Hit Your Target Weight with Help from Proactive Wellness Centers

The program described below is for patients with a minimum of 30 lbs to lose and is designed to achieve this safely with the use of lab-driven therapies that help to overcome weight loss resistance and promote fat loss.

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Medical Weight Loss Near Prince George's County, MD

Getting fit and healthy is increasingly popular in America. However, a significant portion of our population is still considered obese. According to the CDC, between 2017 and early 2020, 41.9% of adults in the U.S. fell into the obese category, with 9.2% classified as severely obese. These numbers are alarming, especially when you see how many overweight and unhealthy adults are in public places like Watkins Regional Park near Prince George's County, MD.

The unfortunate reality is that many individuals attempt fad diets and weight loss strategies, only to end up failing and reverting to their old habits. If you're reading this and nodding your head in agreement, you should know that there's hope. Medical weight loss clinics, like Proactive Wellness Centers, are providing a fresh start for overweight men and women by helping them reach a healthier weight. Unlike invasive surgeries or unreliable weight loss pills, medical weight loss Near Prince George's County, MD is tailored to fit your unique needs and comes with the support necessary to help you not only lose weight but also maintain your progress for the rest of your life.

Medical Weight Loss Prince George's County, MD
Weight Loss Program Prince George's County, MD
personalized program

Follow our personalized program to achieve the most Fat loss using safe and effective medications and Program therapies

medications

The Proactive Wellness Approach to Health and Wellness

Our programs are all about reversing and slowing the aging process, preventing disease, and treating chronically ill patients. We utilize a three-pronged approach: Firstly, we equip you with the knowledge that is required to take charge of your health and achieve optimal well-being. Secondly, we focus on disease prevention by providing a thorough evaluation using comprehensive diagnostics and the information provided on your health history form. Finally, we work closely with you to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of science-based treatments that reduce cellular degeneration, promote tissue regeneration, and help you live life at a healthy weight.

Weight Loss Clinic Prince George's County, MD

We do NOT replace the role of the family physician. Instead, we work with your primary care physicians, internists, and other medical professionals to provide optimum integrated care. We consider you and your body as physiologically unique. We don't subscribe to a "one size fits all" approach - especially when it comes to medical weight loss Near Prince George's County, MD. Instead, our programs focus on a customized approach that will address risk factors that, if avoided or modified, could have beneficial effects for reducing premature mortality from chronic conditions like obesity. To help you on your journey, we may prescribe medications like semaglutide to get your weight loss plan started.

At the end of the day, our goal is to be a reliable, expert source of guidance and motivation. Like Riversdale House Museum near Prince George's County, MD, we stand tall for our patients. We believe that giving them access to holistic treatments, weight loss medications, and weight loss coaching gives them the tools and drive needed to get healthy and lose weight. When they do, our patients report a range of positive results, including:

  • Lower Blood Pressure
  • Lower Cholesterol
  • Less Joint Pain
  • Lower Triglycerides
  • More Energy
  • Increased Libido
  • Better Fitting Clothes
  • Enhanced Overall Well-Being
  • More

Curious to learn more about how losing weight can help you live a healthier life? Contact Proactive Wellness Centers today. Let's set up an initial consultation, where we can answer your questions and length and learn more about your health history.

The Proactive Wellness Medical Weight Loss Program Explained

The program described below is for patients with a minimum of 30 lbs. to lose and is designed to achieve this safely with the use of lab-driven therapies that help to overcome weight loss resistance and promote fat loss. Some of the weight loss medicines and tools we use to help you get healthy may include:

Semaglutide

Proactive Wellness Centers is excited to incorporate semaglutide into our medical weight loss programs. This FDA-approved treatment has demonstrated impressive results, assisting patients in reducing body weight, managing blood glucose levels, and enhancing overall health. Our experienced medical team personalizes semaglutide treatments to align with your specific goals and needs, ensuring a customized approach to your weight loss needs.

An early study of 2,000 obese adults compared people using semaglutide plus a diet and exercise program with people who made the same lifestyle changes without semaglutide. After 68 weeks, half of the participants using semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight, and nearly a third lost 20%.

Medical Weight Loss Prince George's County, MD
Weight Loss Program Prince George's County, MD

Tirzepatide

If you've experimented with diet and weight loss strategies without success, tirzepatide from Proactive Wellness Centers could be the solution you've been looking for. This cutting-edge medical weight loss treatment leverages the advantages of both GLP-1 receptor agonists and GIP receptor agonists, offering a dual mechanism that enhances and accelerates weight loss. Our highly-rated weight loss centers utilize the power of tirzepatide to deliver a comprehensive and effective approach to weight management.

