“C’MON, DOC. What’s a little sunburn?” is a question I frequently hear from the public. The answer is, if you’re lucky, that’s all it is. But a little sunburn is one of the easiest skin cancer risk factors to avoid. If left untreated, skin cancer, or melanoma, can progress to the point that it’s disfiguring […]
Healthy Skin: May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month Read More »
SPRING IS THE TIME OF YEAR in Florida when temperatures begin to warm and the weather is perfect outside. With the sun shining and a gentle breeze blowing, this beautiful weather also marks the beginning of swimming season for Polk’s residents. Swimming and boating are two of the most popular summer activities for people living
Cautions for two of your favorite summer activities Read More »
LOW-DOSE ASPIRIN has long been a therapy for those with a risk of cardiovascular disease, and studies have shown it to be effective at lowering the risk of colorectal cancer as well. However, aspirin also has been shown to have health dangers, such as increasing the risk for bleeding in the stomach and intestines and
The Heart of the Matter: Recommendations from the USPSTF for low-dose aspirin use Read More »
BEING A FEW POUNDS overweight can be a pain in the patootie. That can often be solved by using the simple food equation: calories in versus calories out. On the other hand, people who are too slim and can’t gain weight often have no patootie to speak of. Their challenge of putting on a few
Healthy Cook: Adding on calories when your senior loved one is too thin Read More »
AS A SURGEON, I am asked this question all the time, usually right after I inform a patient that their abdominal pain is due to gallstones. There is an aura of mystery surrounding this little green organ, with a lot of folks unclear as to its exact role in our bodies and our health. Gallbladder
Surgery Facts: Answering the question: ‘Doc, do I need my gallbladder?’ Read More »
ALTHOUGH THE SIGNIFICANCE of vaccinating children is widely recognized, it is essential to understand the importance of adhering to an immunization schedule. These schedules are determined and evaluated by leading experts each year, taking the most recent scientific data into consideration. They are then approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of
Pediatric Health: Why your child should follow the immunization schedule Read More »
WELL, I THINK IT’S SAFE to say that spring has most definitely sprung. It’s that time of year when you walk outside your door and notice your car has a nice sheen of yellow from the layer of pollen that has adhered to the entire exterior. It’s also the time of year for sneezing, sniffling
Editor’s Dose: An allergy alert and chemosis cautions Read More »
THE CONNECTION between poor diet, obesity, and cardiovascular disease is not one that is hard to trace. What is difficult, however, is changing one’s lifestyle to combat the dangers of heart disease. Attempting to undo a lifetime of poor diet and exercise choices requires real determination and willpower, two characteristics that aren’t necessarily the strong
Stick to your ‘healthy lifestyle’ guns Read More »
LAST EDITION, I covered the distinct differences between independent senior living and assisted living. To better help your senior loved one have the best possible lifestyle, let’s talk about another type of community to consider.
Senior Living: Understanding the difference, Part II: Memory care Read More »
DENTAL IMPLANTS are a viable option for most patients experiencing tooth loss. Fused with the patient’s jaw, implants can replace bridges and dentures, and they look and feel very natural. However, there are many myths out there; don’t let these dissuade you of the practicality of dental implants.
Word of Mouth: Myths about implants debunked, Part I: Are they practical? Read More »
