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Expanded Footprint

Lakeland Commission Approves New AdventHealth Hospital by PAUL CATALA Christine Konior has lived in South Lakeland for nine years and has a bit of a commute to the nearest hospital should that become necessary. But soon, Konior and her husband, John, will only have about a four-mile drive from their home to get themselves to…
Mammograms Matter

Survivor Turns Breast Cancer Diagnosis Into Mission to Help Others by REBEKAH PIERCE For most of us, celebrating our birthdays means lighting some candles on a cake, perhaps enjoying a nice dinner out with family and friends, or going on a relaxing weekend trip. Caitlyn Grady’s 40th birthday plans looked a lot different last year. …
Take Charge of Your Health This Breast Cancer Awareness Month

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and though it’s widely recognized, its message remains crucial. But breast cancer isn’t the only women’s health concern that gets the spotlight in October. The month is also Menopause Awareness Month. To learn more about these issues, we reached out…

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…