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Risk Prediction

American Heart Association’s Updated Tool Is a Game-Changer by REBEKAH PIERCE What if you had a crystal ball — something that could predict future health problems and tell you what exactly to expect as you get older? With the updated Risk Prevention Tool from the American Heart Association, you may be able to do just…
From Broken Heart to Helping Heart

Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation Making Defibrillators More Accessible in Winter Haven by K. MICHELE TRICE In the summer of 2020, Melanie Brown Culpepper found herself in a nightmare situation. She is now on a mission to help as many people as possible avoid a similar experience. Florida had just allowed businesses to reopen following the Covid-19…
Balancing Fitness & Fun

Cypress Gardens Ski Team Keeps Winter Haven Family Active story and photos by PAUL CATALA Daily activities for the Palomaki family started with baseball games and fishing, but it wasn’t long before the family was hooked on skiing. Now, the whole Palomaki family, along with the rest of the Cypress Gardens Ski Team, use ropes…

Myopia Control in the COVID-19 Era

My weekends are admittedly different now. Before my weekends were filled with time spent with friends, in person, but now they are Zoom calls, Brady Bunch style. We hosted our game night online, and we chat while we bake or make dinner. Even at our practice, we are utilizing the ability to work remotely, and…
Journey from Initial Opioid Use ???? Opioid Dependence ???? Addiction

There are 16 ounces in 1 pound; but it is true today, as it was when Benjamin Franklin stated that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” A little precaution to avoid/prevent an undesirable condition is preferable to developing a long-term negative situation and dealing with its potential consequences. If you consume…
Atrial Fibrillation: What You Need to Know

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular rhythm from the upper part of the heart. It is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Incidence increases with advancing age, with 1 out of 5 over the age 85 having it. It appears this originates due to spontaneous discharges from pacemaker cells in the pulmonary veins at the point where…