Dogs are affectionately called man’s best friend. But did you know their companionship also offers benefits for your heart health? Studies show a canine companion can help with everything from lowering blood pressure to reducing stress. Lexington Medical Center is hosting its annual “therapy dog stress break” where visitors can spend time with furry friends on Valentine’s Day. The event is free and open to the public. Community members are invited to the East Tower Atrium inside Lexington Medical Center from 1 - 3 pm, Feb. 14 to shake off some stress by petting a hospital therapy dog. Lexington Medical Center clinicians will also be on hand to answer questions about how managing stress and finding relaxing activities can help our health. Visitors can receive a free blood pressure screening.

Is your car’s air bag dangerous?

BMW, Volkswagen, Daimler Vans, Mercedes, Subaru, Tesla and Ferrari are recalling about 1.7 million vehicles. They need to replace potentially deadly air bags made by Takata of Japan. At least 23 people died and hundreds were injured when the bags’ inflators hurled shrapnel. The recall by the US government is one of the largest in history. About 10 million inflators are being recalled and as many as 70 million will be recalled by late next year. A chemical ammonium nitrate in the bags explodes to inflate them. Heat and humidity here and in other warm weather states makes the explosions more dangerous.

Lexington’s business growth

The Town of Lexington is growing fast. There was $2.4 billion total gross sales reported for 2018, Lexington Mayor Steve MacDougall reported during his State of the Town Address Feb. 4. The town issued 4, 190 business licenses, a 3.8% increase in new business for the town.

Sears defies death again

Federal Judge Robert Drain saved 425 Sears stores such as the Lexington one on Columbia Avenue and 45,000 employees jobs. He approved a last-minute deal to save Sears by selling its major remaining assets to its chairman Eddie Lampert’s hedge fund, ESL Investments. Without his approval, Sears was expected to be liquidated.

Do you bank at Wells Fargo?

If so, you might check to make sure your latest deposits or withdrawals were recorded. The bank suffered a power outage last week affecting its operations. Social media users were having trouble seeing paychecks and direct deposits in their Wells Fargo online and mobile banking accounts. Wells Fargo’s online banking and mobile app shut down after smoke was detected at a Minnesota data center. It was not due to cybersecurity hacks.

Automotive shop now open

Christian Brothers Automotive Lexington has opened at 148 Old Cherokee Road in Lexington. They held a ribbon cutting ceremony Feb. 6 where they gave away free oil changes for a year to one lucky person.

Farm Bureau hires Lexington grad

South Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company recently contracted with Jonathan Jeffcoat to serve as an agent in the Richland-Stadium office at 960 George Rogers Blvd. Jeffcoat is a graduate of Lexington High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Charleston Southern University.

Specialists moving to new office

Doctors David Lamb and Brian Willard of Lexington Urology will soon have a new office location. Starting Mar. 1, they will practice at LMC Park 3, Suite 101 in West Columbia. Give them a call at 803-739-3660 for more information.

Long-time county employee retires

Longtime Lexington county employee Rodney Pimental retired Jan. 30. Pimental served as supervisor of Lexington County Warehouse for 31 years. He also served with distinction as an officer in the US Army for 30 years. The avid Clemson fan was presented a plaque honoring the 2019 Football National champions by Deputy County Administrator Chris Folsom and County Administrator Joe Mergo.