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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…

What on Earth Is Ischemic Optic Neuropathy?

by EDWARD ATTAWAY, O.D. Ischemic optic neuropathy may seem like a complex term, but it describes a condition that poses a serious risk to vision by decreasing blood flow to the optic nerve. The optic nerve serves as a cable, transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain. When the circulation of blood, which…
Lower Extremity Swelling May Be Linked to Venous Insufficiency

The abnormal buildup of fluid in the body is called edema. Edema is commonly seen in the feet and ankles, because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations. Common causes of edema are prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, being overweight, and increase in age. Swelling in one of your legs…
Proper Foot Care Goes a Long Way for Diabetics

More than 25% of American seniors have diabetes and 10 to 15% of people with diabetes have leg and or foot ulcers. Simple things like managing your diabetes and performing daily foot care can help prevent ulcers, which can be difficult to treat and may eventually require amputation. More than 80% of amputations begin with…