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Residents-Turned-Seamstresses Help Fill Demand With Homemade Masks by MARY TOOTHMAN Before COVID-19 changed daily life, it was usual to grab keys, sunglasses, wallet — and walk out the door to run an errand. But with concerns about the contagious virus spreading as fast as the virus itself, another item has been added to the list…
Keeping the Faith

Winter Haven Family Holds Tight to Beliefs While Recovering From Coronavirus by JESSICA WILCOX Danny Jones is a man of strong faith. The missionary from Winter Haven admits he has gone through a lot of tough times in his life, including heart disease and a frightening bout of spinal meningitis. Still, God has never let…
Do you Know the Difference Between Coronavirus Facts and Myths?

The dangers of the COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic are causing a lot of fear all over the country. It’s a smart move to take necessary precautions and follow the guidelines put forth by local, state, and federal agencies because lives truly are at stake. It’s also a good idea to maintain a cool head and…

Smoking Hurts More Than Your Lungs

I cannot really believe that the holidays are upon us already. This year has been like no other with its usual mix of pain and pleasure. I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the role of lifestyle in the management of vascular disease that can lend a sense of control in its otherwise…
What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD?

by NADER MOINFAR, M.D., M.P.H. Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In general, AMD is a disease that progresses in stages. Patients with advanced AMD experience vision loss from either excess ﬂuid and blood (wet AMD) or the death of cells (GA). It is estimated that 1.5 million…
Understanding Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a “weakening” or “dilatation” in a part of an artery. An estimated 15,000 people die of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) every year in the US. About 200,000 new cases of AAA are diagnosed every year. Most of these are diagnosed by tests that are done for unrelated reasons. The aorta is…