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When knowledge is more than power

Citizen CPR event and health fair provides training that can help save a life CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a critical life saving skill that is simple enough for us all to learn. At some point our lives, a friend or loved one may need immediate medical attention because their heart stopped, and we may…
Pop Quiz: Pedestrian rules of the Road

Test Your Knowledge of Pedestrian Safety and Prevent a Fatal Injury or Death! Polk County ranks at the top of many lists, but one high ranking that definitely needs to decrease is Polk County’s instances of pedestrian deaths. In such a beautiful climate, there is always going to be a high number of pedestrians sharing…
Knowing whether or not to call 9-1-1

Recognizing an emergency versus non-emergency and how to get help Imagine this— it is 11 o’clock at night and you’re at home watching television. You see lights from a vehicle driving past your home. You can hear that the vehicle is slowing down and you look out the window to see the lights have been…

Understanding Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are the most treatable form of blindness worldwide. Millions of cataract surgeries are performed each year, restoring patients to functional visual status. Cataract surgery was once the most common surgical procedure performed in the United States until about 6-11 years ago when intraocular anti-VEGF injections were developed to treat macular degeneration. This has…
Treatments That Help Lower Cholesterol

Last month I discussed the role of lipids in atherosclerosis. This month, I’ll talk about treatment. For patients at high risk or those who have had a cardiovascular event (prior heart attack, stroke, stent, bypass, etc.), pharmacological treatment may be needed. Cholesterol production and accumulation in the body involves three processes. First, intake from food…
The Role of Lipids in Atherosclerosis

Last time we spoke of the various factors that play a part in plaque buildup and rupture causing a heart attack/stroke. We discussed the role of inflammation. This time, we will discuss the role of lipids. We know these are important and these numbers can be impacted by various treatments. So the question to be…