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Lost and Found

Winter Haven’s Chris Lonton Describes Her Journey With Breast Cancer and the People Who Keep Her Going by TIM CRAIG photos by JOE DELUC When Chris Lonton checked into Gessler Clinic in Winter Haven for her regular mammogram in December 2015, she didn’t think twice. She would go in, get the exam, then leave. Little…
Prepped for the Future

Danielle Drummond’s Accomplishments Precede Her Term as Head of Lakeland Regional by MARY TOOTHMAN photo provided by LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH Danielle Drummond won’t officially become head of Lakeland Regional Health until January 1 of 2021, but she will certainly be ready. She has already been serving as vice-president and chief operating officer of the nonprofit…
Protect Yourself, Loved Ones With a Flu Shot

As families begin to prepare for fall festivities, the Florida Department of Health recommends adding one more thing to your to-do list this season—getting a flu shot! The flu shot is the best way to protect families and communities against the spread of influenza. Those who get the flu shot early decrease the risk of…

Diabetic Eye Disease By Terrance Hafner, O.D.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States in adults. November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. Over the past several years, the incidence of diabetes has grown as well as the rate of vision loss due to the disease. Diabetes can cause many eye problems. Here are three important things every…
Lymphedema Is a Common Cause of Swelling

Lymphedema, which is swelling caused by obstruction or reflux in the lymphatic vessels, is one of the most common conditions affecting humans. The lymph vessels are long, thin-walled tubes that form a very intricate network in the arms and the legs. In some cases, these lymph vessels are absent or are damaged or destroyed, and…
Your Eyes Are the Windows to Your Health

by DR. SELINA LIN Did you know that countless medical conditions can be detected during an eye exam? The most common medical diagnoses detectable are diabetes and hypertension. These medical diagnoses can cause hemorrhages and swelling in the retina that may need treatment. Worsening eye findings could indicate deteriorating disease processes in the body and…