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Care for All

United Way of Central Florida’s Community Wellness Initiative Helps Polk’s Uninsured and Underserved by RYAN MILEJCZAK One of the biggest struggles Americans face is the cost of healthcare, particularly for underserved populations. Here in Polk County, many of our residents face this very challenge, due to factors like low income, lack of access to health…
A Survivor’s Tale

Hap Hazelwood on Early Detection and Unwavering Faith in the Face of Prostate Cancer by REBEKAH PIERCEphotos by JESS McDONALD In a world where health often comes into focus only after it starts to fade, stories like that of Hap Hazelwood are worth paying attention to. Hazelwood, along with his wife, Chris, have both navigated…
Podiatrist Explains Why Foot Care Should Be Top of Mind for Diabetics

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care Here in the U.S., diabetes is a major health issue, with approximately 11.6% of Americans suffering from type 1 or 2 diabetes and another 38% falling in the pre-diabetes range. Diabetes can have major, wide-ranging effects on various parts of the body, including the feet. We…

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…