mushrooms, onion, tomato paste, pepper, minced garlic, and remaining ¾ tsp salt. Cook, stirring occasionally until vegetables are browned and dark liquid develops in the bottom of the pot, about 15 minutes. Stir in sherry and scrape up any brown bits and continue to cook until almost dry, about 2 minutes. Stir in the ground shiitake mushrooms, reserved rice cooking liquid, broth, and soy sauce, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until onion and mushrooms are tender, about 20 minutes.

Whisk cornstarch with ¼ cup water in a small bowl until cornstarch is dissolved. Stir cornstarch mixture into the soup, return to simmer, and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice, cream, chives, and lemon zest. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken with Apricots, Olives, and Almonds

Serves 4

Total time 90 minutes

3 pounds skinless, chicken thighs (or use boneless skinless cut into ½ inch cubes to make faster)

1 onion, cut into 1/2-inch wedges

2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 TBSP olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 bay leaf

1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth

One 15-ounce can of chickpeas, drained

3/4 cup green olives

3/4 cup dried Turkish apricots

1/2 cup sliced almonds

In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with the onion, cumin, ginger, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne, and season with salt and pepper. Heat Olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pan with a lid. When the oil is hot, transfer the chicken and onions to the pan and cook over high heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the bay leaf and chicken broth, chickpeas, olives, and apricots, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through and the apricots are plump about 1 hour. Remove the bay leaf and season the juices with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the almonds on a pie plate and toast for about 7 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden. Spoon the chicken and juices into shallow bowls, sprinkle with the toasted almonds and serve.

Fantastic Music and Free Student Tickets at the PSO

There are many reasons why people enjoy live classical music but did you know that the experience of going to an orchestral performance is especially powerful for children? Research has found that listening to live classical music evokes positive feelings. Early exposure to music is a must-have for young children and babies. Different genres at different ages will help kids develop a unique taste in music and even mold their persona.

Classical music has a unique richness and complexity, which can help children develop super-power listening skills. The instruments in the orchestra with their various sonorities and rhythmic capabilities can be layered and combined in endless ways to create huge varieties in texture and sound.

Another study found that classical music can help reduce stress, especially in children - regardless of the piece being played. 82 percent of children interviewed said they felt positive feelings during a live performance, with more than half of the group studied specifically feeling calm or relaxed while listening.

FREE Student Ticket Program

The Paducah Symphony Orchestra wants every child to have the opportunity to experience a live orchestral performance. With the PSO every student can come to a concert for FREE!

Students through grade 12 are eligible for a free ticket to a concert with the purchase of an adult ticket. College students receive $10 flat-rate tickets with a student ID. Please remember that seating is subject to availability. You can make your request through the PSO office, or by visiting the Carson Center Box Office between 6 - 7:15 pm on PSO concert nights. Call 270.444.0065 for details

There are three more exciting concerts you can attend in the 2022-23 season.

February 11, 2023

John

Williams

– From Stage to Screen

An ALL John Williams program featuring works for the symphony hall and many of the composer's most famous film scores. Matt Hightower joins the orchestra for Williams' popular tuba concerto.

March 11, 2023

Appalachian Spring

Maestro Ponti and your Paducah Symphony Orchestra welcome springtime with Copland's perennial favorite orchestral suite. Sirena Huang joins the orchestra for Dvorak's masterpiece for violin.

April 15, 2023

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

Experience the euphoric "Beethoven 9" with Maestro Ponti and your PSO. Easily one of the most powerful and influential pieces of classical music, the Ninth Symphony was composed by a completely deaf, frustrated, and depressed Beethoven. Despite this, the famous Ode to Joy in his final symphony is understood as a call for hope, peace, and goodwill across cultures everywhere.

Features the PSO Chorus, Paducah Singers, guest choirs, and soloists. 

Having a dog or cat means always having a friend by your side. Unfortunately, it could also mean having fleas, ticks, mites, intestinal parasites, and more to deal with! Some of these pesky bugs can cause your pet serious problems and can be transmitted to their human owners. These pests are largely preventable and treatable so be sure to visit your veterinarian and discuss prevention measures.

Fleas and Ticks

External parasites such as fleas and ticks can affect pets year-round and carry serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases. Just one flea can bite a pet more than 400 times per day! Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) is a reaction to the flea’s saliva in which itchy scabs and bumps develop, usually around the tail, groin, back-side, and neck. Discomfort and scratching can cause secondary bacterial Staph infections. Fleas also cause anemia and can give pets tapeworms when ingested.

