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Local Physicians Discuss Skin Cancer Prevention

Summer is here and it’s time for some fun in the sun! It’s the time of year when people love to show some skin in their favorite bathing suits and hit the beach or the pool. As you’re out there enjoying the long summer days, don’t forget to protect yourself from the dangerous UVA and…
Pop Quiz: Facts and Statistics about Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, however many people don’t see it as the major life-threatening disease that it is. Many only see it as a disease of the very old, which is far from the truth. Alzheimer’s ranks up there with other major health issues, like diabetes and strokes, in…
Love at First-Aid

Tips for Keeping Guests Safe and Healthy During Wedding Events by MARY TOOTHMAN Many brides begin to plan their special day as little girls — imagining just the right pillowy bridal gown, visualizing their handsome partner, and feeling like a star for the day. The word “perfect” comes up a lot in bridal discussions —…

Signs & symptoms: When your skin needs medical attention

As a surgeon who often treats and cares for patients whose ailments of the skin have gone too long without medical attention, I’d like to talk about the importance of seeing a doctor right away if you find abnormalities on the skin. I hope people can be aware that it is not only important…
Body, mind & spirit: Integrating primary and behavioral care

When you go to the doctor complaining of stomach pain, you probably don’t expect your problem to be depression. But it just may be. When you complain of headache, clumsiness, dizziness, shakiness, blurred vision, tingling around the mouth and seizures, you might expect an anxiety or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder. You may be surprised if…
Mediterranean diet for cardiovascular health

Dr. Sean P. O’Rourke is a board-certified cardiologist at Watson Clinic. With a subspecialty in cardiovascular disease, Dr. O’Rourke often sees patients suffering from heart disease. He took the time to answer some questions about heart disease, which has a higher death rate in Polk County than in the rest of Florida. Health…