Health News

Features

Hearts of Gold

Rescue Organization’s Therapy Dogs Lend a Loving Paw in Central Florida by K. MICHELE TRICE If you have ever seen a golden retriever, Labrador retriever, or similar dog serving as a therapy dog working hard to lift spirits and ease anxiety at an event in Central Florida, there’s a good chance that dog was working…
The Unbreakable Yolanda Davis

A Journey Through MS and Advocacy by REBEKAH PIERCE Ask Yolanda Davis her grounding philosophy on life, and she’ll tell you, “Be the light that lights another light.” Ask anybody around her whether she actually exemplifies that philosophy, and they’ll likely tell you, quite emphatically, “Yes!” She’s a force of nature, an unstoppable spirit with…
Beneficial Pawtnership

K9s for Cops Program Helps Fund Polk County Sheriff’s Office K9s by PAUL CATALA On Sept. 28, 2006, Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Williams and his partner, K9 DiOGi, were killed in the line of duty while pursuing a driver who had fled from a traffic stop. It was that dedication to law enforcement, the…

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…