Veterinarian and animal advocate Dr. Kwane Stewart, known in his docuseries as “The Street Vet,” has his own veterinary practice in Modesto, California, but still makes a point to help the pets of the homeless population in town for free. He began this selfless act of heroism in 2011 after the Great Recession hit and has since helped well over 400 animals, even tending to a Burmese python at one point! About 25% of Modesto’s homeless population own a pet, and back in 2011, Dr. Stewart noticed that many needed medical attention. This tugged at his heart strings. Knowing that many would come for free pet medical attention if he set up a table near a soup kitchen, Dr. Stewart jumped at the opportunity. What he thought would be a one- time event eventually turned into a regular act of heroism. Now, Dr. Stewart has the ability to step in and save the day for both the pet and owner at no cost. Dr. Stewart has found that the bond between homeless individuals and their pets is unlike any that he sees in his office. “Keep in mind that they are with their pet every minute of every day,” he says. “That’s not the case with most of us.” He notes that seeing these special pet patients makes him feel as if he has a superpower. Dr. Stewart recalls that growing up, he wanted to be either a vet or Batman, and now, he gets the best of both worlds! Dr. Stewart often spends his spare time wandering the streets in search of pets that need his help, offering free vaccinations and medical care. He notes that the homeless population is just like us, but they have fallen on hard times, and their pets are their companions and lifelines. In helping the pets, Dr. Stewart builds a special bond with their owners. To be able to make a difference in the lives of sweet, innocent animals and their owners is the most rewarding type of work — the dream job Dr. Stewart could have never even conjured up before he selflessly started living it. SAVING THE LIVES OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS’ PETS The Street Vet
January is National Hobby Month, and having a hobby you enjoy has been linked to improved happiness, reduced stress, better sleep, and stronger social ties. Unfortunately, millions of adults are missing out on the fun. About 20% of Americans report having no hobby, and 24% say they only have one. Putting down the remote and finding a hobby can be difficult, so we’ve compiled some expert tips to help you get started. Unleash your inner child. Many adults struggle to play and may have even forgotten how to do so. Think back to what you enjoyed as a child. If you loved arts and crafts time, there are plenty of adult crafting activities for you to try your hand at. If you loved playing make-believe, you might consider writing or filmmaking. And if you spent most of your time outside and moving, sports and outdoor activities will likely be a good fit. Sometimes our interests change as we grow up, but other times, we just forget what we used to enjoy. Consider what makes you feel good. Some people like to be still, relax, and turn off their brains. For others, that sounds like torture. Consider when you’re happiest and take your cues from there. Do you feel best when you’re productive? If so, hobbies that allow you HOWTO FIND A HOBBYYOU LOVE 3 HELPFUL TIPS Rental Proper WHAT ARE THE HEALTH IMPACT Finding mold in your home can be a nightmare. It’s unsightly, difficult to clean up, and bad for your health, and it can cause extensive property damage. Luckily, if you rent, you’re probably not on the hook for the remediation bill. But unfortunately, you’ve got to wait for someone else to take action — and not all landlords move in a timely fashion. Studies have shown mold exposure has negative health impacts on adults, children, and pets. Children who are exposed to mold at a young age may be more likely to develop asthma. People of all ages can experience respiratory issues, shortness of breath, coughing, itching, sneezing, or skin irritation. The long-term effects of mold exposure are not entirely understood, but experts agree that you should avoid breathing in mold spores as much as possible. Signs of mold include water damage, a musty smell, and physical symptoms that only occur inside the property. State law does not address mold growth, so the cleanup responsibility will likely depend on your lease agreement and the cause of the mold. If a tenant creates the mold problem through an accident or lack of cleanliness, they may be responsible for performing the cleanup themselves. If,
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