Marion Healthy Living July 2017

Most insurances accepted. We are ICANL and AAAHC accredited. All of our physicians have hospital privileges in Marion County. Full EHR capabilities and i n-house billing.

Dr. Shafeeq Ahmed Dr. Siva Gummadi

Dr. Vijaya Koka

Dr. Jayanth Koneru

Dr. Hima Mikkilineni Dr. Jigar Patel

Dr. Srisha Rao

Dr. Prem Singh

Dr. Paul Urban

When your health or the health of a family member matters most, the professionals at Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida are here to help. OUR

Bridget Boynton, ARNP Eddice Companion , PA

Dianne McDonaldGraber, ARNP Matt Morgan, ARNP Theresa Owens, ARNP

ARNP

When it’s time for surgery, you can count on the team at Ocala Regional Medical Center and West Marion Community Hospital. Whether you have your surgery same-day or inpatient, our team is ready to care for you before, during and after. We want you to have the best surgical experience possible, so we make sure we’re providing a safe environment and guide you and your family through the process with care. With minimally invasive surgeries available, patients experience better results and quicker recovery. Some of our surgeries are also available with robotic-assisted technology.

Minimally Invasive Surgery at Ocala Health

For more information or physician referral, please call 800-530-1188 or visit ocalahealthsystem.com/surgery

ocala health made sure everything went really smoothly.

Robert Peary Cardiovascular Surgery Patient

HEALTHY beat

› PAGE 7

TRENDS | NEWS | PEOPLE

By Diane Bedard, Laurel Gillum and Katie McPherson

› 8 What to do this month.

› 10 A Citrus County staple.

› 12 Enter the Test Lab.

HEALTHY dose

› PAGE 15

INSIGHT | ADVICE | SOLUTIONS

By Jim Gibson & Laurel Gillum

› 16 Tracking your health.

› 17 Baby brain basics.

› 18 Melanoma matters.

ON THE COVER: summer slides

›  PAGE 20

http://woobox.com/ciyd96

Water you waiting for? Calling all Floridians—these waterparks are only a hop, skip and splash away. › By Laurel Gillum

ants: the good, the bad and the crazy

› PAGE 26

Although fire ants may be the best-known ants in Florida, anyone who has lived here more than 24 hours knows they definitely aren’t the only brand of ant in the state. › By Jim Gibson

turn up the heat

› PAGE 30

Suffering from a lackluster libido? There are options! › By Cynthia McFarland

HEALTHY body

› PAGE 37

NUTRITION | FITNESS | BEAUTY

By Angelique Anacleto,

Robin

Fannon,

Gillum and JoAnn Guidry

› 38 Peachy pie.

› 39 Digestion woes.

HEALTHY vibe

› PAGE 43

MIND | SPIRIT | FINANCE

Laurel

› 40 A summertime shape-up.

› 42 Year of beauty.

By Brett Ballantini, Jim Gibson and Laurel Gillum

› 44 A computer reboot.

› 46 Planting pointers.

› 47 Protect your pets.

› 48 Rules of the road.

Photo courtesy of Discovery Cove

ADVISORY BOARD

We Proudly Welcome Kathleen Telusma, DPM

Dr. Kathleen Telusma grew up in Orlando, Florida. She remained in Orlando for her college education where she received a BS in molecular biology and microbiology from the University of Central Florida. She went on to continue her medical education in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at Temple University where she earned her Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Telusma went on to finish her medical training by completing her surgical residency at the Atlanta VA Medical Center. Upon the conclusion of residency, she sought to return to Central Florida for practice. She is now happy to be the newest addition to Family Foot and Ankle. She treats a variety of foot and ankle pathologies with interests, including dermatology, wound care, bunions, hammertoes and heel pain.

Treatment of Common Ailments such as Bunions,

HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE has brought together a group of medical experts and community leaders to serve on our advisory board and share their expertise and insight with our readers.

Craig Ackerman Public Information O cer

OF HEALTH IN MARION COUNTY

Steve Blank Community Relations Director THE CENTERS

OFMC Dermatology & Aesthetic Center

Deb Scott, LPN, LE

Dermatological

Nurse - Esthetician

Over 25 years of experience

MENU OF SERVICES:

Clinical Acne Treatments

HydraFacials (for ALL skin types)

Oxygen Infusion Facial

European Facials/Microdermabrasion

Botox® (Allergan Cosmetic Grade)

Facial Fillers: Restylane® and Perlane®

IPL Photorejuvenation Packages

Hand Rejuvenation

Laser Skin & Wrinkle Reduction Treatments

Skin Tag Removal

Pharmaceutical Grade Skin Care Line

Free Open House

Date: ursday, April 9th

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

You will also enjoy 20% OFF all skin care packages and products purchased the night of the event!

Enter to WIN 1 of 4 FREE door prizes!

2 skin care gift bags valued over $100 each

1 $150 Aesthetics & Laser Gift Certificate

1 HydraFacial treatment

Please RSVP by Monday, April 6th. To RSVP or for questions regarding this

Michael Holloway, M.D. Physician-Directed Weight Management & Medical Aesthetics LIFESTYLE SOLUTIONS MEDSPA

Mark Jank, M.D. Ophthalmology OCALA EYE

Director, Marketing & Public Relations OCALA HEALTH

Amy McLaughlin, Director, Marketing & Communications SEVEN RIVERS MEDICAL CENTER

Katie Myers, APR Director Of Marketing And Public Relations CITRUS MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM

Navinderdeep Nijher, M.D. Plastic Surgery

OCALA PLASTIC Okonkwo, M.D.

HEALTH OF OCALA

Panchal, M.D. Internal Medicine And Medical Weight

SUCCESS BY DESIGN

PUBLISHER

Kathy Johnson kathy@healthylivingmagazines.com

OFFICE/PRODUCTION MANAGER

Cynthia Brown art@healthylivingmagazines.com

EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Karin Fabry-Cushenbery karin@healthylivingmagazines.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Melissa Peterson melissa@healthylivingmagazines.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Cealia Athanason

cealia@ocalastyle.com

FOOD & LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR

Robin Fannon

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angelique Anacleto

Brett Ballantini

Jim Gibson

Laurel Gillum

JoAnn Guidry

Bonnie Kretchik

Cynthia McFarland

Katie McPherson

Nick Steele

Sean Trapani

ART art@healthylivingmagazines.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jessi Miller

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kristy Taylor

Amber Laudicina

PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Jernigan

Sheila Hartley 123rf.com

SALES

DIRECTOR OF SALES

Dean Johnson deanjohnson@healthylivingmagazines.com

SALES MANAGER

Sharon Morgan

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Liza Fritz

Skip Linderman

Peggy Sue Munday

Cecilia Sarco

Lori Tani

Tammy Walters

DISTRIBUTION

Dave Adams

Debra McQueen

Rick Shaw

summer snack

Most people think of watermelon as a sweet, juicy snack perfect for hot summer days, but with its high water content, the fruit is more than just tasty—it’s also an ideal way to keep your body hydrated. Try this kid-friendly summertime staple today.

watermelon lice ice pops

5-15 watermelon slices, cut into triangular wedge shapes, about 1/2 to 1 inch thick, with seeds removed 5-15 ice pop sticks

Insert ice pop stick into rind of each slice. › After inserting sticks, freeze watermelon pops before serving.

day by day

Fun events, helpful tips and monthly to-do’s for July

Register the kids for the Humane Society’s Doggone Good Reading Program (July 8 & 22)

Plan a golf day with friends

Summer Fun

4 Kids @ The Marion Theatre: The Peanuts Movie (Through July 6), 10:30a

Fourth of July

Iggy’s “Four on the Fourth” Freedom Run at Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala

Take Control Of Your Diabetes class (free) @ Ocala Health’s Senior Wellness Community Center, 10:30a, register at OcalaHealthSystem.com

Clean house and donate items to a charity

Levitt AMP Ocala Concert Series @ Webb Field: Albert Castiglia, 8-10p

Weekend getaway to Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Park

Water Aerobics

Hike at the Bear Swamp Trail in the Ocala National Forest

Summer Fun 4 Kids @ The Marion Theatre: The Lego Movie (Through July 13), 10:30

Schedule dinner with the in-laws

Line dancing at the Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park (Every Wednesday, 6-8p)

Update your first-aid kit

Levitt AMP Ocala Concert Series @ Webb Field: Banditos, 8-10p

Plan a day at the beach

Pilates

NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY: Make homemade ice cream with the kids

Clean the patio furniture and grill

Summer Fun 4 Kids @ The Marion Theatre: The Wizard of Oz (Through July 20), 10:30a

Visit the public library to check out summer reading books

Water Aerobics

Word Weavers Writing Group at the Crones’ Cradle Conserve (First and third Wednesdays of each month, 6p)

Fearless Caregiver Conference, register at caregiver.com

Pilates

Summer Fun 4 Kids @ The Marion Theatre: Anastasia (Through July 27), 10:30a

Pilates

Make BBQ-glazed chicken and pineapple kabobs

Summer Fun 4 Kids @ The Marion Theatre: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Through August 3), 10:30a

Return summer reading books to the library

Water Aerobics Water Aerobics

Levitt AMP Ocala Concert Series @ Webb Field: Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, 8-10p

Visit Ocala Downtown Market (Every Saturday, 9a-2p, and Wednesdays, 3-7p)

Back-to-school shopping City of Ocala Back-toSchool Bash at E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 10a-2p

Fruit skewers

Star cookie cutter

Sliced, seedless watermelon

Blueberries (7-10 each skewer)

Use the cutter to punch out a star-shaped piece of watermelon, about 1-inch thick. › With the pointed end of the skewer facing up, place the watermelon at the top of the skewer. › Starting from the bottom, slide 7-10 blueberries onto the skewer just under the star. › Leave room at the bottom to hold the skewer, and voilà!

