Art Across Generations - Grandparents And Grandchildren Connect At Wiener Museum Of Decorative Arts South Florida Sun Times Aug 27, 2026 It’s Time For Arts Across Generations On Grandparents’ Day At The Wiener Museum Of Decorative Arts (WMODA) located At 3250 North 29th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33020 With Hands-On Creativity, Inspiration, And Family Connection. On Sunday, September 13th, 2026 From 10:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m., WMODA Is Offering Free Admission, This One Day Only. There Are Many Opportunities For Artistic Expression For All Ages To Share, Whether It’s Throwing Raw Clay, Stringing Glass Beads, Or Delving Into Engaging Scavenger Hunts. Ceramics And Glass Are “Fired Arts” And Families Can Create Lasting Memories With These Experiences. Throughout the day, guests can observe Resident Artist Mirela Popovici demonstrate the mesmerizing art of wheel-thrown pottery. For those eager for a more immersive experience on the wheel, Mirela is offering exclusive 30-minute mini-sessions for $30 each, giving lucky guests the chance to learn how to throw their own small bowl. Mirela will fire and glaze their “masterpiece” to collect from WMODA two weeks later. Artist Lori Brown leads a lively, hands-on beading workshop designed for guests eight years of age and up. This guided session invites family members to design, string, and assemble their own beaded bracelet, or other creation to wear or gift to a loved one. Guests can also drop by River of Glass and Light art project, inspired by Dale Chihuly’s iconic Macchia forms, to shape their own colorful paper sculptures. Registration: Museum admission is FREE this one day only! Mirela Popovici’s wheel-throwing mini sessions and Lori Brown’s beading sessions can be booked by emailing: events@wmoda.com . Or by calling the museum at: (954) 376-6690. About Wiener Museum Of Decorative Arts (WMODA): With over 3,000 works of art on display, WMODA features one of the world's largest collections of glass art by Dale Chihuly alongside other superstars of the American Studio Glass Movement. The ceramic art collection celebrates elegant British pottery such as Wedgwood and Royal Doulton and innovative European design movements including Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Spectacular ceramic art and design by Ardmore from South Africa is also a highlight of the collection. WMODA is more than a museum; it is a vital resource for artistic and creative exploration, offering many educational programs, classes, workshops and other events taking place year-round. WMODA is a NonProfit 501(c)3 Museum. WMODA is located at 3250 North 29th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33020. Hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $15 Adults, $12 Seniors, $5 Military and Students (with ID), Free for children five and under. Free parking. Wheelchair accessible. Groups invited. For more information, please call: (954) 376-6690. Or visit: www.wmoda.com . Celebrate Grandparents Day at the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts with a day dedicated to hands-on creativity, inspiration, and family connection. Celebrate Grandparents Day at the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts with a day dedicated to hands-on creativity, inspiration, and family connection. Previous Next

The New Abnormal: Authoritarian Control Freaks Want To Micromanage Our Lives By John & Nisha Whitehead October 5, 2023 Share Authoritarian control freaks out to micromanage our lives has become the new normal or, to be more accurate, the new abnormal when it comes to how the government relates to the citizenry. This overbearing despotism, which pre-dates the COVID-19 hysteria, is the very definition of a Nanny State, where government representatives (those elected and appointed to work for us) adopt the authoritarian notion that the government knows best and therefore must control, regulate and dictate almost everything about the citizenry’s public, private and professional lives. Indeed, it’s a dangerous time for anyone who still clings to the idea that freedom means the right to think for yourself and act responsibly according to your best judgment. This tug-of-war for control and sovereignty over our selves impacts almost every aspect of our lives, whether you’re talking about decisions relating to our health, our homes, how we raise our children, what we consume, what we drive, what we wear, how we spend our money, how we protect ourselves and our loved ones, and even who we associate with and what we think. You can’t even buy a stove, a dishwasher, a showerhead, a leaf blower, or a lightbulb anymore without running afoul of the Nanny State. In this way, under the guise of pseudo-benevolence, the government has meted out this bureaucratic tyranny in such a way as to nullify the inalienable rights of the individual