Health News

Features

The Hope of Hospice

Care When a Cure Is Not an Option by BRENDA EGGERT BRADER photos courtesy of VITAS Healthcare While many people are familiar with the term hospice, most don’t fully understand the broad range of care it includes. End-of-life decisions can be wrought with emotion and trepidation, and while hospice is there to tend to the…
Acknowledging Disparities in Health Care Is a Crucial First Step

Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care by TERESA SCHIFFER April is National Minority Health Month, a time to recognize the disparities in health care received too often by minority populations in the U.S. and to work together toward solutions for these issues. Established in 1915 by Dr. Booker T. Washington, Minority Health Month reminds…
Word to the Wise

Lakeland Octogenarian Shares How Structure, Fitness Have Factored Into His Golden Years story by TERESA SCHIFFER photos by MICHAEL WILSON Who doesn’t want to live a long, healthy, and happy life? There’s no one formula that fits every lifestyle, so Central Florida Health News asked Lakeland octogenarian athlete Gordon “Cork” Wilson to spill the beans…

Lymphedema Swelling a Common Ailment

Lymphedema is swelling caused by obstruction or reflux in the lymphatic vessels and is one of the most common conditions affecting humans. The lymph vessels are long, thin-walled tubes that form a very intricate network in the arms and the legs. In some cases, these lymph vessels are absent or are damaged or destroyed, and…
Happiness Happens… in the Sun!

by COURTNEY BEAUMONT, OD Despite the recent rain, we residents of the Sunshine State still make time to enjoy the Florida sunshine. Nothing says happiness like a day at the lake with family and friends. But, while we all know that the sun can cause damage to our skin in the form of sunspots and…
The Importance of Wearing Sunglasses

by EDITH WEPPELMANN, OD Do you enjoy watersports, fishing, golfing, hiking outdoors, or going to the beach? Sunglasses are not only a fashion accessory. They keep you looking good by preventing wrinkles, and more importantly, they protect your eyes from the development of various diseases. Your shades work to protect your vision health and maximize…