A Circle of CARE

Centered on YOU

Nuclear medicine is an advanced technology used to diagnose and treat heart disease, cancer, gastrointestinal, neurological and endocrine disorders and much more.

RAO’s radiologists subspecialize in nuclear medicine and adhere to the most rigid safety standards, so you can feel confident in our care.

BOARD CERTIFIED, FELLOWSHIP TRAINED RADIOLOGISTS: from left to right: Ryan K. Tompkins, MD, Fredric C. Wollett, MD and Brian Cartwright, MD

the great scallop hunt

Enjoy a day of recreational family fun on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. ›

Beginning July 1, recreational scalloping season opens up from Cedar Key to Aripeka. Although thousands of people make their way out into the Gulf of Mexico for this annual pilgrimage, Captain Erica Toney of Homosassa recommends waiting a week.

“There were 5,000-plus boats out in the scallop beds on 2016’s opening day,” Captain Toney shares. “I suggest that my clients try for a weekday to provide more space for hunting.”

She describes the scalloping experience as akin to an Easter egg hunt, only underwater.

“You ride out to the Ozello flats in just a few feet of water; don a mask, fins and snorkel; put up a dive flag and enter the water with your net bag to hold the bounty.” It is an easy, relaxing activity that anyone of any age can enjoy.

Erica recommends piloting your vessel out to where there is a congregation of

By Diane Bedard

other boats, instead of searching in lone areas.

“I like to tell my clients that we are going out into the middle of those boats so that the sharks will eat them first,” she says with a grin and a giggle, “In reality, I have never heard of any shark attacks while scalloping, and I am a fourth-generation captain in the Homosassa area.”

It takes a little time to get used to seeing in the water, but once you identify your first scallop, recognizing them gets easier, and it’s a lot of fun!

Without a captain, be sure to have a saltwater fishing license for each person 16 and up. Scalloping is so easy and fun that families often bring picnics to enjoy a day on the water.

Using plenty of sunscreen and staying hydrated are paramount for enjoying your time scalloping, whether you float and grab, dip a net or swim below the surface to gain your prize.

Erica recommends using Homosassa’s public boat ramp at the end of Yulee Drive. The trick is to have a place to park after launching. Next door to the public boat ramp is the Homosassa Riverside Resort, which charges $10 to launch but provides a tagged parking spot. Some local residents will let you park in their yard for fees ranging from $10 to $20 and then shuttle you to the ramp in their golf cart.

Captain Toney’s favorite way to eat the fresh-caught bay scallops is raw or ceviche. A close second is fried.

“Put a little flour, salt, pepper and cornmeal together,” she says. “Roll the scallop meat in the breading and flash fry them. So good—but there isn’t a bad way to eat them. Just make sure not to overcook the little guys.”

“I suggest that my clients try for a weekday to provide more space for hunting.”

Photos courtesy of Discover Crystal River Florida

test lab: baby foot

Do you ever see trendy foods, beauty techniques or odd products and think, “Now that I have to try?” In this month’s Test Lab, I’m trying something deeply satisfying and borderline disgusting: the Baby Foot peel.

›

By Katie McPherson

THE CLAIMS

According to BabyFoot.com, the product contains 17 natural extracts, like glycolic and citric acids, which exfoliate and moisturize. The concoction softens dead cells and breaks apart the bonds between old and new skin, meaning the peeling is painless. You’re left with “feet reborn just like a baby’s foot.” Creepy, but promising.

THE EXPERIMENT

Baby Foot’s instructions are simple:

1. Clean your footsies.

2. Cut open the plastic booties and place on your feet, using the included adhesive strips to close them around your ankles. Your feet will feel like they’re covered in a thin layer of snot, but go with it. Slip some socks on over top for maximum absorption (and some semblance of grip on the floor).

3. After one hour, rinse with soap and water.

4. The Baby Foot box suggests soaking your feet nightly for 20 minutes to maximize your results. According to Amazon reviews, those who did not do this had more of a dandruff-like experience versus skin peeling off in sheets. Choose your own adventure, and soak accordingly.

Oh, and don’t do this with a fresh paint job. Baby Foot peels polish right o , too.

THE RESULTS

On day one, the skin on my feet felt extra dry and tight, but otherwise the same. On day two, some barely noticeable peeling began in between my toes. But day three…oh day three…

On this day, I went to an outdoor festival. I purposely wore sneakers and socks hoping a little foot sweat would, shall we say, loosen things up. My skin bubbled up in multiple places and–graphic content warning–was all but falling o . I immediately got to peeling and consistently pulled o pieces the size of a quarter, some larger. And while it’s objectively gross, I loved every second.

From day four on, it was just a matter of cleaning up the edges. Some of the rougher patches on my heels flaked o slowly. On day six, the tops of my feet and my ankles began to peel.

As one of those sickos who watches pimple-popping videos, I’m not surprised that I love Baby Foot. But besides feeling oh-so-satisfying, it truly made my feet feel exceptionally soft. They’re visibly smoother, too, and look better than they have after any pedicure. I can honestly say I

will be purchasing this again and trying to convince my fiancé to Baby Foot his feet so I have four to peel. For about $25 on Amazon.com, you too can shock and amaze your loved ones.

When your bathtub is treated with our long-lasting process, it will create an invisible, sophisticated tread designed into the existing surface, which will help prevent slip and fall accidents.

GripOn is not a film or a coating. It will not change the appearance of the floor or bathtub, and there is no downtime. You can walk on the treated surface immediately following treatment.

Carrol Dillon-Smith Administrator/Owner

not your average gum

Soon, chewing gum just may be good for your health. Volatile Analysis, an Alabama-based company, has entered into the first phase of developing a gum designed to determine whether a person has cancer. Although the science behind the cancer-detecting gum may be sophisticated, here’s the general idea: The gum absorbs what are known as “volatiles” in a person’s saliva as they chew it. The chewed gum is then sent to a lab for analysis to determine whether it contains certain chemical compounds produced in the body of a cancer patient. Volatile compounds di er for various types of cancer. The idea is that, based on the compounds found, doctors will be able to determine what type of cancer is present. Stay tuned for further developments!

tracking your health…accurately

Along with alterations in diet and increased exercise, many Americans have begun to rely on fitness trackers to monitor the status of their health. If you are one of these people, you are in good company.

According to the NPD Group’s Connected Intelligence Consumers and Wearables Report, one in 10 adults owns a fitness tracker. Of those persons wearing trackers, 36 percent are 35-54 years old and 41 percent have an average income of more than $100,000. Not surprisingly, more than 54 percent are women.

For those not familiar with fitness trackers, they are wearable devices that may track:

The number of steps you take in a given time period

Your heart rate 24 hours a day, seven days a week

2 or maximal oxygen uptake

Sleep patterns

Real time GPS coordinates

Running or walking pace and distance

Cycling pace and distance

Swimming distance and duration

Although these devices are handy to have, cardiologists want you to know that they are not medical devices.

how to check your pulse

WRIST

Place two fingers between the bone and the tendon over your radial artery, which is located on the thumb side of your wrist.

THROAT

Place your index and third fingers on your neck to either side of your windpipe over your carotid arteries.

“Fitness trackers, no matter what kind they are, are not medical devices, they are simply fitness aids,” says Dr. Jigar Patel, a cardiologist with the Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida. “I find them to be accurate, but they are simply aids to improve your health.”

Dr. Miguel Bryce, an electrophysiologist at Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County feels some people rely too heavily on their fitness-tracking device when monitoring their health, especially when it comes to heart rate and rhythm.

“I had a patient come in recently who said her heart rate was too high,” says Dr. Bryce. “She said her fitness tracker showed that her heart rate was 104 beats per minute. When I took her pulse, it was 65 beats per minute. I taught her how to take her pulse and let her know that fitness trackers are not always accurate. Another patient came in and told me that his heart was out of rhythm… that his heart rate was fluctuating from low to high. Same thing. His fitness tracker wasn’t providing an accurate reading. Once he learned how to take his pulse, he found out that his heart rate and rhythm were just fine.”

Both physicians say that fitness trackers usually provide accurate information but cannot be relied upon to provide completely accurate information at all times.

“This is why it’s important for people to be able to monitor their own pulse rate,” says Dr. Patel. “It’s very simple to take your

When you feel your pulse, count the number of times your heart beats in one minute (or count for 10 seconds and multiply by 6). According to the American Heart Association, a normal heart rate should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

pulse in your wrist, and it can be taken in your neck also. However, if your fitness tracker leads you to suspect there may be a problem with your heart rate or rhythm, it’s always a good idea to schedule a visit with your cardiologist just to make sure that all is well.”

Dr. Bryce says that with more people relying on tracking devices to monitor their health, a simple thing such as learning to take your pulse can spare you the cost of an o ce visit.

“These devices definitely help when it comes to getting people up and moving, but you have to use common sense when you get an unusual reading,” he says. “This is why your cardiologist always takes the time to listen to your heartbeat; machines can make mistakes, but listening to your heart or taking your pulse will always give you an accurate heartrate.”

