In the previous two columns, I discussed aneurysms that occur in the aorta situated in...

by  DANIELA FERNANDEZ, O.D.  Floaters are small specks or particles that float within the vitreous...

In the June article, we discussed aortic dissection, its symptoms, and its classification.  Let’s discuss...

by TERRANCE HAFNER, O.D.  The eyes are one of the most important organs in our...

Aortic dissection is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the main blood...

by ANISA PATAIL, O.D. Whether it’s an old wives’ tale or something a friend mentioned...

Lymphedema is swelling caused by obstruction or reflux in the lymphatic vessels and is one...

by Daniel Smith, O.D. In the realm of visual health, the significance of proper workplace...

by EDWARD ATTAWAY, O.D.  Ischemic optic neuropathy may seem like a complex term, but it...

The abnormal buildup of fluid in the body is called edema. Edema is commonly seen...

More than 25% of American seniors have diabetes and 10 to 15% of people with...

by WILLIAM CORKINS, OD When the FDA approves eye drops, the drops are required to...

February is here, and Valentine’s Day is around the corner! We see red hearts everywhere...

Deep venous thrombosis is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people. This is...

With the increase in longevity and improvement in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, a sizable...

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a disease where the optic...

I cannot really believe that the holidays are upon us already.  This year has been...

by NADER MOINFAR, M.D., M.P.H. Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry age-related...

An aneurysm is a “weakening” or “dilatation” in a part of an artery. An estimated...

by DANIEL SMITH, O.D. Contact lenses offer a wonderful alternative to traditional eyeglasses, providing wearers...

Pelvic congestion syndrome is a vastly underrecognized cause of chronic pelvic pain in women of...

by ANISA PATAIL, O.D.  Whether it’s an old wives’ tale or something a friend mentioned...

September is Peripheral Arterial Disease awareness month. PAD is a chronic condition affecting 20 million...

by TINCY THOMAS, O.D. You were told that you have astigmatism—a seemingly scary term! Luckily...

by Julia King, O.D. Nowadays, when we use our eyes for so many different activities...

Mesenteric artery disease is an uncommon but potentially serious condition that affects the blood vessels...

Lymphedema is swelling caused by obstruction or reflux in the lymphatic vessels and is one...

by COURTNEY BEAUMONT, OD Despite the recent rain, we residents of the Sunshine State still...

by EDITH WEPPELMANN, OD Do you enjoy watersports, fishing, golfing, hiking outdoors, or going to...

More than 25% of American seniors have diabetes and 10% to 15% of people with...

While most people are familiar with the devastating consequences smoking has on their lungs (COPD...

by Chelsea Hollier, O.D. May is Healthy Vision Month! Routine eye exams can help your...

By: Daniel Smith, O.D.  Many eye disorders can be treated effectively with eye drops and...

Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins Varicose veins are superficial veins that appear knotty and —...

Approximately 700,000 strokes occur in the United States annually. Stroke, or brain attack, is a...

Hearing that you may have a sight-threatening visual condition is scary to hear. So let’s...

Cryosurgery is the use of extreme cold to treat medical conditions. It works by freezing...

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk...

by Anisa Patail, O.D. February is here, and Valentine’s Day is around the corner! We...

For a long time, treatment of deep venous thrombosis centered on anticoagulation alone. Depending on...

by Julia King, O.D. Dry eye disease, or dry eye syndrome, is a condition that...

Knowing your skin type isn’t always easy, but it is essential knowledge to have when...

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people but thankfully...

If you’re self-conscious about the appearance of your chin and neck area, Kybella might be...

By: Edward Attaway, O.D. Bell’s Palsy is a condition in which one side of the...

Hives are itchy patches of skin that turn into swollen, itchy welts. They can vary...

Lymphedema is largely a clinical diagnosis. When you see a vascular surgeon for the first...

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States in adults. November is...

Lymphedema, which is swelling caused by obstruction or reflux in the lymphatic vessels, is one...

by DR. SELINA LIN Did you know that countless medical conditions can be detected during...

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment used to treat precancerous cells, as well as...

September is Peripheral Arterial Disease awareness month. PAD is a chronic condition affecting 20 million...

By: Dr. David Loewy While aging is a fact of life that one cannot escape...

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes red, scaly, itchy patches of skin...

Looking for more youthful, fresh, glowing skin? If you don’t have time to let your...

Last month, I talked about why a patient might need to undergo arteriovenous fistula surgery...

Children require clear and comfortable vision to be successful in school and extracurricular activities...

Your kidneys remove excess water and waste products from your body.  When the kidneys start...

by Damon Welch M.D. & Daniel Welch M.D.   Cataract surgery is an extremely successful...

Folliculitis is a skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. However, it has a...

Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a skin condition that, when left untreated...

More than 25% of American seniors have diabetes, and 10% to 15% of people with...

By: Chelsea Hollier, O.D. Routine eye exams can help your eye doctor prevent, diagnose, and...

Alopecia, or hair loss, can leave men and women alike struggling to accept their changing...

This is the last part of the series focusing on lifestyle management for the prevention...

Many eye disorders can be treated effectively with eye drops and products found over the...

