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Take Charge of Your Health This Breast Cancer Awareness Month

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and though it’s widely recognized, its message remains crucial. But breast cancer isn’t the only women’s health concern that gets the spotlight in October. The month is also Menopause Awareness Month. To learn more about these issues, we reached out…
Pop Quiz! Demystifying the Breast Cancer Self-Exam

When it comes to cancer, early detection is key; for breast cancer, this means breast self-exams and mammograms are a must. Self-exams are part of the toolkit for early detection as Johns Hopkins maintains that 40 percent of breast cancer cases are first detected by women who felt a lump during a self-exam. Take our…
Bigger & Better

New Lakeland VA Clinic Increases Access to Care for Nearly 49,000 by PAUL CATALA For five years, Jeffrey Mann of Bartow has had to drive about 45 miles each way to Tampa for his medical needs. But now, Mann only has to drive about 11 miles to see his doctors and nurses and get medical…

Foot Care Is Key to Preventing Diabetes-Related Amputations

More than 25% of American seniors have diabetes and 10% to 15% of people with diabetes have leg and or foot ulcers. Simple things like managing your diabetes and performing daily foot care can help prevent ulcers, which can be difficult to treat and may eventually require amputation. More than 80% of amputations begin with…
Smoking Can Lead to Amputations

While most people are familiar with the devastating consequences smoking has on their lungs (COPD, cancer), heart (coronary artery disease), or brain (stroke), its direct relation to limb loss escapes public attention! For far too many smokers, the first time they learn of the connection with limb loss is when a vascular surgeon diagnoses them…
Simple Steps for Healthier Vision

by Chelsea Hollier, O.D. May is Healthy Vision Month! Routine eye exams can help your eye doctor prevent, diagnose, and treat vision problems and eye disease in children and adults. In addition, the National Eye Institute recommends several ways to maintain healthy vision. 1. Get an annual dilated eye exam. Having your annual eye exam…