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Addition of Endocrinologist Takes Patient Care to the Next Level

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care Central Florida Health Care is happy to welcome the newest member of the team, board certified endocrinologist Dr. Jessica Castellanos-Diaz-Diaz. As an endocrinologist, Castellanos-Diaz will be doing a lot of work with patients who are affected by diabetes or thyroid conditions. Castellanos-Diaz is excited to step…
Serving the Underserved

Diabetes Center of Excellence to Provide Multidisciplinary Approach by K. MICHELE TRICE With more than 15 percent of Polk County residents having been diagnosed with diabetes, there is a distinct need for quality health care that focuses on the illness. Central Florida Health Care is working to address that need by creating a Diabetes Center…
Determined to Live: ‘Anything Else Isn’t an Option’

Lakeland Community, Family Support 9-Year-Old Warrior in Fight Against Cancer by PAUL CATALA photos provided by HUTSON FAMILY Aubrey Hutson’s health journey began at 7 years old in 2021 with knee pain that led to doctor’s office visits and trips to the emergency room. Eventually, the young Lakeland girl and her family received the diagnosis:…

Understanding Cataract Surgery

Cataracts are the most treatable form of blindness worldwide. Millions of cataract surgeries are performed each year, restoring patients to functional visual status. Cataract surgery was once the most common surgical procedure performed in the United States until about 6-11 years ago when intraocular anti-VEGF injections were developed to treat macular degeneration. This has…
Treatments That Help Lower Cholesterol

Last month I discussed the role of lipids in atherosclerosis. This month, I’ll talk about treatment. For patients at high risk or those who have had a cardiovascular event (prior heart attack, stroke, stent, bypass, etc.), pharmacological treatment may be needed. Cholesterol production and accumulation in the body involves three processes. First, intake from food…
The Role of Lipids in Atherosclerosis

Last time we spoke of the various factors that play a part in plaque buildup and rupture causing a heart attack/stroke. We discussed the role of inflammation. This time, we will discuss the role of lipids. We know these are important and these numbers can be impacted by various treatments. So the question to be…