Primordial Strength Inc., a private gym in Elma, has announced that it is now offering SYSTEMA, a Russian method of martial arts. Primordial Strength’s owner Steven Helmicki is a SYSTEMA instructor who trained under Vladimir Vasiliev, Black Belt Magazine’s Instructor of the Year. Helmicki has instructed and taught SYSTEMA to the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team comprised of former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers and Marines.

(Welcome to our weekly pet column, courtesy of Pet Connection Programs Inc. of Marilla. We post a new article each week, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!)

American Humane Association and the world's top veterinary experts are asking pet owners across the country to exercise caution but not to panic following reports of the Ebola virus in animals such as Bentley, the King Charles Spaniel belonging to the Dallas nurse hospitalized with the disease.

(Welcome to our weekly pet column, courtesy of Pet Connection Programs Inc. of Marilla. We post a new article each week, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!)

Over 50 percent of pets are considered overweight or obese, with numbers climbing steadily. Just as with people, pet obesity has become an epidemic in the U.S.  

Dr. Mark Verdino, Animal League America Vice President and Chief of Veterinary Staff states, "The most common cause for obesity in animals is over-feeding and lack of exercise. In this regard, most overweight animals can easily be put on a path to lose weight."