You may notice a new face at the check-in desk if you’ve been in recently. We welcomed Alisha Walker to the team as a veterinary assistant and receptionist in April, and she’s hit the ground running fielding calls, checking clients in and out, and learning how to assist the veterinarians and technicians with animals during their appointments. Alisha moved to the area from Texas back in January. She relocated with her husband, Seth, and their 2 1/2-year-old chocolate Labrador, Ranger. “It was our dream to move out here,” she says. “We’ve been visiting western Colorado our whole lives, and after we got married and Seth graduated college, we took the plunge and moved.” When Alisha saw the job advertisement for the position at Surface Creek Veterinary Center, she was excited to apply because helping animals is one of her passions, and she thought working at the front desk would be a great way to get to know people in her new community. She says having the opportunity to learn more through hands-on assistance and working with a great staff have been two highlights. MEET ALISHA WALKER Our New Receptionist The Best Companion
DON’T FEEL THE BURN!
Summer is in full swing, and that means it’s time for pool parties, barbecues, vacations, bike rides, and endless days at the lake or baseball field. It can feel great to soak up some sunshine after a long winter, but it can also lead to sunburns and aging skin. Sadly, many common sunscreens can be loaded with added chemicals. However, you can avoid sunburns and chemicals by naturally preventing and treating sunburns. Here’s how! Natural Prevention Sunscreen is often the first tool people grab, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead, try limiting the direct exposure you have to the sun. Wear hats that cover your head, face, and ears and loose clothing that covers your shoulders and legs. Avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day when the sun is at its most intense and try to sit in the shade. The Right Sunscreen Store-bought sunscreen can be beneficial, but it’s often filled with added chemicals and ingredients. Conversely, many homemade salves are not effective. Opt for naturally made sunscreens and read the ingredients to ensure it doesn’t contain unnecessary additives like parabens. These chemical compounds preserve beauty products but are potentially linked to cancer and other ailments. Do your research on every ingredient before choosing a natural sunscreen for your family! There are key ingredients you need to look for when choosing the right sunscreen, and as a bonus, they are naturally occurring! Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide reflect and scatter the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Without these ingredients, you will only lessen your exposure to some of the sun’s rays, but not the two most dangerous — UVA and UVB. Treatment for the Burn First, run a bath with cool, tepid water. Allow your skin to cool in the bath and use ice packs for quick relief. Stay hydrated by drinking water, which will help your skin absorb and hold in moisture. Regularly apply natural lotions or lubricants to further help your skin lock in moisture. Coconut oil, aloe vera, and honey can also relieve pain, swelling, and burning. (Do not use honey on babies who are 12 months or younger.) Natural Prevention Secrets and Treatments for Sunburns
“I really love the staff that works here. They’ve been a great team to be a part of so far, and we all help each other.”
Alisha brings a diverse skill set to the clinic. She’s worked in retail sales, house cleaning, and gymnastic coaching. While she’s new to the veterinary field, she says she’s always had pets and done pet-sitting, and she loves working around animals. Outside of work, Alisha, Seth, and Ranger love spending time outdoors. She says Colorado’s opportunities to ski, hike, and camp were a big part of why they decided to relocate. When she’s not exploring the mountains, Alisha likes to tuck in with a good book at home.
Welcome to the team, Alisha!
Always call your doctor if a sunburn gets worse or if you have a bad reaction to a natural remedy.
2 970-856-4474
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