and limit our choices to those few that the government deems safe enough. Yet limited choice is no choice at all. Likewise, regulated freedom is no freedom at all. Indeed, as a study by the Cato Institute concludes, for the average American, freedom has declined generally over the past 20 years. The overt signs of the despotism exercised by the increasingly authoritarian regime that passes itself off as the United States government (and its corporate partners in crime) are all around us. Yet as egregious as these incursions on our rights may be, it’s the endless, petty tyrannies that illustrate so clearly the degree to which “we the people” are viewed as incapable of common sense, moral judgment, fairness, and intelligence, not to mention lacking a basic understanding of how to stay alive, raise a family, or be part of a functioning community. When the dictates of petty bureaucrats carry greater weight than the individual rights of the citizenry, we’re in trouble, folks. Federal and State Governments have used the law as a bludgeon to litigate, legislate and micromanage our lives through overregulation and overcriminalization. Overregulation is just the other side of the coin to overcriminalization, that phenomenon in which everything is rendered illegal, and everyone becomes a lawbreaker. Yet while there are endless ways for the Nanny State to micromanage our lives, things become truly ominous when the government adopts mechanisms enabling it to monitor us for violations in order to enforce its many laws. Nanny State, meet the all-seeing, all-knowing Surveillance State and its sidekick, the muscle-flexing Police State. You see, in an age of overcriminalization—when the law is wielded like a hammer to force compliance to the government’s dictates, whatever they might be—you don’t have to do anything “wrong” to be fined, arrested or subjected to raids and seizures and surveillance. You just have to refuse to march in lockstep with the government. This is the Police State’s superpower: empowered by the Nanny State, it has been vested with the authority to make our lives a bureaucratic hell. Indeed, if you were unnerved by the rapid deterioration of privacy under the Surveillance State, prepare to be terrified by the surveillance matrix that will be ushered in by the Nanny State working in tandem with the Police State. The groundwork laid with COVID-19 is a prologue to what will become the Police State’s conquest of a new, relatively uncharted, frontier: inner space, specifically, the inner workings (genetic, biological, biometric, mental, emotional) of the human race. Consider how many more ways the government could “protect us” from ourselves under the guise of public health and safety. For instance, under the guise of public health and safety, the government could use Mental Health Care as a pretext for targeting and locking up dissidents, activists and anyone unfortunate enough to be placed on a government watch list. When combined with advances in mass surveillance technologies, artificial intelligence-powered programs that can track people by their biometrics and behavior, Mental Health sensor data (tracked by wearable data and monitored by government agencies such as HARPA), threat assessments, behavioral sensing warnings, precrime initiatives, red flag gun laws, and Mental Health First-Aid programs aimed at training gatekeepers to identify who might pose a threat to public safety, these preemptive Mental Health Programs could well signal a tipping point in the government’s efforts to penalize those engaging in so-called “thought crimes.” This is how it begins. On a daily basis, Americans are already relinquishing the most intimate details of who we are in order to navigate an increasingly technologically-enabled world. Having conditioned the population to the idea that being part of society is a privilege and not a right, such access could easily be predicated on Social Credit Scores, the worthiness of one’s political views, or the extent to which one is willing to comply with the government’s dictates, no matter what they might be. We should all be leery and afraid. All the government needs is proof of your law-breaking. They’ll get it, too. Whether it’s through the use of surveillance software such as ShadowDragon that allows Police to watch people’s Social Media activity, or technology that uses a home’s WiFi router and smart appliances to allow those on the outside to “see” throughout your home, it’s just a matter of time. At a time when the government has a growing list—shared with fusion centers and Law Enforcement Agencies—of ideologies, behaviors, affiliations and other characteristics that could flag someone as suspicious and result in their being labeled potential enemies of the state, it won’t take much for any of us to be considered outlaws or terrorists. In an age of overcriminalization, you’re already a criminal. After all, the government likes to use the words “anti-government,” “extremist” and “terrorist” interchangeably. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, at some point, being an individualist will be considered as dangerous as being a terrorist. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead's Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org < Previous News Next News >

