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The tobacco talk

Two-Way Discussion Street to Steering Kids Away from Smoking The Bureau of Tobacco Prevention Program’s Tobacco Free Florida campaign is designed to boost the ranks of Floridians whose health and lives can be enhanced by living without tobacco – including teens and young adults. Health Department Director and USF faculty Dr. Daniel Haight encourages parents…
Fast-track to fit or dead end?

The Truth About Minute Fitness Plans Got a minute? That’s about the only amount of time left in today’s fitness world that is not attached to any workout. From coast to coast in advertisements on television to the Internet, fitness centers and home DVD companies are offering a myriad of exercise programs that are getting…
Bone-up to avoid osteoporosis

Helping women (and men) maintain healthy bones Many people have heard about osteoporosis. However, experts say most people are undereducated about this common affliction. “The most negatively impactful myth is that osteoporosis is a disease that afflicts very elderly women and that it is an inevitable effect of aging,” says Thomas W. Oates, MD, a…

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…