Posts from July 2023

Southwest Virginia is bursting with opportunities to get outside and explore, and more people are looking to move here to the Roanoke Valley specifically to satisfy their adventurous
spirit.

Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, some of the region's most popular adventures are found along the abundant hiking trails that feature a wide variety of trails for different levels of adventurers! You can start out easy and then work your way on up to the longer, and sometimes more strenuous hikes.

For a low to moderate, scenic hike:

Cascade Falls trail

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We've always been told 'our roots run deep', but really- how deep do they run? Ask yourself, first hand- are you able to list out suggestions on a favorite coffee shop, hair stylist, gym, etc? If so, then your roots are growing.

My experience is one of a woman who was born in a small town in South Carolina. Tina and Kevin, my lovely parents, are originally from the midwest and their parents from immigrant families. Life with an interesting twist! I have a southern accent, but my parents don't sound like me, and there is no fried chicken or sweet tea in the home. Growing up, my friends and I called dirt roads our hangout spot, drove four wheelers like bandits, and built tree houses. Things were simple. For instance, I didn't drive on anything bigger than a three lane highway/interstate until college- it was a memorable experience… To this day, I still feel the same way- less lanes are more comfortable and I. Hate. Driv...

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Short Answer? YES!

Our pets play a significant role in our lives and studies have shown this relationship to be mutually beneficial. Among the many health benefits of owning a pet are decreased blood pressure, lowering anxiety and treating symptoms of PTSD in humans.

Animals can do so much to improve the quality of our lives, but have you explored all the ways you can improve theirs?

Here in the Roanoke and New River Valleys, we are fortunate enough to have access to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (V-MCVM) in Blacksburg, Virginia. The V-MCVM is one of only 32 colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States!

Compare that to the number of medical schools in the United States (204), and you'll realize just how competitive it is to become a veterinarian!

Besides the main campus in Blacksburg, the V-MCVM includes the Animal Care and Research Center in Roanoke, the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg and the Gudelsky Veterinary Center in College Park, Maryland. The college is focused on the development and delivery of a One Health education, integrating multidisciplinary research and educational opportunities that provide health care solutions for animals, people, and communities.

One very unique service that the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine provides is physical rehabilitation for your pet. That's right - dogs can participate in physical therapy, too!

Just like humans, physical therapy can be used to treat orthopedic and neurologic conditions and can be incorporated into a treatment regimen before, after, or in lieu of surgery. The Rehab department is led by Flori Bliss, an extremely talented licensed veterinary technician and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner.

I know first hand the positive impact this program can have on your pet.

My dog, Wilkes, is a 14-year old golden-retriever-terrier mix who has been going to physical therapy for over 2 years! Wilkes had knee surgery in 2020 to repair a torn ligament. At the time of his diagnosis, I also learned that he had a partial tear in his right knee, as well.

After his surgery, I began taking Wilkes to rehab and never looked back!

For Wilkes, our goal was to strengthen his back legs to prevent further injury and maintain his mobility as he ages. In addition to exercises, Wilkes also participates in laser therapy, a non-invasive, pain-free, drug-free treatment that relieves pain, improves mobility, and increases blood flow to the tissues.

Owners work with Flori and their referring veterinarian to come up with a treatment plan specifically for their pet. Wilkes goes to rehab twice a month. In between appointments, I work with him at home on exercises, as well.

More Details

If you'd like to learn more about rehab and the V-MCVM, check out this news story and video featuring Wilkes, Flori, and others at the vet school. Without Flori and the rehab department, Wilkes would not be able to have the same quality of life he enjoys at his age. For me, these services are just one of the many reasons I am so grateful to call the Roanoke Valley home!