January 2022 Central Florida Health News

tude of excited Jollibee patrons waiting to get their hands on their Jollibee favorites, but also first-timers waiting to have their own Jollibee experience," said Jose Miñana, Jollibee Foods Corporation's Group President for North America. "There's no greater joy for us than serving the needs and tastes of Jollibee fans in the community. At Jollibee, we aim to bring families together for happy moments over great tasting food with superior value, served with warm and friendly service –our own brand of joy." The brand has become a symbol of nostalgia and warm childhood memories for many overseas Filipinos in the U.S. To many, Jollibee is the go-to restaurant of Filipinos for both special

volume 11 | issue 10 | january 2022 FREE — TAKE ONE!

New Year NEW YOU EDITION

get to try Jollibee's signature menu items such as the world famous Chickenjoy. This dish is delicately breaded to be crispylicious on the outside and juicylicious inside. The well-loved Jolly Spaghetti is a favorite of both kids and kids-at-heart because of its signature sweetstyle sauce, loaded with chunky slices of savory ham, ground meat, and hotdog. Other classic menufavorites include the juicy and cheesy Jolly Hotdog, and the Peach Mango Pie, which is made with real Philippine sweet mangoes and a flaky golden brown crust.

THE ENDORSED PUBLICATION OF THE POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

FOSTERING A RESOLUTION

largest Asian restaurant company, is now open in Jacksonville. This is the 36th store in the US, as well as the first in the state and Southeast US. It opened to the public on March 18, 2017. Jacksonville is the most populous city in the Sunshine State, as well as home to the largest FilipinoAmerican community in Florida. The longawaited arrival of Jollibee in the city has

Mike Knaisch’s Athletic Club

Tailors Training to Individual Needs

ARE YOU TALKING TO ME?

Recognize and Reshape

Negative Self-Talk

POP QUIZ!

Think You Know Your Thyroid? Think Again

PREVENTION & DETECTION

HPV Vaccine, Regular Screening

Key to Fighting Cervical Cancer

See JOLLIBEE page 15

Meet Your Providers…

K.S. Chandrasekhar, MD, FCC

…established his clinic over 20 years ago. He is well known in the community and trusted for his accurate diagnosis and compassionate care.

• Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine

• Executive Director the Heart Function Clinic, Low Risk Chest Pain Center and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

• President of Medical Staff for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

• Chairman of Cardiology for Lake Wales Medical Center

• Clinical Associate Professor, FSU College of Medicine

Ritu Aparajita, MD, RPVI

A Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon who earned her MBBS at University of Delhi, India. She then completed a research fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center and a residency in general surgery at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, she completed her fellowship training in Vascular Surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey. She’s co-authored more than two dozen journal articles. She was recently nominated for the American Medical Association Inspiration Award that recognizes physicians who have contributed to the achievements of women in the medical profession.

Roan Cadavona, ARNP, FNP-C

…brings a high level of education and experience in Cardiac Catheterization, Electrophysiology and working in the Cardiovascular Progressive Care unit. He serves a vital role in providing patients with optimal cardiovascular care through counselling and screening, as well as disease prevention and management strategies.

• Board certified Family Nurse Practitioner

• Member of Staff for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

8 9 10

On the Cover

Each New Year, people make resolutions to get back on track with an exercise routine. According to a survey of 4,000 people, 95 percent of New Year’s resolutions are related to fitness. An estimated 43 percent of people expect to give up their fitness goals after just one month, and only 10 percent maintain their resolutions after about three months. Learn how Lakeland Athletic Club owner Mike Knaisch helps his clients navigate the everyday obstacles to maintaining a fitness goal. Read more on page 14.

Yet for all the traditional steak dinners ordered daily, there are restaurants nationwide pushing the concept of the all-American steakhouse to new culinary heights, according to market research firm Packaged Facts in the brand new report 2017 Forecast: Culinary Trend Tracking Series. "The steakhouse is back and will capture our attention in 2017. Not that the classic restaurant style ever disappeared, but a renewal of the model is taking place in response to new sources of beef and new flavorful expressions of the concept that get chefs and diners excited," says David Sprinkle,

photo by MICHAEL WILSON

Pop Quiz!

Problems with your thyroid can have long-lasting side effects on your health beyond just weight loss or weight gain, so they’re not issues you want to ignore. January is Thyroid Awareness Month, so take our thyroid health pop quiz and get the facts about hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Prevention & Early Detection

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month, and Central Florida Health Care is spending the month reminding women (and men!) that there are two key factors in fighting this disease: vaccination and early detection. Find out what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Are You Talking to Me?

As the new year gets underway, there’s always a lot of talk about resolutions. Healthier lifestyles, fewer expletives, diets, and less procrastination rank up there with the most common goals. This year, how about a resolution that could have a lasting effect on your life? How about finally quashing negative selftalk? We spoke with Dr. Marcus Cherry of Kindelan McDanal & Associates to learn how.

Kollagunta Chandrasekhar, MD, FACC Cardiologist

Ritu Aparajita, Vascular Surgeon MD RPVI

Roan Cadavona, ARNP FNP-C Nurse Practitioner

A New Kind of Resolution

NELSON KIRKLAND, PUBLISHER nelson@centralfloridamediagroup.com

The new year is always a time for reflection and goal-setting.

Chances are good that you won’t be able to get through this first month of the year without someone asking what your resolutions are. The tasks we commit to always add a peculiar twist to this time of year. After all, resolutions are supposed to be actions and efforts to bring about positive change, yet they often end up inducing more stress and feelings of disappointment than they do positivity.

It’s important to remind yourself exactly why you are making and executing your resolutions and who they are really for. (Pssst … it’s you!) You don’t have to keep up with the Joneses, and if you fall a little short, it’s okay! Think of how far you have come!

And while you’re making resolutions, how about adding some easy-peasy ones guaranteed to make you, and even those around you, feel better?

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Start a gratitude journal. Commit to writing down five things

you are thankful for each day. This helps you focus on some of the more positive aspects of your life that might otherwise fly under the radar.

• Make time for self-care. There’s usually a time of day when you feel best, whether that’s the first couple of hours in the morning, dusk, or in the dead of night. Make sure to let yourself enjoy that time. That means give yourself a break from work emails and chores so you can spend that time doing something that makes you happy.