America has become health—and heart— conscious. With heart disease being the No. 1 cause of death in the nation, more people have begun to sit up, take notice and make the changes necessary to ensure better heart health.

›

By Jim Gibson

baby brainboosters

›

Babies. Just the word can make you smile. And that baby smell (the other one)—it’s more relaxing than a visit to the Dalai Lama. But what goes on inside those little, developing brains can be puzzling.

Luckily, we know from brain scans and observational studies just how much, right from the start, infants are tuned in and reacting to the events and people around them. And we know what provides the “nutrients” a young’un needs to develop his or her full intellectual and emotional potential.

The short menu is LARIS + L: love, attention, responsiveness, interaction, stimulation and then

more love. If you, Mom and Dad, provide those “nutrients,” it makes all the di erence.

Frequent, a ectionate interaction, with touch, eye contact, lots and lots of words and songs, is essential. Children learn social behaviors, language, facts and ideas from love and human interaction. Studies show that they do not learn as well from TVs, digital games or electronic programs— even if those are delivering information

specifically designed for infants and children.

One notable study 20 years ago found that children who are spoken to a lot from the get-go—with complex sentences, explanations of what’s around them and interactive questions— even before they seem to “understand” end up with higher IQs at age 3 and better school performance at age 9.

In fact, a new study recently presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies

Meeting looked at 894 children ages 6 months to 2 years and found that 20 percent of them were spending at least 28 minutes a day playing with a handheld digital device. And for every 30-minute increase in handheld screen time, the kids had a 49 percent increased risk of expressive speech delay.

MORE BRAIN BOOSTERS

Other essentials for nurturing your infant’s brain development include good nutrition and a routine of su cient sleep.

As your child switches from breast milk (exclusive

during the first 6 months and then complemented with solids up to 12-24 months) or formula to solid foods, you want to make sure he or she gets a full range of nutrients essential for cognitive development. Nutrients (especially choline, folic acid, zinc, iron and special fats like omega-3 DHA) can actually modify gene structure and expression, a ecting brain growth and development. To make sure your infant and toddler gets those building blocks, a varied diet rich in vegetables, healthy oils such as extra-virgin olive oil, fiber from grains and cereals and proteins from antibiotic- and hormone-free meats and salmon will do the trick.

A calm routine of su cient sleep also allows the brain to develop as it should. Newborns sleep about 10.5 to 18 hours a day, with irregular wake times lasting one to three hours. Up to 12 months, babies need nine to 12 hours at night. They also take 30 minute to two-hour naps up to four times daily.

Toddlers need about 11 to 14 hours of sleep every 24 hours, with decreasing naptimes. Some studies indicate that kids who are deprived of necessary sleep may have stunted neurodevelopment, which is linked to hyperactivity and reduced school performance.

For every 30-minute increase in handheld screen time, the kids had a 49 percent increased risk of expressive speech delay.

By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

melanoma: be in the know

Although this disease isn’t the most common form of skin cancer, melanoma is, by far, the most dangerous. Most often, melanoma develops after intense, even occasional, UV exposure—especially in those who have a family history of the disease. If melanoma is caught and treated early, it can almost always be cured. To fully prevent melanoma from becoming an issue, it is important to follow the skin care guidelines set forth by

THE ABCDE OF SKIN CANCER

The Skin Cancer Foundation.

protecting yourself

ACT SHADY. Stay in shaded areas when possible, especially between the hours of 10am and 4pm.

GO UNDERCOVER. If you know you will be in a situation with no shade, cover up. A broadbrimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses will shield your

THE UGLY DUCKLING:

The moles on your body usually resemble those surrounding them. If any certain mole stands out or looks di erent, it’s the ugly duckling. This may be a dark mole in a sea of lighter moles; the point is the noticeable di erence in appearance. If you find an ugly duckling mole with any of the ABCDEs, you should immediately be examined by your physician.

face—a prominent area prone to sun exposure. If you can stand it, wear a loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirt.

SCREEN ME. Use a broadspectrum sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher every day. Beach days require a broadspectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. Apply two tablespoons of sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours

when swimming or excessive sweating, and don’t be stingy with the coverage.

LOOK CLOSELY. Examine your skin from head-to-toe each month. Keep a careful eye out for new moles or growths and any existing growths that begin to grow or change significantly in any way. A visit to your physician once every year for a professional exam is also necessary.

ASYMMETRY

A benign mole is symmetrical. If you draw a line through a malignant mole, however, the two sides will not match, a warning sign for melanoma.

BORDER

The border of a benign mole is smooth, whereas the border of an early melanoma tends to be irregular.

COLOR

A melanoma is not typically one solid color. Several di erent shades of brown, tan or black could appear. Some patients have even noticed patches of red, white or blue.

DIAMETER

Malignant moles are often larger than those that are benign. They are, however, sometimes smaller when they are first detected.

EVOLVING

New symptoms (such as a change in shape, color or elevation; bleeding; itching or crusting) all point to danger.

In 2017, an estimated 87,110 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed, and some of these cases will be fatal.

›

By Laurel Gillum

Melissa Singleton, PA-C

Dr. Ashley Cauthen

Dr. Christina Mitchell

Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park, Orlando

UNIVERSALORLANDO.COM

Are you ready to explore Florida’s newest water park? Us, too! Relax in your own waterside cabana, drift in a winding lazy river or battle gushing whitewater torrents—which island adventure will you explore? Universal’s Volcano Bay allows you to experience it all. Upon entering, you’ll be gifted a TapuTapu wearable. This innovative bracelet will hold your place in a virtual line, so you can explore all 18 incredible attractions without spending half the day waiting around. The wearable also features Tap to Play, that allows guests to interact with various areas throughout the park with just a tap of their bracelet.

The Volcano

MUST SEE: The centerpiece is a 200-foot-tall volcano that towers above the island’s tropical landscape, blowing o steam by day and fiery lava by night. The featured attraction is Florida’s first aqua coaster, the Krakatau. Using state-of-the-art technology, guests will be propelled up, down and around before plunging through a shimmering waterfall. Fear factor? Five out of five!

Photos courtesy of Universal Orlando

The Wave Village

MUST SEE: The Reef is a serene pool to kick back in and relax while waiting to take on your next stomach-dropping adventure. A private waterfall spills into the pool—a perfect spot for the kiddos to frolic about.

GOOD EATS: Savor the Kohola, a burger topped with crispy fried onions and pickled jalapenos topped with fresh slaw and avocado mayo on a King’s Hawaiian Roll—only served at the Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club. Take advantage of Universal’s dining plan for perks such as free unlimited soda refills.

River Village

MUST SEE: Ideal for toddlers, the Tot Tiki Reef invites younger guests to play amongst the splashy slides, a tot-sized volcano and a family of friendly tikis and singing whales.

GOOD EATS: Whakawaiwa Eats has the best pizza pie on the island. The Island BBQ Chicken Pizza comes topped with diced chicken, mango barbecue sauce red onions and gouda cheese.

Rainforest Village

MUST SEE: Alright families, let’s get in formation. In this village, you will stumble across the Maku-Puihi Round Raft Rides, a six-person rafting adventure with two lava-tube paths. Maku brings you through a deep volcanic gorge before spinning to the bottom in a bowl-like pattern. Puihi puts gravity to the test on a stomach-flipping ride to the bottom. Which route will you choose?

GOOD EATS: Once you locate the bamboo hideaway crafted by islanders at the Bambu restaurant, treat your taste buds to the exquisite flavor found in the Quinoa Edamame Burger, topped with roasted shiitake mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and sriracha mayo.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Orlando

DISNEYWORLD.DISNEY.GO

Don’t mind the sur oards hanging from the palm trees—this surf-haven has just been turned upside down by an epic typhoon. Take on this sandy oasis in a fast-paced quest you won’t soon forget.

MUST-SEE: Miss Adventure Falls. Captain Mary Oceaneer—a pirate whose haul was lost and scattered around this tropical paradise during the typhoon—invites you and three other people to climb aboard her raft on a voyage to seek out her lost treasure on Typhoon Lagoon’s newest attraction.

MUST SEE: Humunga Kowabunga. Plunge down Mount Mayday for a near-vertical, five-story drop—in the dark. We said it first, “Kowabunga!”

Surf’s up, Dude. Surf lessons are o ered on select days prior to the park’s opening. Classes are taught by pros who know how to hang ten and are willing to pass down their mad skills. At the end of practice, you could be catching waves up to 6 feet tall. DID YOU KNOW? To “hang ten” means to hang all 10 toes over the nose of the board in order to keep your grip?

GOOD EATS: Boogie on over to Lowtide Lou’s for your choice in wraps, sandwiches and suds.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Orlando

DISNEYWORLD.DISNEY.GO

Looks like winter is over at this ski resort. The ice caps have melted, and Mount Gushmore is flooding with melted slush. Catapult down high-intensity waterslides, and fly through super-long mazes in unpredictable raft rides, battling the infamous whitewater rapids. MUST SEE: Ski Patrol Training Camp. Show o your skills as you maneuver through an obstacle course for big kids and preteens.

MUST SEE: Cross Country Creek. Pass through polar caves and a lush, green forest landscaped with rocks and overhead wood and pebble bridges, as you circle the entire park in a tube. GOOD EATS: Mini donuts—prepared daily in fresh batter and dusted with powdered sugar, then drizzled in a bath of chocolate, white chocolate or raspberry dipping sauce—are one of the park’s main attractions and can be found at the stand near Lottawatta Lodge.

