Local News

Summer heat: Signs your dog may be dehydrated

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Tuesday, 09 July 2024

Written by Staff Report

Water is essential for mammals' bodies to operate at peak capacity. The American Kennel Club says water is necessary to lubricate joints, facilitate digestion, regulate body temperature, and cushion internal organs, among many other functions. Similar to humans, pets that fail to consume enough water can face dire consequences.
Dehydration is a medical term for when the body has lost more fluid than it has taken in. Dehydration can occur at any time, but it is even more common during the warm weather months. Dogs quickly can become very sick from dehydration. That is why every pet owner should learn how to recognize the symptoms of dehydration in their dogs.
The Veterinary Emergency Group says symptoms of mild dehydration can include:
• Dry nose, although this also can be a signal of other problems, like fever.
• Excessive drooling occurs as the dog tries to cool down its body.
• A dehydrated dog can exhibit signs of fatigue, including a reluctance to move around much.
• Sticky gums
As the dog becomes more dehydrated, the following symptoms can develop:
• Loss of elasticity of the skin.
• Loss of appetite.
• Thickening of the dog's saliva.
• Gums may go from sticky to dry.
• Excessive panting may begin.
• Vomiting or diarrhea also may occur.
• Dehydration causes the body to redistribute fluid lost, and fluid may be pulled from the eyes, causing the eyes to appear sunken.
If a dog appears to be dehydrated, you can start offering small amounts of water to slowly rehydrate the animal, says Northeast Veterinary Referral Hospital. It's important to call the veterinarian and get further advice regarding how to address dehydration. Some vets may suggest offering an electrolyte-enhanced fluid like Pedialyte so electrolyte loss does not affect organs. The vet may want you to come into the office so the dog can receive intravenous fluids, says the American Kennel Club.
The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it in the first place. Provide dogs with a constant supply of clean, clear water at all times. The amount of water needs to increase if the dog is spending time outdoors in hot weather or exercising.
Cats also are prone to dehydration and can exhibit the same symptoms as dogs. So cat owners also must be diligent in checking for dehydration symptoms in their pets.

5 athletes to keep an eye on at this summer's Olympics

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Tuesday, 09 July 2024

Written by Staff Report

Sports fans across the globe will be glued to their televisions this summer when the historic city of Paris hosts the Olympic Games. Beginning with the Opening Ceremony on July 26, the 2024 Olympic Games is sure to feature awe-inspiring athletic accomplishments that mark the culmination of years of hard work on the part of competitors.
Once the games commence, fans can keep an eye out for these five notable athletes who figure to put their stamp on this summer's competitions.
1. Simone Biles: Few athletes at this summer's Games are as recognizable as American gymnast Simone Biles. Biles's accomplishments are already too numerous to mention, but the 27-year-old can pad her legacy even further by earning just one more medal this summer in Paris.
Should she accomplish that feat, Biles will have earned more Olympic medals than any American gymnast in the history of the Games.
2. Daiki Hashimoto: A two-time gold medal winner at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo (which were held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Hashimoto, who will turn 23 during this summer's Games, will be seen as the athlete to beat in men's gymnastics.
Hashimoto is a four-time world champion, and NBC Sports notes three of those titles were earned in 2023.
3. LeBron James: The National Basketball Association's all-time leading scorer is no stranger to the Olympic Games, but the 39-year-old James has not played on the Olympic stage since 2012.
Over the last several years, James made no secret of his desire to return to Olympic competition, suggesting this summer's Games will be the last time to see arguably the greatest player of all time compete at this level.
4. Leon Marchand: Born in Toulouse, France, in 2002, Marchand figures to be the center of attention this summer. Some suggest Marchand could put on a performance not unlike his fellow swimmer Michael Phelps' efforts in the pool years ago, as the Frenchman is coached by Bob Bowman at Arizona State University.
Bowman famously coached Phelps during his time at the University of Michigan and beyond, and swimming fans will be curious to see how the hometown hero Marchand performs in the pools of Paris this summer.
5. Summer McIntosh: The pride of Canada made a name for herself at the tender age of 14 during the 2020 Games, where she was the youngest athlete named to the Canadian team.
McIntosh finished fourth in the 400-meter freestyle in Tokyo, narrowly missing a medal in that event but still breaking the Canadian national record. Now a seasoned 17-year-old, McIntosh returns to the Olympic stage this summer.
The Summer Olympics return this summer in Paris, and many talented, exciting athletes figure to make this year's competitions as exciting as ever.

Mini Price opens at Cross Creek Mall

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Tuesday, 09 July 2024

Written by Lisa Stevens

Yusef Hamode, the owner of the recently opened Mini Price store at Cross Creek Mall in Fayetteville, is confident that this unique department store will be a game-changer in the local community. Offering a diverse selection of electronics, organic groceries, home decor, beauty products, kids and baby items, and much more, Mini Price caters to all ages and has something for everyone.
"We sell a little bit of everything," Hamode states, ensuring that customers will find what they need. Located next to Belk's in the Cross Creek Mall, this new addition to the Fayetteville community is poised to become a must-visit destination for shoppers in the area.
To celebrate the store's opening, Mini Price will offer discounts throughout. Hamode, who previously owned a different department store in New York City, is committed to providing exceptional customer service and guaranteed lower prices. Recognizing the financial struggles that many families face due to rising food and merchandise prices, Hamode is dedicated to keeping costs down.
"We are trying to make a good addition to the community,"
Hamode says, and with the wide range of products and unbeatable deals, it's clear that Mini Price is set to become a game-changer in Fayetteville. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to save on groceries and other items – head to the store soon to experience the difference.
To thank those who serve or served our country, special discounts are offered to active servicemen and veterans. Students, media employees, and Cross Creek Mall employees can also enjoy special discounts. Come and see what Mini Price has to offer you and your family! (Photo by Lisa Stevens)

