Health News

Features

Pop Quiz! Photosensitivity Can Spell Trouble for Skin in the Sun

Many medications have side effects, and unfortunately for those residing here in the Sunshine State, one of those side effects can be an increased sensitivity to the sun. Called drug-induced photosensitivity, it accounts for 8 percent of side effects, though it’s believed to be underdiagnosed and underreported. Take our quiz to learn more about drug-induced…
Care for All

United Way of Central Florida’s Community Wellness Initiative Helps Polk’s Uninsured and Underserved by RYAN MILEJCZAK One of the biggest struggles Americans face is the cost of healthcare, particularly for underserved populations. Here in Polk County, many of our residents face this very challenge, due to factors like low income, lack of access to health…
A Survivor’s Tale

Hap Hazelwood on Early Detection and Unwavering Faith in the Face of Prostate Cancer by REBEKAH PIERCEphotos by JESS McDONALD In a world where health often comes into focus only after it starts to fade, stories like that of Hap Hazelwood are worth paying attention to. Hazelwood, along with his wife, Chris, have both navigated…

Proper Preventative Eye Care

Dr. Tincy Thomas Healthy vision involves several different elements including preventive eye care and appropriate management of existing eye conditions. Prevention begins with your first comprehensive, dilated eye examination. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that infants should have their first eye exam at six months of age and continued yearly from age three unless…
Kickoff Summer with Clean Teeth!

By William Nerestant, DDS With June here, that means the Florida summer heat is back and school is out! We pay a lot of attention to dentist appointments and checkups as we get ready to go back to school or during the school year to have a bright smile for picture day, so does that…
Celebrating Our New Pediatric Center with a Free Summerfest and These Safety Tips

by SANJA COSIC, MD We have several locations throughout Polk, Highlands, and Hillsborough counties that serve our pediatric patients. However, at our Avon Park location, we are celebrating our new center with a FREE Summerfest! This family-friendly event will be held on June 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 950 CR 17A…