Health News

Features

Pop quiz on palliative care and when it’s needed

Learn more about when and why a patient might benefit from palliative care GOING THROUGH a serious illness can be difficult, but palliative care is one option that many patients and caregivers find to be a godsend during such a time. While many are not familiar with the term “palliative care,” it’s the kind of…
Giving strength a boost and giving the ails of aging the boot

American College of Sports Medicine recommends weightlifting for senior health SENIOR CITIZENS, take note: A recent study shows you can boost brain power and bone density by pumping iron.
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.

Warning! Certain Eye Drops Could Cause More Harm Than Good!

Bill Corkins, O.D. When the FDA approves eye drops, the drops are required to have a preservative added. Most people think a preservative makes the eye drops last longer, which it does not. If I am instilling an eye drop in my eye and I accidentally touch the tip of the bottle to my eyelashes,…
Common Causes of Mesenteric Ischemia

Acute mesenteric ischemia patients are typically older and present with severe pain in the tummy, which is out of proportion to the examination. The patient subjectively describes pain in the tummy that is very severe but there is minimal tenderness elicited on physical examination. Other features will be elevated white blood cell count and acidosis…
Seeing Red? We Aren’t Talking About Love!

by ANISA PATAIL, O.D. February is here, and Valentine’s Day is around the corner! We see red hearts everywhere as a sign for the holiday, but let’s talk about what red eyes are a sign for. There are several conditions that can cause this very common finding. Depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing, and the…