• Compliment others and yourself. Again, this is an easy one guaranteed to lift your spirits and spread a little joy.

• Commit random acts of kindness … often. You know what they say about karma. No, not THAT saying, but rather “what goes around comes around.” Again, this one has the potential to cheer up more than just you! On behalf of Central Florida Media Group, thank you for reading. Let’s make this an awesome year! God bless! HN

Retirement Planning College Savings Plans Financial Planning

John Scheck

Portfolio Management Director

Senior Vice President

Branch

Manager

1101 1st St S, Ste 201 Winter Haven, FL 33880

+1 863 291-8306

john.scheck@morganstanley.com

PUBLISHER

Nelson Kirkland

MANAGING EDITOR

Jessica McDonald

PROJECT MANAGER

David Kiessling

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Juanita Halter

DIGITAL ACCOUNT MANAGER

Alexis Duncan

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erika Aldrich, Mary Joye, LMHC , Teresa Schiffer, Carol Corley, Dr. Joy Jackson, Paul Catala, Tim Craig

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS

Ritu Aparajita, MD; Dr. Alex Kennon, MD; Aly Sheraly, MD

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Michael Wilson

CONTRIBUTING ARTIST

Dawn Lewandowski

© 2016 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC1596726

POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

4315 Highland Park Blvd, Suite B

Lakeland, Florida 33813

863-644-4051

2022 OFFICERS

JAMES J. BOOKER, MD President

GEORGE LYLE, MD Secretary

STUART PATTERSON, MD Treasurer

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

RALPH NOBO, JR., MD, Chair

GEORGE LYLE, MD

STUART PATTERSON, MD

GARY SCHEMMER, MD

SERGIO SEOANE, MD

ARVIND SONI, MD

Kick Off the New Year the Right Way

Something special happens when the clock strikes midnight on December 31. There’s a sense of renewed hope, fresh starts, and endless possibilities. Here’s to harnessing these feelings of optimism and letting them inspire us long after we’ve made our resolutions!

Each January, our New Year, New You edition of Central Florida Health News aims to help you start the year off right. So let’s talk about those resolutions!

If you’re anything like the vast majority of people, one or more of your resolutions likely focus on fitness. Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a newbie at the gym, making and keeping that commitment can be challenging. We talked with Lakeland Athletic Club owner Mike Knaisch about how he and his staff help his clients battle burnout at the gym. He touched on the importance of working around

JACKIE COURTNEY

Executive Director

4315 Highland Park Blvd Suite B

Lakeland, Florida 33813

Sincerely,

James J. Booker, MD

James J. Booker, MD Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Winter Haven President, Polk County Medical Association

hectic everyday tasks that threaten to get in the way of a successful workout routine. Read the feature article in this edition if you want to learn more about committing to fitness for the new year.

Since good health involves not only the body but also the mind, we teamed up with Dr. Marcus Cherry, a licensed psychologist with Kindelan McDanal & Associates, to explore the consequences of negative self-talk and to learn how to neutralize it so you can take on the new year while feeling better about yourself.

January is also Thyroid Awareness Month, so check out our Pop Quiz to test your knowledge of the thyroid and learn what symptoms may be warning signs.

On behalf of the Polk County Medical Association, we wish you a healthy and happy New Year! HN

Some of the benefits of a PCMA membership include the following:

✱ Physician referrals

✱ Medical malpractice discounts with The Doctors Company

✱ Ongoing relevant communication

✱ Access to CME Programs

✱ Workers compensation insurance benefits

✱ Complimentary Socials/ dinners

✱ Strong PCMA physician representation in Central Florida Health News and Central Florida Doctor publications

✱ Listing advantages in the annual Central Florida Physicians Directory & Medical Providers Guide

✱ Physician and medicine advocacy at all legislative levels.

If you’d like more information about becoming a PCMA member or need to check your membership status for renewal, contact our Executive Director Jackie Courtney at (863) 644-4051 or email director@ polkcountydoctors.com.

National Birth Defects Awareness Month

by DR. JOY JACKSON

In Polk County, there were 935 babies born with a birth defect between 2013 and 2017. That is about 247 out of every 10,000 babies born in Polk. January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about birth defects, their known causes, and how they impact a child and family.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part or parts of the body. Conditions can affect or alter how a child’s body moves, functions, and sometimes both. The severity of these limitations varies from mild to severe, mostly based on which organ or part of the body is affected. Life expectancy can also be impacted depending on the severity of the birth defect.

Birth defects can occur during any stage of pregnancy; however, most of them occur within the first three months when a baby’s organs are forming. This is a crucial stage of development. Birth defects can be found before, during, and after birth and are commonly found within the first year of life.

The exact causes of most birth defects are unknown. According to the CDC, experts believe causes may be a complex mix of factors such as gene makeup, lifestyle behaviors, and environmental factors. However, how the combination of these factors leads to birth defects is still not fully understood.

Folic acid is a crucial vitamin recommended during pregnancy that can help prevent major birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine. These defects can occur very early in the pregnancy women who may become pregnant or know they are pregnant should speak to their doctor about taking folic acid. Not all birth defects can be prevented. However, there are things a woman can do to increase her chances of having a healthy baby by managing health conditions and adopting healthy behaviors before and during pregnancy.

1. Get early prenatal care.

2. Be sure to take folic acid and prenatal vitamins every day.

3. Discuss with a healthcare provider

before stopping and starting any medicine.

4. Assure all vaccines are up to date, including the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines help protect both the mother and the baby against serious diseases.

5. Try to reach a healthy weight before getting pregnant. Obesity increases the risk for serious birth defects and other pregnancy complications. Focus on a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity.

6. Avoid substances that can be harmful during pregnancy. This includes any alcohol, tobacco use, or recreational drugs.

Being aware of the known causes for birth defects is the first step in decreasing their likelihood. Taking the known measure to prevent birth defects is the second step. Talk to your doctor today about ways you can increase your likelihood of having a healthy baby. To learn more about National Birth Defects Prevention Month, visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Joy Jackson, an internal medicine physician, serves the community as director of the Florida department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk). For more information about DOH-Polk, visit mypolkhealth.org. Follow DOH-Polk on Twitter at twitter.com/FLHealthPolk.