A Significant Milestone: The First Mixed-Use Development In Hallandale Beach Is Moving Into The Sky Thu Jul 11 2024 16:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

TANGO APASIONADO: A Sensational Fusion Of Ballet And Tango Coming To Aventura Thu Aug 22 2024 16:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hallandale Beach State Of The City Part 4 By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Sep 17, 2026 Last Week Was Part 3 Of My State Of The City Address Hosted By The Hallandale Beach Chamber Of Commerce. This Week In Part 4, Let's Talk About Flooding & Resiliency- Preparing For The Water. There will be flooding. That is an uncomfortable statement, but it is an important one. We cannot engineer our way out of every extreme weather event. We have experienced storms capable of dropping extraordinary amounts of rain in less than 24 hours. No drainage system can guarantee that every street will remain dry under every circumstance. Think of the first hurricane that creates a 10-foot surge. What we can do is prepare. Last year, I updated you on the steps we have taken to address these emergencies. We have reevaluated our entire emergency response systems and protocols. These protocols include all types of events, from storms and mass-casualty incidents to cyberattacks, not just weather events. Not only did we reevaluate we expended money to make sure that we have an Emergency Notification System for floods, but we also have high-water rescue vehicles and a multitude of other resources to help our community through emergencies. I'm extremely proud to say that our Staff continues to do an excellent job of keeping us safe. As South Floridians, we understand hurricane preparedness. We focus on shutters, impact windows, generators, and roofs. But increasingly, we must think about water. As a Former Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Water Council, I have spoken nationally about these issues. My greatest concern has always been flooding. King Tides have become more noticeable. Extreme rainfall events are becoming more disruptive. And addressing flooding isn't simply about installing another pump. It means drainage. It means pumping capacity. It means seawalls. It also means helping homeowners and businesses understand how to make their properties more resilient. There are now products and programs for waterproofing. In fact, just this July a new state law that waives all permitting fees core these types of improvements was just implemented. Hallandale Beach, due to my request, is now part of A1A regional resiliency projects. Water doesn’t recognize city boundaries. The Project is being implemented by the Florida Department of Transportation in partnership with Broward County, Hollywood, and Hallandale Beach. Our neighbors have faced similar challenges. Hollywood and Dania Beach have experienced significant flooding in areas surrounding A1A and their waterways. These projects take years to plan and implement and are expensive. Vital and also necessary to sustain our economy. National lending agencies are looking at cities and evaluating if they're taking measures to invest in resiliency. Without these types of programs projects in the pipeline, it directly impacts our economy. Hallandale Beach cannot solve regional flooding alone. Water coming from surrounding communities ultimately affects us, which is why cooperation with Hollywood, Broward County, FDOT and our other regional partners is so important. Two years ago, I talked about beginning what I called our "Year of the Shovel." Today, approximately $330 Million in projects are underway throughout the city. For those of you who live or work here, sometimes it feels like there is construction on every street. I understand the frustration. But we aren't tearing up Hallandale Beach to tear it up. We are rebuilding Infrastructure that must serve this city for decades to come. Our drainage planning includes connecting Existing Pumping Infrastructure while identifying areas where additional pumping capacity will be necessary. Residents understandably wanted these improvements yesterday. But resilience requires tremendous investment and takes time. That does not mean we wait to address problem areas. We continue implementing targeted improvements and projects throughout the city while the larger systems are being designed. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our city a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at: MayorJoyCooperHB. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

