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7 ways to save on medical bills

Cut costs without cutting corners With the rising cost of healthcare coverage – or worse – when we’re unemployed and uninsured, bills mount and we’re likely to postpone all the health expenses we can. But when it comes to our wellbeing, there are better options. Of course, staying healthy is always the best one. “Eat…
Run, act, jump – repeat

How actress Tanna Frederick fits exercise into a busy schedule Keeping fit requires commitment. Just ask actress Tanna Frederick. She’ll finish one interview, hop on the elliptical for a brief workout and head to yet another interview and another workout. She makes sure she gets the workouts in, no matter how busy she is, and…
Taking the fitness fight to the moon

A Community initiative targeting obesity Polk County health officials are targeting obesity – and along with it diabetes, heart diseases and other obesity-related health problems – as part of a Tampa Bay community-wide health initiative. Called ONE BAY: Healthy Communities, the initiative includes an eight-county region stretching from Pinellas to Polk and Sarasota to Citrus.…

Foot Care Is Key to Preventing Diabetes-Related Amputations

More than 25% of American seniors have diabetes and 10% to 15% of people with diabetes have leg and or foot ulcers. Simple things like managing your diabetes and performing daily foot care can help prevent ulcers, which can be difficult to treat and may eventually require amputation. More than 80% of amputations begin with…
Smoking Can Lead to Amputations

While most people are familiar with the devastating consequences smoking has on their lungs (COPD, cancer), heart (coronary artery disease), or brain (stroke), its direct relation to limb loss escapes public attention! For far too many smokers, the first time they learn of the connection with limb loss is when a vascular surgeon diagnoses them…
Simple Steps for Healthier Vision

by Chelsea Hollier, O.D. May is Healthy Vision Month! Routine eye exams can help your eye doctor prevent, diagnose, and treat vision problems and eye disease in children and adults. In addition, the National Eye Institute recommends several ways to maintain healthy vision. 1. Get an annual dilated eye exam. Having your annual eye exam…