Think You Know Thyroid Disorders? Think Again

Weight gain and weight loss are common occurrences in any adult’s lifetime, but unexplained weight fluctuations can be the result of a thyroid problem. Issues with your thyroid can have long-lasting side effects for your health beyond just weight loss or weight gain, so it’s not an issue that you want to ignore. January is Thyroid Awareness Month, so take our thyroid health pop quiz and get the facts about hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

POP QUIZ!

1. Which of the following is the function of your thyroid gland, an organ located in the front of your neck?

A. To regulate food consumption

B. To release hormones that regulate your body’s use of energy

C. To signal your brain when you’re full

D. To release insulin to change carbohydrates into sugar

2. What bodily functions are controlled by the hormones produced by the thyroid gland, which are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)?

A. Metabolism and weight

B. Breathing

C. Heart rate

D. Nervous system and body temperature

E. All of the above

3. What are the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, when your thyroid gland is overactive and makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs?

A. Changes in appetite and/or weight loss

B. Anxiety or nervousness and/or rapid heartbeat

C. Hand tremors

D. Excessive sweating

E. Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)

F. All of the above

4. True or false?

Hyperthyroidism affects 1.2% of the U.S. population.

5. What are some of the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, when your thyroid gland is NOT able to produce enough thyroid hormone?

A. Fatigue and weakness

B. Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight

C. Issues with hair loss and dry skin

D. Depression, irritability, and memory loss

9.

8.

E. Abnormal menstrual cycles and/or decreased libido

F. All of the above

6. True or false?

While it’s estimated that 10 million Americans suffer from hypothyroidism, as much as 10% of women may have some degree of thyroid hormone deficiency.

7. Which of the following does NOT increase your risk for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism?

A. You have a family history of thyroid disease or you are older than 60 years old.

B. You have certain medical conditions, like type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease, pernicious anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, or were pregnant within the last six months.

C. You eat a lot of spicy food.

D. You eat a diet high in iodine or take medications containing iodine (like amiodarone).

E. You are a woman.

F. None of the above

8. Which of the following are treatments for either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, or both?

A. Radioactive iodine therapy

B. Antithyroid medication

C. Surgery

D. Limiting iodine and sodium in your diet

E. All of the above

9. What is the best resource if you feel you suffer from hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism?

A. The internet

B. Your primary care doctor

C. Friends and family

D. None of the above

7.

6. True. Women are more commonly affected by hyperthyroidism than men.

5. F.

4. True. Women are 2 to 10 times more likely to be affected by hyperthyroidism.

of the above. Hyperthyroidism is most commonly associated with unexplained weight loss and more energy, though there are many other symptoms.

the above. The thyroid controls metabolism, heart rate, body temperature and many other core body functions.

To release hormones that regulate your body’s use of energy. The thyroid gland controls many of the functions that regulate your body.

All of the above. Hypothyroidism is most commonly associated with unexplained weight gain and a loss of energy, though there are many other symptoms of the condition.

C. You eat a lot of spicy food. While spicy food does not affect the function of your thyroid, consuming an iodine-rich diet, being a woman, being older than 60 years old, and others can increase your risk of having either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

E. All of the above. There are many treatment options for both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

B. Your primary care doctor. Your doctor will listen to your symptoms and order blood tests to check your hormone levels.

compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH / Information from endocrineweb.com

Vaccination, Early Detection Key to Fighting Cervical Cancer

by TIM CRAIG sponsored by Central Florida Health Care

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness month, and Central Florida Health Care is spending the month reminding women (and men!) that there are two key factors in fighting this disease: vaccination and early detection.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 14,480 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in 2021, and about 4,200 died the same year from it.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 99 percent of all cervical cancers. In addition, HPV can cause penile, throat, and anal cancer in men, so they are also at risk.

Incidence rates of cervical cancer dropped by more than 50 percent from the mid1970s to the mid-2000s due in part to an increase in screening, which can detect changes in the cells on the cervix before they turn cancerous. The American Cancer Society says the HPV vaccine, which was first approved in 2006, also has contributed to the decrease in cervical cancer cases.

“The HPV vaccine is the biggest preventative measure at this point,” says Jennifer Sapp, a nurse practitioner with Central Florida Health Care. “This is something men, as well as women, can do to help prevent it.”

It is recommended that children get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12, but it can be administered up to age 45. Since HPV is

transmitted through sexual contact, the vaccination is given to boys as well as girls. The HPV vaccination is given as a series of either two or three doses, depending on age at initial vaccination.

In addition to the vaccination, adult women should undergo regular screening, says Sapp. “Cervical cancer is detectable early with a simple Pap smear test,” she says. “How often [the Pap smear is conducted] depends on age and risk factors, but the key thing is to get screened.”

An abnormal Pap smear result does not automatically mean there is cancer present, but it may be cause for further testing, says Sapp. A colposcopy, which Central Florida Health Care can perform at its Winter Haven and Lakeland clinics, can be used to get a tissue sample of the questionable cells. Testing may sound simple, but Sapp says

there are many women who don’t ask for it as part of their annual checkups.

“We have a large population of women who just haven’t been screened in over five years — or even the last 15 years,” she says. “When people wait that long between screenings, they may miss the window that early detection gives them.”

Central Florida Health Care suggests that women get regular Pap smears starting at 21. Unless advised otherwise by a doctor, it’s recommended they get the test every three years up to age 64.

“Between the vaccine and regular screening, we can easily prevent the spread of the HPV and lower the incidences of cervical cancer,” Sapp explains. “It’s just a matter of recognizing those two important steps.”

We have a large population of women who just haven’t been screened in over five years — or even the last 15 years. When people wait that long between screenings, they may miss the window that early detection gives them.

— Jennifer Sapp, APRN

Are You Talking To Me?

Recognizing & Neutralizing Negative Self-Talk

by TERESA SCHIFFER

As the new year gets underway, there’s always a lot of talk about resolutions. Healthy lifestyles, fewer expletives, diets and less procrastination rank up there with the most common goals. This year, how about a different kind of resolution? One that could have a lasting effect on your life?

Negative self-talk can be a major obstacle in our quest for better mental health and self-esteem. It can have a detrimental impact on our lives, well-being, and quality of life. We spoke with Dr. Marcus Cherry, a licensed psychologist with Kindelan McDanal & Associates in Lakeland, to learn more about negative self-talk, how to identify it, and tips to fight it to avoid long-term consequences.

