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Curtailing diabetes

Essential Tips for Better Disease Management Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. It is a major cause of heart disease and stroke as well as the leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower-limb amputations, and new cases of blindness among adults. In Polk County, the incidence of diabetes is…
Warning signs of bullying

Putting a Stop to It Before It Causes the Most Damage When children complain about a headache or stomachache, parents may seek immediate relief with over-the-counter painkillers or antacids. But when the symptoms recur, over and over again, a trip to the family doctor may reveal a sinister reason: Bullying. “They don’t want to necessarily…
Replacing candy with better-for-you snacks

Healthy Options Headed for Local School Vending Machines Fat-free and soy yogurts, granola bars, fruit and grain bars, and soy crisps may become standard fare at some Polk County public schools this upcoming school year. The snacks will be offered under a new contract with Central Florida Healthy Vending in Orlando. Some 200+ healthy snacks…

Aortic Dissection: Rare and Potentially Deadly

Aortic dissection is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the main blood vessel branching off from the heart. An acute aortic dissection is a medical emergency and presents with excruciating chest or upper back pain that radiates to the neck or back. Other symptoms include sudden loss of consciousness and shortness of…
Vision Myths, Debunked!

by ANISA PATAIL, O.D. Whether it’s an old wives’ tale or something a friend mentioned in conversation, you may have heard some things about your eyes that made you wonder if they are true. I’m here to put your questions to rest! Here are the myths I hear the most: 1) Eating carrots will improve…
Suffering From Lymphedema? Learn More About This Common Condition

Lymphedema is swelling caused by obstruction or reflux in the lymphatic vessels and is one of the most common conditions afflicting humans. The lymph vessels are long, thin-walled tubes that form a very intricate network in the arms and the legs. In some cases, these lymph vessels are absent or are damaged or destroyed, and…