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Word of Mouth: Myths About Implants Debunked, Part III: Are they Affordable?

In my last two columns (part 1 | part 2), we debunked some common myths about the practicality and effectiveness of dental implants. Now let’s talk affordability. Nearly 70 percent of adults have lost a tooth, and the solutions are pretty straightforward: dental implants, bridges, or dentures. For most, dental implants are the best option,…
What you should know about lesser-known cancers

Understanding the signs and symptoms for males of all ages Although breast cancer is usually a women’s disease, men get it too. A bone cancer, Ewing sarcoma,usually peaks in teens during a growth spurt, but men can get it too. Like all cancers, the more rare forms of the disease are best caught early to…
Meet the father of Family Fun and Fitness at the Fountain

Nat West: A man with plans for a better tomorrow A statue of a little boy reading sits in Winter Haven’s Central Park, a testimony to a man dedicated to improving the city’s quality of life: Nat West. At 69, the former vice president of Winter Haven Hospital (WHH) is retired, but still active in…

Is It a Virus or Allergies?

With one in every five Americans having some kind of allergy, it’s pretty common. There are many different kinds of indoor and outdoor allergies and sometimes the symptoms can be hard to tell the difference between a viral infection (like a cold) or if you are just having a flare up of allergies. Here are…
The “Ripe” Time for Cataract Surgery

Whenever I tell a patient that he or she has cataracts they immediately ask if they need to have surgery. We start thinking about cataract surgery whenever the patient’s quality of life is affected. Common complaints include, “I can’t read road signs,” or “I can’t read the writing on TV,” or “I can’t read small…
A Cautionary Tale for Frequent Biting, Grinding, or Clenching

Biting and chewing your food. It’s something we do every day and without thinking. That’s why when most people have biting issues— where they bite the inside tissue of their mouth— they usually don’t think beyond the few minutes of pain and discomfort it causes. However, frequent biting (as well as grinding and clenching) can…