First, what exactly is negative self-talk? It’s a disruptive stream of thought that can occur when our beliefs and thoughts about ourselves become altered by inaccurate, unrealistic, or unhelpful messages, resulting in feelings of anger, sadness, shame, or other needlessly negative emotions.

“Negative self-talk can be sneaky and takes many

forms,” Cherry explains. “Some common forms are feeling like everything is our fault (self-blame), thinking about or speaking to ourselves harshly (selfjudgment), only noticing or remembering negative events (ignoring the positive), and expecting everything to end in disaster (catastrophizing).”

So how can you recognize this form of thinking in yourself?

One strategy involves starting with the negative emotion and working backward.

“Evaluate whether or not there is a rational cause for this feeling. If you are unable to find any, consider what thoughts you have been having about yourself and if those thoughts have been overtly negative.”

Cherry says another good way to determine whether your negative thoughts are unfounded is to ask yourself, “Would I say this to someone I care about?” and, “How would I feel if someone I care about said that to me?”

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of negative self-

talk, and Cherry explains why.

“Negative self-talk comes from when we do not carefully consider our thoughts and we simply believe in or accept our negative thoughts as true or real. The catch is our negative thoughts are typically automatic and usually seem reasonable, but if we start to question them then we can see their flaws.”

Everyone’s thinking pattern is different, and that can sometimes make it tricky to understand where our negative self-talk comes from.

“How prone we are to negative thinking depends largely on how we are trained to think about ourselves,” Cherry says. He goes on to say that people tend to learn it from others in their lives, including well-meaning parents, romantic partners, friends, teachers/coaches, or other influential figures in our lives.

The effects of negative self-talk can ripple throughout our psyche, manifesting in a myriad of unhealthy behavior patterns. This type of mental monologue can distort how we see ourselves — our self-image — and undermine how we feel about ourselves — our self-esteem. Both of these biases can carry harmful consequences. Poor self-esteem causes us to feel bad about ourselves, while a faulty self-image can have a more global effect on our mental health because everything we experience is filtered through the lens of how we perceive ourselves.

Negative self-talk can cause depression

and anxiety that exacerbate harmful thinking patterns, creating a vicious cycle of inaccurate self-perceptions fueled by despair, anger, fear or paranoia. This cycle can quickly become overwhelming, which is why it’s so important to identify and rectify the thinking patterns.

The good news is that it is possible to overcome the habit of negative self-talk with just a little determination, objectivity, and effort. According to Cherry, the first step is to take notice of what your thoughts are saying about you and recognize when you fall into a pattern of self-blame, self-judgment, ignoring the positive, and/or catastrophizing. Next, actively challenge those thoughts. Ask yourself, “Is this thought accurate?” or “Is this thought helpful?” If the answer is yes, then there may be something besides your thinking that needs some work. However, if the answer is no, take a moment to consciously reword those thoughts to make them more accurate or helpful.

Once you have committed to accurately assessing your inner criticisms and dedicated yourself to correcting these statements, you can do more to help differentiate the unhelpful, negative self-talk from more useful, legitimate concerns. One way to do this, Cherry describes, is by treating your negative self-talk as its own persona – an “inner critic” acting as a harsh commentator.

“You can even give this inner critic its own character, voice, look, and style,” Cherry says. “The more detailed you can be the better. Then when your negative self-talk shows up, it will start to come from this inner critic instead of from you.” This can make it easier to identify, manage, and counteract.

Negative self-talk is incredibly common, but it is possible to neutralize it. The average person who makes a sincere effort to follow the recommendations can expect it to take about a week or two to familiarize themselves with the techniques, another three to four weeks to establish the habit of applying the strategies, and about eight to 12 weeks for new habits to take root and become automatic. HN

HEALTHY SKIN

How Do Neuromodulators Fight Signs of Aging?

Time takes its toll on all of us, and it would be nice if we could slow down its effects, wouldn’t it? Well, Lakeside Dermatology has some good news for you – there is a way to turn back the clock! Neuromodulators can smooth out your wrinkles and creases to give you a fresh, youthful appearance.

ALEX W. KENNON, MD, FAAD

What are neuromodulators? You’ve probably heard of the most familiar one already, Botox. Neuromodulators such as Botox work by blocking nerve signals to a certain area, thereby preventing the muscle contractions that cause skin to fold and crinkle, leaving telltale signs of aging in the form of crow’s feet and frown lines.

When we are young, our skin is smooth because it is constantly regenerating itself and collagen and elastin production is high. As we age, the texture of our skin changes. Less oil is produced, leaving skin prone to dryness. Collagen and elastin production decreases. The facial expressions that we make most often start to become etched into our faces.

Neuromodulators like Botox, Dysport and Jeuveau are injected into the muscle tissue underneath the affected skin, causing it to relax. The result is a gradual smoothening of the skin – meaning fewer wrinkles and a more youthful appearance. This procedure can be used to smooth the forehead, creases between the eyebrows (frown lines), laugh lines around the mouth (marionette lines), or anywhere else your skin has started to show lines or wrinkles.

If this sounds appealing to you, call Lakeside Dermatology for a consultation. We’ll discuss your goals and your medical history to make sure that you are a good candidate for treatment with a neuromodulator. Then you can set an appointment that works with your schedule.

Treatment sessions are quick and easy, with little or no downtime, and no need for anesthesia. It generally takes less than one hour to administer the necessary injections. After that, you can leave and go right back to your daily routine.

The results of treatment with Botox or other neuromodulators won’t be visible immediately, as it takes a little time for the body to respond to the procedure. Most patients see results in just three to four days, which then last up to six months. If you like what you see during that time, our dermatologist can discuss your options for maintenance treatments. We want you to love what you see in the mirror every day!

and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers. Dr. Alex W. Kennon, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist who is fellowship-trained in Mohs micrographic surgery. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Florida State University and completed his dermatology residency at Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Lakeside Dermatology has offices in Sebring and Winter Haven.

