Health News

Features

Community outreach programs make check-ups more available

Free dental exams, preventative tooth care, and more Several outreach programs in Polk County recently offered free dental exams and other tooth services to spread awareness about the need for dental health care. At the Haines City Dental Clinic, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (FDOH-Polk) offered free comprehensive dental exams to children…
Helping make the healthier choice, the easier choice

About the Building a Healthier Polk initiative Building a Healthier Polk is a group of community partners brought together by Polk Vision who are working towards the goal of reducing the obesity rate in Polk County. Polk Vision is a broad, community-led partnership of organizations, businesses, government, and individuals. In 2012, Polk Vision’s Quality of…
The trouble with trigger finger

Local surgeon develops alternate solution for a tricky procedure There’s no getting around this fact: you need your hands. When one or more of your fingers or thumbs doesn’t function properly, it interferes with work and play. Correcting a condition such as trigger finger once meant a trip to a hospital or surgery center for…

Doc, What Are These Floating Things I Am Seeing?

by DANIELA FERNANDEZ, O.D. Floaters are small specks or particles that float within the vitreous humor, which is the gel-like substance that fills the back portion of the eye. These floaters can appear as dots, circles, lines, or cobweb-like shapes that move or drift around as your eyes move. They are particularly noticeable when looking…
Aortic Dissection: Diagnosis and Management

In the June article, we discussed aortic dissection, its symptoms, and its classification. Let’s discuss other aspects now. Aortic dissection is most commonly diagnosed when the patient presents with tearing chest or back pain that is unrelenting and associated with severely elevated blood pressure. Other signs indicative of various important organs not getting enough oxygen/blood…
Hindsight Is 20/20, so Prioritize Eye Safety Now

by TERRANCE HAFNER, O.D. The eyes are one of the most important organs in our body, allowing us to see and experience the world around us. It is crucial to prioritize eye safety to prevent any potential injuries or long-term damage. In this article, we will explore various safety measures and practices that can help…