Health News

Features

Skin Smarts

Protect Your Skin From the Brutal Summer Sun by TERESA SCHIFFER Living in Central Florida, we are acutely aware of the effects of the sun. They don’t call us the “Sunshine State” for nothing! As wonderful as it is to bask in the warm glow of the sun day after day, too much sun exposure…
Pop Quiz: Prepare for Summer With Facts on Heat Stroke, Heat Exhaustion

Florida’s brutal summer is upon us, and that means heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real and present dangers every day. Florida’s high temperatures, intense sunshine, and ever-present humidity are a recipe for heat-related illnesses. Take our quiz on heat exhaustion and heat stroke and arm yourself with knowledge to prevent these life-threatening emergencies. 1.)…
Pop Quiz: Learn the Facts About Alzheimer’s

June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. As the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that starts off with mild memory loss and eventually becomes debilitating. It affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language, and it takes a huge toll on both the sufferer and the family and…

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…
Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration, AMD, is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 50. It destroys the macula, which is the small central area of the retina that provides detailed, central vision. With AMD, you lose the ability to see fine details, both close-up and at a distance. Due to the…