Member Portal Virtual Support

Do you have questions about your Member Portal with the Chamber? Do you want to learn more about your membership benefits? If so, make plans to join a monthly Teams call with Kelly Amy, Director of Member Engagement & Communications, that will take place the last Thursday of the month throughout the year. The first two calls of the year are listed below:

January 30 - 4:00-4:30

February 27 - 4:00-4:30

Reach out to kamy@daytonachamber.com to be added to an upcoming call.

Member Spotlight: Volusia Recovery Alliance, Inc.

Submitted by: Karen Chrapek, Executive Director

Recovery is possible for anyone who wants it!

Why is this important to Volusia County? Because substance misuse destroys lives, families, and companies' bottom lines. In 2023, 241 lives were lost due to overdoses.

The Volusia Recovery Alliance, Inc. (VRA) is a grassroots 501c3 education and advocacy Recovery Community Organization (RCO). We are committed to furthering the message that recovery is possible for anyone who desires a life of wellness.

Purpose: Coordinate peer driven services that provide substance use recovery resources.

Mission: We exist to serve all those seeking recovery from the impact of addiction including families, friends, and allies.

Vision: We work to mobilize resources, reduce barriers, and increase awareness and support, in an effort to eliminate stigma and enhance recovery through multiple pathways. 

Saving lives and healing families – we do this by ensuring a pathway to wellness by making the doors to recovery wider and the steps there shorter.

The strength of the Volusia Recovery Alliance is our innovation and our relationships within the community. We see an area that is a barrier for those in recovery or seeking recovery and we find solutions. For instance:

• VRA assisted in decreasing the amount of countywide overdose deaths through extensive outreach coupled with overdose response and reversal training that includes free Narcan distribution. To date VRA has given out 30,144 Narcan kits, training 11,329 individuals at 773 educational sessions with 218 reversals reported.

• We helped to solve a major barrier to shelter for those seeking recovery by our continued presence at First Step Shelter which has requested that we increase our presence there.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drugs and/or alcohol and want to talk to someone who has been there, VRA can help with peer support services. We help families and loved ones too! For more information visit our website at www.volusiarecoveryalliance.org. 

Guest Column: Health Benefits of Pet Ownership

By: Tom Perry, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming

The Joy of Pet Care: Enhancing Your Health and Wellness Through Play, Grooming, and Nutrition

Bringing a pet into your life is a magical experience. The wag of a dog's tail, the purr of a contented cat, or the cheerful chirping of a bird can bring immense joy and companionship. Beyond the emotional bond, taking care of pets through play, grooming, and proper nutrition can significantly enhance your health and wellness.

The Power of Play

Imagine coming home after a long day, feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. As you open the door, your dog greets you with boundless energy, a toy in its mouth, ready for a game of fetch. Playtime isn't just fun; it's a vital part of your pet's health and yours. Regular play helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces stress, and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. For dogs, activities like fetch, tug-of-war, and agility training keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated. Cats, too, benefit from play that mimics hunting behaviors, such as chasing laser pointers or pouncing on feather toys. Engaging in these activities can also boost your mood, increase your physical activity, and provide a sense of accomplishment.

The Art of Grooming

Grooming is more than just keeping your pet looking good; it's essential for their overall well-being and yours. Regular brushing removes loose fur, prevents matting, and distributes natural oils that keep their coat shiny and healthy. It's also an excellent opportunity to check for any unusual lumps, bumps, or parasites. Bathing your pet, when done correctly, can help keep their skin healthy and free from irritants. Nail trimming prevents painful overgrowth and potential injuries. Beyond the physical benefits, grooming sessions can be a calming, bonding experience for both you and your pet. The act of grooming can reduce your stress levels, provide a sense of routine, and enhance your emotional connection with your pet.

What is a Brain Aneurysm?

By: Dr. Erinc Akture, Neurosurgeon, AdventHealth Daytona Beach

An aneurysm is a weakened part of a blood vessel that expands.

About 1% of the population has an aneurysm inside their head. Finding and treating a brain aneurysm both before and after it becomes an emergency requires a specific type of care.

Brain Aneurysm Symptoms

Most brain aneurysms do not cause symptoms unless they rupture. Then, the pain can get severe.

Those with ruptures usually have the worst headache of their life, often described as an elephant stepping on their head and not getting off. Aneurysms are always treated as emergencies.

The most common symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm include:

• A sudden, intense headache
• Loss of consciousness (or a coma)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light

Treatment for an Emergency Aneurysm

Emergency aneurysms require immediate treatment. When a person with a ruptured aneurysm comes to the hospital, they will likely have:

• A CT scan to determine if there is blood in the brain
• An angiogram to see if there is an aneurysm

If you have an aneurysm, the neurointerventional radiology team will use a coil to stop or prevent the aneurysm from bleeding.

Interventional neuroradiologists typically use specialized imaging equipment to access blood vessels through the groin instead of opening the skull for brain surgery.

Aneurysms that have not ruptured are usually treated on an outpatient basis. Patients come in one day and are home the next. With ruptured aneurysms, even with a minimally invasive procedure, the hospital stay is longer.

Many patients stay in the hospital for two to three weeks and usually recover from the treatment pretty quickly.

If the aneurysm ruptured, patients require more time to recover from the blood inside the head.

Click below to read about a local teen who overcame a brain aneurysm and was under Dr. Akture's care.