Tick bites are commonly just as irritating as flea bites and they carry and transmit diseases, such as Lyme disease and Ehrlichia. Lyme disease results in severe muscle and joint pain that intensifies as time goes on. This can ultimately lead to crippling arthritis and lameness. Other complications include kidney failure and heart problems, and in some cases, they can be fatal. Ehrlichiosis is the second most common infectious disease in the US and more common in our area than Lyme disease. If left untreated, your dog can suffer symptoms of appetite loss, runny nose or eyes, and depression. It can even result in blindness, autoimmune diseases, bleeding complications, and death.

These diseases may be hidden in the early stages but routine annual testing can detect if your dog has contracted Lyme disease or Ehrlichiosis. Some parasites and diseases can also be transmitted to humans, so it is important to remember that parasite prevention and control not only keep your pet healthy but also protects you and your family.

What’s Bugging Your Pet?

Bites, bugs, and parasites

by LaNita Flanary – Flanary Veterinary Clinic

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites are a health issue in pets. Most puppies and kittens are born with worms and adult dogs and cats can easily acquire them. The most common worms are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Roundworms and hookworms live in the intestines of pets and are transmitted easily from one pet to another and from mother to baby. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. Heavy infections can be fatal to young puppies and kittens.

Whipworms are the leading cause of bloody diarrhea in dogs. They can sometimes be difficult to control as their eggs can remain hidden in the soil for up to seven years. Tapeworms are segmented worms that can be easily recognized by pet owners. The small rice-like segments are usually noticed in the stool or the hair around the pet’s anus. Most heartworm preventives will not treat or prevent tapeworms. A specific de-wormer is needed if a pet contracts tapeworms.

There are two ways pets get tapeworms: by ingesting a wild animal, such as a mouse or rabbit, or by ingesting a flea that is on the pet. Pets can be re-infected in just a few weeks after deworming. Treating all pets for fleas and discouraging them from eating prey are ways to prevent them from getting tapeworms.

Kittens and puppies should be dewormed by the veterinarian at an early age and then kept on a preventive program that treats and controls intestinal worms. Monthly heartworm medications will generally prevent a majority of worms, and getting a yearly fecal sample check can detect intestinal parasites.

Mosquitos!

Mosquito bites are itchy and painful for humans and just as miserable for your pet. It takes just one bite from a mosquito to give heartworms to your pet - a debilitating disease in your pet that is nearly always fatal if not treated.

Heartworm disease develops when a pet is bitten by a mosquito carrying microscopic heartworm larvae that eventually make their home in the heart and lung arteries. A pet that has been infected with heartworms won’t show signs of the disease for months or even years, however, as the disease develops and more heartworms are in the body common signs include, coughing, exercise intolerance, and difficulty breathing. Eventually, the disease if not treated leads to lung disease, heart failure, and even death. Treatment takes months to complete and can be very expensive!

However, there is good news. Preventatives are highly effective, safe, easy to use, only given once monthly, and relatively inexpensive. Most all heartworm preventatives also have the added health benefit of deworming for certain intestinal worms. These worms are also easy for your pet to acquire. Unfortunately, a recent study shows that nearly 50 percent of dog owners do not give heartworm preventatives because they do not “see” the heartworms nor understand the disease.

It is crucial to keep your pets free of parasites since they are a potential health hazard for humans, too. Take your veterinarian’s worming advice seriously and adhere to strict sanitation principles whenever children and pets are in close contact. Keeping your pet free of these parasites will not only make your pet healthier and happier, but it will also protect you and your family. 

Take a Southern Illinois Staycation

By Cassie Johnson

It’s time to plan for spring break and summer vacations. With prices of gas, hotels, and other expenses through the roof, planning an elaborate vacation may not be in your budget this year. We can help you plan an affordable staycation without forfeiting your family's fun.

Think about the stress factors alone in vacation planning. Driving for thirteen hours with cranky kiddos and stopping at every other exit because “I gotta go!” isn’t exactly relaxing. Not to mention the dreaded time change vs. toddler nap time battle. It’s hard to unwind if you’re worried about the airline losing your luggage or spending the equivalent of a mortgage payment for five days of airport parking.

Traveling close to home has never sounded so good!