This column is sponsored by Lakeside Dermatology,

DR. MARCUS CHERRY

FOSTERING A RESOLUTION Athletic Club

Tailors

Training to Individual Needs

by PAUL CATALA

photos by MICHAEL WILSON

Robin Chaddick of Lakeland has lost 6 percent of body fat since beginning a regular exercise routine and diet in April. She says the guidance, expertise, and patience of the staff at the Lakeland Athletic Club played a key role in her success so far. Each New Year, people make resolutions to get back on track with an exercise routine, eat better, and improve their overall health. According to a survey by the fitness sports apparel company Sundried, of 4,000 people, 43 percent of people expect to give up their fitness goals after just one month. Their research showed 95 percent of New Year’s resolutions are related to fitness, but after about three months, only 10 percent maintain those resolutions.

Chaddick, a 63-year-old director of marketing at Allen & Company of Florida, is working to be part of that 10 percent. She says LAC staff and her coach, Blake Scheidt, have been very accommodating and understanding with her training needs during her rebound from a two-year hiatus from fitness.

“The venue here is excellent, and they also have great (fitness) classes,” she says. “But the thing I’m mostly here for is my coach – he monitors everything for me to succeed,” she says.

The success comes in various degrees, depending on the client’s drive and desire, says LAC owner Michael Knaisch, who co-founded the fitness center with his wife, Kim, in 2008.

Knaisch, 45, moved to Lakeland from Buffalo, N.Y.,

in 2003 and worked as an adjunct professor and athletic trainer at Florida Southern College until 2008. A baseball and football player in high school, he says the structure of proper fitness intrigued him enough to inspire him to open his own fitness center.

“I’ve always been fueled by the structure and discipline of fitness. I was never the most talented, but I was one to never be outworked,” he says.

At LAC, Knaisch and his staff of 10 part-time and full-time coaches work with two goals — to create fitness experiences that inspire and to educate and empower clients to excel physically and mentally.

Currently, LAC has an average of about 150 clients per month working individually or in groups at its facility just off Bartow Road in Lakeland. Each of them goes through four personal training sessions before joining any group classes. The training model consists of learning proper exercise form, posture, safety, and injury prevention.

Knaisch says he and his staff cater to what he calls “busy professionals” who don’t have much spare time for exercise. He says LAC staff provides coaching, how-to, support and encouragement.

“We work on having different workouts each time, encouraging and mentoring and challenging the body in different ways at each workout,” he says.

“When someone plateaus and is looking for new challenges, we can offer that and it will be unlike any (training) program they’ve done before.”

FROM LEFT, PERSONAL TRAINER BLAKE SCHEIDT, CLIENT ROBIN CHADDICK, AND LAKELAND ATHLETIC CLUB OWNER MIKE KNAISCH

Knaisch and Scheidt, along with the rest of the LAC staff, base their instruction on the facility’s five “main pillars” — consistent exercise, proper diet, proper sleep, hydration, and stress mitigation.

“We’re a client-based gym in the relationship business. We really care about the individual, whether in a remote class or personal training,” says Scheidt

And despite having to close in March and April of 2020 due to the coronavirus, Knaisch says the pandemic opened people’s eyes to

the importance of health and wellness.

“It has motivated people to take better care of themselves through exercise and diet,” he says. “That’s the best preemptive medicine out there.”

For those needing a nudge to get into the gym after the holidays, Knaisch says the best way to jump-start a fitness routine is to get motivated, ditch doubt, and seek the guidance of trainers. LAC offers personalized programs, remote coaching options, custom nutrition plans, and one-onone accountability.

“We try to keep you engaged, and what we do here is something new and fresh for most folks,” he says. “We want to make being here engaging, interesting, and fun with guidance that is consistent.”

With 7,500 square feet of free weights, dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, rowers, skiers, bicycles, and plans to expand the center into an all-encompassing health and wellness facility, that’s not likely to be hard.

It’s everything Chaddick needed to reach and maintain her fitness goals while staying motivated.

“The reason I come to the Lakeland Athletic Club is because of Blake (Scheidt),” she says. “The reason I stay is because of the immeasurable results I get month to month. They monitor everything for me to succeed.”

HEALTHY AGING

7 Ways to Save Money on Your Glaucoma Drops

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that affect the optic nerve of the eye. It is the cable that carries the information from the eye to the brain. Any damage to this optic nerve due to high pressures can damage it, resulting in lower vision or vision loss. Therefore, it is essential to treat glaucoma early and treat it consistently. This article will review some of the financial burdens associated with glaucoma therapy and some tips to help alleviate that financial burden.

ALY SHERALY, MD

1. Buy Generic. This is a relatively common approach to lowering the cost of your prescription medications. Switching your brand-name medications to an available generic brand or switching to a medication on your insurance plan’s formulary can lower costs. The downside to doing this is that it may have lower effectiveness or undesired side effect profile in some cases. The opposite may also be true in that it may control the eye pressure better or have a more tolerable side effect profile. The only way to know is to try and follow up with your eye doctor.

2. Buy Brand Name. This may seem counterintuitive for some patients; however, many patients are losing their health insurance or may not have drug coverage on their insurance plan given the current economic state. As such, they may be able to switch to a brand-name medication and apply for manufacturing drop assistance plans. This is where the manufacturer covers all or part of the medicine cost based on your financial situation. In these cases, it is crucial to work with your eye doctor as several criteria must be met to qualify for the programs.

3. Bring out the Laser. While the traditional route of treating glaucoma involves using eye drops, there is a growing consensus amongst ophthalmologists that using a laser, like SLT, to help lower the eye pressure may be a superior alternative when treating patients with early or newly diagnosed glaucoma. In this case, it is essential to review with your eye doctor the risks and benefits of using laser versus using glaucoma drops.

4. Going Under the Knife. Newer surgical techniques are in development for treating glaucoma using less invasive surgery. This new era of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery allows patients to undergo surgery earlier in the disease course to reduce their need for drops. Often it can be combined with cataract surgery. While these procedures’ success rate is variable, those that benefit can reduce the number of medications they’re on, leading to future cost savings in theory.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice. Putting eye drops in your eye is a skill that is difficult to learn. As a result, it is possible that drops miss the eye or do not go in the eye. The bottles only carry a certain amount of medicine. Every drop that does not make it in the eye is wasted, and this can lead to shortages at the end of the month when the bottle runs out before your designated refill time. Some patients have to purchase drops out of pocket, which raises the cost to them. Thus, it is important to practice getting the drops in your eye the first time, every time.

continued on page 21

MICHAEL KNAISCH

PERSONAL TRAINER BLAKE SCHEIDT AND ROBBIN CHADDICK

RECURRING ONLINE EVENTS

BrainFlex Wellness Club

This “body, mind, and spirit” approach to aging well is geared towards seniors looking to stay sharp and fit as they age. The class incorporates four key concepts: exercise/meditation, social connections, interactive nutrition education, and brain training/life-long learning. The goal is to slow or prevent cognitive decline and improve quality of life. This class takes place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3876883694. Before the class, please download and print class materials from www.BrainFlexWellness.com. If you have any other questions, please email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth. com.

