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The Heart of the Matter

Area Physicians Weigh In on ECGs for Student Athletes by PAUL CATALA As the school year ramps up, parents are busy lining up appointments so their student athletes can get their sports physicals. Over the past decade, there’s been increased interest in the incorporation of electrocardiogram heart screenings in these physicals. An electrocardiogram, or ECG,…
When Heroes Need Help

New Initiative Seeks to Connect Veterans and First Responders With Mental Health Resources by RYAN MILEJCZAK A new initiative here in Central Florida seeks to help veterans and first responders struggle with mental health challenges. The Heroes Wellness Collective, launched by Lake Wales-based Operation Recovery, seeks to create a centralized, online platform that connects veterans…
A Different Kind of First Aid

Peace River Center Offers Mental Health First Aid by REBEKAH PIERCE An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This timeless adage is something we think about often when it comes to our physical health, but not necessarily what’s going on inside our heads. Yet the reality is that, in 2024, mental health…

Why Examine a 20/20 Eye?

by THOMAS HEGLAND, O.D. I have friends and strangers state, “I have perfect 20/20 vision without glasses or contacts, why do I need a regular eye exam?” Our exams can discover other issues besides the condition of your vision. Beginning, from front to back, with the eyelids. Florida sunshine can have a very detrimental effect…
April Is Sports Eye Safety Month – Protect Your Vision on the Field & Court

by the Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida Eye Care Team Did you know that 30,000 people are treated for sports-related eye injuries each year? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, these injuries are becoming more common, making eye protection more important than ever. Which Sports Cause the Most Eye Injuries?While many sports pose a risk,…
Medical Management and Treatment of Carotid Stenosis

Let’s talk about medical management of carotid stenosis. Risk factors for carotid artery stenosis are advanced age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol levels, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, and family history of strokes. Most of these factors can be managed by medications and lifestyle changes that include active exercise for 30 minutes or so on…