DID YOU KNOW? In 2012, the waterpark joined 500 host locations to help set the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

Photos courtesy of Walt Disney World

Discovery Cove, Orlando DISCOVERYCOVE.COM

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort where your family can pose next to a paradise of rocky lagoons surrounded by lush landscaping, tropical reefs, winding rivers, a resort-style pool complete with waterfalls and pristine white-sand beaches. Florida Residents who book a day at Discovery Cove will receive admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica at a discounted rate.

MUST SEE. Freshwater Oasis. An all-new experience to Discovery Cove, you are invited to admire the rainforest canopy above and sparkling-clear springs below. Wade, wander and float through waterfilled trails. You’ll come face to face with playful otters and curious marmosets.

MUST SEE. Dolphin Lagoon. New friends are always a good thing, especially when visiting the cove. Swim alongside a bottlenose dolphin during a 30-minute interactive exploration. With an experienced trainer, a small group of guests will become better aquatinted with their new pal through a series of hugs, kisses and rubdowns. In deeper water, an exciting dorsal fin tow ride back to shore is in store.

DID YOU KNOW? Dolphins sleep by resting one side of the brain at a time. This allows them to continuously rise to the surface for air and keep an eye open for predators.

Adventure Island, Tampa ADVENTUREISLAND.COM

Twist and shout—you’re in for quite the ride. Enjoy slides, pools, kid-friendly attractions and some good ol’ vitamin D. There’s enough entertainment and sunshine to go around. This park caters to the needs of the whole family.

MUST SEE: Wahoo Run. In case the 600-foot-long flume ride doesn’t su ciently drench your crew, your multi-person raft will zoom fast through four waterfall curtains to ensure maximum soaking.

MUST SEE: Runaway Rapids. Choose from five unique slides for a high-speed adventure on a mountain-like peak. Can’t choose just one? Try them all!

GOOD EATS: Nothing complements a day of outdoor fun like a nice, cold refreshment. Quench your thirst with an iced beverage, and cure your hunger with a zesty flatbread. Surfside Café and Island Bites will serve you all this plus a sweet funnel cake for dessert.

Aquatica SeaWorld’s Waterpark, Orlando

AQUATICABYSEAWORLD.COM

Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, is a whimsical, one-of-a-kind water park unlike any you’ve ever experienced. Make memories on their wondrous waterslides, relaxing rivers, cooling wave pools and countless animal encounters.

MUST SEE. Ihu’s Breakaway Falls. This slide is the tallest, steepest and only multidrop tower of its kind in Orlando, not to mention—the drop is a surprise.

DID YOU KNOW? Ihu’s Breakaway Falls was named after the park’s gecko mascot, Ihu. MUST SEE. Tassie’s Twister. A ride with a literal spin, the adventure ends with a peaceful ride alongside the Lazy River.

GOOD EATS: Banana Beach Cookout calls out to all who want to enjoy an all-youcan-eat feast, loaded with yummy choices from pulled pork to cheesy pizza.

Photo courtesy of Discovery Cove

Photo courtesy of Aquatica

Weeki Wachee Springs’ Buccaneer Bay, Spring Hill

WEEKIWACHEE.COM/BUCCANEER-BAY

Buccaneer Bay Waterpark, located inside Weeki Wachee Springs, is appealing to guests who want to catch some rays on the smooth, white beach or dive into the crystal-clear, spring water. This park features five thrilling flumes, three of which drop o into the naturally cold waters of Weeki Wachee Springs. Buccaneer Bay is free with your paid admission to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

DID YOU KNOW? “Weeki Wachee” was named by the Seminole Indians. It means “little spring” or “winding river.” The spring, however, is not so little. In fact, it’s so deep that the bottom has never been found!

Legoland Water Park, Winter Haven

LEGOLAND.COM/FLORIDA

Cannonball right into this innovative waterpark. The park as a whole includes over 50 rides, shows and attractions. MUST SEE. Boating School. All aboard this fun-filled ride that allows kids to captain their own mini-vessels.

MUST SEE. AQUAZONE Wave Racers. Steer your wave racer to dodge water cannons, and splash your friends and family in this head-first race toward the finish line. GOOD EATS. Head to the Beach-n-Brick Grill for an assortment of yummy treats that will satisfy the entire family.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. Legoland Water Park admission is not available without a tickets to Legoland Florida.

Tradewinds Island Resorts, St. Petersburg

TRADEWINDSRESORT.COM

Island Grand Resort and Guy Harvey Outpost Resort—two of Tradewinds finest choices—are located on the soft white sands of St. Pete Beach on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico. These beachfront destinations have earned their bragging rights, with seven heated swimming pools and the new triple-chuted inflatable High Tide Slide—coming in at three stories tall and 200-feet long. After you’ve conquered the High Tide Slide, head out to the 15, 750-square-foot Floating Water Park, featuring climbing apparatus, balance beams, splash mats and runways. Guest passes are sold at justletgoshop.com.

» CoCo Key Hotel & Water Resort, Orlando COCOKEYORLANDO.COM

» Flamingo Waterpark Resort, Kissimmee FLAMINGOWATERPARK.COM

» The Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites Waterpark HISUITESORLANDO.COM

» Cypress Springs Water Park at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Kissimmee MARRIOTT.COM

Photo courtesy of Chip Litherland Photography

Photo courtesy of Tradewinds Island Resorts

Photo courtesy of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

BUCCANER BAY

TRADEWINDS ISLAND RESORTS

Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando

THE GOOD, THE BAD THE CRAZY

BY JIM GIBSON

You stop walking just long enough to wave a friendly greeting to the new guy next door as he pulls out of his driveway in that sleek red Porsche convertible. You linger, savoring the moment as he drives past.

Horrified, you see your reflection in his mirrored Ray Ban’s as you involuntarily begin the “fire ant dance.” In the 10 seconds it took you to

take in the view, what seems to be around 5,000 fire ants scurried up both legs, and they all let you have it at one time.

Though it seemed like this vicious attack on your gams was helter skelter, there was definitely a method to the madness. The first ant that made the journey up over your Birkenstock and onto your foot, traveled approximately 10 inches up your calf to just below your knee. She then latched onto your skin with her mandibles, curled up her abdomen, sunk a sharp stinger into your skin, injected venom (the “fire” in fire ant) and instantly released an alarm pheromone that signaled her sisters to attack.

ANTS, ANTS EVERYWHERE

Although fire ants may be the best known ants in Florida, anyone who has lived here more than 24 hours knows they definitely aren’t the only brand of ant in the state. In fact, Florida could very easily be nicknamed “The Ant State,” and we could all be slathering on APF 30 Formicidae-screen every time we venture outside.

“There are a huge number of ant species in Central Florida,” says Roberto Pereira, research scientist in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida in Gainesville. “The most important thing to remember is that 99 percent of them will never cause us any problems as long as we don’t disturb or threaten them. In fact, ants are beneficial to us in many ways.”

Pereira notes that ants pollinate plants, fertilize the soil, get rid of decomposing waste and organic material, help loosen and aerate the soil, rid our yards of unwanted insects, move seeds (thereby promoting new plant growth) and the list goes on and on.

The thing is, according to Pereira, ants get a lot of bad press—and that is usually due to the one percenters— those pesky little guys who invade your yard, pantry, garage, bathroom, attic and just about any place you can squeeze an ant into (which literally means anywhere).

FIRE! FIRE!

And at the top of the list is the dreaded fire ant. Most of the ones we encounter in Marion County are red imported fire ants (RIFA). This species was imported to the United States into Florida from Brazil sometime in the late

1930s and is now found as far west as California and as far north as Maryland.

“Fire ants don’t normally come into your home unless there is a good food source available and an easy way in,” says Pereira. “They usually form mounds or hills outside in your yard, and the only time you will encounter them is if you disturb their nest. They, like all ants, are very social creatures. They have one queen whose job is to lay eggs; they have female workers whose job is to take care of the queen, the brood and the nest; and they have males whose only job is to mate with the queen and then die.”

RIFA workers live anywhere from 30 to 180 days, and a queen may live from two to six years. She lays approximately 1,500 eggs per day, and a year-old mature colony consists of between 80,000 and 240,000 ants. A mature colony will have as many as six to eight “mating flights” each year in which new queens and winged males leave the nest and mate, spreading the original colony far and wide.

Along with fire ants, most Floridians are quite familiar with the pharaoh ant. Most locals call them “sugar ants,” and anyone who has had an infestation knows how hard these guys are to eradicate. Pharaoh ants live primarily indoors and can have many queens in one nest. As the nest grows to several thousand ants, queens and males break o or “bud” and create new nests nearby.

Pharaoh ants exist everywhere on Earth (except Antarctica) and can wreak havoc in businesses such as food production plants or hospitals. In hospitals, pharaoh ants can even become a health concern, because they have the ability to spread salmonella, staph and strep germs wherever they travel. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent each year in an attempt to control the spread of pharaoh ants.

BUILDING TRUST

According to Pereira, some ants that we helping us.

“Carpenter ants are the ones we find living in rotted wood,” he says. “Many people think that the ants have destroyed the wood by building their

home there, but actually, they took up residence in the wood after it was wet and had begun to rot. So, if you see carpenter ants trailing in and out of your attic, it could very well be a sign of a leak in your roof or even your plumbing.”

