Health News
Features
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Local Medical Team Visits Kenya to Treat Patients with Heart Disease
by MARY TOOTHMAN A group of local medical professionals traveled to Kenya earlier this year to provide instruction and medical care, and it seems likely there will be a return trip at some point in the future. Dr. David Evans, a BayCare Medical Group cardiovascular surgeon, physician assistant Dave Reid, and Winter Haven Hospital Cardiovascular…
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Unsung Heroes
Athletic Trainers Instrumental in Keeping Athletes Ready for Competition Year after year and season after season, sports and athletic competitions remain popular, both for participants and spectators. We root for our favorite teams and cheer athletes on to great victories. Playing a sport is an excellent way to stay in shape physically and mentally, and…
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Strength in Numbers
Breast Cancer Survivors Strong Support System Helps on the Journey Friends who have been there, family and, most of all God, help breast cancer survivors on their road to health. Michelle Faught, a self-employed household manager, didn’t let breast cancer keep her down. Two weeks after having a single lumpectomy, with her surgeon’s approval, she…
Columns
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Refractive Surgery – What does it mean?
Refractive error is the term used to describe the need for glasses or contact lenses to see clearly. Another alternative exists to these aids, namely Refractive Surgery. Refractive Surgery is an operation designed to correct a refractive error of the eyes. Historically there have been many Refractive Surgery procedures developed. Currently, there are two very…
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Gaining a Better Understanding of Pacemakers and Defibrillators
Pacemakers and defibrillators have become so common. Everyone has questions and concerns about these. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers. What are pacemakers and defibrillators used for? Pacemakers are used when the heart rate is too slow or stops and the patient is symptomatic: dizziness or blackouts usually. Conversely, defibrillators are for the…
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Use of Opioids as First-Line Treatment a Slippery Slope
What do Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, and Chris Farley have in common? These are celebrities who developed dependence on prescription drugs that started with legitimate use after injuries or procedures. They subsequently developed an addiction, which culminated in their unfortunate and untimely deaths due to unintentional overdose. Just a few examples of other celebrities who…
