Health News

Features

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.…

Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight

Did you know over 2 million Americans are affected by glaucoma? With proper treatment, the vast majority will not go blind from this silent disease of the eye. The most common form of treatment is eye drops, which work to reduce the eye’s pressure. However, some patients may require eye surgery to achieve their treatment…
Dr. Narmo Ortiz Offers Advanced Treatments for Infected Wounds

A festering wound on the leg or foot can result in amputation, but advanced treatments are helping to save limbs. Davenport Foot and Ankle Specialist Dr. Narmo Ortiz has completed a fellowship to learn these advanced procedures. “They can help with limb salvage for a diabetic person, for someone with a foot and ankle deformity,…
Tips for Helping Relieve Your Child’s Pet Allergy in the Home

Everyone loves the family pet, especially children. Dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, fish, whatever the friend may be, pets become beloved family members. They provide comfort, companionship, and so much more. Unfortunately, some children have pet allergies. This can be a disappointing situation, especially if the allergy is severe enough to cause an asthma attack. If…