Spring is such a lovely time! We hope everyone has gotten used to the time...

Patients who present with a diabetes history are worried about their vision.  If the patient...

Experiencing a skin condition can be a little unnerving, especially if you’re not sure what...

Melanoma is a dangerous type of skin cancer that comes from cells known as melanocytes...

A Paradox Gritty, sandy, scratchy watery? Can all those words be used to describe dry...

Loving ourselves and taking care of our health to prevent or delay the onset of...

In the previous two issues, we addressed smoking cessation and the importance of sugar control...

There are many types of vision problems that can affect your eyesight. The focus of...

Acne is known to be common among teenagers, but it can affect individuals for years...

Happy New Year! This is the second part of our series focusing on lifestyle management...

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that affect the optic nerve of the eye. It...

Time takes its toll on all of us, and it would be nice if we...

Many adults struggle with acne scarring, whether left over from their teenage years or as...

Your annual well-woman exam is crucial to your whole health. So, what should you be...

“There’s a fly in my soup!” No wait, that’s not a fly. It’s a floater...

I cannot really believe that the holidays are upon us already. This year has been...

October may be National Diabetes Month, but for me as an eye doctor, every month...

Many people injure themselves simply because they do not stretch. A survey showed that more...

Shingles is a contagious virus (varicella zoster) that results in a painful rash. The virus...

Cancer is always a frightening diagnosis, and knowing that the disease can spread from one...

We’ve talked about what Peripheral Arterial Disease is in previous columns. Now, let’s look at...

According to new information released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), breast...

We’ve talked about what Peripheral Arterial Disease is in previous columns. Now, let’s look at...

Pain and loss of mobility in the joints of the leg due to arthritis can...

There are few things in life as scary as learning that you have cancer. At...

Contact lenses may look like simple pieces of plastic, but actually, they are medical devices. ...

As we move further into the 21st century, more and more of the amazing things...

National Concussion Awareness Day is September 17. Its purpose is to raise awareness about the...

Despite the recent rain, we residents of the Sunshine State still make time to enjoy...

It should come as no big surprise that simply living in Florida puts you at...

Last month, I explained what an aortic aneurysm is, how it can be detected, its...

An aneurysm is a “weakening” or “dilatation” in a part of an artery. An estimated...

Musculoskeletal oncology is a branch of orthopedic surgery that specializes in diagnosing and treating tumors...

Vaccines are one of the best ways to reduce your risk of illness and the...

Children require clear and comfortable vision to be successful in school and extracurricular activities. They...

Rosacea is a fairly common dermatological condition that can affect anyone of any age. It...

This is the last of our three-part back pain series. So far, we have talked...

When we think of summer, images of beaches, theme parks, and outdoor sports and activities...

We’ve all heard it: “This is a pain in the butt,” right? As with most...

Diabetes affects millions of people in the U.S. It is one of the most common...

Summertime feels a little bit different this year, and going back to school might feel...

In Central Florida, we are blessed with sunny days for about two-thirds of the year...

Lower back pain and sciatica can be a life-changing event.  There can be a lot...

June is Hernia Awareness Month and to help educate you on what a hernia is...

Once in a while, a patient will tell me that a previous doctor told them...

The heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in the correct direction. These valves...

AdventHealth Heart of Florida is honored to have been recognized by the National Accreditation Program...

Approximately 700,000 strokes occur in the United States annually. Stroke or brain attack is a...

Many patients suffer from dry eye, and eye care professionals have many tools at their...

Last year, I wrote about heart failure. At that time, I had said that about...

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that affect the optic nerve of the eye. It...

Expert care can get you there. We all hope to be able to walk, run...

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. If caught early, colorectal cancer is 90 percent...

Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins...

Sleep apnea is a common but often undiagnosed disorder that has potentially serious general and...

Age-Related Macular Degeneration, AMD, is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over the...

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to wreak havoc around the world, with 88 million confirmed...

While most people are familiar with the devastating consequences of smoking on their lungs (COPD...

Eye doctors are excited this year with 2021 rolling in. It’s an excellent opportunity for...

Cataracts are the most treatable form of blindness worldwide. Millions of cataract surgeries are performed...

Last month I discussed the role of lipids in atherosclerosis. This month, I’ll talk about...

Last time we spoke of the various factors that play a part in plaque buildup...

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States in adults. November is...

Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on your...

Knock knocktrick or treat A lot of your neighbors might be tempted to choose trick...

A cryptogenic stroke (CS) is defined as cerebral ischemia of obscure or unknown origin. The...

Medically a stye is called a hordeolum.  If we look at the eyelid’s anatomy, particularly...

A stroke is when blood flow to a part of your brain is stopped either by a...

Children require clear, comfortable vision to be successful in school and extracurricular activities. We use...

A cataract is where the normally clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. This is...

In this column, I’ll talk about the varied tests done in cardiology in general and...

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is among the most common conditions we see in our patients...

Chronic pain syndrome involves both the body and the mind, resulting in brain chemistry changes...

The new coronavirus sweeping the world has changed life as we know it. While there...

As a spine surgeon, I routinely see various life-threatening consequences of opioid addiction. These could...

