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Getting motivated to move

Local ways to have fun in the sun and get fit Polk County area residents like to run and bike for exercise, but there are plenty of other opportunities to get fit.“I run, bike or swim depending on life’s circumstances, but ideally all three,” shares Dr. Richard Cardosi, a gynecologic oncologist with Watson Clinic and…
Just say NO to lazy days of summer

The benefits of keeping kids active and fit while school is out Although they’re called the “Lazy Days of Summer,” the best summer days for children are filled with physically engaging activities that are challenging and fun. Summer days are for most children less structured and therefore most are looking for something engaging to do. …
Pop Quiz: Are you setting realistic fitness goals?

Nine questions to help you get on your way to success Diets, exercise, gym memberships… getting fit is a goal that many people share, yet few achieve. Obesity is a major problem in this country, and trying to get fit and healthy is a worthy ambition. However, many people fail. One problem is that many…

Virtual Care for Cardiac Patients

The new coronavirus sweeping the world has changed life as we know it. While there is a lot that we don’t know about the virus, we do know that people with heart and other conditions are more likely to get seriously ill from it. At the same time, all of us are concerned about patients getting…
Health Impacts of Opioid Addiction on Patients

As a spine surgeon, I routinely see various life-threatening consequences of opioid addiction. These could include severe spinal instability and paralysis that develops from infection, that occurs due to intravenous injections of opioids — by patients who are addicted to opioids. These patients typically started by taking that single initial opioid tablet, and quickly developed…
COVID-19 and the Heart

COVID-19 (coronavirus SARS 2) is obviously an infection that primarily affects the lungs. As we know, this is a pandemic that has affected all our lives. Does it have any cardiac issues directly or indirectly? Direct Problems COVID-19 has been known to cause weakening of the heart in some cases. Thankfully this is rare, but…