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Good Heart Health Requires Teamwork With Your Doctor

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., affecting more than 800,000 Americans every year. But despite this, they’re often a “silent killer,” and by the time you feel symptoms, it may already be too late. But what exactly is a…
Pop Quiz! Test Your Ticker Knowledge on Heart Disease Risks

A popular proverb goes, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” The proverb is speaking metaphorically about one’s spiritual heart, but when it comes to your literal, physical heart, it’s still pretty good advice. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S., according to the…
Breaking Ground for a Brighter Future

Polk State’s Simulation Hospital to Build Healthcare Workforce Pipeline by REBEKAH PIERCE November 21 marked a historic milestone for Polk State College as community leaders, officials, and educators gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the College’s newest location—the Haines City-Davenport campus. This 75,000-square-foot facility will house, among other things, Central Florida’s first public higher education…

$Refractive Surgery – What does it mean?$

Refractive Surgery – What does it mean?

Refractive error is the term used to describe the need for glasses or contact lenses to see clearly. Another alternative exists to these aids, namely Refractive Surgery. Refractive Surgery is an operation designed to correct a refractive error of the eyes. Historically there have been many Refractive Surgery procedures developed. Currently, there are two very…
Gaining a Better Understanding of Pacemakers and Defibrillators

Pacemakers and defibrillators have become so common. Everyone has questions and concerns about these. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers. What are pacemakers and defibrillators used for? Pacemakers are used when the heart rate is too slow or stops and the patient is symptomatic: dizziness or blackouts usually. Conversely, defibrillators are for the…
Use of Opioids as First-Line Treatment a Slippery Slope

What do Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, and Chris Farley have in common? These are celebrities who developed dependence on prescription drugs that started with legitimate use after injuries or procedures. They subsequently developed an addiction, which culminated in their unfortunate and untimely deaths due to unintentional overdose. Just a few examples of other celebrities who…