Southern Illinois is just across the Ohio River, a short 10-minute drive from Paducah’s mall area. Explore the restaurants, shops, and pictureperfect views of the hidden local gems. You’re guaranteed to fall in love with the Land of Lincoln.

Shawnee Forest Country

Southern Illinois is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The Shawnee National Forest is a true treasure that covers much of southernmost Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.

“You could hike for a week and still have more to see! Enjoy a frontrow seat to 3,300 acres of natural beauty,” Carol Hoffman with the Shawnee Forest Country Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau told me.

Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing, and bird and nature watching. Wear sturdy, enclosed shoes, and don’t forget the bug spray! Take the free Shawnee Challenge to earn points towards redeeming prizes.

Garden of The Gods is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in southernmost Illinois. The Observation Trail is a .25-mile stone path crossing along the top of a cliff. You’ll find some of the most wellknown and unusual formations such as Camel Rock and Devil’s Smokestack. Hoffman encourages you to allow yourself plenty of time to watch a sunset here, as the views are breathtaking.

Rim Rock/Pounds Hollow recreational area is not as well known, but it offers two scenic trails that will leave you in awe. The less strenuous upper paved trail is better for young children and stroller accessibility. The lower dirt trail will give you the full wilderness experience. It leads past remnants built by prehistoric Native Americans, an observation platform with steps descending through massive rock formations, and narrow rock passageways via stone steps to the floor below. At the bottom, you will find an enormous rock overhang called Ox Lot Cave where 19th-century loggers kept their oxen and horses. Keep hiking to the beautiful 28-acre lake known as Pounds Hollow Lake or through massive sandstone canyons back to the top of the ridge.

Check out southernmostillinois.com or call 800.C.IT.HERE for your complete guide.

Cozy Cabins

Nothing says vacation like a cozy cabin or cottage. The Southern Illinois Cabins Association has your needs covered whether it’s for a house full of family or a small getaway. All independently and locally owned, each cabin is near the orchards, wineries, lakes, and hiking areas. The amenities vary for each cabin, but every cabin has its very own private hot tub!

“The owners of Southern Illinois Cabins Association take pride in their cabin retreats,” Jill Fager with Southern Illinois Cabins told me. “We offer clean and comfortable lodging near many fun and relaxing places to visit. Each owner has something unique to offer and you’re sure to find a cabin that’s perfect for you.”

Cabin on the Hill has a hobby farm and a 40-acre forest with a beautiful hiking trail. Woodland Cabins is beautifully set near a small

lake with cabins situated around it. Oak Grove and Devil's Kitchen Cabins are both in private, wooded areas. Cypress Grove Lodge is a larger unit that accommodates up to eight people. Cabin at Mt. Glenn is set on woods and pasture lands. Cabin on the Hill and Oak Grove both have a cabin that is pet friendly. You can find a link to each of the cabin’s websites at southernillinoiscabins.com.

Small Town Flavor

Small towns offer big fun and big flavors. Stop by hometown restaurants such as Sissy’s - A Sweet Shoppe in Metropolis. Enjoy a hearty breakfast sandwich or lunch paired with homemade cookies, pastries, and other specialty baked goods. The baristas have delicious coffee or tea for everyone in the family. Cool off anytime with homemade artisan ice cream.

“Food is one of the best parts about going out of town!” Josh Jones, co-owner of Sissy’s - A Sweet Shoppe told me. ”Try the locally owned restaurants where you visit. Each one has its style and flavors. A lot of them may use local produce, meat, and other products. Specialty menu items might have a neat backstory as to how it was named. Ask the employees what their favorites are and try something you may not find at another restaurant.”

Fantastic Finds Close to Home

Traveling close to home contributes to the local economy. Since the pandemic, the strain on small locally-owned businesses continues to grow. With all the money you’ve saved on travel expenses, you can get your retail therapy fix and still have money left over.

“You can find so many new, vintage, and even one-of-a-kind items in our local stores,” Emily Kerley, owner of Milkmaid Creations &

Antiques told me. “Our store names are unique to each one of us. A sign may mention words like vintage or antique, but don’t drive past us because antiques may not be your interest. Don’t judge a store by its name, because each one has so much to offer. Our name is a reflection of our passion and history, but you can find different items that you never thought you would find. You can establish relationships with local store owners and they can help you find that special piece you’re looking for.”

In Southern Illinois your adventure awaits! Our area is fortunate to have such a variety of local tourism opportunities. Enjoy the area’s hidden treasures without breaking the bank and remember to RELAX. 