November 8, 2019 Issue, Page 17 of 18

Page Text

The Elk City News, Elk City, Oklahoma Friday, November 8, 2019 ever seek help. these: Service animals are recog- Turn on lights and open nized under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The designa- doors before a veteran enters tion is limited to dogs who are his or her home trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a dis- Nudging, pawing or licking ability. In some cases, these to interrupt flashbacks or night- tasks are highly physical in mares nature, such as guiding a per- son who is blind or pulling a Utilizing body weight as a wheelchair. Other roles service grounding mechanism to re- dogs play may be less immedi- ately visible, such as providing duce anxiety or alleviate panic calming presence to a person Retrieve bags with medica- with PTSD who is experiencing tions or a list of numbers to call an anxiety attack. More Than a Companion during a medical emergency Service dogs are highly Provide security and reduce trained to assist military veter- ans in achieving better quality hypervigilance in public places of life. Veterans who utilize ser- Pick up dropped items and vice dogs report lower levels of assist with mobility and ambu- depression and anxiety, fewer hospitalizations and a reduc- lation tion in medical and psychiatric To see video stories of how costs, among other benefits. Beyond what these canines service dogs have impacted the help prevent, consider these ex- lives of veterans and their fami- amples of what they empower: lies, visit DogChow.com/ser- Ease loneliness and stress “e@thank you for (Family Features) Service Reduce social anxiety vice. In addition, for every pur- dogs offer countless benefits Decrease reliance on pre- chase ofspecially marked bags to help combat symptoms of scription drugs post-traumatic stress disorder Help veterans return to work of Dog Chow Complete Adult (PTSD), but they can also be or attend college through Nov. 1, the brand will instrumental in rebuilding and Strengthen personal relation- donate 5 cents, up to $100,000, your service! uniting families after veterans ships come home from serving their Provide security, protection to the Tony La Russa Animal country. and unconditional love According to the National In- Rescue Foundation Pets and Up to the Task stitutes of Health, up to 30% of Just like the members ofthe Vets program, which matches American military veterans ex- armed forces they help, service perience PTSD after returning dogs are highly trained profes- veterans experiencing PTSD home from combat. Yet only sionals with an important job and other challenges with ser- about 40% of those individuals to do, including tasks such as vice dogs, free of charge. 609 S. Main (Smith HudroVac Services, LLU Ne (FJ Directional Boring and er of Comm perce fA 580-225-0207 Trenching Services 580-821-0803 WELLNESS AWAITS YOU KTS AUTO GLASS Serving a 100 mile radius of Willow, Oklahoma * We come to you} NOW PROVIDING [email protected] * 580-291-3786 * Owner-Kristofer Sche| WELL SMOKING r "7 HEART VISITS HEALTH CESSATION On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our a veterans, and let us renew our na- tional promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have ASTHMA DIABETES PRESSURE sacrificed so much so that MANAGE we can live free. — Dan Lipinski American National Insurance Company GY ressWellness Tyson Trout x 5th and Main St. Hammon, OK Dedicated to your health care. 580.339.1733 [email protected] 411 W. 3rd St, Elk City Phone: 580-303-9293 XpressWellnessUrgentCare.com