Yizkor: Remembering Those Who Made Us Who We Are By Rabbi Moishe Kievman Chabad Chayil Sep 17, 2026 Yom Kippur Is The Holiest Day Of The Jewish Year. It Is A Day When We Step Away From The Distractions Of Everyday Life And Think About The Things That Truly Matter: Our Relationship With G-D, The Choices We Have Made, The People We Love, And The Kind Of Person We Want To Become. And in the middle of this sacred day, we stop to remember. Yizkor. The word Yizkor means “ May He remember. ” During this special prayer, we ask G-d to remember the souls of our parents and loved ones who are no longer physically with us. But Yizkor is also about us remembering them . We remember a mother’s warmth. A father’s advice. A grandparent’s stories. A spouse, sibling, relative, or dear friend whose presence helped shape our lives. Sometimes it is a particular expression we can still hear in our minds. Sometimes it is a recipe, a melody, a holiday tradition, or a lesson they taught us without ever putting it into words. Judaism teaches that a soul does not simply disappear when a person passes away. The connection continues. The love continues. And perhaps most importantly, their impact continues through us . Every mitzvah we perform because of something they taught us, every act of kindness inspired by their example, and every Jewish tradition we pass along to another generation becomes part of their legacy. That is why Yizkor traditionally includes a commitment to give tzedakah in the merit of the departed. We don't only remember with our hearts. We turn memory or physical commitment of helping others into action. There is something especially meaningful about saying Yizkor on Yom Kippur. On this day, when we ask G-d to look beyond our shortcomings and see the goodness within us, we remember those who came before us. We recognize that we did not arrive here alone. We are part of a chain. Our parents and grandparents carried Jewish faith, values, traditions, and sacrifice before us. Now those treasures have been placed into our hands. Perhaps the greatest tribute we can give them is not simply to remember how they lived, but to make sure that what they lived for continues to live through us. Light a Shabbat candle. Put on Tefillin. Give a little more tzedakah. Attend a Torah class. Bring your children or grandchildren to shul. Call someone who is lonely. Forgive someone. Add one more mitzvah. In that way, memory becomes something alive. This Yom Kippur, I encourage you to join your local synagogue or Chabad for this sacred and meaningful short prayer. Of course, Chabad Chayil warmly invites the entire Jewish community to join us for Yizkor Memorial Services. There is no charge to attend , and no membership or prior affiliation is necessary. Everyone is welcome. Monday, September 21 at 1:00 PM AWK-8 Center , which is the Public School directly across the street from Chabad Chayil 2601 NE 211 Terrace, Miami, FL 33180 If you have lost a parent or another loved one, come spend these sacred moments remembering them together with your community. And even if it has been many years since you have stepped into a synagogue—or you are not sure exactly what to say or do—please come. Yizkor isn't about how familiar you are with the prayer book. It is about remembering someone who mattered. For security purposes, advance registration is appreciated at: ChabadChayil.org/High-Holidays . If you are unable to attend in person, fill out the form at: ChabadChayil.org/YizkorForm and we’ll have it done on your behalf. You can also learn about the meaning of Yizkor, access the prayers, and find inspiration at: ChabadChayil.org/YizkorForm . May the memories of our loved ones inspire us to live more meaningful Jewish lives, and may the mitzvot we perform in their merit bring an aliyah —an elevation—to their precious souls. May we all be sealed for a good, sweet, healthy and peaceful year. About the author: Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the Rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at: (305) 770-1919. Or: rabbi@ChabadChayil.org . You can also support the community with your partnership at: ChabadChayil.org/Partner . Previous Next