COVID-19 (coronavirus SARS 2) is obviously an infection that primarily affects the lungs. As we...

My weekends are admittedly different now. Before my weekends were filled with time spent with...

There are 16 ounces in 1 pound; but it is true today, as it was...

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular rhythm from the upper part of the heart. It is...

Refractive error is the term used to describe the need for glasses or contact lenses...

Pacemakers and defibrillators have become so common. Everyone has questions and concerns about these. Here...

What do Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, and Chris Farley have in common? These are celebrities...

Age-Related Macular Degeneration, AMD, is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over the...

By Chukwuka Okafor, MD, MBA, CIME, FAAOS On Thursday October 26, 2017, the Department of...

Congestive Heart Failure: the term conjures up visions of a death sentence. And, understandably so...

Eye doctors are excited this year with 2020 rolling in. It’s an excellent opportunity for...

Heart health should be an aspect of personal healthcare that we are all concerned about...

As you decide on your new year’s resolutions and goals, you should also consider your...

Not everyone is blessed with perfect teeth. Sometimes things happen that detract from our smile...

Though we love this time of year, it can be pretty stressful. Crazy schedules. Financial...

Dry eye is one of the most common conditions that we deal with in eye...

Losing your teeth can be a painful and traumatic experience, whether it’s due to age...

Effective September 1, 2019, the 193-bed Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center and the 160-bed...

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States in adults. Over the...

Holiday season is fast approaching, and with it all the treats and goodies that are...

Common visual symptoms of floaters present themselves in my office on a daily basis and...

Now that the kids are back in school, autumn is just around the corner! Fall...

While aging is a fact of life we cannot escape, there are certain measures that...

Diabetes mellitus is a well-known disease in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal...

Very often I see patients who have swellings or lumps in the neck and their...

It’s hard to believe August is already here. Where has summer gone? With family vacations...

Children require clear vision in each eye and both eyes working together properly to be...

  On June 6, Central Florida Health Care held their Teaching Kitchen Workshop focused on...

Hair loss, baldness, or alopecia is often a concern raised by both male and female...

By:  Dr. Gerald V. Cerdan With the nice weather of summer, school being out, and...

By: Daniel Smith, O.D. With the Fourth of July festivities quickly approaching, it is important...

With Summer officially in full swing, that means hot temperatures, pool days, and family vacations!...

by DR. JOY JACKSON As the temperature begins to rise outside and the water begins...

by GERALD V. CERDAN, DMD   One little known fact about wisdom teeth: While many...

Dr. Tincy Thomas Healthy vision involves several different elements including preventive eye care and appropriate...

By William Nerestant, DDS With June here, that means the Florida summer heat is back...

by SANJA COSIC, MD   We have several locations throughout Polk, Highlands, and Hillsborough counties...

By Shiva Seetahal, MD Cholesterol is a word everyone is familiar with but few can...

by GERALD V. CERDAN, DMD Biting and chewing your food.  It’s something we do every...

by ARCHANA ANTONY, DDS It’s not easy, but somebody has to do it.  If you...

Dr. Trishanna Sookdeo Diverticular disease describes the formation of small pouches in the large intestinal...

By William Nerestant, DDS With the weather getting hotter and hotter, the summer months are...

By David Loewy, MD Refractive surgery is designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and...

With one in every five Americans having some kind of allergy, it’s pretty common. There...

Whenever I tell a patient that he or she has cataracts they immediately ask if...

Biting and chewing your food.  It’s something we do every day and without thinking.  That’s...

The month of April is considered National Oral Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society’s...

Making the effort to exercise regularly is an admirable pursuit. Physical activity can play a...

We’re now three months into 2019, and if you can’t remember the last time you...

The gift of sight is one of our most valued senses and often not paid...

by GERALD V. CERDAN, DMD If the tint of your teeth has you hesitating to...

by KIMBER VASQUEZ, MD With our deep roots in the Central Florida community and with...

Did you know over 2 million Americans are affected by glaucoma? With proper treatment, the...

Did you know that your race or ethnicity can put you at higher risk for...

If you or a loved one struggles with heart disease, you probably already know that...

While aging is a fact of life that one cannot escape, there are certain measures...

Investing in your personal health should always be one of your top priorities. For this...

In previous columns we explored the gallbladder and its role in digestion. What we have...

by GERALD V. CERDAN, DMD It’s the New Year and I’ve already spoken with many...

The holiday season is a time of catching up with friends and family and spending...

The majority of vision problems that interfere with reading and learning are easily treatable. Even...

As we say goodbye to 2018 and ring in the new year, what better time...

As we usher in the new year, many plan to make health and wellness a...

The holiday season is a time of catching up with friends and family and spending...

by GERALD V. CERDAN, DMD Since this is the Health & Beauty Edition and the...

The holiday season is upon us and for many, it is a time of indulgence...

When it’s cold outside, exposed skin isn’t the only part of your body that can...

Refractive surgery is designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism to effectively reduce...

By DAWN C. HILL, DNP, ARNP, CDE Central Florida Health Care IF YOU ARE wondering whether...

