Matters

Born to lead

Recognized Central Florida business leader Robert Thompson officially became South Lake Hospital’s new director of development in September. In this role, he will oversee the South Lake Hospital Foundation and help formulate strategic visions for the hospital. One of his first duties was championing the South Lake Hospital Foundation Golf Invitational, which was held in November.

“I’m energized to be working for one of the best hospitals in Central Florida,” says Thompson, who was recognized as one of Orlando Business Journal’s Ten Most Influential Businessmen to Watch. “I am truly looking forward to expanding the hospital’s focus on health, wellness, and education in this new chapter in my career.”

Breast Cancer Prevention Tips

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Women are 100 times more likely to get breast cancer than men. Although, we have no control over some breast cancer risks such as family history of breast cancer, genetics, age, gender, and menstrual cycles, the good news is we can do several things to help lower our risk. NIH offers the following tips:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Many health-related problems stem from obesity.

• Watch your meat intake. NIH recommends people limit their intake of processed and red meats.

• Eat fruits and vegetables. They are packed with nutrients and contain antioxidants that fight free radicals and help reduce cancer-rate risks.

• Limit alcohol. More than two alcohol drinks per day increases breast cancer rates.

• Exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people work their way up to doing at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. ■

Supporting Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Family Organization (AFO) is sponsoring a support walk for Alzheimer’s patients and their families at The Villages Polo Pavilion and Track. The walk will raise funds to help provide local families with various day-to-day forms of practical support, including respite care and education. The event is being held January 26th. Registration is from 7:30–8:45a.m. Scheduled events begin at 9a.m.

The AFO serves The Villages and surrounding communities. For more information, please call 352.551.1260. ■

A lifelong resident of Central Florida, Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. He spent the past five years as managing partner and vice president of strategy at Thompson Wesley Wolfe, a leading public relations, marketing, and creative firm in Orlando. ■

Kindness: It is in our blood

January is National Blood Donor Month. Automobile accidents, cancer, surgery, burns, childbirth, and other medical situations are part of the reason why someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, according to the American Red Cross (ARC).

Blood cannot be manufactured and must come from generous donors. Yet, the ARC says less than thirty-eight percent of persons in the U.S. are eligible to give blood. Therefore, it becomes increasingly important that eligible donors donate blood often. You may be saving a life. And since donating blood reduces excessive iron deposits in your body, which can potentially cause heart disease, you are improving your own health as well.

A sterile needle is used only once for each donor and then discarded, so you cannot get AIDS or other infectious diseases by donating blood. For more information, call Florida’s Blood Center at 352.241.7543 (Clermont), 352.728.1223 (Leesburg), or 352.742.7020 (Tavares). ■

Orthopaedic Surgeon Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Orthopaedic Surgeon Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Don’t let joint, muscle or foot pain sideline your life. Relief is right around the corner! Our doctors and friendly staff are ready to help with a wide variety of treatments:

Orthopaedic Surgeon of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Orthopaedic Surgeon among the few designated to perform total joint replacement surgeries at The Villages Regional Hospital, which means exceptional care, close to home.

Diplomate, American Board

(352) 753-4366

(352) 728-3000