Understanding Feline Diabetes Mellitus: Causes, Diagnosis, And Management South Florida Sun Times Aug 6, 2026 When A Cat Starts Emptying Their Water Bowl Faster Than Usual Or Making More Frequent Trips To The Litter Box, Owners May Chalk It Up To Aging. But Subtle Changes In Thirst, Appetite, And Weight Can Be Early Warning Signs Of Feline Diabetes. While Diabetes Mellitus (DM) — a condition where the body does not handle Blood Sugar correctly — was once thought of primarily as a human health concern, it is becoming increasingly common in cats, who, like humans, may require lifelong medical care to manage their condition. As such, it is important to diagnose DM early so that it does not progress into Ketoacidosis (DKA) or other health complications, according to Dr. Andrew Bugbee, a Clinical Associate Professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Because prevention, early recognition, and timely diagnosis are critical for cats’ long-term health, Bugbee explains how Feline Diabetes can be identified and managed. Recognizing Feline Diabetes Similar to Type 2 Diabetes in humans, Feline DM occurs when a cat either does not produce enough Insulin or its body does not respond properly to the Insulin it does produce. As a result, Blood Sugar remains too high instead of being used by the body' s cells for energy. “Excess body weight or Obesity is the highest risk factor for development of DM,” Bugbee said. “Overweight cats have four times the risk to develop DM than a healthy weight cat.” Even with this elevated risk, the earliest signs of Feline Diabetes are often easy for owners to miss, with the most common signs including: • Unexplained weight loss • A dry or lusterless haircoat • Increased appetite • Increased thirst • Increased urination frequency “Owners often overlook slow, mild changes in drinking and urination,” Bugbee said. “They usually do not recognize a problem until they notice accidents outside the litter box or water bowls and litter boxes needing frequent refills or cleanings.” Recurring infections — including skin, ear, or urinary tract infections — may also suggest a condition like DM is present. “Some cats develop a neurologic condition called Diabetic Neuropathy in their back legs,” Bugbee said. “They appear to walk abnormally, with their weight on their ankles — known as dropped hocks — as opposed to just on the paw pads. This posture may not be obvious to pet owners at home; however, owners may notice that their cat is no longer able to jump onto things and/or may have difficulty using stairs.” Signs of DM may develop slowly and, as a result, may not be obvious to pet owners; however, cats who are in the early stages of developing Diabetes may be detected during routine health visits or annual exams, emphasizing the importance of regular veterinary evaluations. How Diabetes Is Diagnosed If a veterinarian suspects DM based on clinical signs and physical exam findings, a diagnosis is confirmed through blood work and urine testing. “After a cat is diagnosed with Diabetes, it is important to screen for any other health conditions that may cause Insulin Resistance and interfere with a cat’s response to treatment,” Bugbee said. Factors such as genetics, medications, or preexisting diseases can disrupt Insulin regulation. Because High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) and loss of Glucose in the urine can occur in stressed, healthy cats (where DM is not present), confirmatory testing — such as Serum Fructosamine or HbA1c Concentration — are conducted by the veterinarian to diagnose DM, Bugbee said. These simple blood tests are used to prove the cat has persistent High Blood Sugar levels, even when in a non-stressed environment, like their home. “Once a veterinarian confirms a DM diagnosis, treatment is started and, often, there is discussion on ways to reverse any other specific factors that could negatively impact the cat’s ability to respond effectively to therapy,” Bugbee said. Treating Feline Diabetes Several medication options are available to lower Blood Glucose in cats diagnosed with DM. Insulin remains the most common treatment for Feline Diabetes and is typically given once or twice a day, based on a veterinarian’s recommendation. “A new drug class of Oral Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SLGT2) Inhibitors — Bexacat (oral tablet) and Senvelgo (oral solution) — was approved as an alternative to Insulin injections for DM management,” Bugbee said. According to Bugbee, these drugs work by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing Glucose back into the body, allowing excess Glucose to be excreted in the urine. Cats that may be candidates for these medications are: • Newly diagnosed with DM • Have not been treated with Insulin for a prolonged time • Otherwise healthy, without evidence of significant organ dysfunction • Little to no Blood Ketones “Monitoring a cat’s response to treatment and Blood Glucose levels helps determine the appropriate dose and keep the Diabetes under control over time,” Bugbee said. “Not all cats respond well to therapy and many require periodic changes to their drug dose and/or need to transition to another treatment if not responding well.” Veterinarians often rely both on the pet owner's interpretation of how well- or poorly controlled their pet's Diabetic clinical signs are at home and on other tools (such as changes in body weight, Blood Glucose curves, Serum Fructosamine, and/or Blood Ketone concentrations) to guide treatment changes and