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Q&A with Erin Brown, Emergency Room Nurse

On What It Takes to Be a Nurse Emergency Room nurse Erin Brown, RN is dedicated to her patients at the Lake Wales Medical Center (LWMC). In January, she was awarded Employee of the Month for her dedication and exemplary service. In honor of National Nurses Week, happening May 6-12, we talked to her recently…
Nothing to Sneeze At

Investigating Ways to Survive and Thrive with Seasonal Allergies Headaches, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, coughing— these are all symptoms of seasonal, outdoor allergies. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates that more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. And although Florida may not be the worst place for seasonal…
Setting the dental record straight

Avoiding multiple health and social problems caused by unsightly teeth at all ages THERE ARE MANY reasons to take care of those pearly whites — at any age. Maybe an elementary student is picked on for her crooked teeth. Maybe a young athlete is in a sporting accident and needs emergency dental care. Maybe grandma…

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…