Total Metabolism Tracking with Lumen

The Lumen device measures carb and fat burn using a highly validated test of CO2 that is detected when you breathe into the device. This has been validated to closely approximate real metabolism. All you have to do is breathe into the device daily to get helpful recommendations and better understand how your body burns fat. Once our team understands how your metabolism works and burns fat, we can alter your medical weight loss plan Near Prince George's County, MD.

Weight Loss Clinic Prince George's County, MD
Medical Weight Loss Prince George's County, MD

Weight Loss Coaching from Proactive Wellness Centers

To successfully lose excess weight and keep it off for the rest of your life, it's very important for you to adopt a health-focused lifestyle that prioritizes nutritious eating habits. Our medical professionals are here to provide the support you need to kickstart these lifestyle changes and transform your views on physical activity, diet, and nutrition.

Our weight loss coaching schedule is customized for you and your body. Generally, you'll visit our weight loss clinic eight times over a 12-week period. Here's a breakdown of our health coaching schedule when used in a typical medical weight loss plan:

Visit 1

Discussion of Body Composition and Patient Goals

We'll discuss your body composition in detail. During this first step, you'll come to the office for bi-weekly visits if geographically feasible. We'll discuss the role of our Lumen device in terms of metabolism tracking.

Action: We'll advise you to keep a food diary for the next visit. Use the Lumen device daily.

Weight Loss Program Prince George's County, MD
Visit 2

Discuss Food Diary and Make Appropriate Suggestions for Improvement

This step focuses on total caloric intake and healthy eating. Go deep here as much as time allows. For your medical weight loss plan to be truly successful, you've got to set the foundation for healthy eating. You can't just go to The Capital Grille near Prince George's County, MD and gorge yourself on your favorite foods after working out. As such, during this step, we'll explain that we do not recommend "dieting." The goal is to change your eating habits so that they can be maintained well after your weight-loss program is over.

Action: We'll ask you to keep an exercise diary for next week. We may also suggest that you get an activity tracker for more accurate tracking.

Weight Loss Clinic Prince George's County, MD
Visit 3

We'll ask you to keep an exercise diary for next week. We may also suggest that you get an activity tracker for more accurate tracking.

This week, we'll focus on anaerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes 4-5 times per week. You should prioritize aerobic exercises. If they only have time for one or the other, then advise anaerobic.

Action: We'll advise you to get a new body composition reading prior to next week's visit.

Medical Weight Loss Prince George's County, MD
Visit 4

Discuss Progress of Lack Thereof vs. Week One Baseline.

Keep in mind that at this point, you're at the building stage of your weight-loss medication, so we are not expecting a lot of fat loss. In terms of medical weight loss Near Prince George's County, MD, losing 3-4 lbs. of fat in the first month while on semaglutide is a big success. Many patients with 75-100 lbs. to lose report losing up to 25 lbs. in the first month. We'll also check in with you to ensure you've been compliant with dietary and exercise recommendations and medication adherence.

Action: If there has been no fat loss or even fat gain, we'll need to discuss the case with our medical director for possible additional interventions. We may advise you to track sleep for next week, preferably with a sleep tracking device, but if not, then just manual tracking (time to bed, time waking up, how many times they awake for the night, sleep hygiene questions).

Weight Loss Program Prince George's County, MD
Medical Director Visit

Medical Director Visit

During this appointment, we'll try to uncover the reasons for your weight loss resistance. To do so, we'll review your initial lab work, looking for sub-optimal areas that could be impacting weight loss as well as sleep quality.

  1. Food sensitivity testing
  2. Micronutrient testing
  3. Nutrigen testing
  4. Sleep tracking - depending on whether weight loss is going as expected and how they answer questions about sleep.

Action: Our medical director will provide guidance on what they feel is the biggest problem area(s) that require focused attention.

Weight Loss Clinic Prince George's County, MD
Visit 5

Identify Your Biggest Problem Areas

From the areas below, we'll spend time reinforcing needed behavior in 1-2 of the most problematic areas.