Caregiver Support Group – Weekly

This group meets every Monday at 11 a.m. to discuss caregiver concerns and provide fellowship and support for one another. Meetings are currently taking place online using the Zoom platform. You can join the recurring meeting using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86739398714, or email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth.com for more information.

Functionally Fit – Virtual Exercise

During this online class, participants are guided through a series of functional strength training exercises to improve cardiovascular fitness, mobility, motor control, and balance. Caregivers are encouraged to join in on the exercises. This workshop is delivered through Zoom teleconferencing platform and takes place every 3rd Thursday of the month from 2 – 3 p.m. The link to join is https://us02web. zoom.us/j/3876883694. For more information, please email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth.com.

Monthly Caregiver Support Group (Previously Met at Faith Assembly)

This monthly group meets to share advice and experiences, and encourage one another. The group meets at 1 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month using the Zoom online platform. The link to join the meeting is https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/89447209844. If you have any questions, please email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth.com.

Music Therapy

Join board certified music therapists on the first Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m. The Maturing Minds Music Therapy group uses neurologic music therapy techniques to boost brain and behavior functions, such as memory, communication, attention, and movement. The meetings are taking place online using Zoom. The link for the recurring meeting is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3876883694. Please email ORL.MDC@AdventHealth.com if you have any questions.

EVENTS AND FUNDRAISERS

January 3 – Maternity Center Orientation Virtual

Prepare for delivery at BayCare by attending a virtual tour of the Maternity Center. This is a free class for expectant mothers. One support person may also attend. The class will take place from 5:30 – 7 p.m. and 7:30 – 9 p.m. and is sponsored by St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital. There will be several more sessions throughout January as well. For more information, please visit www.baycare.org/events or call 855269-4777.

January 4 – Bariatric Support Group Virtual

Mease Dunedin Hospital is sponsoring this in-person support meeting for presurgical and postsurgical patients and their family members. All attendees are required to wear a face mask over their mouth and nose at all times, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status. Dr. Isidors Moraitis will be speaking. The free meeting will take place from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Mease Dunedin Hospital, 646 Virginia St in Dunedin. For more information, please call 855-269-4777.

January 6 – Supporting Motherhood and More Virtual

First-time moms and seasoned pros with another on the way are invited to participate in this virtual support group to discuss the emotional changes and adjustments they are going through. Access to a camera and microphone is necessary. The free event will take place from 12 –1 p.m. Several more sessions are scheduled throughout January. Sponsored by St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital. You can find more information at www.baycare. org/events, or call 855-269-4777.

January 13 - 14 – WRAP Workshop – Make a Plan for Your Mental Health

This is a 2-day workshop in which attendees will create a personalized Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) utilizing key concepts of Hope, Support, Education, Personal Responsibility, and Self Advocacy. It is a 16-hour workshop designed to guide individuals with lived experience with a behavioral health or substance abuse disorder. The free workshop also meets one of the qualifications for peers who are seeking certification as Certified Recovery Peer Specialists. The hours for the workshop are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and it will be held at Mental Health Association of Central Florida, 320 N Fern Creek Ave in Orlando. Register for this event by visiting www.eventbrite.com and searching for “WRAP Workshop – Make a Plan for Your Mental Health.”

January 8 – FitChurch Challenge Kick-off

The Challenge is a comprehensive wellness program designed to empower individuals, families, and congregations to improve their health. Lakeland Regional Health is partnering with Lakeland Family YMCA for this 12-week course that will focus on various national awareness campaigns while working through a series of education and exercise classes. The free program is open to organizations, churches, families, and other groups at all fitness levels. You must have a minimum of 5 people to register your team. The Kick-off is 9 – 11 a.m. at Lakeland Family YMCA, located at 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd in Lakeland. You can register your team at www.mylrh. org/fitchurchchallenge.

January 15 – BayCare HealthHub Farmer’s Market

BayCare HealthHub is hosting a farmer’s market on the third and fourth Saturdays of each month. Local vendors will be offering fresh produce, hot food, and more, including fun activities for children. This takes place from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. every third Saturday at BayCare HealthHub (Bloomingdale), located at 2470 Bloomingdale Ave in Valrico, and every fourth Saturday at BayCare HealthHub (Land O’ Lakes), located at 18600 Fernview St in Land O Lakes. If you need more information, please call 855-269-4777.

compiled by TERESA SCHIFFER

January 19 – Restorative Yoga Cancer Program Virtual

This is a stress reduction yoga program designed to help cancer patients cope with their treatments and improve their quality of life. Learn techniques such as regulated breathing, visual imagery, meditation, and various stretching poses to improve balance, flexibility, and strength. The class is taught by a registered yoga teacher and exercise specialist. Microphone and camera access is encouraged but not required. The free lessons will take place from 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. Register online at www.baycare.org/events or call 855-269-4777 for more information.

January 26 – Wednesday’s WIN

Mindfulness in the New Year with Maureen Kroner

Sign up for this free program presented by Wednesday’s WIN (Women in Networking) and listen to Maureen Kroner, AdventHealth’s Employee Health & Well-Being Partner, dive deep into the benefits of mindfulness. She will even guide you through a 10-minute mindfulness meditation. Coffee and light snacks will be provided. The event will take place from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, located at 401 Ave B NW in Winter Haven. Register for this enlightening session by visiting www. web.winterhavenchamber.com/events.

January 23 – Medicinal Herb Walk with Bob Linde

Learn about the medicinal uses of plants that grow wild in Central Florida with Registered Herbalist and Acupuncture Physician Bob Linde. He will guide you on a leisurely walk through Sweetwater Organic Community Farm, located at 6942 W Comanche Ave in Tampa, from 1 – 3 p.m. There will be plenty of touching and tasting of the wild plants! This event is free, but donations to Sweetwater Farm are welcome if you feel that you have learned something. You can register online at www.eventbrite.com, search for “Medicinal Herb Walk with Bob Linde.”