Getting down to business: Cooking4Fitness

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Tuesday, 09 July 2024

Written by Staff Report

Tell us about yourself and your business.
Hello, I'm April Perton, a former military spouse with a global footprint living in various locations worldwide. While Fayetteville may not be my native home, it has become a significant part of my story. In addition to my diverse experiences, I'm a proud mother with one daughter currently navigating the college journey. My household is complete with the delightful presence of two amazing dogs, adding joy and companionship to my life. Through my journey, I've embraced the richness of different cultures and now find fulfillment in the unique community of Fayetteville.
Cooking4Fitness is located in Downtown Fayetteville, steps from the Market Square at 130 Bow St. Our hours are based on private bookings and or events that are posted on our website: www.cooking4fitness.com; @Cooking4Fitness, LLC on Facebook.
Please tell the readers about your educational background and the careers you have held/professional life.
I have a bachelor's in business management, fitness certifications for over 10 years and several educational certificates in health and wellness, including becoming a nutritionist with Food Saved Me Institute. I spent over 20 years in IT at BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia, working overseas and within the US, before retiring early.
Transitioning to health and wellness, I became a fitness instructor for military families in several military bases, including Fort Liberty. I moved to Fayetteville in 2016 and founded Cooking4Fitness in 2017. Our mission is simple: bring healthier cooking back home. We aim to inspire families in the community to make healthier choices regarding their meals and overall well-being. Being a "cooking coach" nutritionist has become my love to help everyone love cooking just as much as we
love eating.
Did you have mentors or people who inspired you in your work?
Many inspiring individuals have led me to this career path, including my parents and sister, who have worked in a hospital for more than 10 years. My mother's strength to overcome breast cancer twice and the strength of my "local" mom, Ouida Heilman, who is from right here in Fayetteville, inspire me. Awareness of cancer and other health diseases is important for us all to be aware of. Leading healthier lifestyles and attending workshops are ways that everyone can get the information and learn.
What is your position in the business?
I'm the proud owner of Cooking4Fitness, a company with an incredible team of cooking coaches. Our diverse group includes mothers, teachers and RN professionals, all passionate about hosting and educating the community.
At Cooking4Fitness, we go beyond traditional workshops. Our role extends to conducting teambuilding sessions for small businesses, collaborating with military groups, and offering personalized sessions for individual families. We believe in more than just workshops; we like to say, "We change lives."
As the business owner, I proudly lead a team of amazing partners. I hesitate to call them employees because, to us, it's not just a job — it's a shared mission. Together, we are a passionate group of five cooking coaches dedicated to spreading the message of healthy cooking and lifestyle choices. Our collaborative efforts go beyond a traditional employer-employee dynamic; we are a team united in our commitment to empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and skills to lead healthier lives through mindful eating and cooking practices.
What is unique about the business?
Our company is not just about cooking; it's a unique blend of culinary expertise and essential kitchen education. We go beyond recipes, delving into the safety aspects of our kitchens. From understanding the contents of our refrigerators to examining the potential effects of cooking materials on our food, we provide comprehensive educational information. Our goal is to empower individuals with knowledge about the entire food preparation process, ensuring delicious, safe and healthy meals for the families we reach.
What inspired you to start this business?
The inspiration behind Cooking4Fitness goes beyond my personal experiences; it stems from witnessing the impact of health issues, particularly cancer, within my own family. Observing numerous families grappling with health challenges such as heart disease, weight problems and diabetes, I realized that many of these issues were linked to a lack of understanding or misinformation about food. This realization fueled my commitment to make a difference through our company, advocating for healthier eating habits to positively impact lives and prevent such health issues in the community.
What makes your job and business exciting and fun?
The true measure of success for Cooking4Fitness lies in our impact on families. If we can shift the perspective of just one family towards the importance of cooking healthier, steering them away from constant reliance on eating out, and guiding them back to the tradition of preparing meals together at home, then we've achieved something significant.

Can you share any stories or highlights from your work?
Over the past six years in Fayetteville, Cooking4Fitness has had the privilege of stepping into countless homes and working with diverse groups, emphasizing the significance of cooking healthier. Whether it's an intimate session highlighting the ease of home cooking or collaborating with larger groups, we've had special moments with over 1,000 individuals. Our journey is not just about teaching recipes; it's about sharing our passion for cooking and fostering a love for preparing wholesome meals at home. And with enthusiasm undiminished, we look forward to continuing this journey, reaching even more individuals and making a lasting impact on their approach to healthier living through cooking.
We have a host of workshops, from Food Addiction 911 to African American Nutrition, and offer complementary at-home presentations in which we will walk the families through grocery shopping and cooking. We also share necessary products for a healthier kitchen and educate the community on what's in their kitchens.
Do you have events?
We host at least one open house monthly and at least two to three workshops at our office and throughout the community. Families can call us to schedule their date and time for a class. Businesses can contact us for Lunch and Learn sessions for their staff or even schedule teambuilding in our office.
Do you have plans to expand or offer new things in your business?
We would love to expand throughout North Carolina and the surrounding areas of Fayetteville. We do have a few reps in the Charlotte area. We will continue to work and grow with other Health and Wellness organizations and community outreach.

Editor's Note: This article first ran in the March 2024 Women's View magazine.