TALK TO STRANGERS.”

This is a common rule that parents have enforced for generations. However, it should equally apply to children who spend time on the Internet. With a growing number of online predators, parents must take necessary steps to ensure their children use the Internet safely and responsibly.

• Do not put a computer in your child’s bedroom.

• Take time to become technologically savvy if you are not already. Learn common chat room lingo.

• Clearly communicate which websites your children can and cannot visit. Post your rules next to the computer.

• Check any online profiles your child may have, and make sure the profile does not have any identifying information.

• Know your child’s passwords and screen names.

• Always use parental controls provided by Internet service providers, browsers, and search engines.

• Do not allow your child to meet with anyone he or she has communicated with online unless you are present.

Source: kidsbuzz.prattlibrary.org/grownups/index.aspx?id=52168

DID YOU KNOW?

One in five U.S. teenagers who regularly spend time on the Internet say they have received unwanted sexual solicitation via the Web. Solicitations are defined as requests to engage in sexual activities or sexual talk, or to give personal sexual information.

Source: sentrypc.com/home/statistics.htm

“Dr. Felix Esarey is a wonderful man and wonderful podiatrist. I also respect how he was so forthright about the good, bad, and ugly of the procedures I underwent. You do not always get that kind of honesty these days. If I ever develop other foot problems, I feel good knowing he is a short drive away.”

--Mary Beth Kensell y

WOMEN’S HEALTH BY THE NUMBERS:

13.7% of women ages 18 and older are in fair or poor health.

15.4% of women under age 65 are without health insurance coverage.

18.3% of women ages 18 and older smoke cigarettes.

32.8% of women ages 20 and older have high blood pressure.

35.9% of women ages 20 and older are considered obese.

67.1% of women ages 40 and older have had a mammogram within the past two years.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

A Stroke Is No Joke

May is National Stroke Month. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death, killing approximately 130,000 Americans each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The organization provides some important stroke prevention tips to help you from becoming a statistic.

• Eat foods high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol. Make sure to eat vegetables and fruit.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity increases risk of a stroke.

• The Surgeon General recommends at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise each week. Activities can include a brisk walk or bicycle ride.

• Do not smoke. If you are already a smoker, quit immediately.

• Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol can increase your blood pressure. Men should have no more than two drinks per day, and women only one.

Seek medical attention immediately if you begin to suffer from one or more of these common stroke symptoms:

• Paralysis or numbness of the face, an arm, or a leg. Oftentimes, this happens on one side of the body.

• Trouble speaking or understanding words.

• Difficulty walking due to dizziness, loss of balance, or loss of coordination.

• Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.

• Persistent headache.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Help Your Baby Boom

Bringing a child into this world is an exciting moment for expectant parents. However, it’s also a time filled with concerns and questions. This is particularly common for first-time parents who have no idea what to expect.

Never fear. Those concerns can now be addressed and those questions answered.

The Young Families Health Initiative Committee of Lake County is hosting the 25th annual Baby Fair on May 7 at the Leesburg Community Center. The event, which will provide prenatal and postnatal education, is open to fi rst-time or special needs moms and dads, as well as mothers who are currently pregnant or parents of newborns. Information will focus on healthy lifestyles, child safety, early learning, and positive parenting.

For more information, call Stacy Morgan at 352.314.6933.

Jorge L. Florin MD, FACS

Jorge L. MD, FACS

Dr. Florin started his surgical practice in August 1991 covering the West Orange and South Lake County areas. The practice now has two offices, one in Ocoee and one in Clermont. With five surgeons on staff, each brings with him experience and expertise in many facets of general surgery.

Dr. Florin started practice in August 1991 e now has two offices, With five surgeons on staff, each with him of Dr. primary laparoscopic surgery, hernia repairs, bowel resections and breast cancer care. Other Interest include both and surgery.

Dr. Florin’s primary interest include laparoscopic surgery, hernia repairs, bowel resections and appendectomies, breast cancer care. Other Interest include both thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

Dr. is certified American Board of Surgery is a fellow of the American has served as chief of surgery chief of at Health Central as well as to the Board of Trustees OF Health Central from 2005 to 2009

Medical Society. Dr. has by his peers as one of Orlando’s premier doctors both

Dr. Florin is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has served as chief of surgery and chief of staff at Health Central as well as appointed to the Board of Trustees OF Health Central from 2005 to 2009 by former Governor Charlie Crist. He is a member of the Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons and The Lake Sumter Medical Society. Dr. Florin has been recognized by his peers as one of Orlando’s premier doctors both in 2011 and 2012.

Pinpointe Laser Treatment

The Center for Ankle & Foot Care uses the stateof-the-art PinPointe Laser to cure embarrassing and unsightly toenail fungus. This FDA-approved treatment is a safe and effective way to kill fungus and improve the appearance of your nails. Our practice also sells the SteriShoe. This patented ultraviolet shoe sanitizer kills the microbes that cause athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and offensive shoe odor.

Dr.

Dr. Florin is married to Tami Florin and together they have six children. He enjoys playing tennis, traveling and spending time with family.

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IT’S ABOUT ‘THYME’

Although you can always buy fresh herbs at the supermarket, perhaps you should consider growing your own herb garden. The sights and scents alone would help relieve stress and revitalize your soul, not to mention help you save money. An herb garden will also add to your home’s curb appeal. Here are some health benefits of individual herbs.

Basil: Spent the night partying? Eat some basil, which is known to have a detoxifying effect on the liver.

Chives: This tasty herb can give your immune system a big boost. Multiple studies even suggest that eating allium vegetables, which include garlic and scallions in addition to chives, can lower your risk of developing certain cancers.

Cilantro: This highly fragrant herb supplies fiber and iron to your diet, as well as helps clear heavy metals from your body.

Dill: It’s great for curing hiccups. Just mix a teaspoon of dill leaf with a cup of boiled water, strain out the leaves, and drink the liquid slowly.

Mint: Rich in vitamin A, mint provides more than half of the day’s recommended intake in just two tablespoons. In addition, it is good for treating bad breath, indigestion, nausea, headaches, respiratory disorders, asthma, pimples, and cavities.

Sage: Sage is thought to be a natural remedy for anxiety and fatigue. It can also be a memory enhancer for older adults.

Thyme: Thyme contains thymol, which has been found to have antiseptic and antifungal characteristics. Thymol is a key ingredient in Listerine.

Save your own skin

Summertime is around the corner. Many people will become regular visitors to Florida’s world-class beaches and enjoy the surf, sun, and sand. There is certainly nothing wrong with being a beach bum … as long as you take precautions to avoid sunburns and skin cancer. Here are some tips provided by The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

• Purchase a sunscreen with UV-A and UV-B protection.

• Make sure your sunscreen has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. SPF reflects the sun’s rays, keeping them from burning your skin.

• Apply an adequate amount of sunscreen all over your body without forgetting your ears, feet, and the back of your neck.

• Sunscreen quickly wears off, so be sure to reapply it every two hours.

• Do not rely on sunscreen alone. Also, consider wearing lip balm with a SPF of 30 or higher, a hat with a wide brim, and wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection.