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Enhancing the Safety Net

Polk County Approves $4 Million for Indigent Health Care by PAUL CATALA It’s funding that’s being called a local healthcare “safety net” for the underinsured and uninsured in Polk County. In November, Polk County Commissioners unanimously approved more than $4 million in funding for primary care, dental services and behavioral health services for Indigent Healthcare Services.…
The Battle Within the Battle

Cancer Drugs Caused Weight Gain, but Bariatric Surgery Restored Her Health by TERESA SCHIFFER Rhonda Smith is feeling great these days. She’s in great health, eating right, getting regular exercise, and savoring life in a new way after an arduous battle. In 2005, at the age of 27, Smith visited her doctor because she was…
Striking a Balance

Fitness Center Is Helping Women Get On- and Stay On – the Road to Good Health by PAUL CATALAphotos provided by THE BALANCE CULTURE The temptation and indulgence of the holidays are enough to make even the most enthusiastic fitness buffs take a few weeks off. New Year’s resolutions are often cited for driving gym…

Why Examine a 20/20 Eye?

by THOMAS HEGLAND, O.D. I have friends and strangers state, “I have perfect 20/20 vision without glasses or contacts, why do I need a regular eye exam?” Our exams can discover other issues besides the condition of your vision. Beginning, from front to back, with the eyelids. Florida sunshine can have a very detrimental effect…
April Is Sports Eye Safety Month – Protect Your Vision on the Field & Court

by the Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida Eye Care Team Did you know that 30,000 people are treated for sports-related eye injuries each year? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, these injuries are becoming more common, making eye protection more important than ever. Which Sports Cause the Most Eye Injuries?While many sports pose a risk,…
Medical Management and Treatment of Carotid Stenosis

Let’s talk about medical management of carotid stenosis. Risk factors for carotid artery stenosis are advanced age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol levels, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, and family history of strokes. Most of these factors can be managed by medications and lifestyle changes that include active exercise for 30 minutes or so on…