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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.…

Cholesterol a Big Factor in Vascular Health

This is the last part of the series focusing on lifestyle management for the prevention of vascular disease. So far, we have discussed the role of a healthy weight, normal blood pressure, optimal level of blood sugar, exercise, and smoking cessation in the prevention and management of vascular conditions. Today, we will focus on the…
Demystifying the Eyedrop Aisle

Many eye disorders can be treated effectively with eye drops and products found over the counter at the local pharmacy and grocery stores. But with so many options on the shelves, finding the right product for your needs can be overwhelming and confusing. Your eye doctor can provide you with specific recommendations based on your…
The Role of Exercise in Vascular Disease Prevention

Spring is such a lovely time! We hope everyone has gotten used to the time change for Daylight Savings Time. There are flowers everywhere and new green leaves on the trees and birds chirping. All the more reason for us to get out of our homes and get some exercise. This is the fifth…