The flu season is here again and with it concerns for protecting not only ourselves...

Yahira Ferrer, Dental Assistant October is National Dental Hygiene Month, an effort to celebrate the...

What happens when you get a few people around a table who are looking for a...

Having bad breath is something that is a reality for millions of Americans. Researchers estimate...

Diabetes is a disease that affects small blood vessels throughout the body. The retina is...

by GERALD V. CERDAN, DMD Modern dental care has made some amazing advances in recent...

Breast cancer is one of those conditions which frightens everyone just by the mention of...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. To honor that I wanted to discuss some facts...

Luz Cubero-Perez Dental Assistant, Haines City Dental Having a healthy smile is important for your...

By Neil J. Okun, M.D. Board Certified Ophthalmologist   Macular Degeneration affects one in five...

Halloween is fast approaching meaning mounds of sugar-filled candy from trick-or-treating are soon to be...

Heading Polk County’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Campaign a Personal Crusade for Kia Troutman...

Polk County nutritionist at Central Florida Health Care shares how he helps patients make smarter...

The connection between mental health and overall health is under-researched in the medical community, and...

Refractive surgery is designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism to effectively reduce...

Bridges and crowns are both great tools to help improve your smile if you have...

Ever too often, I encounter patient who are diabetic and practice blood sugar monitoring only...

Here are some facts about the benefits of breastmilk from the medical staff at Central...

Before you schedule your child’s back-to-school physical during Back to School Week at Central Florida...

It is almost that time of the year again, when children all over the country...

Accidental injuries in the home account for thousands of ER and office visits in the...

Children require clear vision to be successful in school and extracurricular activities. As children advance...

Brushing your teeth consistently is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a happy...

Are you living your best life? Staying youthful? Part of living your best life is...

To understand how the mouth can affect the body, it helps to understand what can...

Does your child struggle with reading or schoolwork? He or she may benefit from a...

A concerning complaint from patients, that causes grave concern is that of rectal bleeding...

The Fourth of July is a time of great celebration, and no one wants the...

You may have heard of the Annual Wellness Visit and wondered, “Is that something I...

While aging is a fact of life that one cannot escape, there are certain measures...

Your smile is one of the first things people notice when they see you and...

Local Firefighter Named EMT of the Year After Heroic Actions by TERESA SCHIFFER Superheroes don’t...

Diverticulitis is a disease that affects the GI tract, primarily the colon. It increases with...

Oral health is of the utmost importance, but unfortunately, many people don’t understand the link...

Your yearly physical is an important part of your health care regimen, but that’s not...

Whether you call it seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis or hay fever, it affects millions of...

When an elderly parent starts hearing music that isn’t there, or seeing objects that aren’t...

by DR. JEFFREY EPSTEIN You may be wondering what exactly an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV)...

By Heather Hafner, Patient Relations Coordinator, Haines City Dental Most of us have times when...

by WILLIAM NERESTANT, DDS Dreams can be confusing and intense experiences, and those that involve...

by William Corkins, O.D. Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida Whenever I tell a patient that he...

by Trent Rowe, Food Editor This month’s Recipe Spotlight is focused on the Easter Holiday...

Everyone knows that cavities are caused by too much sugar and poor oral care like...

When you are sick or injured, the last thing on your mind is the cost...

You’ve had a physical, you’ve had your eyes checked, and your hearing.  You have gone...

Maintaining a healthy body weight can be frustrating – trying to balance sensible eating with...

Did you know over 2 million Americans are affected by glaucoma? With proper treatment, the...

A festering wound on the leg or foot can result in amputation, but advanced treatments...

Everyone loves the family pet, especially children.  Dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, fish, whatever the friend...

As I write this column, our grand opening party is just around the corner, and...

Your feet shouldn’t hurt.  When painful feet prevent you from walking, running or wearing shoes...

If you’re like most people, you want your smile to be as white as possible...

We all want our children to be healthy and active, so what do you do...

Wine is a favorite beverage of many people, and the various studies indicating wine’s heart...

Do you know your health numbers? There are four numbers that can help paint a...

Pilonidal cysts and sinuses are conditions that occur from hairs growing downward into the skin...

Physicians assess patient levels of exercise at least once a year with the adult well...

This New Year’s, we want to switch it up a bit and challenge all of...

Dr. Tutu Cheng Talks About the Rewards of Helping Patients Renew their Confidence Dr. Tutu...

MARCH IS NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH, and The Florida Department of Health in Polk County is...

NOT ALL MOUTHS are created equal, and not all oral concerns are the same. It’s...

SPRINGTIME IN CENTRAL FLORIDA is beautiful. Temperatures are pleasant and the warm breezes carry the...

FLOSSING is an important part of any oral care routine, and experts advise you do...

EASTER IS A TIME of rejoicing for Christians all over the world. It’s a time...

THE THYROID GLAND is a butterfly shaped organ that sits in the lower front of...

DENTAL HEALTH is important at any age, but it’s especially true for our senior populations...

IN MY FAMILY, there is a history of a blood disease, which causes the person...

DRIVING OFFERS freedom and self-sufficiency to us all, but there could come a time when...