maintain appropriate control of the cat's DM. Advice for Owners Regular veterinary appointments are critical for ensuring cats remain healthy and to minimize risk of complications, such as low Blood Sugar or a progression into Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication that often requires hospitalization and intensive care to resolve. “The longer DM is present without treatment, the higher the risk for severe complications to develop,” Bugbee said. “Cats that have just been diagnosed with DM, achieve an ideal body weight, and have their Blood Glucose rapidly controlled with treatment have the highest chance of entering what is called Diabetic Remission. Remission means a cat regains the ability to make enough Insulin on its own that it can come off of treatments, like Insulin or SGLT2 Inhibitors.” Remission usually occurs in newly diagnosed Diabetic cats within one to 10 months of diagnosis. “Reported rates of remission in the United States are around 30%, so around 1 in 3 newly Diabetic cats may be able to come off of their DM medication,” Bugbee said. Cats who develop Diabetes can live comfortably with their condition for the rest of their lives, and for some, remission is possible. But prevention is key — dietary therapy, addressing Obesity, calorie restriction, and exercise are the best proactive ways to ensure your cat lives a happy, healthy life, free of the risk of DM. To learn more about the new Diabetes Mellitus treatments and management recommendations, the American Animal Hospital Association recently released 2026 AAHA Feline Diabetes Management Guidelines for Cats, written by Dr. Bugbee and his VMBS colleague Dr. Audrey Cook. Previous Next

Oasis Hallandale Beach Residential Towers Breaks Ground: New Luxury Development Marks The First Mixed-Use Project Of Its Kind In Hallandale Beach May 31, 2023 Share MGM Construction Group, a South Florida-based Commercial and Residential Construction Firm, announced last week that it has broken ground on Phase 3 of the Oasis Hallandale Project, a new luxury development in Hallandale Beach. Serving as the General Contractor for the Multimillion Dollar Project, MGM Construction Group will build the two-tower Mixed-Use Asset, spanning 1,448,000 square feet, with total completion slated for 2026. Phase 1 of the project has already been completed and Phase 2 is nearly finished. The Commercial and Residential Construction Firm is also close to completing construction for NINE Hollywood, a 12-Story Podium Style Apartment Complex in Hollywood, by the end of 2023. MGM’s Oasis Hallandale Project, located at 1000 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009, will offer two 25-Story East and West Towers, comprising a total of 500 Luxury Condominium Units. Each tower will boast contemporary floor plans with One, Two and Three Bedroom Residences, ranging from $580,000 up to $3.5 Million. The development will also feature expansive Office Spaces and various Dining Options, creating a true “live, work, play” Destination for residents and visitors alike. The milestone was celebrated with a Groundbreaking Ceremony on Thursday, April 6th, 2023 at the site. At the event, the developers and MGM Construction Group gathered with supporters, philanthropists, partners, potential buyers, and community leaders to commemorate the start of construction. Noteworthy Attendees included: Marcel Fernandez, President of MGM Construction Group; Maria Alejandra Fermin, Vice President of MGM Construction Group; Steve Geller, Commissioner for District 5 of Broward County; Bernardo Fort Brescia, Founder of Arquitectonica and representatives from Domus Aurea Interiors, the Interior Design vision behind the project. Guests enjoyed inspiring remarks from Mr. Fort Brescia and Commissioner Geller, followed by dedicated time to network. “This project is truly unlike anything else in the area, offering Residences, Office Spaces, Restaurants, a Grocery/Market and more. Everything a resident would want is only a few steps from their home.” said Marcel Fernandez, President of MGM Construction Group. “We are blessed to be involved and look forward to bringing the Developer’s vision for this project to life.” Once complete, Oasis Hallandale will offer an eye-catching Exterior Facade by Arquitectonica, as well as a Modern Indoor/Outdoor Design Aesthetic that is signature to South Florida. Each Residence will be equipped with floor to ceiling glass windows and sliding doors, allowing for ample natural light and uninterrupted ocean views. For more, visit the sales gallery located at 1000 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. Or visit: https://hallandaleoasis.com/ < Previous News Next News >

