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Pop Quiz: Cracking the Code on Hunger

If you’ve made resolutions this New Year, statistics say that one of those resolutions is likely about losing weight and eating healthier. Unfortunately, reports show that not even 10% of resolutions are kept by the end of January! One reason for giving up on resolutions to lose weight is many people don’t understand the science…
Don’t Miss Out on Open Enrollment

Time Is Running Out to Make Changes to Your Coverage by REBEKAH PIERCE The end of the year means holidays and open enrollment. The clock is ticking if you need to sign up for Affordable Care Act health insurance through the marketplace. In 2022-2023, Florida led the charge with a record-breaking number of marketplace enrollees…
BayCare Health System Acquires Winter Haven’s Gessler Clinic

by K. MICHELE TRICE BayCare Health System, Central Florida’s largest non-for-profit healthcare provider, is acquiring Gessler Clinic, Winter Haven’s physician-owned health care clinic, effective December 2. “Gessler’s long-standing dedication and high-quality service to its patients make it a natural fit to expand BayCare’s commitment to the community,” BayCare Co-Chief Operating Officer Lou Galdieri said in…

What on Earth Is Ischemic Optic Neuropathy?

by EDWARD ATTAWAY, O.D. Ischemic optic neuropathy may seem like a complex term, but it describes a condition that poses a serious risk to vision by decreasing blood flow to the optic nerve. The optic nerve serves as a cable, transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain. When the circulation of blood, which…
Lower Extremity Swelling May Be Linked to Venous Insufficiency

The abnormal buildup of fluid in the body is called edema. Edema is commonly seen in the feet and ankles, because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations. Common causes of edema are prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, being overweight, and increase in age. Swelling in one of your legs…
Proper Foot Care Goes a Long Way for Diabetics

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…