In other words, if you see carpenter ants, before you call the exterminator, you might want to call a real carpenter or a plumber. Once the leak is fixed, your friendly carpenter ants will move on, looking for some new rotted wood in your neighbor’s house.

INSANITY IN AN EXOSKELETON

One little pest that can never be mistaken for a good guy is the tawny or Rasberry crazy ant. This teeny little guy just moved here from Texas and, if some entomologists are right, could end up being the most costly ant in history.

Tawny crazy ants were first reported by an exterminator named Tom Rasberry in 2002 in Pearland, Texas. Since their “discovery,” they have spread along the Gulf Coast and are presently widespread throughout Central Florida. The species, which is also native to South America, is very hard to identify and many feel this has led to an underreporting of the ant’s presence in the Southeast.

“They are called crazy ants because of their erratic behavior,” says Pereira. “They run around very quickly, and there doesn’t seem to be any reasoning behind the path they follow. They live primarily outdoors but can also be found inside.”

What will eventually make this such a costly pest is the prodigious rate with which the ant multiplies—and where it prefers to live. A colony that begins with one queen can spread very quickly with more than one billion ants inhabiting an acre. Once a colony is mature, it can possibly invade your home where the ants seem to have an a nity for anything electric,

whether it be electrical boxes and wiring or the circuits in appliances, televisions and computers.

If these ants beat a crazy path into your Mac, iPad or smartphone, thousands of them quickly fill it, shorting out the electric circuits and deep frying your ability to Facebook or Tweet. Can life get any worse?

Well, yes. Just ask the folks back in Pearland who try to sit out on their porches and enjoy a nice quiet Texas sunset. It seems these ants love to travel the human body. Luckily they don’t bite or sting, but, according to Texans, they will drive you crazy when there are thousands crawling all over you. (Maybe that’s the “crazy” in crazy ant.)

If this ant has any good thing going for it, it is the ability to destroy fire ant colonies. The tawny crazy ant has evolved the amazing ability to secrete and cover itself with formic acid as an antidote to fire ant venom. This allows the crazy ant to destroy and displace entire mounds of fire ants. It seems the crazy ants even go so far as to live in the vacated fire ant mounds, simply replacing their vanquished foes. For us, it simply becomes a matter of the lesser of two evils—which do we prefer: the fire in fire ant or the crazy in crazy ant?

HONEY, WHERE’S THE ANT SPRAY? NOT!

So, there you have it. The good, the bad and the ugly on ants in Florida— all one quadrillion of them. The next time you are attempting to dig a fire ant out from that place between your toes that is impossible to reach, just remember the words of Pereira, ever the entomological optimist: “Ants are a vital part of the world’s ecosystem and will be here long after we are gone… and we should always remember that they are not our enemies… they are our friends.”

ALL ABOUT ANTS

It is estimated that there are 10 QUADRILLION ants on the planet.

The VELVET ANT, also known as the cowkiller or devil ant, isn’t really an ant at all, it is a wingless wasp.

There are

1 MILLION ants for every one person.

Some ant nests

are more than 20 FEET DEEP .

An ant colony in Japan has more than 306 MILLION

workers and more than one million queens over 1.6 miles. In the United States, a super-colony has been discovered that covers an area over

550 MILES LONG.

A queen carpenter ant can live more than 20 YEARS.

Source: entnemdept.ufl.edu

If a 200-pound man were as strong as an ant he could lift TWO TONS.

Turn p The Heat

Suffering from a lackluster libido? There are options! Read on to find out more.

By Cynthia McFarland

Water. Food. Shelter. Sex.

Only a few things in life are considered basic needs, as deeply imbedded in the human psyche as survival itself... after all, they’re essential to the existence of the human race.

For many women and men in 21st century America, however, the ol’ sex drive isn’t what it used to be. They may not be worried about contributing to the survival of the species, but they sure wouldn’t mind feeling that “spark” again.

What happens to libido, and what can be done to rev up a low or non-existent sex drive?

Fortunately, there are solutions. Unfortunately, one of the problems is that sex drive isn’t exactly a level playing field to start with.

“In general, women tend to have a lower sex drive as they age, while with men, their libido tends to stay the same. With women, a lot of this is due to the decrease in testosterone that occurs after menopause,” explains Dr. Sarah St. Louis, MD, FACOG, one of the physicians at UroGyn Specialists of Florida, which has several locations in central Florida, including The Villages.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones have far more influence on your sex drive than you might imagine, but this is something the average

person never even thinks about until it happens to them or their partner.

Both women and men can su er libido trouble due to hormonal changes. Testosterone levels naturally drop as we age, which can be problematic because this hormone is vital for your sex drive.

Blood tests can detect low testosterone levels and reveal whether you need hormone therapy to supplement your natural testosterone.

Men seem to have more options when it comes to treatment, though, including:

› Topical testosterone cream or gel

› Transdermal testosterone patch

› Testosterone injections

› Testosterone pellets implanted under the skin to slowly release the hormone over a period of months

There are also a variety of nutritional supplements advertised to increase the body’s natural testosterone levels, but typically, these products are not approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). What works for one man may not bring about any noticeable change for another.

For women, testosterone, although vital for libido, is prescribed in much smaller doses, if at all, because of potential risks. It is sometimes added to vaginal hormone replacement creams.

Where To Start?

If nookie is the last thing on your mind, you may suspect hormones are to blame, but how can you be sure? And what if it’s more than that?

This is the million-dollar question, as talking to a doctor about sex doesn’t rank high on most people’s lists. And, even if you are brave enough to mention it, many health professionals aren’t sure what to recommend, so loss of libido is frequently overlooked or not addressed.

Your primary care doctor is a logical starting point, but a visit to a specialist is usually needed. For many people, this depends on their particular insurance coverage, as a referral may be required.

For men experiencing issues with erectile dysfunction (ED), a trip to the urologist may be the solution. As many as 30 million men in the United States are a ected by ED, but there are multiple treatment options to compensate for decreased testosterone, blood flow and nerve conduction issues. Medication has revolutionized ED treatment, which you’re undoubtedly aware of if you’ve seen any television commercials over the past decade.

For women, a urogynecologist is often the recommended specialist. Physicians in this field focus on the bladder and urinary tract, so this is who you want to see for issues with low sex drive, bladder leakage, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and overall pelvic floor concerns. This specialty has been around

What happens to libido, and what can be done to rev up a low or non-existent sex drive?

for decades but has only recently been recognized with boardcertification programs.

“Women don’t typically go to the doctor with complaints about sex drive, but at our practice, we really want to talk about it because it’s an important medical concern,” says St. Louis.

“Sometimes a patient is right on the mark about what their problem is, but other times they don’t know what’s wrong,” she notes, adding that the starting point is a physical exam and detailed history. Although the e ects of low hormones are apparent in a physical exam, blood work to check hormone levels is commonly part of the process.

If a woman has had past pregnancies, her obstetric history is also important. Di cult deliveries or surgery involving the pelvic floor can definitely cause problems with libido if they result in painful sex.

It’s not unusual for the culprit to be multiple issues, often both physical and psychological. For example, pain with intercourse is like dumping a bucket of cold water on a woman’s sex drive. You may love and desire your partner, but intimacy is no fun when it hurts.

Vaginal dryness due to lack of estrogen is the most common

ThermiVa has been shown to help reduce vaginal dryness and atrophy, reduce urinary leakage and improve symptoms of orgasmic dysfunction. Most women require three treatments.

Multiple Issues

We humans are a complex species, and this is certainly apparent when it comes to libido problems.

In addition to hormone levels and vaginal dryness, there are numerous common physical conditions that can directly impact sex drive. These include:

› High blood pressure

› Heart disease

› Type 2 diabetes

› Peripheral nerve disease

› Fibromyalgia

› Chronic pain

› Autoimmune disorders

› Uterine prolapse

› Pelvic floor muscle spasms

› Bladder leakage

› Cancer treatments

Additional issues that can wreak havoc with interest in sex are lack of sleep, alcohol consumption and recreational drugs.

“Sometimes low libido is a result of something women are uncomfortable with physically, such as uterine prolapse or leaking urine during intercourse,” says St. Louis. “Because of how their bodies are functioning, they’re no longer interested in sex, even if they have a loving and willing partner. For example, prolapse, which can become more prominent after menopause, can be profoundly ‘unsexy’ and stressful for women. We have to help them with the primary

cause of painful intercourse, leading to decreased interest in sex, according to St. Louis. For many women, lack of estrogen can lead to recurrent UTIs, which, over time, may increase resistance to antibiotics. Vaginal estrogen replacement therapy is the No. 1 way to treat recurrent UTIs.

Such hormone therapy is routinely used to treat vaginal dryness, but it’s not the only option.

“Hormones have to continually be replaced to resolve the symptoms. A more permanent treatment, which has the same e ect as using vaginal estrogen therapy, is ThermiVa, which uses radiofrequency technology to gently heat the vaginal tissues,” says St. Louis. “This increases blood flow and rejuvenates the collagen in that area; it basically reconfigures the wall of the vagina and increases lubrication.”

We humans are a complex species, and this is certainly apparent when it comes to libido problems.

issue so they feel better about sex.”

St. Louis emphasizes the fact that although symptoms may be common, each woman is unique, which means there is no one-size-fits-all treatment.

“I prefer treatment options that are least invasive and come with less risk, but I discuss each option. Together with the patient, we assess whether any risks outweigh the benefits or vice versa and then come to a decision as to what will best help them,” she notes.

