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Let’s Talk About Sickle Cell Disease

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care Sickle cell disease may be a familiar phrase to many, but most people are still unfamiliar with the condition. “Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited disorders of the red blood cells,” says Dr. Cara Nelson-James of Central Florida Health Care. “It affects close to…
Pop Quiz!

What’s the Secret to Aging Gracefully? Everyone wants to put their “best face forward,” and that means paying attention to anti-aging skin care. However, there is a dizzying amount of information and an array of products out there aimed at fighting the signs of aging on your skin, so it can be a daunting task…
Healthcare Boom

AdventHealth to Open New Hospital in Winter Haven; Orlando Health to Expand Into Lakeland by PAUL CATALA Healthcare facilities are expanding at an astounding rate to match the population boom and increased need in Central Florida. AdventHealth is expanding its footprint in Polk County with a new four-story hospital and emergency department off Cypress Gardens…

Warning! Certain Eye Drops Could Cause More Harm Than Good!

Bill Corkins, O.D. When the FDA approves eye drops, the drops are required to have a preservative added. Most people think a preservative makes the eye drops last longer, which it does not. If I am instilling an eye drop in my eye and I accidentally touch the tip of the bottle to my eyelashes,…
Common Causes of Mesenteric Ischemia

Acute mesenteric ischemia patients are typically older and present with severe pain in the tummy, which is out of proportion to the examination. The patient subjectively describes pain in the tummy that is very severe but there is minimal tenderness elicited on physical examination. Other features will be elevated white blood cell count and acidosis…
Seeing Red? We Aren’t Talking About Love!

by ANISA PATAIL, O.D. February is here, and Valentine’s Day is around the corner! We see red hearts everywhere as a sign for the holiday, but let’s talk about what red eyes are a sign for. There are several conditions that can cause this very common finding. Depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing, and the…