ONE OF THE BEST and easiest paths to good health is through healthy eating and...

HERE WE GO AGAIN. It’s that time of year when we look at our waistlines...

ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, we hosted our inaugural Central Florida Health Expo. We’re pleased to...

THE FLU is especially common during the winter months and can be a dangerous illness...

NARCISSISTIC ABUSE is one of the most prevalent reasons people seek counseling. Because we live...

RARELY DO WE have the chance to start over, but when it comes to health...

IF YOU’VE READ the fitness story in this edition of Central Florida Health News, then...

YOU’VE LIKELY MADE resolutions to change bad habits when it comes to diet and exercise...

THE HOLIDAYS are a joyous time when we visit senior family members who we might...

THE RESULTS are in: seniors who lead an active lifestyle are healthier, live longer, and...

MORE THAN 50 MILLION adults suffer from arthritis, and there are 100 different types and...

NOVEMBER is American Diabetes Month. It’s a time when the American Diabetes Association (ADA) works...

AS WE ENTER THE HOLIDAY SEASON, the excitement of fall festivals, family gatherings, and holiday...

For better bones, activity, bone density, and calcium intake are key BONES … The framework...

Jessica Maxwell, ARNP, offers insight from the front lines of the weight-loss battle LESS THAN...

WHEN A HEADACHE HITS, it can prove to be debilitating. Headaches often come with sensitivity...

AS A MOTHER, you experience so many emotions on the first day of school. You...

AS FLORIDA’S LATE-AFTERNOON showers continue to roll in, the standing water around our homes, schools...

IF YOU NEED CONFIDENCE, one of the quickest ways to achieve it is to look...

THE 5-2-1-0 CAMPAIGN was designed to curb childhood obesity by encouraging healthy habits. The message...

FLOSSING LIKELY IS NOT your favorite part of your oral routine, but it’s necessary for...

IF YOU ARE LIKE ME, then come early July you were already thinking about preparations...

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH in Polk County (DOH-Polk) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program...

WHEN I FIRST had the twins, my mom would say, “Have a schedule for them...

FLORIDA IS NOTORIOUS for its hot, humid weather. During the summer months, take care to...

THERE’S A REASON PEOPLE need vacations and recreation. Vacate and re-create! Think of it as...

AS TEMPERATURES RISE in sunny Florida, so does your risk of developing heat exhaustion and...

WHEN IT COMES to wisdom teeth and myths, the tall tales rank right up there...

MOST FOLKS associate a hernia with a swelling in the groin or belly, but the...

JUNE IS MEN’S HEALTH MONTH. This is an important time of year to bring heightened...

OUR SKIN needs protection at any age, but it’s doubly important for seniors. As we...

IN MY LAST TWO COLUMNS, we debunked some common myths about the practicality and effectiveness...

DIETS COME AND DIETS GO — South Beach, Grapefruit, Atkins, T-Factor, Cabbage Soup, Eat Just...

FROM MID-FEBRUARY to about mid-April, my family was at the doctor’s office a lot. The...

“C’MON, DOC. What’s a little sunburn?” is a question I frequently hear from the public...

SPRING IS THE TIME OF YEAR in Florida when temperatures begin to warm and the...

LOW-DOSE ASPIRIN has long been a therapy for those with a risk of cardiovascular disease...

BEING A FEW POUNDS overweight can be a pain in the patootie. That can often...

AS A SURGEON, I am asked this question all the time, usually right after I...

ALTHOUGH THE SIGNIFICANCE of vaccinating children is widely recognized, it is essential to understand the...

WELL, I THINK IT’S SAFE to say that spring has most definitely sprung. It’s that...

THE CONNECTION between poor diet, obesity, and cardiovascular disease is not one that is hard...

LAST EDITION, I covered the distinct differences between independent senior living and assisted living. To...

DENTAL IMPLANTS are a viable option for most patients experiencing tooth loss. Fused with the...

GETTING MY FAMILY to like fish was a hard sell. The youngsters were not too...

WHEN THE TOPIC of a myocardial infarction arises — commonly known as a heart attack...

MARCH MARKS the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is also the...

WHAT IS IT that makes peanut butter and jelly, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and macaroni...

YOUR HEALTH is your most valuable commodity. Although medical problems are inevitable, you can control...

BEFORE THE DEVELOPMENT of dental implants, removable partial dentures or fixed bridges were the only...

INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING ALSO KNOWN as retirement communities, independent senior living communities are designed for...

BETWEEN WORK AND FAMILY, I think you’ll agree when I say it’s easy to feel...

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL DENTAL HEALTH MONTH and a great time to remind individuals about the...

WE’VE ALL HEARD about the seven things you can do to keep healthy and prevent...

WE EAT FIRST with our eyes, then aroma comes into play. Our brain says if...

PEOPLE WITH DIABETES tend to have more serious cases of oral disease, which can trigger...

“A NEW YEAR, NEW YOU” is the motto for many as they make their New...

IT’S THAT TIME of year again. Huge dinners and parties with family and co-workers, and...

’TIS THE SEASON for resolutions, and the most common resolutions that people make is for...

