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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.…

Bleeding with a Bowel Movement

A concerning complaint from patients, that causes grave concern is that of rectal bleeding ., Whether it is blood seen with a bowel movement or at the end on cleaning oneself, bleeding is worrisome and must be addressed. Not all bleeding is bright red and black, sticky tar-like stools are signs of bleeding as well.…
Tips to Keep Your Mouth Happy During 4th of July Celebrations

The Fourth of July is a time of great celebration, and no one wants the fun times ruined by mouth pain or an unexpected trip to the dentist. Remember to take care to keep your mouth happy this Fourth of July during all of the fun and festivities by following a few easy tips. …
Peak AWC: Your Personal Inspectors

You may have heard of the Annual Wellness Visit and wondered, “Is that something I need, since I already had my yearly physical?” The answer is a definite “Yes!” You see, your body is a temple. It’s your home for your entire life. Just like a traditional house, your body needs some inspecting and maintenance…