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Don’t Ignore the Pain of Mental Health Disorders

by KAILYNN BANNON Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care Good physical health is important for a long and happy life, but the role that mental health also plays cannot be forgotten. Taking a proactive approach is vital to keeping a healthy mental state. Doctors want to emphasize the benefits of regularly taking a look at…
Taking the Pulse of Polk Healthcare

Access and Population Growth Emerge as Top Challenges at Forum by PAUL CATALA During a recent forum on healthcare issues affecting Lakeland and Polk County, key players in the health community came together to share insight and perspective. About 80 guests attended “Let’s Talk Lkld: Health Care” on March 26 in the Hollis Cancer Center…
Angels Among Us

Healthcare Facilities Honor Nurses Who Have Gone Above, Beyond Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, caring for physical and mental health alike. Learn more about some of the outstanding nurses in Polk County, including insight into why they chose the profession and what it means to be a “good nurse.” AdventHealth Heart of…

Smoking Hurts More Than Your Lungs

I cannot really believe that the holidays are upon us already. This year has been like no other with its usual mix of pain and pleasure. I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the role of lifestyle in the management of vascular disease that can lend a sense of control in its otherwise…
What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD?

by NADER MOINFAR, M.D., M.P.H. Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In general, AMD is a disease that progresses in stages. Patients with advanced AMD experience vision loss from either excess ﬂuid and blood (wet AMD) or the death of cells (GA). It is estimated that 1.5 million…
Understanding Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a “weakening” or “dilatation” in a part of an artery. An estimated 15,000 people die of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) every year in the US. About 200,000 new cases of AAA are diagnosed every year. Most of these are diagnosed by tests that are done for unrelated reasons. The aorta is…