WE’VE ALL been guilty of it at least once before. The New Year comes and...

EACH NEW YEAR brings the opportunity for new beginnings. When crafting your resolutions, be sure...

BOGO IS A GREAT WAY TO SHOP. Anything free is a bargain in my book...

WHEN I START to feel sluggish and stressed, there are a few steps I take...

A BEAUTIFUL SMILE brightens your look like a Christmas tree lights up a room. However...

IT IS NOT EASY to deal with grief and loss at any time of the...

IF YOU LOVE the Mediterranean-style diet and are concerned about the dangers of strokes, rejoice!...

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2,107 individuals were reported as “People Living With HIV and...

THIS MONTH marks a very special time of year for us at Central Florida Media...

IN THIS EDITION of Central Florida Health News magazine, you’ll read about some of the...

FROM HALLOWEEN to the New Year, it seems as though both our mouths and our...

AN UNFOUNDED misconception by most people is the following: Hospice care only occurs within the...

THIS MONTH we are sharing some information on dentures. No matter the reason for missing...

AS YOU GATHER your “to-do” lists and prepare for the holiday season ahead, the Florida...

HE FLU is nothing to sneeze at. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control...

IT SEEMS LIKE you hear about many different kinds of cancers these days, but one...

CAN YOU NAME the most common form of cancer? For your health (and information!), the...

ACCORDING TO RECENT studies, oral cancer rates among women and young people have increased! Although...

AS A CARDIOLOGIST who sees many female patients, I encourage all of them to receive...

OCTOBER is Breast Cancer Awareness month and, to help educate the community about early detection...

ABOUT ONE IN EIGHT U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of...

IT’S TIME for back to school, and for teens with acne, this can be even...

THE BIG C WORD … unfortunately, in this day and age, we all know what...

NO MATTER the season, there’s always a variety of sports for kids and adults to...

PREVENTIVE CARE care can save you thousands! It sounds incredible, but it’s true! Brushing your...

AS A MOTHER of four, I’m constantly looking for ways to make more efficient use...

AS PUBLISHERS of seven niche magazines and members of the Florida Magazine Association (FMA), we...

IN THIS EDITION of Central Florida Health News, various organizations and medical experts talk about...

PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE, or PAD, affects as many as 12 million adults and is closely...

WOMEN WHO ARE going through menopause or are post-menopausal often turn to hormone replacement therapy...

DOGS OFTEN ARE referred to as man’s best friend. Most are known to be loyal...

SOME DAYS you just don’t feel like doing much. That’s normal. If most days are...

THE FIRST DAY of school for public schools in Polk County is August 24. By...

SMILES ARE IMPORTANT. They can boost your self-image in a way that helps you focus...

DERMATOLOGY’S main focus is to protect your skin and to keep you healthy and safe...

AS THE SUMMER MONTHS wind down and Labor Day fasts approaches, it is almost a...

WHILE WISDOM TEETH don’t make you smarter, they do usually come in when you are...

IN THIS EDITION (August 2015) of Central Florida Health News, medical experts weigh in on...

MENTAL ILLNESS can refer to several afflictions that affect the state of our minds, but...

WHEN A SUDDEN illness or injury strikes, it can be stressful to decide where to...

AS STUDENTS and families prepare to return to school, the Florida Department of Health in...

WHEN MOST PEOPLE hear the word “hospice,” they immediately associate the provided care as being...

WE HEARD IT growing up from our mothers all the time, but we didn’t quite...

Any doctor or dentist will tell you that pain is a warning sign your body...

ON YOUR WEDDING DAY or graduation day, the only thing that will stand out more...

Down on the plate … it’s a bird … it’s a grain … it’s s-u-p-e-r-food!...

DID YOU KNOW that skin cancer is the most common of all cancers? To give...

IN THIS EDITION of Central Florida Health News, we bring to light the importance of...

DID YOU KNOW that skin conditions are the most common reason why people visit their...

AS AN INTERVENTIONAL cardiologist, I see many patients with heart disease. It’s unfortunate, but true...

THE ARRIVAL of summer means it’s time for your child’s back-to-school physical. Since classes in...

AS SCHOOL comes to a close and the thermometer begins to climb, it is a...

WE HAVE A PROBLEM. Too many of our children are overweight or obese. And that...

LET’S FACE IT, as men, we find time for a round of golf, making a...

EVERY JUNE, Men’s Health Month is emphasized across the country with screenings, health fairs, and...

BESIDES JUNE being Men’s Health Month, it’s also National Safety Month. How we hope to...

OUR SON has just turned four years old, and Daddy recently bought him a fishing...

SNORING IS NO is no laughing matter. We all know someone who snores. Snoring can...

IT’S NO SECRET that smoking is bad for your lungs, but did you know that...

THOUGH COLONOSCOPIES might not be the most pleasant of medical procedures, they are certainly one...

THE FLORIDA SUMMER is upon us, which means bathing suit and barbeque season is here...

IN MY FIRST column for Central Florida Health News, I wanted to get down to...

What would a Cuban turnover be without guava paste? Bland! Guava is a New World...

IT SEEMS AS THOUGH wherever you look — driving on the highway, watching television, or...