Once physical issues have been addressed, if low sex drive is still an issue, it may be time to talk—with a therapist or couples counselor, that is. Problems and stress in a relationship can be a huge libido buster, even if everything’s working fine “down there.”

Sex, Drugs & Stress

Make no mistake, psychological concerns can also play a huge role. Stress (especially ongoing stress), a history of past trauma or abuse, anxiety or depression can all significantly impact libido.

Don’t underestimate the e ects of stress, something many Americans live with on an almost daily basis. When you’re constantly under stress, your body’s fight-or-flight response is constantly triggered, which naturally shuts down any interest in sex.

“Social situations and stress in life and with your partner all can play a role in low libido,” St. Louis notes. “All of this must be taken into consideration and addressed when a patient comes in with concerns about libido and may require more than one treatment or therapy.”

Decreased interest in sex is also a side e ect of some medications. Among

the two major categories of drugs that can cause these problems are antidepressants and antipsychotics.

Antidepressants that fall into the category of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are particularly known for lowering libido, as well as causing erectile problems. Studies have shown that switching from an SSRI antidepressant to a buproprion HCI antidepressant can improve erectile function in men and improve sexual desire in women. So if you’re taking an antidepressant and struggling with low libido, it’s definitely worth talking to your doctor about how a change in

medication may help. Sometimes all that’s needed is a change in dose or in the class of drugs being used.

O-Shot

Men may have the “little blue pill,” but women have a di erent type of treatment backed by scientific research to address sexual dysfunction.

The O-Shot (yep, the “O” stands for “orgasm”) uses a woman’s own blood to process platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is then injected into key areas of the vagina and clitoris. (Don’t cringe—the entire area is first numbed with anesthetic cream.)

PRP therapy activates localized stem cells and helps rejuvenate and restore vaginal and clitoral function. It’s basically a way to use your own body’s growth factors to stimulate nerve and blood vessel growth. As a result, tissue in the vaginal area is tighter and because of increased sensitivity, many women report multiple orgasms, hence the name of the treatment.

The O-Shot has helped women with urinary incontinence and urinary urgency concerns, those with di culty becoming aroused and/or reaching orgasm, as well as women struggling with low desire and painful sex due to lack of lubrication.

As with other therapies and treatments, the results of the O-Shot vary from woman to woman, but in general, benefits last for up to six months.

Dr. Sarah St. Louis, MD, FACOG

If low sex drive is still an issue, it may be time to talk— with a therapist or couples counselor, that is.

A Place To Thrive

Tenants of The Estates at Hawthorne Village of Ocala enjoy lives full of friendships and freedom.

Truly at Home

At 97 years old, Edward Quaglio is full of surprises.

Ed holds two books in his hands. One is a collection of stories and memories written by his children. The other one is the beginning of a book he’s writing about his life. He decided to start the book a few days ago, and he inserted several photos throughout the book to mark significant events. This man is excited about life, quick as a whip and already planning his 100th birthday party.

“When I hit 100, I’ll take the whole family, everyone, out to the Hilton,” Ed laughs.

Ed has two children, a son and a daughter, along with several grandchildren. Every Friday afternoon, he volunteers at West Marion Community Hospital, just like he has been doing for the past seven years. He provides visitors with directions and keeps the o ce bulletin board up to date.

A day at The Estates for Ed also includes working out at AJ’s Fitness. As a tenant, membership is free to Ed, and he’s confident that the program his therapist designed especially for him will add strength and maintain his wellness. He also enjoys typing letters on his computer to send to his children and spending time with the friends he has made at The Estates at Hawthorne Village of Ocala.

“I like everything that I’ve seen so far,” Ed smiles. “And I don’t think that will change.”

Ed enjoys the close relationships he has with the sta and tenants at The Estates, and, after only three months, he feels truly at home.

Loving Life

“I used to crochet and knit, but then I got arthritis. But I can still cross stitch,” she says.

Lorraine points to the carefully stitched and brightly colored flowers on the towel in her hand. Her bubbly demeanor gives her 92 years of life a burst of energy. She is unashamedly talkative, a people person

Lorraine Marquard pulls a hand towel from a small pile of linen towels and washcloths.

Lorraine Marquard

Edward Quaglio

and someone who loves reaching out to others. After only a few months, Lorraine has found a vibrant life at The Estates.

“Every month it’s better,” she smiles. “Everyone is so kind and sweet, happy to do their jobs. We all talk; we all visit. People here are very, very friendly.”

Lorraine comes from a large family, and she makes sure to visit her daughter and her granddaughter in Oregon once a year.

“I’m traveling before I get old,” she jokes.

Aside from her travels, Lorraine keeps a busy schedule at The Estates. She visits with two of her sisters who live nearby a few times each week, and she loves to read and work out on her stationary bike for an hour each morning. She also maintains meaningful relationships with everyone at The Estates, because she considers them all to be her friends.

A New Family

Every morning, Carmen Riestra sits out on her patio to watch the birds at her birdfeeder and tend to her plants. She had a large garden at the home she owned before moving into The Estates, and now her patio is a garden full of gorgeous potted plants. Even her apartment home is decorated in happy floral patterns.

When Carmen was looking for a place to live after her husband passed away, she looked at several places. She wanted to feel like she was moving into a place that felt like family. She found The Estates seven months ago, and she felt it was her new family right away.

“I feel happier here,” she says. “I think I will stay here until my last day.”

Carmen has made many friends in the last few months, loves the chef-prepared food and always attends The Estates’ Family Night events. At 87 years old, she is always busy doing something. Whether she’s taking a walk around the building to get fresh air, caring for her plants, getting her nails done or spending time with her daughter, Carmen enjoys a stress-free, happy life at The Estates.

“This is why I came here. Because you get to a certain age and you want that tranquility and peace,” she says.

All-Inclusive, Worry-Free Living

Hawthorne Village of Ocala is a not-for-profit, full-service retirement community, conveniently located near the Paddock Mall, major health care providers and a variety of cultural and historical venues. The Estates of Hawthorne Village o ers exquisite apartment homes for the independent retiree who seeks an active lifestyle with an all-inclusive monthly rent. Worry-free and maintenance-free living awaits you at The Estates, as weekly housekeeping and linen service, two restaurant-style meals per day, transportation to medical appointments and scheduled life enrichment activities are just a sampling of what is available to the tenants.

The Inn at Hawthorne Village of Ocala is a lovely assistedliving residence in a home-like setting for those individuals who need assistance with daily self-care in a supportive and attractive environment.

As part of a full-service retirement community, Hawthorne Village of Ocala provides a full spectrum of care to meet all of your health care needs, including a state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient Bounce Back Rehab and skilled nursing. All of this, on one beautifully manicured and easily accessible campus.

Carmen Riestra

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Photo by John Jernigan

don’t fear the fish

› Recipe and photos by of Robin Fannon

I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard that cooking fish at home is a challenge. Many people just find the task daunting. What do you look for when selecting fish? What about the bones? How to keep from overcooking it and drying it out? What about that lingering odor that permeates the house? Well, fear no more! This recipe will rock your little wannabe seafoodmaking soul! Super healthy and simple to prepare, this dish packs a flavorful punch. It’s do-ahead qualities also make it a great option for entertaining.

This recipe is adapted from my new favorite cookbook Small Victories by Julia Turshen. Following each recipe, Julia o ers a genius “spin o ” that gives readers various options to personalize the dishes. For this particular recipe, I added additional veggies and spices, which customized it to suit our taste. It’s one of my very favorite ways to cook: a little of this and a little of that!

Before we jump into the recipe, though, it’s important to discuss the di erences between farmed and wild caught fish and the equal importance of supporting sustainable fishing practices. There are good and bad fishing practices out there that can have a negative impact on your body via copious amounts of antibiotics and toxic pesticides. Overfishing can lead to depletion in the world’s oceans. Take the initiative to know where your fish comes from and make responsible choices. For an in depth explanation, visit seafoodwatch.org.

Halibut th Chermoula in Parchment

Adapted from Small Victories by Julia Turshen

2 cloves garlic

1 small handful fresh Italian parsley

1 small handful fresh cilantro

1⁄2 tsp sweet paprika

1 tsp ground cumin (or, better yet, toast them lightly and grind them fresh)

Juice and zest of 1 fresh lemon

1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Pink Himalayan salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste

1lb wild skinless halibut (or other firm white fish) fillet. A fishmonger can remove the skin for you.

2 handfuls of fresh spinach

1 handful of cherry tomatoes

rsvprobin.com

1⁄2 of a Julienne orange, red or yellow pepper

Pre-heat the oven to 400°F. › In a blender or food processor, purée the garlic, parsley, cilantro, paprika, cumin, lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper. (This will resemble something like pesto.) › Cut parchment pieces into heart shapes. (See diagram.) › Place spinach in the center of the parchment. › Place rinsed and dried fish on top of spinach. › Brush pesto all over fish fillets. › Top with tomatoes, peppers and lemon slice. › Fold over parchment, and crimp the edges all the way around to seal a pouch. › Bake for 25 minutes until parchment paper has turned brown and the fish is fragrant. › The packets can be quite hot, so be careful when opening. Fish should be opaque and flake easily. › You can always put it back in the oven if not cooked enough to your liking.

Robin Fannon is a New York culinary school trained-chef and a successful party planner with decades of experience. You can visit her popular blog at rsvprobin.com for healthy recipes, party tips and lifestyle articles. Or check her out on Facebook or Instagram.

reducing the gi workload

A low-residue diet is prescribed to give the digestive system a rest.

