SJPD and Rotary collaborate to surprise residents
The St. Johns Rotary Club collaborated with the Saint Johns Police Department to make this holiday season extra special for the community. They joined forces to spread joy and happiness by gifting $800 worth of gift cards to Saint Johns residents.
A big shoutout to the Police Officers who went above and beyond to find deserving individuals in our community, making sure their holidays were a little brighter this year. Their commitment to service and compassion truly exemplifies the spirit of the season.
Oak Street Holiday Lights Trail
Positive Mental Health during the Holiday Season
The holidays can be a joy-filled season, but they can also be stressful and challenging, because anyone can struggle with mental health.
A National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) study showed that 64% of people with mental illness report holidays make their conditions worse. For individuals and families coping with mental health challenges, the holiday season can be a lonely or stressful time, filled with anxiety and/or depression. If you’re living with a mental health condition, stress can also contribute to worsening symptoms.
Here are some suggestions for how you can reduce stress and maintain good mental health during the holiday season:
– Focus on what you can control. It’s okay to feel anxious. Only control what you can.
– Make time for yourself. Spending time with family or friends can be overwhelming. If you need a moment to yourself, try sneaking away to a quiet room or going for an early morning walk.
– Ask for help if you need it. If you are feeling extra sad, stressed, anxious or depressed, ask for help. Talk to someone you trust, a mental health professional or a primary care physician for guidance or support.
Farm Bureau names scholarship recipients
The Clinton County Farm Bureau would like to congratulate and recognize their 2023 scholarship recipients.
Cassidy Cashen attending Oklahoma State University.
Jordyn Chant, shown above on the tractor, attending University of Findlay.
We want to wish them the best of luck in their studies!
If you know anyone attending agricultural school and would like to apply for the scholarship please reach out to the county office.
Joely Swanson
(989) 224-9536
Clintoncounty@ctyfb.com
Letters – Local groups say thanks
No matter what holiday you celebrate, The Art & Soul Galleryand The Clinton County Arts Council would like to wish you a safe and Happy Holiday Season and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year!
As we look back on the past year, we want to thank all of the many generous people who have helped us through donations and volunteer work!
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We’re just popping in to say thank you for your support of Habitat for Humanity Capital Region this year.
Your support helps fund critical building and home repairs in the Capital Region.
Thank you for helping Habitat for Humanity Capital Region build more safe, decent, and affordable homes for the holidays.
Best wishes to you and yours for a very happy New Year!
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The folks at Waste Management would like to thank everyone who participated and volunteered in our collection events this year. These events wouldn’t be possible without you! You helped us keep a clean and healthy environment for our county.
We collected a total of 26,867 pounds of Household Hazardous Waste Materials and 23,210 pounds of Electronics from our spring and fall collection events for 2023.
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Heimlich Maneuver in Cats
courtesy of Jamie Case, DVM
As a pet parent, one of the most frightening things is to see your cat or dog in distress. If your cat is showing signs of choking on a foreign object, here are things you need to know and how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver. It is important to stay calm, so you can best help your pet when precious seconds count.
Signs That Your Cat Is Choking
If your cat is choking, they will show the following symptoms:
– Gagging, retching, and heaving (open mouth, no noise)
– Coughing (especially as they exhale)
– Raspy sounds as they inhale
– Drooling
– Frantic or in distress
– May paw at their face, rub their face on the ground, and seem panicked
– Stretching the neck outward
– Staggering
– Blue gums
– Collapse
What to Do if Your Cat Is Choking
First, confirm they are choking by taking a moment to gather your composure while staying calm.
Next, safely restrain your pet so you can evaluate and assist them. Remember, your pet is very scared and may react differently than usual, so approach with caution.
If you can safely do so, open their mouth to see if there is anything is stuck or causing an obstruction. You may try to pull the tongue forward to get a better view of the back of the throat. If you can visualize the object that is causing them to choke and can safely do so, sweep your index finger through the mouth to attempt to dislodge anything that may be stuck.
Do not poke your finger down or attempt to push anything down their throat, as this could cause injury.
If you are unable to visualize anything in the mouth or cannot safely sweep the mouth with your index finger, move on to the Heimlich Maneuver.
How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver In Cats
Start by holding your cat against your chest so their back is touching your chest (keeping them upright, with their head up and legs dangling freely).
Use your hands to press on their stomach in a series of 3-5, quick, upward thrusts
You should feel a soft hollow under the ribs where your fist fits
Depending on the size of your cat, you will use your fist (large cat) or fingertips (small cat) to move in quick “up” and “in” motions toward their head
Use your finger to gently sweep the mouth again (if able to do so safely)
If the object in their mouth did not come out, hold your cat by their hips with their head dangling toward the ground, and firmly pat them on their back with an open palm
Check the mouth again by performing a sweep with your finger
Once the object is dislodged, your cat should start to breathe more normally than before, and their gums should return to a “pinkish” color
If the above steps are not working, immediately go to your nearest veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital.
What To Do After You Stopped Cat From Choking
Once your cat has stopped choking and seems to be back to their “normal self”, it is important to have them evaluated by their veterinarian or emergency veterinarian right away. They need to make sure there are no injuries from the object that caused them to choke, or from the pressure of the Heimlich Maneuver.
How To Prevent Choking in Cats
Make sure to cat-proof your home and try to prevent access to items that your cat may view as fun to chew or play with.
Common things that cats may choke on include:
– Arts & Crafts supplies (pipe cleaners, pom poms, googly eyes, cotton balls, yarn, buttons)
– Office supplies (paper clips, staples, rubber bands, thumb tacks)
– Kitchen supplies (straws, foil, plastic bags, cellophane, bottle caps, wine corks)
– Toys (with strings, feathers, bells, or other small pieces that may detach)
– Coins
If you have a cat that eats quickly and doesn’t chew their food before swallowing, it may be helpful to feed smaller, more frequent meals or use a slow feeder to help minimize the possibility of choking.