When Hearing Hurts - Managing Middle Ear Problems In Flat-Faced Dog Breeds South Florida Sun Times Jul 3, 2025 From Their Adorable Snort To Bulging Eyes And Ever Endearing Waddle, Smush-Faced Dogs Are Increasing In Popularity Due To Their Cuteness And Fun-Loving Personalities. In Fact, French Bulldogs Have Recently Become The Most Popular Dog Breed In The United States, According To The American Kennel Club. However, the same physical differences that make these pets adorable are also a catalyst for several ear-related issues. Dr. Christina Gentry, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, provides insight into why brachycephalic, or smush-faced, dog breeds may develop ear problems and how they can be treated. Unique Anatomy Brachycephalic directly translates to “short-headed” and is the term used to describe adorable, flat-faced dog breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers, and Shih Tzus. To match their cuteness factor is a hefty list of health-related concerns that owners must be aware of when shouldering the responsibility of a brachycephalic dog’s care. According to Gentry, these breeds generally have narrower ear canals than dogs with normally proportioned faces, meaning their ear canals tend to taper at the bottom. “This tapered shape can trap bacteria (and ear wax) toward the bottom, which, in some cases, can allow that bacteria to break through the eardrum and then go into the middle ear cavity,” Gentry said. “The short face and more rounded head leads to a slight change in position of the middle ear, making these conditions more common in these breeds.” Bacteria that enters the middle ear cavity either through the eardrum or from an upper respiratory infection can cause a condition known as middle ear disease, or an infection of the middle ear. "In these breeds, an infection in the middle ear cavity worries me because their middle ear is very close to their cute little brains,” Gentry said. “We don’t want an infection to spread." Another condition that is a particularly high risk for these breeds is middle ear effusion (MEE), or the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear cavity. “When their Eustachian tube gets closed, either from a respiratory infection or from just anatomical differences that we see in these smush-faced dogs, the normal, small amounts of fluid that your middle ear makes can’t exit; they just build up over time,” Gentry said. Dizzying Changes Whether from middle ear infection or MEE, problems in the middle ear can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Because several important nerves run closely along the middle ear cavity, dogs with these conditions may develop nausea and dizziness. If not recognized and properly handled as soon as possible, middle ear conditions can also cause other symptoms, including: Balance issues A head tilt Changes in eye movement Facial nerve paralysis (inability to blink) “Without the ability to blink, if the disease lingers, these dogs can develop really bad eye ulcers and will have to see an ophthalmologist," Gentry said. “I've had patients lose eyes because the ulcer has gotten so bad because they couldn't blink.” Remaining Cautious When dealing with problems within the middle ear, Gentry notes that early detection is key. She recommends proceeding with the utmost caution and specifies that any sign of an ear infection — even a mild abnormal head tilt in a smooshy-faced dog — should prompt owners to seek a veterinarian, who commonly treats these infections with medication. However, some flat-faced pets that experience a serious case of middle ear disease may require surgery and could potentially even lose an ear canal. Fortunately, this does not significantly impact their ability to live a normal life. While the cautionary tales that come with owning brachycephalic breeds should not be skimmed over, they also shouldn’t be a deterrent for owning these adorable dogs. With some extra time and attention, owners can make sure that their smush-faced pets live long, happy lives. Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk . Suggestions for future topics may be directed to: vmbs-editor@tamu.edu . Previous Next

Jet Set Your Life: The Art Of Budget Friendly Travel May 11, 2023 Share Spring's long-awaited arrival brings much anticipation for the activities that come along with more sunlight and warmer weather. There's a contagious eagerness to take more trips, stay longer, and go bigger. People are recognizing the value in travel experiences again, locking in travel plans earlier and planning vacations further out into the next calendar year. And, with business travel resuming there may be a renewed desire to tack on a few days to a trip to explore a new destination. Whether you're traveling solo or with a group, there are many ways to stay within a predetermined budget. In fact, just by being an AARP Member, doors open to a wide range of benefits and discounts that can help you plan an affordable trip without compromising on the experience - whether it's for spring or summer break to a weekend