WITH SUMMER almost here, families will be spending more time at the pool or beach...

A CHILDREN’S CARTOON from the 1980s used to end each broadcast with the phrase, “Knowing...

MANY OF US don’t think twice about the oral exam. Some people just assume that...

MAY IS NOT ONLY a time we honor our nurses, it’s also National Stroke Awareness...

DO YOU KNOW an area doctor who provides exceptional care and service, and has gone...

AS WE ENTER the month of May, our thoughts often turn to Mother’s Day, the...

MANY ADULTS will lose a tooth or have one pulled at some point in time...

IF YOU SOMETIMES can’t remember where you put your keys, screw cup hooks inside a...

EACH AND EVERY DAY, we make hundreds of decisions. We decide what time to wake...

LIFESTYLE CHOICES have a great impact on our overall wellness as we age. Below are...

APRIL MARKS the coming of spring, and with the new season, many of us think...

Wouldn’t it be great if your dentist only had good news for you during your...

THIS EDITION of Central Florida Health News, the Senior Edition, addresses essential health conditions for...

Before the development of dental implants, removable partial dentures or fixed bridges were the only...

THE CITY OF MULBERRY is buzzing with excitement as residents watch the new Central Florida...

ALTHOUGH WE USUALLY associate the month of March with the first bloom of flowers, falling...

MANY PEOPLE often ask us why it is so important to have a hygienist clean...

THE RECENT CASES of measles at Disneyland have sparked a nationwide conversation about the decision...

AS PHYSICIANS, we understand that healthy lifestyle choices are key to a long and fruitful...

Flossing likely is not your favorite part of your oral routine, but it’s necessary for...

WE EACH GET one set of permanent teeth. At least, we hope they are permanent...

If you’re a parent and you’ve been to a pediatric dentist’s office lately, then you’ll...

According to federal statistics released on Wednesday, February 18, our state has surpassed California with...

IT SEEMS AS THOUGH infectious illnesses have led the evening news for the last several...

BUGGS BUNNY had it right. He ate carrots because he liked them. But even if...

With flu season in full swing, it can be hard to know if your child...

DO YOU OR A LOVED ONE find it increasingly more difficult to breathe? Ever have...

Cavities are one of the most common issues affecting our teeth. A mainstay of childhood...

Our Food Editor, Trent Rowe, makes a great point about carrots. Kids do love them...

By the time this magazine hits the streets, we will be less than two weeks...

FEBRUARY is not just known for cupid and Valentine’s Day, but in the medical community...

WE ARE WELL ON OUR WAY into the new year and, as usual, many have...

THE HOLIDAY SEASON is special, but it is also a time when you can experience...

SMILES ARE IMPORTANT. They say a smile can look like a million bucks or can...

VACCINATIONS PROTECT against many infections, including pertussis, mumps, measles, and even polio and diphtheria. Despite...

WE DO NOT LIVE in a sterile environment. There are germs all around us. In...

If you do not have health insurance, and you’re not sure how to get it, you...

In this edition of Central Florida Health News, we talk about how your new year’s...

IN THE NEW YEAR I will … In the new year I won’t … Sound...

AS THE NEW YEAR begins, many people make resolutions in hope that the next year...

This edition of Central Florida Health News magazine is full of valued insight on how...

Well, the Christmas season is here. Another year has come and gone, and we’re staring...

The Influenza virus causes symptoms such as fever, body aches, sneezing, and coughing. The flu...

Step right up ladies and gents and see what Dr. Doodad’s miracle elixir can do...

Having missing teeth affects more than just the aesthetics of your smile. Your teeth also...

It’s here! The fifth annual Central Florida Physicians Directory and Medical Professionals Guide is available...

The holiday season is fast approaching with many distractions that might keep you from maintaining...

The immediate questions: Why? How did it happen? How long will she be there? How...

We are currently experiencing a nationwide outbreak of the Enterovirus D68. Enterovirus D68 can cause...

The last time I was at the Emergency Room was for my four-year-old daughter. Since...

In the olden days, when our parents’ parents were new parents, “Putting food by” was...

In this edition of Central Florida Health News magazine, we wanted to put the spotlight...

The world can be a dangerous place. There are natural disasters such as hurricanes, man-made...

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches and swiftly thereafter we will be swung into the hectic pace...

Thomas Paine, one of the fathers of the American Revolution, wrote in the year 1795...

With the ever-increasing life expectancy and an improving job market, our nation’s experienced workers are...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and, while this disease is serious and at times...

About one in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of...

Pink is the color of the day— every day in October— to raise awareness of...

When people think of the Boys & Girls Clubs, some phrases that come to mind...

Sensitivity is a desirable trait in many situations these days, but that’s definitely not the...

Healthcare is becoming more expensive every year. In 2010, the United States spent 17 percent...

Hello my fellow Floridians. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all...

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law to reform the healthcare industry by...

Whether you’re suddenly stricken with a migraine or fever, a visit to your primary- care...

When it comes to wisdom teeth and myths, the tall tales rank right up there...

Could the fountain of youth be flowing through the veins of our youth?  Dr. Amy...

