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Striking Out Cancer

World Record Attempt at Charity Challenge Helps Raise Cancer Awareness story by MARY TOOTHMAN The third time was supposed to be the charm – but an attempt on April 15 to break the World Record of a human cancer awareness ribbon did not have Mother Nature on its side. Still, organizer Chris Hazelwood sounded…
Taking Care of B(us)iness

Highlighting local nurses who go above and beyond every day QUESTION: What actions (big or small) do you take on a daily basis to make a difference for your patients and coworkers? Tabitha Mulford, LPN – Watson Clinic March 2018 PEER (Program for Employee Excellence and Recognition) Award Winner “I make sure that all…
Spreading Smiles

Dental Care Becoming More Accessible For All by CHERYL ROGERS Highlands, and Hardee counties, where they saw 42,426 patients in 134,558 visits last year. “The demand is incredible. We can’t keep up with it,” says Ann Claussen, its chief Dentists like Dr. William Nerestant of Lakeland donate their time to provide dental care to the…

Demystifying the Eyedrop Aisle

By: Daniel Smith, O.D. Many eye disorders can be treated effectively with eye drops and products found over the counter at the local pharmacy and grocery stores. But with so many options on the shelves, finding the right product for your needs can be overwhelming and confusing. Your eye doctor can provide you with specific…
When to Seek Help for Spider, Varicose Veins

Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins Varicose veins are superficial veins that appear knotty and — unless painful, achy, or inflamed — may not need to be treated. Varicose veins usually become more apparent with age and are the price humans pay for standing erect, as opposed to monkeys who walk on all four legs. Spider…
Brain Attack, Stroke, and Mini-Stroke: Are You at Risk?

Approximately 700,000 strokes occur in the United States annually. Stroke, or brain attack, is a disease that involves the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that brings oxygen to the brain gets blocked by a blood clot most commonly. With the oxygen supply to the brain…