getaway or road trip. "The good news for AARP members is the member benefits program offers a variety of discounts not only in the U.S., but across the globe," said Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, travel expert, www.JetSetSarah.com "These discounts and other perks make all aspects of travel planning possible without going over your budget." Pinpoint Your Destination Deciding on a location that's perfect for you and your travel companions is no easy feat. It's best to start with identifying why you are traveling. Are you looking to relax and get a break? Or are you looking to discover and explore different cultures? Here are some top factors to consider that can help in planning: • How many days are you taking off for your trip? Pro tip: factor in time for travel day(s). • Do you have a passport or is domestic travel your preference? • What type of activities do you like? Beach or mountains? Hiking or sailing? Shopping and sightseeing? • What are your budget parameters? Pro tip: Distance doesn't always mean more expensive. Some destinations mean higher airfare, but the lower day-to-day costs balance it out. Securing Budget-Friendly Lodging Finding appropriate accommodations for your interests, travel style and your budget is just as important as choosing the destination for your trip. After long days of sightseeing, swimming, hiking, shopping, or exploring a new or familiar city or beach town, you'll want a safe, clean, comfortable place to relax and unwind. There's strength in numbers - AARP members can choose from one of the 2,900 Holiday Inn Express locations worldwide. Members can also choose from over 900 La Quinta® by Wyndham hotels in the U.S. and Canada and receive 10% OFF the best available rates. AARP members staying at Best Western can save 5% or more off the best available rate and earn 10% more bonus points per stay by joining Best Western Rewards® for AARP members. Headed to a Hilton? AARP Members save up to 10% OFF the best available rate, with late checkout until 2:00 p.m., when available. Plus, members can use these benefits at any one of 19 brands within Hilton's Portfolio, including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, and more. Managing Your Transportation Nothing ruins a good road trip more than car troubles. Before you hit the open road or even during, AARP Members can take advantage of discounted auto services from Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeSM and Allstate Roadside. With Valvoline, members can save 15% OFF Drive-Thru, stay-in-your-car oil changes - including a free 18-point safety check*. The discount also applies toward preventive maintenance services like radiator, transmission and differential services, air filter or wiper blade replacements. You'll be able to start your journey with peace of mind, knowing your car is in tip top shape. Hopefully your trip is smooth sailing from the start, but if you hit a bump in the road, Allstate Roadside plans provide you with up to 20% OFF on an Annual Membership including Roadside Assist and Roadside Elite. Plus, your benefits include 24/7 towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more. If you don't want to put miles on your personal vehicle, renting a car is a good option. AARP Members can take advantage of up to 30% OFF base rates with Avis or Budget and a 3% credit to use on other rentals within 12 months. Plus, you get an upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability), and an additional driver at no cost and more. Driving one-way from the Southeast to Northeast? For a limited time, you can also enjoy great deals on daily and weekly rates! Hassle-Free Planning Assistance Planning is a snap with the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia, a one-stop shop where you can book flights, hotels, rental cars and more. AARP Members can also earn a $50 Gift Card of their choice when they book any flight vacation package, which can be redeemed at popular retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, and more! Pack Smartly Packing smartly for vacation could be considered its own art form and doing it strategically can prevent needless extra spending. Consider details such as weather, planned activities, access to a laundry room, and necessities like toiletries, sunscreen and bug spray. Write out a list and then lay the items out a week before travel. Remember that you can re-wear a few pairs of shorts or pants to save on packing space. No matter where you go this year, don't forget to optimize your travels by taking advantage of the benefits and savings available to AARP Members, and visit: https://www.aarp.org/travel/ AARP Member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details. *Applies only to accessible/applicable items. At participating locations. < Previous News Next News >

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