Health News
Features
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Local Behavioral Health Recovery Programs Offers Support
By Brenda Eggert Brader The Mental Health Recovery Program at Winter Haven Hospital, started in 2008, has grown into a popular peer-led program providing education, socialization and support. The program offers ready help to keep those with mental health issues out of crisis and out of the hospital. “When you talk about recovery, there are…
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Pop Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Improving Your Eye Care
They say the eyes are the windows into the soul, and they are also the sense we rely upon the most. Ensuring your eyes stay in tip-top shape includes getting regular eye care. Test your knowledge of the ins and outs of better eye care by taking our quiz, and learn how to make sure…
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Local Medical Academies Preparing Students for Health Careers
by CHERYL ROGERS Eighteen public schools in Polk County train students for future careers in healthcare through medical or health science programs. Here’s a look at how some of them have fared. Katya Viegas and Janet Hernandez are heading to medical school. Jesus Jimenez, or J.J., is glad he found an incentive to finish high…
Columns
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LASIK and Other Popular Refractive Procedures
Refractive surgery is designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism to effectively reduce dependency on eyeglasses and contacts. The most popular refractive procedure is LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It involves shaping the cornea using a laser. Other refractive procedures include photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and refractive lens exchange (RLE). Those…
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Bridging the Gap Between a Healthy and Unhealthy Smile
Bridges and crowns are both great tools to help improve your smile if you have cracked, chipped, missing, or damaged teeth. While new techniques like dental veneers and bonding are available, traditional methods such as bridges and crowns offer stronger, more efficient results. Bridges and crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that are fixed onto existing…
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Diabetes Mellitus: Not Just About Controlling Your Blood Sugar
Ever too often, I encounter patient who are diabetic and practice blood sugar monitoring only. Diabetes mellitus is a condition that affects all organ systems. It is important that patients also monitor their eyes, kidney, nerves and heart. Some conditions directly associated with poor diabetic control are: Diabetic retinopathy: an eye condition that affects your…