  1. Diet/Nutrition (appetite suppressant), Exercise, Medication compliance, Sleep, Low IGF-1 (GHRH therapy), GI issues - GI testing, Other metabolic issues
Medical Weight Loss Prince George's County, MD
Visit 6

Provide Guidance Where You Need the Most Help

From diet and nutrition to exercise, sleep, and detoxification, we'll tackle the areas where you're having trouble.

Weight Loss Program Prince George's County, MD
Visit 7

Check Progress and Continue to Focus on Problem Areas

We'll check in with you to get a sense of how you're doing in regard to areas where you need help. If you're still struggling, we'll provide guidance and coaching to help.

Weight Loss Clinic Prince George's County, MD
Visit 8

Assess Your Medical Weight Loss Progress

During this visit, we'll assess the progress you've made in your medical weight loss plan Near Prince George's County, MD. We'll then compare the progress you've made vs your Week 4 and baseline testing results. We'll then make recommendations for another round or other continued intervention.

Medical Weight Loss Prince George's County, MD

Top 5 Ways to Maintain Your Medical Weight Loss Near Prince George's County, MD

You'll have the chance to exit and divert from your journey, but by staying the course, you can reach your destination and keep unhealthy weight off for good. But doing so isn't always easy. That's especially true when there are distractions and fast-food restaurants around every corner.

Keep these science-based tips in mind to help stay on track and say "no" to foods and behaviors that will set you back.

  1. Treat Yourself to a Healthy Breakfast Daily

Maintaining a consistent eating routine is crucial for managing your food intake effectively. This might mean eating at the same times every day or opting for similar meals each day. By establishing a structured approach to your eating habits, you create a helpful framework to follow, which can significantly benefit your health without the need to fixate on calories and portion sizes. This structure can aid in regulating your appetite, boosting your energy levels, and enhancing your overall diet. Moreover, starting your day with a large, high-protein breakfast has been linked to better control over your appetite, improved blood sugar levels, and more effective calorie management throughout the day.

Weight Loss Program Prince George's County, MD
Weight Loss Clinic Prince George's County, MD

2. Try to Stay Consistent

At Proactive Wellness Centers, we often highlight how important consistency is for weight loss, as sticking to your health changes is the most effective way to achieve results. However, consistency also plays a key role in keeping unwanted weight off for long periods of time. It's not solely about sticking to change; it's about developing daily habits and routines that pave the way for success.

3. Keep Exercising!

Engaging in regular physical activity is a proven way to effectively manage your weight, as it aids in burning calories and optimizing the use of the food you eat. The amount of exercise needed to keep your weight in check can differ based on individual factors and the types of workouts you choose. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we offer personalized medical weight loss plans Near Prince George's County, MD for our patients and provide exercise tips tailored to your body, age, and other considerations. This approach ensures you find a balance that prevents burnout and helps you avoid overexertion.

Medical Weight Loss Prince George's County, MD
Weight Loss Program Prince George's County, MD

4. Say "Goodbye" to Processed Food

Enjoying a honey bun occasionally isn't going to kill you. However, when it comes to losing weight, it's crucial to limit or even eliminate processed foods from your meals. Foods that are heavily processed usually have empty calories and tend to contain high amounts of added sugars. Empty calories refer to calories that offer little to no nutritional value or health benefits. That makes them ideal for cutting out of your diet. Although managing your weight revolves around calorie management at its core, studies have associated the consumption of processed foods, particularly those rich in added sugars, with higher body weights and a greater likelihood of weight gain.

Moreover, research indicates that decreasing the intake of heavily processed foods might be more effective for managing weight. One study revealed that the body could burn up to twice as many calories when digesting simple foods compared to heavily processed ones. Additionally, ongoing studies continue to show that a diet predominantly made up of whole foods is linked to improved weight management outcomes.

5. Eat a Lot of Non-Starchy Veggies

Vegetables are packed with nutrition rather than empty calories. They offer a wealth of nutrients while contributing very few calories to your diet. This means you can enjoy greater nutritional benefits without consuming large amounts of food. For instance, two cups of broccoli come in at just 60 calories, while two cups of cooked pasta can spike up to nearly 500 calories. Plus, since our bodies require proper nutrition to function well, some studies suggest that increasing your intake of nutrient-dense foods like non-starchy vegetables can help keep hunger at bay. By loading up on low-calorie veggies, you can feel satisfied without overeating.

