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…

Glaucoma and Dry Eyes

Eye doctors are excited this year with 2021 rolling in. It’s an excellent opportunity for us to shine some light on eye care topics that we would like to highlight. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Over 2 million Americans are affected by glaucoma. With proper treatment, the vast majority will not go blind from…
Understanding Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are the most treatable form of blindness worldwide. Millions of cataract surgeries are performed each year, restoring patients to functional visual status. Cataract surgery was once the most common surgical procedure performed in the United States until about 6-11 years ago when intraocular anti-VEGF injections were developed to treat macular degeneration. This has…
Treatments That Help Lower Cholesterol

Last month I discussed the role of lipids in atherosclerosis. This month, I’ll talk about treatment. For patients at high risk or those who have had a cardiovascular event (prior heart attack, stroke, stent, bypass, etc.), pharmacological treatment may be needed. Cholesterol production and accumulation in the body involves three processes. First, intake from food…