This school year, our twins have started first grade and our four-year-old has started pre-K...

One of the many benefits of living in Florida is the beautiful weather nearly year...

You may not be aware of it, but our region has a big problem. Here’s...

There are two things that— when found lacking or without— can put tremendous strain on...

Eating is soothing. It satisfies a primal urge. When life is getting to be too...

Did you know that an anesthesiologist (the doctor that puts you to sleep and keeps...

I was first introduced to a disease known as chikungunya during my medical training.  Initially...

It’s school physical time already! Am I the only one who feels like summer went...

Few people consider their dentist their favorite person, but your dentist should at least be...

It’s a rush, rush world. Even as a retired person, it’s hard to find time...

You’ve heard the expression “now that’s thinking outside the box,” I’m sure. CFHN TIP! Check...

How well do you know what Americans 50+ are buying and using around the home? ...

Inside this special edition of Central Florida Health News, we take a look at our...

Summer is in full swing and the new school year is quickly approaching, so if...

A recent article by Phyllis Korkki of The New York Times illuminates a topic that...

If you’d like to find more ways to stay plugged-in to your health community, then...

We are certainly well past the ancient Sumerians’ belief in tooth worms or the days...

What a week! We participated in two health fairs, sponsored and awarded medals at the...

I’d like to take a few moments to share results from an Online Reader Survey...

Some things just sound too good to be true. You lose more calories eating a...

Americans make up ~4.6 percent of the world’s population, yet have been consuming 80 percent...

It’s fairly common amongst the general population to want to live a long, healthy, and...

Like any other year, the 2014 Florida Legislative Session saw a lot of action for...

Yes guys, you too have hormones and will eventually go through “the change” unless you...

Every June, Men’s Health Month is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, educational...

Published in the journal Psychological Science, the research from Patrick Hill of Carleton University in...

Real men shouldn’t eat quiche! Quiche has eggs, bacon, and cheese in the filling and...

As moms, we often find ourselves putting our needs on the backburner in order to...

Cancer can affect any part of your body, and the mouth is no exception.  While...

There’s no doubt about it: when fighting a disease as devastating and life-threatening as cancer...

If you’re a lucky woman who has just recently had a new baby, you might...

Mental illness, be it depression or any other behavioral disorder, effects millions of Americans daily. It...

Saint Hubert, who lived from 656-727 A.D., was the patron saint of hunters, mathematicians, opticians...

We have all heard of, and some of us have even experienced firsthand, the tragedies...

Ever get a day when nothing is going right? The kids are fighting. The pool...

Age is a pretty sensitive topic, especially for us women. We can’t help it, but...

As part of our continued efforts to raise awareness on important health topics in the...

There is no denying that our taste buds age with the rest of us.  They...

Working like your own teeth, dental implants are imbedded in your jaw bone; they offer...

In 1906, a German neuropathologist Dr. Alois Alzheimer first identified what is now considered Alzheimer’s...

In early March, www.myfloridachoices.org became live.  It is the website devoted to Florida Health Choices...

Every year in April, we observe STD Awareness Month.  This is an opportunity for individuals...

Have you ever wondered what the dentist scrapes off of your teeth when you go...

You may or may not have heard already that there is an alternative option for...

If you suspected that a member of your household had ingested a potentially poisonous substance...

Okay, it’s confession time.  I used to be one of those people who was afraid...

Everyone knows the old expression “a picture is worth a thousand words.”  Well, in the...

For another easy breakfast meal that will help make your teeth stronger and put a...

Dental implants are a viable option for most patients experiencing tooth loss.  Fused with the...

As you might already know, the 2014 Central Florida Physicians Directory and Medical Professionals Guide...

As many of us swallow down one, two, three, or even four vitamins and supplements...

Like an afternoon soap opera we love to hate, we just can’t seem to stop...

Last edition, we featured an extensive article on how our region is working towards tackling...

We have all heard the phrase, “I will always be overweight; it’s in my genes!”...

With all the changes happening to the healthcare industry in 2014, Central Florida Health News...

Okay folks.  The fun is over.  It’s time to get back to the real world...

Here we are, at the dawn of a new year, and we each have an...

Q&A on how to recognize (and treat) an overactive thyroid An overactive thyroid can cause...

Another year has gone by. It is once again time to reflect and find new...

As 2013 comes to a close, we can expect major changes to our nation’s healthcare...

This edition of Central Florida Health News magazine is full of valued insight on how...

National Research and Local Alliance Efforts Keep Hope from Being Blown Away John Rodda was sitting...

There is too much going on . . . the holidays to cook for...

The Polk County Medical Association (PCMA), its members and affiliates, are constantly working for the...

Get out the old Number 2 pencil and give the lead a lick. It’s time...

As I’m writing this in late October, HealthCare.gov is still suffering from significant malfunctions, thus...

As someone who considers herself a perpetual student, I’m a big proponent of the old...

As I read Chris Hazelwood’s Q&A for the first time (article on page 14), I...

            It is unavoidable that illness effects many peoples’ lives, not...

 Cooking ideas for the cancer patient and her family Drugs can do miracles these days...