Weight Loss Clinic Prince George's County, MD

Proactive Wellness Centers: The Premier Choice for Effective Medical Weight Loss Near Prince George's County, MD

When you want healthy produce and foods you can eat, don't go to a fast-food restaurant and expect to get quality food. You go to J Hollinger's Waterman's Chophouse near Prince George's County, MD. When it's time for you to get healthy and lose weight the safe way, you don't go to a gas station and ask for weight-loss pills. You contact Proactive Wellness to learn how medical weight loss can be truly effective.

If you're sick and tired of feeling sluggish, sick, and embarrassed about your weight, it's time to do something about it. At Proactive Wellness Centers, our team of weight loss specialists is ready to guide you every step of the way. Take 5 minutes and call us today to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step toward living your best life.

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Medical Weight Loss Prince George's County, MD

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Latest News Near Prince George's County, MD

Social media support saves Prince George's County spa from closing doors

Facing closure just weeks after opening, a Prince George's County wellness spa was saved by a social media call for help, highlighting community support.PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — A Prince George's County business nearly closed just weeks after opening. But, the owners say a post on social media changed everything.There's a sense of relief when Nadine and Alex Vatel walk through the doors of their wellness spa today."One thing for certain, it's definitely been a journey of highs and lows," said Alex Va...

Facing closure just weeks after opening, a Prince George's County wellness spa was saved by a social media call for help, highlighting community support.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — A Prince George's County business nearly closed just weeks after opening. But, the owners say a post on social media changed everything.

There's a sense of relief when Nadine and Alex Vatel walk through the doors of their wellness spa today.

"One thing for certain, it's definitely been a journey of highs and lows," said Alex Vatel, co-owner of Sensory Sentiments.

Sensory Sentiments has only been open for about six months now. But, it almost didn't make it.

The Vatels say the costs of bringing the space up to code were overwhelming and they nearly closed after the first few weeks.

"I don't have a Plan B. I don't have a rich uncle or auntie to write me a check. What am I going to do. I felt so low," said co-owner Nadine Vatel.

Nadine turned to social media, asking for help. She says the response was overwhelming.

Organizations like Mob the Block showing up, which highlights Black owned businesses to create visibility. Even Prince George's County government leaders highlighted the business.

"People came in here and they said you're not going to close your doors. We are wanted here in this community," said Nadine Vatel.

The Vatels say the experience showed them how quickly a message can spread online and say they've received regional recognition for their spa.

They say anchoring themselves in the community is important as Prince George's County sees big economic shifts.

"Prince George's County is going through a big transition. Commanders are going to DC. Six Flags which was a staple closed. A lot of land — and a lot of opportunity, but what happens to it," said Nadine Patel.

For now, they're focused on serving clients and expanding the business the community helped save.

Adopt and Foster Dogs and Cats - Pitbull Adoption Fees Sponsored (Arrive by 6PM)

???? Community members - Adopters and fosters are still needed for 11 dogs on the latest urgent list by today, 3/10. Adoption fees are sponsored/waived for these pitbull type dogs 40+ pounds. Please go meet and adopt dogs and cats today. They are at full capacity with dogs and need space for more dogs coming in. Please meet and adopt them during adoption hours on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday. Update: See the Animal Services News (below.)As of...

???? Community members - Adopters and fosters are still needed for 11 dogs on the latest urgent list by today, 3/10. Adoption fees are sponsored/waived for these pitbull type dogs 40+ pounds. Please go meet and adopt dogs and cats today. They are at full capacity with dogs and need space for more dogs coming in. Please meet and adopt them during adoption hours on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday. Update: See the Animal Services News (below.)

As of 3/10 4 PM: Now 11dogs need adopters and fosters! Adoption fees are sponsored/waived for these pitbull type dogs 40+ pounds. Only Cardi B has an adoption fee.

???? Adopters: Please go to the shelter and arrive by 5:30pm or no later than 6pm. Adopters are able to meet 2 dogs and bring dogs for meet and greets. Tip: Review the new requirements and complete the Pet Parenting Certification (that takes about an hour) before going to adopt Pit Bull Terriers and specific bully-type breeds. (See below.)

???? Prospective fosters: Many dogs and cats may be available to foster temporarily through the shelter. Contact the shelter to become a foster and save a life. "Interested in Fostering: Email fosterpgcpets@co.pg.md.us " Please review the foster information. Foster Information | Prince George's County

Fosters through the shelter and rescues are needed this week for adoptable dogs on urgent list. Please apply to rescue partners, or with the shelter, to become a foster and save a life. Fostering is usually free with a rescue. Urgent dogs may now be fostered through the shelter. See the Friends' posts seeking fosters and rescues for dogs.

