Health News

Features

Lost and Found

Winter Haven’s Chris Lonton Describes Her Journey With Breast Cancer and the People Who Keep Her Going by TIM CRAIG photos by JOE DELUC When Chris Lonton checked into Gessler Clinic in Winter Haven for her regular mammogram in December 2015, she didn’t think twice. She would go in, get the exam, then leave. Little…
Prepped for the Future

Danielle Drummond’s Accomplishments Precede Her Term as Head of Lakeland Regional by MARY TOOTHMAN photo provided by LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH Danielle Drummond won’t officially become head of Lakeland Regional Health until January 1 of 2021, but she will certainly be ready. She has already been serving as vice-president and chief operating officer of the nonprofit…
Protect Yourself, Loved Ones With a Flu Shot

As families begin to prepare for fall festivities, the Florida Department of Health recommends adding one more thing to your to-do list this season—getting a flu shot! The flu shot is the best way to protect families and communities against the spread of influenza. Those who get the flu shot early decrease the risk of…

Understanding the Risks of Deep Venous Thrombosis

Deep venous thrombosis is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people. This is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein of the body, usually in the thigh, leg, and — rarely — the arm. The blood clot can break off and travel inside the vein to the lung,…
The Eye Condition You’ve Probably Never Heard of: Keratoconus

by GISELLE SANKAR, O.D. Picture looking through a clear glass window that has slowly started to bend or warp. That once clear view has now become blurry and extremely distorted. In simple terms, this describes what individuals diagnosed with keratoconus experience. Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition that causes thinning of the cornea. The cornea…
Surgical Management of Acute Deep Venous Thrombosis

DVT, or blood clots in your leg, can be a life-threatening condition. It can be treated by taking oral anticoagulation medication, wearing compression stockings, elevating the leg to reduce swelling, and continuing to walk and keep yourself hydrated. Your vascular doctor can tell you more about your treatment options. The blood clot is dissolved by…