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Painting the town teal

Ovarian Cancer Support Group spreads awareness message for fellow women WOMEN WHO are diagnosed with ovarian cancer must navigate a scary range of emotions while dealing with unchartered health challenges — but in Polk County there’s help available from a local support group.
Samantha Haverty Wiemer shares the story of her fight against breast cancer

A fighter’s take on the disease and her four keys to survival HOW DO YOU TELL YOUR CHILD you have been diagnosed with breast cancer — especially when that child already knows the loss of this devastating disease? For Central Florida resident Samantha Haverty Wiemer, not telling her son, Russell, about her diagnosis wasn’t an…
Medical Advice: Your breast cancer fast facts and why raising awareness is so important

FAR TOO MANY families know the worry, fear, and anguish when a friend, family member or loved one receives a cancer diagnosis. Some people reading this article may have been diagnosed with cancer themselves. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. This is why taking a month to…

A Guide to Over-the-Counter Artificial Tears for Dry Eye

by Chelsea Hollier, O.D. Dry eye disease, also known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, is a prevalent condition characterized by insufficient tear production (aqueous deficient dry eye) or poor tear quality (evaporative dry eye). It affects millions worldwide, leading to discomfort and irritation. Fortunately, over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears provide relief and aid in managing symptoms. Dry eye…
3 Options for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Management

In the previous two columns, I discussed aneurysms that occur in the aorta situated in the chest cavity. In this article, I will explain the various types of treatment options available for those thoracic aortic aneurysms. In general, outcomes favor endovascular repair over open repair as open repair is associated with higher rates of morbidity…
Doc, What Are These Floating Things I Am Seeing?

by DANIELA FERNANDEZ, O.D. Floaters are small specks or particles that float within the vitreous humor, which is the gel-like substance that fills the back portion of the eye. These floaters can appear as dots, circles, lines, or cobweb-like shapes that move or drift around as your eyes move. They are particularly noticeable when looking…