Full Urgent List: facebook.com/share/1CPsUrxm5y/ (see these photos of the dogs in the album and reels)

Pet Unity Project post: instagram.com/petunityproject/p/DVesFzpjmpJ/

Adoption website: 24petconnect.com/PGEOADOPT (Tip to search by ID: Click on any animal and edit the animal's ID number in the link, then go to that page.)

Prince George’s County Animal Shelter, 3750 Brown Station Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Call 301-780 -7200 (select 1, 4 - adopt, then 3 - info) with the animal ID number(s) to check availability.Adoption Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11:00am - 7:00pm, Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm. (Arrive 1 hour before closing.)

Animal Services News

News release: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/news-events/news/prince-georges-county-allows-legal-ownership-and-adoption-pit-bull-type-terriers-under-new-law

For more information about registration, licensing, training requirements, or to determine eligibility, residents may visit environment.mypgc.us/pitbulls.

Links: PG County Shelter adoption steps, fees, and spay/neuter https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/environment/animal-services/pet-adoption

https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/environment/animal-services/pet-care-education/spaying-neutering

Shelter posts: facebook.com/pgcpets4us/

Prince George's County Animal Shelter post: 2/12/26 7pm:

#DYK Pit bull–type terriers can now be legally owned, fostered, and adopted in Prince George’s County under a new pilot program, CB-97-2025, enacted February 2, 2026 At Prince George’s County Animal Services, we are excited to share this important step forward that expands adoption opportunities while keeping our community safe and informed. What’s changed? CB-97-2025 removes Animal Control Section 3-185.01 and allows Pit Bull–type dogs to be legally owned and adopted as long as all requirements are met.Breeds included under “Pit Bull Terrier”:• American Pit Bull Terrier• American Staffordshire Terrier• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

What’s required if you adopt or currently own a Pit Bull–type dog?

CB-97-2025 also includes updates to leash laws, definitions for “animal at large” and “dangerous dog,” and associated fines.

Learn more and read the full fact sheet here: environment.mypgc.us/pitbulls

Thinking about adopting? Interested adopters are strongly encouraged to complete the Pet Parenting Certification before visiting the shelter. The module takes about an hour and helps set everyone up for success. (located on website)"

This is a courtesy post.

Adopt and Foster Urgent Dogs - Adoption Fees Sponsored for Most Dogs (Arrive by 6PM)

???? Urgent: Community members - Adopters and fosters are needed to save 11 dogs remaining on the latest urgent list by today, 3/10. Adoption fees are sponsored/waived for these pitbull type dogs 40+ pounds. They all need to be adopted or have rescue commitment, and have to leave the shelter by today (or after spay/neuter.) If no one saves them, they will be euthanized due to being over capacity. As of 3/10 4 PM: Now 11 dogs need adopters and fosters! Adoption fees are ...

???? Urgent: Community members - Adopters and fosters are needed to save 11 dogs remaining on the latest urgent list by today, 3/10. Adoption fees are sponsored/waived for these pitbull type dogs 40+ pounds. They all need to be adopted or have rescue commitment, and have to leave the shelter by today (or after spay/neuter.) If no one saves them, they will be euthanized due to being over capacity.

As of 3/10 4 PM: Now 11 dogs need adopters and fosters! Adoption fees are sponsored/waived for these pitbull type dogs 40+ pounds. Only Cardi B has a fee. She weighs 30 pounds.

Rescues are interested in helping and need fosters to save them. Check for updates at the Facebook links.

???? Adopters: Please go to the shelter today and arrive by 5:30pm or no later than 6pm to meet and adopt urgent dogs. Adopters are able to meet 2 dogs and bring dogs for meet and greets. If anyone is going to adopt them, please comment on their pages in the linked album.

???? Prospective fosters: Fosters through the shelter and rescues are needed for these dogs. Please apply with rescue partners, or with the shelter, to become a foster and save a life. Fostering is usually free with a rescue. See the Friends' posts seeking fosters and rescues for dogs.

Contact the shelter to become a foster and save a life. "Interested in Fostering: Email fosterpgcpets@co.pg.md.us " Please review their foster information. They allow pit bull-type dogs to be fostered in Maryland.

Please see bios, photos, and videos of the urgent dogs at these links, and share posts with friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers.

