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Q&A on the most lethal form of dementia

Dr. Gordon J. Rafool shares the symptoms and treatment options of Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in America. In Polk, 11.8 percent of Medicare beneficiaries were treated for Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia in 2013, according to Healthy Tampa Bay. We interviewed Dr. Gordon J. Rafool, a geriatrician…
Pop Quiz: Establishing a solid oral care foundation

Will your child have a future Filled with healthy smiles? Teeth add to your smile, allow you to enjoy delicious foods, and rip apart that plastic wrap off your new DVD. However, as a parent, you might be wondering whether you’re setting up proper oral hygiene habits for your child, or if the little tike…
To smile or not to smile

Dr. Karen Teston and other local experts on oral hygiene and your overall health Some folks are afraid of pain. Some know they haven’t done a good job of taking care of their teeth, and don’t want to be lectured. Still others lack cash. Whatever the reason, many avoid the dentist until an emergency arises.…

Kickoff Summer with Clean Teeth!

By William Nerestant, DDS With June here, that means the Florida summer heat is back and school is out! We pay a lot of attention to dentist appointments and checkups as we get ready to go back to school or during the school year to have a bright smile for picture day, so does that…
Celebrating Our New Pediatric Center with a Free Summerfest and These Safety Tips

by SANJA COSIC, MD We have several locations throughout Polk, Highlands, and Hillsborough counties that serve our pediatric patients. However, at our Avon Park location, we are celebrating our new center with a FREE Summerfest! This family-friendly event will be held on June 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 950 CR 17A…
Cholesterol and Healthy Eating

By Shiva Seetahal, MD Cholesterol is a word everyone is familiar with but few can easily explain. Most of us are aware that too much cholesterol is bad for the body and associated with heart disease, but recent insights into the roles of “good” cholesterol and terms such as “trans” fat have created areas of…