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Painting the town red with heart disease prevention

How Polk is taking steps to increase awareness and lower your risk Bill Mutz thought he was just going to help with a demonstration when he volunteered for an ultrasound at a Lakeland Leadership Cardiology group. But what he learned actually helped him: The ultrasound showed blood was not flowing properly through his heart’s mitral…
New year, New you!

How Polk County is Tackling Obesity and Residents are Making Healthier Lifestyle Choices Fifty-one year-old Ann Good topped 200 pounds last May. She lacked energy and was short of breath. Concerned about a family history of heart disease and diabetes, she decided to act. Today Good is 50 pounds lighter and breathing easier, in more…
Pop Quiz: Could it be premature menopause?

Is it just the after-effects of the holiday rush getting to you, or are you encountering possible symptoms of premature menopause? It’s definitely not easy to be a woman, especially as you age. Yet, could the unusual hot flashes, mood swings and feminine “discomfort” you are feeling be the precursor for premature menopause? Find out…

Why Examine a 20/20 Eye?

by THOMAS HEGLAND, O.D. I have friends and strangers state, “I have perfect 20/20 vision without glasses or contacts, why do I need a regular eye exam?” Our exams can discover other issues besides the condition of your vision. Beginning, from front to back, with the eyelids. Florida sunshine can have a very detrimental effect…
April Is Sports Eye Safety Month – Protect Your Vision on the Field & Court

by the Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida Eye Care Team Did you know that 30,000 people are treated for sports-related eye injuries each year? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, these injuries are becoming more common, making eye protection more important than ever. Which Sports Cause the Most Eye Injuries?While many sports pose a risk,…
Medical Management and Treatment of Carotid Stenosis

Let’s talk about medical management of carotid stenosis. Risk factors for carotid artery stenosis are advanced age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol levels, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, and family history of strokes. Most of these factors can be managed by medications and lifestyle changes that include active exercise for 30 minutes or so on…