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Polk County Initiative Seeking to Instill Healthy Habits in Schools

by CHERYL ROGERS The Building a Healthier Polk School Health Team is teaching kindergarten through 12th grade students how to live healthier by making wise food choices and staying active. In an age of video games and fast foods, it’s easy to slip into bad health habits at an early age. But during…
Facts and Statistics About Arthritis

by ERIKA ALDRICH Florida may not be locked into a deep freeze during the winter months like the majority of the other U.S. states, but The Sunshine State can still experience cold temperatures during the winter months. Those periodic days of cold and freezing weather can spell pain and agony for those suffering from arthritis.…
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy, Youthful Look

by MARY TOOTHMAN Things have changed a lot since the days when the primary beauty treatments were hair styles, nails, and facials — although those are still part of mainstream beauty care. These days, there are many ways to work on beauty as age progresses, and they appear to be quite popular. Mark and Jeanna…

A Guide to Over-the-Counter Artificial Tears for Dry Eye

by Chelsea Hollier, O.D. Dry eye disease, also known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, is a prevalent condition characterized by insufficient tear production (aqueous deficient dry eye) or poor tear quality (evaporative dry eye). It affects millions worldwide, leading to discomfort and irritation. Fortunately, over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears provide relief and aid in managing symptoms. Dry eye…
3 Options for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Management

In the previous two columns, I discussed aneurysms that occur in the aorta situated in the chest cavity. In this article, I will explain the various types of treatment options available for those thoracic aortic aneurysms. In general, outcomes favor endovascular repair over open repair as open repair is associated with higher rates of morbidity…
Doc, What Are These Floating Things I Am Seeing?

by DANIELA FERNANDEZ, O.D. Floaters are small specks or particles that float within the vitreous humor, which is the gel-like substance that fills the back portion of the eye. These floaters can appear as dots, circles, lines, or cobweb-like shapes that move or drift around as your eyes move. They are particularly noticeable when looking…