Make Mealtime a Time to Power Up

by CAROL CORLEY

As we look to a new beginning in 2022, some of us might make resolutions. Others may just decide to continue the journey toward good health with the right foods and exercise. Like gasoline for our cars, food is our fuel.

During the holidays, we may have enjoyed foods that taste awesome but deplete our energy stores. That would include high carbohydrate foods like those made from white flour, white rice, sugary cereals and even yogurts with added sugars. That includes cakes and pies, of course. Foods cooked in a lot of oil and animal c can also lead to fatigue. Excessive caffeine intake and alcohol also deplete energy stores.

There are some wonderful, flavorful foods that are the best fuel for our bodies. They give us energy that can last a long time if we balance them well.

Fruits like bananas, goji berries, apples, strawberries, and dark berries are good for boosting energy, especially when you want a bit of healthy sweetness. Vegetables are generally a good choice because of the vitamin power they pack; beets, yams, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens like spinach are excellent. Grains can also be healthy, especially oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and even popcorn because of its fiber. Don’t forget beans, seeds, and nuts.

Some animal products are good for boosting our energy stores, like cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and tuna because of their high omega-3 content. Eggs are full of protein, as well as vitamins and minerals. Beef liver with its vitamin B12 is also a good choice. Yogurt is good, as long as it isn’t loaded with sugars.

So how do we pull this all together? How about starting the day off right with a healthy breakfast?

Avocado & Arugula Omelet

(Adapted from eatingwell.com)

Ingredients: Eggs, 2 large

Arugula, 1/2 cup

Avocado, 1/4 diced or in strips

Milk, 1 teaspoon

Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons plain whole milk

Lemon juice, 1 teaspoon

Olive oil, 2 teaspoons extra virgin

Salt to taste

Directions:

Beat eggs in a small bowl with milk and a pinch of salt, meanwhile have a small skillet with 1 teaspoon oil heating over medium heat. Add the egg mixture and cook until the bottom is set, about 1-2 minutes. Flip the omelet and cook for another 30 seconds and place on a plate. In a small bowl, toss arugula with 1 teaspoon of oil and the lemon juice, place avocado, yogurt, and arugula on top of the omelet.

Grilled Salmon Steaks with Blueberry Sauce

(Adapted from allrecipes.com)

Ingredients:

Salmon, 4 (6-oz) steaks

Blueberries, 1 cup fresh

Chives, 1 teaspoon fresh chopped

Chicken stock, 3/4 cup

Balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup

Orange juice, 1/4 cup

Honey, 1 teaspoon

Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon

Olive oil, 2 tablespoons

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Over high heat, in a saucepan, bring to a boil 1/2 cup chicken stock, vinegar, orange juice, and honey. Reduce heat to medium. Dissolve the cornstarch in 1/4 cup chicken stock, stir into the simmering sauce and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened. Stir in blueberries and chives and continue on low heat to keep warm. Meanwhile, on a grill preheated to medium-high heat, place salmon stakes that have been brushed with oil and seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Grill 3-4 minutes or until the fish flakes easily. Serve with blueberry sauce.

Brown Rice With Soybeans and Asparagus

(Adapted from thefeedfeed.com)

Ingredients: Soybeans, 1/2 cup

Brown rice, 1 cup

Onions, 5 spring

Garlic, 1 clove

Ginger, 1-inch piece

Carrots, 2

Asparagus, 10 Sesame oil, 1 tsp

Sunflower oil, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon each Chili sauce, salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Cook together the rice and soybeans in water with salt. While cooking, chop vegetables into small pieces. Cook the garlic and ginger in a large pan preheated, with sunflower oil. After 30 seconds, add carrots and stir fry for a minute, then add asparagus and spring onions. Continue to stir-fry, seasoning with salt and pepper. Next add soy sauce and chili sauce, if desired, and cook for another minute on high heat. When rice and soybeans are thoroughly cooked, add them to the pan with the vegetables, stir, and add a drizzle of sesame oil.

Meet Our Doctor

Sugar Control & Vascular Disease

Dr. Aparajita is a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon and has been serving the Polk County community for the past 1 year. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree at University of Delhi, India. She then completed a research fellowship in vascular surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York and a residency in General Surgery at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, she completed her fellowship training in Vascular Surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey.

Happy New Year! This is the second part of our series focusing on lifestyle management for the prevention of vascular disease. In the December edition, we addressed smoking cessation. Now we will discuss the importance of sugar control.

Diabetes and Vascular Disease

Dr. Aparajita is also a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK (MRCS Ed) and completed her Basic Surgical Training in England soon after her medical school.

Dr. Aparajita is the co-author of more than two dozen journal articles, publications and oral presentations, including topics such as endovascular treatment for thrombosis, aortic aneurysm repair, stroke, peripheral artery disease and other vascular conditions.

Additional posts and volunteer work include a teaching position at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and as a Member of the Public and Professional Outreach Committee as well as the International Relations Committee at the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS).

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects the body’s ability to absorb glucose, which is a form of sugar and a major source of energy. There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Both cause high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. High blood sugar causes many of the long-term effects of diabetes. Too much sugar in the blood damages the lining of the arteries of all sizes, and that can cause atherosclerosis, in which arteries get lined with plaque.

Atherosclerosis in diabetic patients can lead to:

Dr. Aparajita was recently nominated for the American Medical Association (AMA) Inspiration Award that recognizes physicians who have contributed to the achievements of women in the medical profession.

• Kidney damage: Kidneys have tiny blood vessels that remove waste from the blood, but diabetes blocks these blood vessels. As the disease progresses, the kidneys lose function and eventually fail leading to the patient being dependent on dialysis.

RITU APARAJITA, MD, MRCS (Ed), MBBS

Specialty: Vascular & Endovascular Surgery

Joining KSC Cardiology November 9, 2020

• Retinopathy: High blood sugar can cause tiny blood vessels in your eyes to become blocked. When your eyes try to grow new blood vessels, the growth is abnormal, eventually leading to blindness.

• Peripheral arterial disease: Glucose damages arteries that feed oxygen and nutrients to the legs and feet. This can lead to pain in the legs, foot sores that do not heal, chronic pain from ambulation and in some cases, amputation.

