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An Education in Fortitude

Breast Cancer Patient Discusses the Lessons Her Journey Has Taught Her story by TIM CRAIG photos by MICHAEL WILSON Three truths have become readily apparent to Cyntrena Gregory over the past 11 months. Gregory, from Winter Haven, first felt a slight lump in her breast in late 2020, but didn’t really take serious note…
Pop Quiz: ADHD Is On the Tip of Everyone’s Tongue, but What Is It?

There are few childhood conditions more discussed these days than ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, and it can last into adulthood. Get the facts about ADHD by taking our pop quiz. 1.) What are common signs and symptoms of ADHD in childhood? Forgetting or losing things…
Determination & Dreams

Polk State Respiratory Care Student Works Hard to Reach Her Goals by PAUL CATALA Shaledra Turner says it was her “best friend” who motivated her to work hard, focus, study and strive for success in life. That “best friend” was Turner’s grandmother Doris Wade. And even though she died in December 2014, her words of…

Are You At Risk for Peripheral Arterial Disease?

September is Peripheral Arterial Disease awareness month. PAD is a chronic condition affecting 20 million people in the U.S. If left untreated, it can result in unnecessary limb amputations. This has been seen disproportionately in people from minority communities. It involves a buildup of plaque in the arteries— much like how your kitchen sink builds…
Diagnosed With Astigmatism? You’ve Got Options

by TINCY THOMAS, O.D. You were told that you have astigmatism—a seemingly scary term! Luckily, it’s not usually a cause for concern. What is astigmatism? Astigmatism is a condition that causes blurry vision, much like nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). However, with astigmatism, your cornea or lens inside the eye may be irregularly shaped, similar…
Protect Your Vision With Multiple Pairs of Glasses

by Julia King, O.D. Nowadays, when we use our eyes for so many different activities, one pair of eyeglasses is rarely sufficient. Multiple pairs of eyeglasses provide different levels of correction or features to enhance your vision for varying daily activities. Most people have an everyday pair of glasses that they use on a regular…