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Decision Time: ER or Urgent Care?

Urgent Care Facilities Help to Ease the Burden on Emergency Rooms by TERESA SCHIFFER When patients are experiencing a medical emergency, whether it’s a serious injury or symptoms of severe illness, it’s important for them to get the right care. While an emergency room may be first to come to mind, sometimes a situation isn’t…
Mission Possible

Homeless Outreach Center Cares for Body, Mind story and photos by PAUL CATALA Jason Garland says he stops in at The Mission of Winter Haven daily just to get the basic necessities not found on the streets, namely food and a shower. As he relaxes on a couch inside, Garland reflects on how his life…
Community Care: Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care

Identifying Barriers to Mental Health Care for Minorities

What is Bell’s Palsy?

By: Edward Attaway, O.D. Bell’s Palsy is a condition in which one side of the face typically experiences temporary paralysis, often lasting from 3-6 months. It results from a dysfunction of the 7th cranial nerve, also referred to as the facial nerve, which controls the muscles on the side of your face. Affected muscles include…
When Do You Visit the Doctor for Hives?

Hives are itchy patches of skin that turn into swollen, itchy welts. They can vary in size. Chronic hives are defined as hives that last for more than six weeks and return over the course of months or years. The cause of chronic hives is often unknown. These welts are caused by some reaction that…
A Closer Look at the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphedema

Lymphedema is largely a clinical diagnosis. When you see a vascular surgeon for the first time with this condition, they will order tests to make sure no underlying coexisting diseases are present. For example, they will order tests to rule out peripheral arterial disease (blockages in the arterial circulation), chronic venous insufficiency (vein blockages or…