Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida: Getting to the Heart of the Matter

Numbers don’t lie. Approximately 79,400,000 Americans—that’s one in three adults—are living with cardiovascular disease.

Not only is cardiovascular disease the top killer in the United States, but that’s also the case around the world. According to the American Heart Association, 31 percent of all deaths globally were from cardiovascular disease, stroke accounted for 11.8 percent of all deaths and 16.9 million people worldwide had a first stroke in 2010.

When heart issues are a concern—whether for yourself or a family member—you want the best care possible. The board-certified providers and entire sta at Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida know you want more than facts and competent care. You need the peace of mind that comes from conscientious, personal treatment that includes all aspects of health: physical, mental and emotional.

The team of highly experienced, boardcertified cardiologists at Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida use the latest technological and medical advances available in cardiology today. But they are also aware that patients want to be understood, reassured and treated with respect. Each physician and sta member realizes that people have many options when it comes to health care. When you choose to put your trust in Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida, they take that seriously.

In April 2015, Urban Cardiology, founded by partners and longtime boardcertified cardiologists Dr. Paul Urban and Dr. Premranjan Singh, merged with Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida. This merger sought to provide patients with even more comprehensive care and ancillary services in-house, and that’s exactly what it accomplished.

For example, the practice has its own cardiology catheterization lab in Ocala, which o ers a range of diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures.

Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida’s physicians specialize in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all diseases of the heart. Services include cardiac wellness and prevention as well as diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease, valve disease, hypertension, CVD, heart rhythm conditions and congestive heart failure.

At some medical o ces, patients feel like they’re simply part of the process. That “lost in the shu e” experience doesn’t happen with the doctors and health care professionals at Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida. Each sta physician takes the approach of developing a medical partnership with the patient, working with their best interest in mind. They take time to educate patients to increase their comfort level and eliminate any surprises about a procedure.

“We listen to what our patients have to say, because they are more than just a number to us,” notes Dr. Singh. “We strive to present each patient with the best options for their cardiovascular medical care and work with them to select the option that works best for them.”

Continuity of care is vital anytime you’re dealing with heart issues. At Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida, you’ll benefit from a customized treatment plan designed around your specific health needs. Electronic medical records facilitate quick and thorough treatment, whether you’re in one of their o ces or at a local hospital. CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA › CVCIFL.COM

The practice has four locations in Ocala and The Villages, and all Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida physicians have hospital privileges in Marion County.

A doctor referral is not necessary to call for an appointment. Self-referral is welcomed, and most forms of insurance are accepted. ICANL and AAAHC accredited. Call today to schedule your appointment.

The Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida health care team includes:

› Shafeeq Ahmed, MD

› Ramil Goel, MD

› Siva Gummadi, MD, FACC

› Vijaya Koka, MD, FACC

› Jayanth Koneru, MD

› Hima Mikkilineni, MD, FACC

› Jigar Patel, MD

› Srisha Rao, MD, FACC

› Premranjan Singh, MD, FACC, FSCAI

› Paul Urban, MD, FACC, FSCAI

› Bridget Boynton, ARNP

› Eddice Companion, PA

› Dianne McDonald-Graber, ARNP

› Matthew Morgan, ARNP

› Theresa Owens, ARNP

› Bridget Shannon, ARNP

Services Include:

› AICD insertion

› Angiograms and runoffs

› Angioplasty

› Blood pressure control

› Cardiology consultations

› Cardiac medical management

› Cardiac catheterizations

› Carotid disease and stenting

› Chest pain evaluation

› Coumadin therapy

› Diagnostic right and left heart catheterization

› Echocardiology

› Echocardiography

› Echocardiograms

› Electrophysiology

› Holter & event monitoring

› Nuclear medicine

› Nuclear stress tests

› Pacemaker clinic

› Peripheral interventions

› PET stress tests

› PT/INR clinic

› Renal artery stenting

› Rotablator

› Trans esophageal echocardiogram (TEE)

› Vascular ultrasound

› Vascular procedures

› Venous ablations

› Venous reflux testing

Questions Or Concerns?