› By JoAnn Guidry

For people with digestive issues, eating is not always pleasurable. And for those with health conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis and bowel inflammation, a low-residue diet may be prescribed by their doctor.

A low-residue diet restricts the amount of dietary fiber eaten, eliminating such foods as nuts, seeds, raw veggies and whole grains. Found in plants, dietary fiber is not completely digested by humans. Residue is this fiber, plus other food waste, found in the colon after digestion. More residue in the colon means more movement through the intestinal tract. For people with serious digestive conditions, this can lead to diarrhea and abdominal cramping.

“In my practice, a low-residue diet is most commonly prescribed for those with diverticulitis and Crohn’s,” says Dr. Siddharth Mathur with Crystal River-based Gastroenterology Associates and who is a liated with Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center. “It’s similar to a low-fiber diet but more restrictive to less than 15 grams of fiber a day. And it also restricts milk products where the low-fiber diet does not.”

Although milk has no fiber, Mathur says, “The lactose content may trigger cramping

and diarrhea, especially in those who are lactose intolerant.

“We provide patients with diet sheets,” says Mathur. “The duration of the diet depends on how a patient responds. Once they are doing better, we gradually increase the amount of fiber in their diet.”

A low-residue diet as prescribed by a doctor will provide the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). But long-term use may not provide necessary amounts of vitamin C or folic acid; patients should discuss the need for supplements with their doctor.

low-residue diets at a glance

NOT ALLOWED:

For those with health conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis and bowel inflammation, a low-residue diet may be prescribed by their doctor.

› Fruit juices with pulp or seeds, prune juice or pear nectar

› Tough meats with gristle, smoked or cured deli meats

› Whole-grain products, including bread, oatmeal, cereals, pasta, rice, crackers and kasha

› Raw or dried fruits, like prunes, raisins, berries, figs and pineapple

› Seeds, nuts, coconut, including those found in bread, cereal, desserts and candy

› Most raw vegetables

› Certain cooked vegetables, including peas, winter squash, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, corn (and cornbread), cabbage, cauliflower, onions, baked beans and potatoes with skin

› Cheese with seeds, nuts or fruit

› Beans, lentils or tofu

› Crunchy peanut butter, jam, marmalade or preserves

› Pickles, olives, relish, sauerkraut and horseradish

› Popcorn

ALLOWED:

› White bread and products made from refined flour, including refined cereals and rice products

› Canned or cooked vegetables, such as asparagus tips, green beans, mushrooms, puréed spinach.

› Soft cantaloupe, ripe bananas, peaches and pears

› Juices without pulp, like apple, cranberry or no-pulp orange

› Strained vegetable juices

› Tender, ground and well-cooked meats without gristle

› Eggs

summer shape-up

All winter long, we worked hard in preparation for those summer bod goals. Are we right, ladies? Don’t worry—we’re laughing, too.

› By Laurel Gillum

Here are some weight loss tips that can easily be implemented into your day-to-day life.

Don’t detox. Avoid products that promote a “seven-day detoxification” or a “30-day colon cleanse.” A healthy, well-balanced diet is the best cleanse.

Less is more. Rather than banning yourself from eating your favorite late-night snacks altogether, consume them in moderation. The same idea applies for eating out. Generally, if you cook at home, your meal will

contain far less calories. Save restaurant runs for special occasions only.

One meal at a time. There is no need to change your whole diet all at once. Why not start with breakfast? It’s the most important meal of the day, after all. Wake up and enjoy a couple of whole eggs, a piece of fruit or half a cup of roasted potatoes.

Snack less. Be mindful of what you are snacking on and why. Stray away from eating just to pass the time. If you really do need a pick-me-up snack, try munching on these tasty treats:

An apple and skim milk

Cottage cheese-filled avocado

Tuna on whole-wheat crackers

Green tea smoothie

Warm pear with cinnamon and ricotta

Replace the fizz. Instead of reaching for a soda, reach for a bottle of water. Water not only aids in digestion, but will also make you feel great. If you don’t care for the lack of taste, try fruit-infused water for a touch of sweetness.

Start a checklist. Make a daily to-do list, and add your exercise plan to the top of that list. If you have the mindset that exercise is something you plan to do, instead of something you hope to do, there is a better chance you will accomplish it.

Strength training. Strength training helps you build lean muscle, which in turn increases your metabolism and ability to burn calories. Once you become a regular gym junkie, try to implement a few days of strength exercise to the mix.

SLOW BUT STEADY. Try not to set your goals higher than you can reach. Go to the gym once a week (and stick to it) before you say you will go three times a week.

below the belt

› By Angelique Anacleto

As we do our clothes to strut skimpy swimwear, health, hairiness and attractiveness of private parts come into focus. These top tips keep your personal zone in tip-top shape.

Our Medical Guru Says

Dr. Armando Rojas, FACOG Genesis Women’s Center, Inverness

ISSUE: female incontinence

RECOMMENDATION: frequent bathroom breaks, kegel exercises

“As a preventive measure, it’s important to take urinary bathroom breaks every two or three hours, even if you don’t feel like it. That can pay dividends down the road. A lot of my patients are women who work demanding jobs that don’t always allow for bathroom breaks and properly emptying their bladders during a shift, like nursing. Over time, a bladder

gets stretched from holding in year after year. Later, with loss of estrogen and menopausal aging, muscle tone lessens and can lead to incontinence.

“Kegel exercises are not a cure-all but are also helpful incontinence prevention. Every woman should do kegels. They’re healthy to do now, if you decide to have children in the future or to prevent bladder problems later in life.”

Kegels, Continued…

Speaking of kegels, specially designed weights to firmly squeeze and hold in the vagina claim to fortify the pelvic floor and increase sexual sensitivity. Gynecologists warn against inserting porous stones, which can breed bacteria, cause toxic shock syndrome or even get stuck. Instead, simply contract and release muscle walls for an increasing period of time and frequency. BTW, health experts dismiss Gwyneth Paltrow’s love a air with vaginal steaming as having zero medical e ect.

The beauty industry continues hawking waxing services and removal products galore. Go au naturel? You decide.

Colonoscopies For All

The sooner, the better. Colonoscopies used to primarily highlight screenings for men. But since both sexes are at risk for developing precancerous polyps, testing for normal-risk women is equally encouraged at age 50. Such polyps, or adenomas, can develop in 30 percent of males and 20 percent of females. African-Americans are at a higher risk and should begin screening earlier, around age 45.

Sit Out Cellulite

Temporarily reduce the appearance of lumpy cellulite while sitting atop SweetCheeks Massage Mats. These portable mats for work, home or driving feature 454 pyramid-shaped nodules that produce a deep, gentle massage to

increase circulation. Use for 30 minutes a day to stimulate a smoother, perkier backside. sweetcheeksproducts.com, $119

Pubic Predicament

Fashions come, fashions go. Some declare pubic hair is back. If that’s true, researchers have noted more hair means less incidence of sexually transmitted infections, like herpes, HPV and syphilis. But they also theorize that highly manicured individuals could simply be more sexually active. Either way, the beauty industry continues hawking waxing services and removal products galore. Go au naturel? You decide.

With beach bodies spanning social media, it’s time to ponder, “How kempt are you down there?”

happy napping

Listen up, all you nappers out there! Research has shown that taking quick 30-minute naps makes you more focused, productive and creative. As a matter of fact, a survey conducted of 1,000 people revealed that those people taking short naps scored a 3.67 out of 5 on the happiness scale versus 3.53 for nonnappers. And large companies like Google have taken notice, introducing company nap spaces. How cool is that? Who knows, maybe we can convince our bosses, too.

computer tutor

Although modern technology makes everyone’s life easier, when your computer hits the fritz, it can be utterly debilitating. Too often, users are quick to call in professional help for simple problems that can be solved more easily than you might think. If you’re a new computer user or just aren’t very tech savvy, the following are a few basic first steps to try before you make an appointment with a specialist.

› By Brett Ballantini

REBOOT

A common fix is one of the most primitive: Turn the device (computer, printer, router) o , wait a minute and power back up again. Although turning devices o may sound like a shot in the dark, it’s not. Powering down clears out all the temporary information your computer is holding on to, cleaning its slate. Computers are very e cient devices, but sometimes even they need to clear throats or blow noses.

GOOGLE’S GOOD

A first step in diagnosing any perplexing problem is to simply search for an answer. Your problem is almost certainly not unique, and if someone else has already experienced it, an online explanation and solution is likely available—just type the specific issue into your search bar. Also, remember that both Apple and Microsoft have online and phone help centers to guide you through problems.

REINSTALL THE OPERATING SYSTEM

Ever wish you could reset your car odometer to 0 miles or transform that favorite outfit into exactly what it looked like o the rack? With a computer, you can do just that. If other methods aren’t working, you can reset your computer back to the day you bought it by reinstalling your operating system (OS). All broken files, viruses and corrupted data will be eliminated in the process. Just remember that because the reinstall fully resets your computer, all your bookmarks and files will be erased— so be sure to back up all your important documents and photos before reinstalling your OS.

REINSTALL SOFTWARE

Reinstalling a program is akin to turning your computer on and o . If there’s one particular program that is giving you trouble by constantly crashing or slowing to a crawl, consider uninstalling that program and then downloading it again. The process will take only a matter of minutes, you won’t lose any data and you’ll be sure to have the latest version of the software.