Adoption website: 24petconnect.com/PGEOADOPT?at=DOG&sb=days_MaxMin (Tip to search by ID: Click on any dog and edit the dog's ID number in the link, then go to that page.)

View and share the Friends' posts & album for all 18 urgent dogs: facebook.com/people/Friends-of-PG-County-Animal-Shelter/61565594829660/

Full Urgent List: facebook.com/share/1CPsUrxm5y/ (see these photos of the dogs in the album and reels)

Prince George’s County Animal Shelter, 3750 Brown Station Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Call 301-780 -7200 (select 1, 4 - adopt, then 3 - info) with the animal ID number(s) to check availability.Adoption Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11:00am - 7:00pm, Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm. (Arrive 1 hour before closing.)

More information: PG County Shelter adoption steps, fees, and spay/neuter https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/environment/animal-services/pet-adoption https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/environment/animal-services/pet-care-education/spaying-neutering

Shelter posts: facebook.com/pgcpets4us/

This is a courtesy post.

Maryland Health Officials Provide Update on Recreational Water Advisories for Counties Impacted by Potomac Interceptor Spill

RELEASE: Effective immediately, Charles and Prince George’s counties will lift the recreational water advisories in effect from late January. Montgomery County’s advisory will remain in effect until further notice. There continues to be no recreational water advisory necessary for the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County.Working in close coordination with local health officials, the Maryland Department of Health today announced updates concerning local recreational water advisories for Charles and Prin...

RELEASE: Effective immediately, Charles and Prince George’s counties will lift the recreational water advisories in effect from late January. Montgomery County’s advisory will remain in effect until further notice. There continues to be no recreational water advisory necessary for the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County.

Working in close coordination with local health officials, the Maryland Department of Health today announced updates concerning local recreational water advisories for Charles and Prince George’s counties.

“MDH and local health departments are working in partnership with our fellow State agencies and across the DMV area to monitor, take proper precautions, and act to protect the health and well-being of Marylanders and others impacted by this spill,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “As we approach Spring with more people spending time outdoors, we will continue to evaluate the testing results and provide the public with actionable and timely health guidance based on the latest available data and science.”

Each local health department informed health guidance for the public’s recreational use of the Potomac River based on continuous water quality sampling results. Public drinking water continues to be safe and not impacted by the spill.

The Maryland Department of the Environment last week announced the results of recent water quality monitoring by the State that continues to show no evidence that shellfish harvesting waters of the Potomac River are affected by the Potomac Interceptor sewage spill further upstream. Pending further confirmation testing, the precautionary closure will be lifted on March 10.

A situational summary follows:

Prince George’s County Health Department is lifting its effective immediately. Health officials based the decision on the results of Potomac River water sa​​mples taken by the Maryland Department of the Environment in Prince George’s County that show bacteria at acceptable levels for recreational water use.

Charles County Health Department is lifting its effective immediately. Health officials based the decision on the results of Potomac River water samples taken by the Maryland Department of the Environment in Charles County showing bacteria at acceptable levels for recreational water use.

There continues to be no recreational health advisory necessary for the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County. St. Mary’s County remains outside the plume area. The Maryland Department of the Environment has been sampling the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County as part of its normal sampling operations related to assuring the safety of commercial and recreational shellfish growing. Results continue to confirm that the waters meet the criteria for recreational use by the public.

Montgomery County Health Department’s remains in effect until further notice based on various water quality sampling results continuing to show unacceptable levels of bacteria in the Potomac River in Montgomery County. The elevated levels in this area are expected given that the spill site occurred on federal land in Montgomery County. Health officials will continue to monitor water sampling quality results to determine whether additional advisories and action are warranted. In the meantime, the public recreating in Montgomery County should continue to follow the local health department’s Health Officer’s Guidance for Area Affected by the Potomac Interceptor Collapse.

General Health Guidance Swimming or other activities in any natural body of water always pose some level of risk because the water is not disinfected. Children five years and younger, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting illness from natural bodies of water.

To prevent recreational water illnesses due to exposure to sewage spill events, people should:

If individuals come into contact with an impacted area and experience vomiting, diarrhea, a rash, or skin irritation after exposure, they are advised to contact their health care provider immediately.

Precautionary Shellfish Closure The Maryland Department of Health, together with the Maryland Department of the Environment and Maryland Department of Natural Resources oversee the safety and integrity of commercial shellfish production and use stringent national criteria under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program to evaluate the growing waters for commercial shellfish harvesting. Shellfish standards follow a more stringent process than water contact advisories for recreational activities.

