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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.…

A Guide to Over-the-Counter Artificial Tears for Dry Eye

by Chelsea Hollier, O.D. Dry eye disease, also known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, is a prevalent condition characterized by insufficient tear production (aqueous deficient dry eye) or poor tear quality (evaporative dry eye). It affects millions worldwide, leading to discomfort and irritation. Fortunately, over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears provide relief and aid in managing symptoms. Dry eye…
3 Options for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Management

In the previous two columns, I discussed aneurysms that occur in the aorta situated in the chest cavity. In this article, I will explain the various types of treatment options available for those thoracic aortic aneurysms. In general, outcomes favor endovascular repair over open repair as open repair is associated with higher rates of morbidity…
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…