Helping Businesses Succeed

Every business owner knows that good employees are crucial to their company’s success. It only makes sense to attract the best candidates, maintain a positive work environment and reduce turnover.

CBC National Bank is helping businesses do just that—and more. The customer-focused bank o ers a full range of consumer and business banking services throughout the Southeast and now o ers payroll and human capital management (HCM) solutions.

Whether you have a small business or a larger operation with complex needs, CBC Payroll+HCM can be customized to meet your specific requirements. The whole idea is to make outsourcing your payroll processing e cient, accurate and seamless.

“Payroll servicing and HCM are a way to enhance relationships with our business customers,” says Carl Ross, vice president of CBC National Bank. “At the core of our solution is a scalable and flexible payroll application, which competes easily with the largest payroll service providers in the business.”

Ross explains that the approach is all about assisting employers in finding the best candidates, while o ering products and services to help business owners provide a positive, satisfying work experience, which will reduce employee turnover.

“Losing qualified, well-trained and productive employees is not only discouraging but frustratingly expensive,” notes Ross. “Collectively, it’s all about these three words: attract, enhance, retain. We help employers make the best hires they can, leverage that talent to be all it can be and, finally, through retention, enjoy a positive return on the investment through longer term employment.”

CBC Payroll+HCM o ers small business owners useful and e ective tools to screen qualified candidates for open positions. This includes selecting employees whose backgrounds are clean, moral principles are in-check and whose personality traits are consistent with management teams and business goals.

“Additionally, we o er solutions and assistance to ensure employee enhancement and experience are consistent with the expectations of today’s workforce,” adds Ross.

Today, the talent pool consists of many distinct age groups. Plus, it’s never been easier for employees to find other opportunities than it is right now. If you’re running a business, you must be aware of every possible tool to make your employees feel part of your company’s direction. You also want them to understand how company benefits enhance their personal lives and how they can prepare to retire gracefully when the time comes.

CBC Payroll+HCM is able to help business owners with all of these steps.

“We are a bank in the payroll business,” says Ross. “If we can help our business customers run better businesses, then we have stronger relationships with our business customers. Employees are at the heart of every business, so it’s a good place to focus.”

“Collectively, it’s all about these three words: attract – enhance – retain.”

› Carl Ross

a pair of plants

Turns out, a garden companion is not just a friend or neighbor who enjoys gardening with you.

The notion of companion planting has been around since the beginning of food cultivation. Over time, it was noted that some plants and plant families are “friends” and grow well together, while others might stunt the growth of those around them. Tall plants, for example, provide shade for shorter plants that don’t need as much sun to survive. Companions also prevent and repel pests. Try out your green thumb by pairing these plants together.

ROSES AND GARLIC

Garlic has been observed to repel rose pests, and garlic chives are theorized to be just as

MARIGOLDS AND MELONS

Nematodes, a plantparasite responsible for approximately 5 percent of global crop loss, can be prevented from taking root in melons by planting certain marigold varieties in the same vicinity. French marigolds repel whiteflies and kill bad nematodes.

Mexican marigolds deter destructive insects and wild rabbits. On the other hand, keep in mind that marigolds attract spider mites Tomatoes act as

diamondback moth

larvae, caterpillars that chew holes in the leaves of cabbage.

CUCUMBERS AND NASTURTIUMS

Plant nasturtiums alongside cucumbers to ward o wooly aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs and cucumber beetles. Nasturtium flowers bloom bright yellow to attract aphids and trap them inside.

CABBAGE AND DILL

Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are both part of the cabbage family. Dill appeals to benefi cial wasps that help control imported cabbageworm pests. Carrots,

however, should never be grown next to dill.

LETTUCE AND TALL FLOWERS

Lettuce needs to be out of the direct sunlight to thrive. Nicotiana and Cleome are tall flowers that you could plants alongside your lettuce to provide muchappreciated shade.

RADISHES AND SPINACH

A leaf miner is an insect that lives in and eats the leaf tissue of plants, and they love spinach. Planting radishes will reduce the amount of leaf miners in your garden.

your garden, though!

Sources: rodalesorganiclife.com, pallensmiith.com, thehomestead.guru

›

By Laurel Gillum

protecting your pets

While you and your furry friend are having fun in the sun, it’s important to remember that pests, like fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, can tag along for the ride. These pests can be a real nuisance, irritating your pet’s skin or even causing disease. To help keep your pets happy and healthy, Mark Beavers, Ph.D., Orkin entomologist, o ers these tips on protecting your furry friends from biting pests during the summer season. Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes all draw blood from their hosts at some point in their lifecycle, and Beavers said spotting the adults is the easiest way to tell if your pet has been a ected.

FLEAS

Usually, adult fleas are easy to see when they jump on you or your pet or when you see them crawling along on your pet’s skin. Beavers said that if your pet is being bitten by fleas, they will often repeatedly scratch and groom themselves.

TICKS

Ticks crawl about on vegetation, waiting for potential hosts—like pets—to walk by. They attach themselves to a host for days at a time, and most swell up as they feed. Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, which in rare cases can result in kidney failure for dogs, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is seen in dogs and

sometimes in cats. Beavers said that the disease pathogens are often transmitted within the first 24 hours, so it’s best to remove the tick quickly. Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors. Don’t forget their bellies, ears and even in their mouths.

MOSQUITOES

Just like people, pets can fall victim to mosquitoes. Mosquito bites on pets aren’t always obvious. However, some mosquitoes can transmit potentially fatal heartworm disease. Although it may be tempting, do not use human mosquito repellents on your pet. You may see mosquitoes flying around or landing on your pet when it’s hot outside, so be on the lookout.

prevention and treatment

Beavers advises taking these steps at home to reduce the number of fleas, ticks and mosquitoes on your property:

› Remove unkempt grass and weeds, prune bushes and generally maintain your yard to reduce the number of ticks, mosquitoes and fleas on vegetation. Keep leaf litter to a minimum, as pests like to live in this damp, protected shelter.

› Keep raccoons, opossums, deer and rodents o your property, as these animals can carry ticks and fleas.

› Remove standing water from gutters, and frequently change out water in bird baths, fountains and potted plants.

› Frequently vacuum, wash and dry indoor and outdoor pet bedding.

› Regularly groom and bathe your pet to help identify and prevent problems.

› Discuss prevention strategies with your veterinarian and have them check your pet for pests if you are worried. Your vet can recommend special flea and tick collars, treatments and shampoos to help protect your pet.

To keep pests out of your home and away from your pets, work with your pest management provider to create a prevention and treatment plan. For more pest prevention tips or to bring in a professional to assess your pest activity, visit orkin.com.

drive informed

There’s bound to be a road law or two you’re a bit foggy about, regardless of your clean record or how long you’ve been driving. Check out a few of the less common ones.

By Jim Gibson

flashing yellow turn signal

A flashing yellow left-turn arrow? Do I need to hurry through before it turns red, or does it mean I have to stop?

According to the Marion County Sheri ’s O ce, “A flashing yellow turn light gives the driver permission to execute the turn; however, the driver needs to proceed with extreme caution as to avoid a collision with opposing tra c heading in the opposite direction. The driver needs to be cognizant that he or she does not necessarily have the right of way but should proceed with caution as not to obstruct tra c traveling in opposing lanes. If a driver fails to use caution and his or her action(s) causes a tra c accident, they can be issued a civil citation for the charge of failing to yield right of way or careless driving.”

If you approach an intersection and both through lanes going your direction have a red light and you have a flashing yellow, it means the opposing through tra c has a green light… and you must yield the right of way.

move over, florida!

WHEN IS A BICYCLE A CAR?

When it’s on a roadway. A bicycle is legally identified as a vehicle in the state of Florida and a bicyclist is considered to be a driver. Cyclists must obey the same traffic laws as motor vehicle drivers, and they have the same right to the roadways. You must treat a bicycle just as you would any other motor vehicle

According to Citrus County Sheri ’s O ce Community Relations Specialist Lindsay Blair, “When approaching an emergency vehicle, sanitation vehicle, utility service vehicle or tow truck that is stopped beside the road performing a public service, if possible, you should move over to the lane farthest away from the vehicle. If you are on a two-lane highway or cannot move to the farthest lane due to tra c constraints, then you must slow to 20 mph slower than the posted speed limit if the posted speed limit is 25 mph or more or to 5 mph if the posted limit is 20 mph or less.”

Utility service vehicles include those used by electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, cable, telephone or communications services.

interesting florida traffic laws

› Anyone 18 years or older can ride in the back of a pickup truck without any type of safety restraint whatsoever.

› According to the FDOT, a child of any age can ride as a passenger on a motorcycle as long as he or she is wearing an approved helmet… even an infant.

›

The Nature Coast’s LOCAL radio stations!

More music & less talk.

We know why our audience listens to our stations…because they LOVE THE MUSIC! So we avoid DJ chatter and deliver the greatest Top 40 and classic hits of all time, along with important information like news, sports and weather. As a result, our listeners listen longer!

The Nature Coast’s #1 hit music station

Classic Hits

Classic Hits

From chest pain to open heart surgery to

Our patient-centered heart experts are committed to giving you the very best in individualized care while incorporating modern technology to ensure you have the highest quality outcomes. We offer a continuum of care from diagnosis to treatment to rehabilitation so you can have peace of mind knowing that access to the region’s best cardiac care is right in your backyard.

With emergency services in three locations, we’re ready to care for your heart 24/7!