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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…
Keeping Retirement Real

Local Physicians Weigh-In On How to Stay Healthy During Your Golden Years by MARY TOOTHMAN Once upon a time, the generally accepted picture of retirement featured hammocks, tennis rackets, sandy beaches, and happy, able-bodied couples smiling adoringly at each other. And yet, in reality, many seniors find that once they leave the workplace — and…
Writing a Will: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Estate

Helpful Tips from an Elder Law Attorney by CHERYL ROGERS It’s easy to postpone making that Last Will and Testament, especially when we believe we’re not going anywhere anytime soon. But avoiding it too long can land all or part of your estate in probate, leaving it to the state to decide who gets your…

Actinic Keratosis: What It Is and How to Treat It

Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a skin condition that, when left untreated, can turn into skin cancer. It’s most common in people over the age of 40 who have had years of untreated sun exposure. Here’s how it can affect your life, when it’s time to see a doctor, and preventative measures…
Key Steps for Preventing Amputations

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…
Action Plan for Healthy Vision

By: Chelsea Hollier, O.D. Routine eye exams can help your eye doctor prevent, diagnose, and treat vision problems and eye disease in children and adults. In addition, the National Eye Institute recommends several ways to maintain healthy vision. Get an annual dilated eye exam. Having your annual eye exam done allows you to stay…