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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 on Earth Is Ischemic Optic Neuropathy?

by EDWARD ATTAWAY, O.D. Ischemic optic neuropathy may seem like a complex term, but it describes a condition that poses a serious risk to vision by decreasing blood flow to the optic nerve. The optic nerve serves as a cable, transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain. When the circulation of blood, which…
Lower Extremity Swelling May Be Linked to Venous Insufficiency

The abnormal buildup of fluid in the body is called edema. Edema is commonly seen in the feet and ankles, because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations. Common causes of edema are prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, being overweight, and increase in age. Swelling in one of your legs…
Proper Foot Care Goes a Long Way for Diabetics

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…