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Aging gracefully

What will your health look like in 40 years? Medical science has made inroads against major diseases that snuff short our lives. But by the time we reach 45, disease beats out accidents as the leading cause of death. The National Vital Statistics System shows cancer is the leading cause of death for 45 to…
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…

Robotics Help Refine Hip, Knee Replacement

As we move further into the 21st century, more and more of the amazing things that science fiction promised us are becoming reality. One fascinating technological development is the use of robots in a variety of applications – including orthopaedic surgery. There are many reasons to utilize robots in various medical procedures, and the evidence…
Unmasking the ‘Invisible Injury’: Knowing Concussion Signs Saves Lives

National Concussion Awareness Day is September 17. Its purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of a concussion. To a teen athlete, the health risk of a concussion can seem small compared to their powerful desire to stay in the game and help their teammates. That’s one…
Happiness Happens… in the Sun!

Despite the recent rain, we residents of the Sunshine State still make time to enjoy the Florida sunshine. Nothing says happiness like a day at the lake with family and friends. But, while we all know that the sun can cause damage to our skin in the form of sunspots and skin cancers, did you…