Health News
Features
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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…
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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…
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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.…
Columns
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A PEAK Annual Wellness Visit Preserves Youth
Are you living your best life? Staying youthful? Part of living your best life is taking care of business, health-wise. We’ve all come to know our responsibility is visiting the doctor for our regular appointments, like the yearly physical. Now you MUST add the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) to the Yearly Physical for optimal health. The Peak…
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Mouth – Body Connection
To understand how the mouth can affect the body, it helps to understand what can go wrong in the first place. Bacteria that builds up on teeth make gums prone to infection and inflammation. If allowed, inflammation and the chemicals it releases eat away at the gums and bone structure. The result is severe gum disease, known as periodontitis. Health…
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Eye Exams for Your Child
Does your child struggle with reading or schoolwork? He or she may benefit from a comprehensive eye exam. The majority of vision problems that interfere with reading and learning are easily treatable. Even if your child participated in a vision screening at their school or pediatrician’s office, he or she may benefit from a comprehensive…