If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may want to call and schedule an appointment:

› Shortness of breath

› Atrial fibrillation or fluttering in your heart

› Hypertension or high blood pressure

› Irregular heart rhythms

› Fatigue in legs

› Leg swelling

› Peripheral artery disease

› Venous insufficiency

› 2111 SW 20th Place, Ocala › 2105 SW 20th Place, Ocala › 4600

› 121 Lagrande Blvd, Lady Lake › (352)205-8658

Three

BY CEALIA ATHANASON

ountless sleepovers, kitchen-raids, midnight talks, crushes, shopping dates and last-minute cramming sessions are just a few of the memories you likely made growing up with girlfriends. Then, one day—after college, weddings, jobs, babies and maybe relocating—you and your friends are all grown up and don’t have endless summer afternoons to hang out anymore. Untangling schedules to grab co ee, catch a show or take a work lunch can be tricky, so occasional phone calls and drawn-out texting conversations become the norm. Sound familiar? We think it’s time to reunite for a weekend of laughter, fun times and new memories good enough to rival the old ones. We’ve done all the planning for you, so call the girls and pack your bags. Let’s get this show on the road.

A weekend of pampering at the beach with friends might bring imagery of a Sandals commercial to mind. That’s the type of getaway you need (and want), right? Get ready—a light ocean breeze during a Swedish massage is just the beginning. Your spa paradise is just a few hours south of the Central Florida area at Eau Palm Beach Spa and Resort on an island near Palm Beach. You’ll find an environment so fully immersed in tranquility that you and your friends will be able to easily recharge and reconnect for a completely refreshing experience. Enter the spa, a beautifully designed area equipped with quite the assortment of spa treatments, and prepare to relax your body as well as your mind. Before and after each spa appointment, take in the peace and quiet o ered in your own private garden villa. The salon, garden, scrub and polish bar, fitness center and treatments work together to create a soothing, stress-free atmosphere and experience.

This resort and spa has everything you and your friends need for a long weekend. Along with spa fun, your group can get active, too. Take tennis lessons, ride bicycles along the island’s Intracoastal Waterway, rent jet skis and dine at the resort’s fine restaurants. Enjoy a bit of nightlife at the resort’s bar and the nightly lobby ‘turndown,’ involving champagne and music by candlelight. Enough already— let’s get your getaway booked.

Spa

When you arrive, you’ll be guided to the Wishing Well to light a candle and make a selfcentered wish before enjoying a glass of champagne and munching on cupcakes.

The Self-Centered Garden is a place to relax, dip your toes in the fountain and bond with your friends.

Spa treatments include di erent types of massages, body treatments and skin care options. With one spa treatment, you’ll enjoy full-day access to the spa. Without a scheduled treatment, you must purchase a day pass to enjoy the spa.

Itinerary

Designate one day as your group’s spa day. Relax in the garden; then, enjoy the lobby ‘turndown’ event that evening.

One morning, grab co ee and breakfast at the resort’s Breeze Ocean Kitchen before hitting the beach. Then, relax at the pool when things get too sandy.

Take a day to explore the area, hitting Worth Avenue a few miles up the island and City Place in downtown West Palm Beach.

Tips

Plan your trip in advance and during the summer months for a significant decrease in rates.

Consider splitting the cost of a Lanai Terrace Suite. There’s more than enough room for four, and the terrace opens out toward the ocean.

Use the itinerary planning feature on the resort’s website to make sure you hit all the hotspots.

Schedule spa treatments close together. Then, you and your friends can reconvene in the Self-Centered Garden.

BOOK IT!

Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa 100 South Ocean Blvd, Manalapan (561) 533-6000 eaupalmbeach.com

If it’s the outdoors you and your friends enjoy, Little St. Simons Island has 11,000 acres waiting to be explored. The island is located o the coast of Georgia and requires a 15-minute boat ride to get there. It’s only about three and a half hours away from Central Florida locations. At full capacity, the island can accommodate up to 32 guests. The small setting is perfect for spending quality time together and finally having a peaceful retreat from life’s daily grind. Plus, all outdoor activities, three meals per day and equipment are included in the cost of your stay.