Oysters currently being sold on the market that come from the Chesapeake Bay meet National Shellfish Sanitation Program standards and are not coming from the closure area on the Potomac River. Each bushel of Maryland-harvested oysters currently being sold includes a tag indicating where they were harvested from and are tracked to ensure food safety standards are met.​​

The local health department recreational water advisories are different from the precautionary emergency shellfish closure issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment for a small portion of the Potomac River on Jan. 25. The area, which is 60 miles south of the incident (running from Charles County, bordering Virginia areas, and extending from the Port Tobacco River region down to the U.S. Route 301 bridge), is set to reopen March 10 based on water testing sampling that continues to show no adverse effect on shellfish harvesting waters. The closed portion of the river does not impact shellfish harvest in other areas, including those approved or conditionally approved for shellfish harvest.

​​Fishing and Boating Guidance – With the health advisories being lifted in Prince George’s and Charles counties, anglers and boaters can resume activities in these areas on the Potomac River. There continues to be no evidence that fish or shellfish populations in these areas were affected by the spill. Anglers should follow all Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations regarding limits on catching and harvesting different species of fish.

Generally, it is safe to consume fish when following recommended fish consumption guidelines. Maryland seafood on the market is subject to strict food safety standards to ensure public health. Oysters on the market are harvested responsibly and in approved Chesapeake waterways.

Adopt and Foster Urgent Dogs - Some Are Sponsored - Friday (11AM - 7PM; Arrive by 6pm)

???? Urgent: Community members - Adopters and fosters are needed to save 18 dogs on the latest urgent list by Tuesday, 3/10. Adoption fees for pitbull type dogs are sponsored. They all need to be adopted or have rescue commitment, and have to leave the shelter by Tuesday (or after spay/neuter.) If no one saves them, they will be euthanized due to being over capacity. As of 3/5 PM: All 18 dogs need adopters and fosters! Adoption fees for pitbull type dogs 40+ pounds are sponsored. The adoption fe...

???? Urgent: Community members - Adopters and fosters are needed to save 18 dogs on the latest urgent list by Tuesday, 3/10. Adoption fees for pitbull type dogs are sponsored. They all need to be adopted or have rescue commitment, and have to leave the shelter by Tuesday (or after spay/neuter.) If no one saves them, they will be euthanized due to being over capacity.

As of 3/5 PM: All 18 dogs need adopters and fosters! Adoption fees for pitbull type dogs 40+ pounds are sponsored. The adoption fee is $0 for Tommy the GSD (based on weight 80+ pounds).

Rescues are interested in helping and need fosters to save them. Check for updates at the Facebook links.

???? Adopters: Please go to the shelter Friday between 11am and 7pm (arrive by 6pm) to meet and adopt urgent dogs. Adopters are able to meet 2 dogs and bring dogs for meet and greets. If anyone is going to adopt them, please comment on their pages in the linked album.

???? Prospective fosters: Fosters through the shelter and rescues are needed for these dogs. Please apply with rescue partners, or with the shelter, to become a foster and save a life. Fostering is usually free with a rescue. See the Friends' posts seeking fosters and rescues for dogs.

Contact the shelter to become a foster and save a life. "Interested in Fostering: Email fosterpgcpets@co.pg.md.us " Please review their foster information. Foster Information | Prince George's County

Please see bios, photos, and videos of the urgent dogs at these links, and share posts with friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers.

Adoption website: 24petconnect.com/PGEOADOPT?at=DOG&sb=days_MaxMin (Tip to search by ID: Click on any dog and edit the dog's ID number in the link, then go to that page.)

View and share the Friends' posts & album for all 18 urgent dogs: facebook.com/people/Friends-of-PG-County-Animal-Shelter/61565594829660/

Full Urgent List: facebook.com/share/1CPsUrxm5y/ (see dogs in the album)

Prince George’s County Animal Shelter, 3750 Brown Station Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Call 301-780 -7200 (select 1, 4 - adopt, then 3 - info) with the animal ID number(s) to check availability.Adoption Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11:00am - 7:00pm, Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm. (Arrive 1 hour before closing.)

More information: PG County Shelter adoption steps, fees, and spay/neuter https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/environment/animal-services/pet-adoption https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/environment/animal-services/pet-care-education/spaying-neutering

Shelter posts: facebook.com/pgcpets4us/

This is a courtesy post.

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