Health News

Features

Pop Quiz: Heart Attack Versus Congestive Heart Failure

Test Your Knowledge and Know the Difference between CHF and a Heart Attack by ERIKA ALDRICH Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, causing approximately one out of every four deaths. Since prevention is key, it’s important to know as much as possible about heart disease. There are many different…
When Neck Pain Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Local Heart Disease Survivor, Mary Hunt, Shares Her Diagnosis and Treatment Story by TERESA SCHIFFER Do you know what the number one killer of women is, causing one in three deaths each year? You might be surprised to learn the culprit is heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, approximately one woman dies every…
Exercise Helps Keep Hearts Young & Happy

Polk Senior Games Include a Heap of Heart-Healthy Activities by MARY TOOTHMAN Introducing or stepping-up regular exercise programs can result in dramatic improvements to the lives of the 65 and older population— and the emphasis on heart health this month offers an ideal opportunity to spread the word. In a 2010 Center for Disease Control…

Diabetic Eye Disease By Terrance Hafner, O.D.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States in adults. November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. Over the past several years, the incidence of diabetes has grown as well as the rate of vision loss due to the disease. Diabetes can cause many eye problems. Here are three important things every…
Lymphedema Is a Common Cause of Swelling

Lymphedema, which is swelling caused by obstruction or reflux in the lymphatic vessels, is one of the most common conditions affecting humans. The lymph vessels are long, thin-walled tubes that form a very intricate network in the arms and the legs. In some cases, these lymph vessels are absent or are damaged or destroyed, and…
Your Eyes Are the Windows to Your Health

by DR. SELINA LIN Did you know that countless medical conditions can be detected during an eye exam? The most common medical diagnoses detectable are diabetes and hypertension. These medical diagnoses can cause hemorrhages and swelling in the retina that may need treatment. Worsening eye findings could indicate deteriorating disease processes in the body and…