The lodge and cottages have real rustic charm, and you and your friends can catch up around a fire in the evenings. Depending on the size of your group, choose to stay in separate guest rooms in the lodge or share a cottage. Cottages range from having one bedroom to four—with everything from living room spaces and fireplaces to bathrobes, wireless internet, refrigerators, washers and dryers, co ee makers and outdoor decks.

There are several naturalists on the island who lead guided interpretive walks, but you can grab a kayak or canoe and scout the wildlife on your own, as well. Seven miles of quiet, secluded beach are perfect for long walks, hunting for shells or riding bikes—outdoor adventure awaits.

Itinerary

Arrive at the lodge, settle in and explore a bit—dinner and a fire to follow.

Start your weekend with a naturalist-guided tour of the island, and finish o the day with the lodge’s social hour and dinner before relaxing on your private deck.

Spend one day hiking, kayaking, fishing or boating. The island’s sta and naturalists will be able to give you tips and answer questions before you go.

Pick one day to spend at the beach or biking the island. Request a sack lunch one day in advance so you and your friends can enjoy a picnic together.

Tips

Be sure to book your stay well in advance. You’ll be able to plan out any detailed activities, meals and accommodations with the island sta .

Pack light. The island has all the equipment you’ll need for outdoor fun. There’s a fully stocked tackle shack for fishing, and the beach pavilion has umbrellas, towels, chairs, lotions and floats ready for you to use.

There is a twonight minimum stay requirement, and pricing is allinclusive.

Meals and social gatherings are held in the main hunting lodge.

BOOK IT!

Little St. Simons Island

1000 Hampton River Club Marina Drive, Saint Simons Island

(912) 638-7472 littlestsimonsisland.com

You don’t have to be a bunch of foodies to enjoy the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. More than eating and drinking (although that’s the best part), the festival also has an entire concert lineup, culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars, cake decorating and mixology workshops, cheese seminars, beverage boot camps and special guest speakers. There are grand tasting events, festival packages to choose from and even festival dining at Disney Resort hotels. You and your friends have a bit of flexibility when it comes to planning the getaway dates, as the festival runs from August 31 through November 13. Start planning now—his is a weekend for the friends who don’t stop.

Need a getaway, like, right now? Make plans to attend the Epcot International Flower wildlife habitats and exhibits and attend seminars and demonstrations. You won’t go hungry at this festival either. Thirteen outdoor kitchen stations keep eats, desserts and specialty drinks available. And because you’re going for the weekend, you and your friends can enjoy the Garden Rocks Concert Series, too.

Plan to stay in one of the Disney Resort hotels. That

Have a girls’ day at Disney Springs. Go shopping, catch a movie, get dinner and stop by the House of Blues.

Don’t forget a lounge day with breakfast at the hotel and plenty of time at the pool. Finish the trip with one final night of fun back at Disney Springs catching Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba.

Tips

The earlier you book your

& Garden Festival between March 1 and May 29. Take garden tours—filled with giant plant sculptures of your favorite Disney characters—explore way, you can leave your car behind and take Disney transportation to the festivals and other Disney-area shows and attractions. Let’s get these details nailed down.

Itinerary

Spend one day taking in whichever festival you decide to attend. Go on a tour, catch a guest speaker or demonstration, and eat as much festival food as you want.

Plan a day for concerts, and maybe fit in a grand tasting or one of the festival’s special events.

hotel stay, the better. Call (407) 939-5277 for help making reservations.

Di erent festival packages are available depending on your group’s preferences. Be sure to check disneyworld.disney.go.com for more information.

Admission to Epcot will include most of the events in each festival, but a few things may require extra fees.

BOOK IT!

Visit disneyworld.disney.go.com to plan your trip.

Source: disneyworld.disney.go.com

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