• Neuropathy: In this condition, the patient loses feeling in the foot and toes. Decreased blood flow caused by clogged arteries can cause damage to nerves and blood vessels in the extremities. Patients with diabetes are more likely to get vascular disease. Patients with both diabetes and vascular disease are at risk of amputation, blindness, kidney failure and other serious illnesses.

Treatment of Diabetes: Know Your A1c

Because of the effects, it is very important to aggressively treat both types of diabetes to minimize long-term damage. Careful maintenance of the blood glucose level is the primary goal of this treatment. The HbA1c is a test that estimates the average glucose level over 3 months. Maintaining HbA1c at less than 7% is known to lower the risk of amputation, heart attacks, stroke and onset of peripheral arterial disease. Avoiding foods high in sugar can help maintain healthy glucose control. This includes seemingly innocuous items such as white bread and pasta. In addition, exercise helps to burn energy and improve your body’s ability to keep your glucose at a healthy level.

Activity medication is often required to maintain this control. For type 2 diabetes, it has been shown that use of an insulin-sensitizing medication and oral agent dramatically decreases cardiovascular complications compared to using only insulin. Consultation with an endocrinologist can help you manage your diabetes optimally. There are many new ways to check your glucose at home, including phone apps, and this knowledge and feedback can be very helpful.

Preventive Care

Preventive care is a critical component of limiting lifetime complications for diabetes. Diabetes predisposes you to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and peripheral arterial disease. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these can facilitate you seeking help before a tragic event occurs. However, diabetes can also blunt the usual nerve response to pain. This loss of sensation results in an increased risk of pressure ulcers on the feet. Patients with diabetes should perform a routine inspection of the feet to evaluate for any breaks in the skin and notify the foot doctor immediately. Nail care can be complicated in diabetic patients. If you have been told you have peripheral neuropathy, ask for a referral to a podiatry doctor to assist you with nail care to avoid potentially dangerous injuries and nail care.

This column is sponsored by KSC Cardiology, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Dr. Aparajita is a fellowship-trained vascular and endovascular surgeon. She is a co-author of 20+ journal articles and publications and was recently nominated for an Inspiration Award by the American Medical Association (AMA).

RITU APARAJITA, MD, RPVI KSC Cardiology

Peace River Center

photos provided by PEACE RIVER CENTER

Supporters gather at Peace River Center’s Coffee Benefit recently to raise money for the center’s domestic violence shelter in Lakeland. This year’s event raised more than $23,000. PRC’s Domestic Violence program is a free 24-hour service provided to our community. It helps individuals and their children break free of their volatile living conditions and transform their lives as they remain in the community.

Peace River Center Opens Club Success in Lakeland, Haines City

Coffee Benefit

Peace River Center celebrated two ribbon-cutting ceremonies recently — one on December 16 for the center’s new Club Success in Lakeland and the other on December 17 for the new Club Success in Haines City.

Clubhouses like Club Success are nationally recognized mental illness recovery program models. There are more than 330 Clubhouses in 30 countries throughout the world that provide opportunities for work, wellness, and socialization. Attendees are called members rather than patients or clients. The Clubhouse model is designed to mirror a mainstream day in the workplace and allows members to learn responsibility, develop self-esteem, and learn to interact professionally.

HAINES CITY LAKELAND

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s

County Out of the Darkness Walk

Glaucoma Drops

continued from page 15

,

6. Go Shopping. While many insurance plans require you to send your medications to a specific pharmacy network, others do not have such requirements. Each pharmacy sets their prices, and each insurance plan sets their allowable payments. As such, it may be beneficial to shop at various pharmacies and shop at various independent local pharmacies to see who can offer you the best price. Furthermore, some manufacturers contract with specific pharmacies to provide a better price; thus, it may be beneficial to look at these relationships to see if you can take advantage of those price discounts.

7. The More You Buy, the More You Save. Some insurance plans have discounts for ordering 90-day supplies instead of 30-day supplies. They often combine this requirement with using a mail-order pharmacy, resulting in possible savings for the patient.

Medication therapy in glaucoma is a critical way to help treat the disease and prevent vision loss. There are many considerations when doing medical therapy, including effectiveness, side effect profile, and cost. Often, in today’s health systems, patients are burdened with additional costs, but there are many ways to help minimize these costs. It is not acceptable to stop using the medication to save cost, allowing glaucoma to go untreated. It is critical to discuss with your eye doctor if you are having difficulties with your medications to find an effective solution. Should you require any more information, please do not hesitate to visit our website EYESFL.COM or contact us at 800-282-3937 to make an appointment.

This column is sponsored by Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Dr. Sheraly is an Ophthalmologist with Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida. He is a Glaucoma Specialist.

PHOTO BY KEITH McCULLOUGH

PHOTO BY KEITH McCULLOUGH

PHOTO BY JESSICA TOY

PHOTO BY JESSICA TOY

PHOTO BY JESSICA TOY

PHOTO BY KEITH McCULLOUGH

Seven Ways To Create Well-Being in the New Year

by MARY JOYE, LMHC

Have you noticed many people are more irritable lately? Do loud noises or aggressive people upset you more often? Do you have trouble concentrating or sleeping? You may feel detached, pessimistic, withdrawn, or hypervigilant. These symptoms are just some of the many experienced by people with posttraumatic stress disorder. I am not diagnosing anyone, but it is safe to say almost everyone has been touched by the events of the past two years.

For two years, we have been in survival mode from COVID-19 and the restrictions it places on our lives. When people are in survival mode, it creates an each-man-for-himself mentality that disrupts the safety and insulation of connectivity. Social distancing has indeed made us socially distant, and this is not healthy as we are wired for close connection. There have been fires, tornadoes, storms, wars, unrest, violence, and tragedy. Our heroes are battle-weary, as are many of us. Even if you chose to detach, you are part of the shared experience known as the collective consciousness, and as an individual, you are affected. How do you feel when you see the price of gasoline, empty shelves, or your grocery receipt? Probably not too cheerful. Emerging from a constant state of emergency is challenging but also can be rewarding. “Reframing” is a cognitive behavioral therapy tool that replaces negative thinking with positive processing. With this one simple tool, post-traumatic growth is possible. One way to reframe the past to move toward well-being is to ask yourself, “What did I learn?” or “How did I gain wisdom from this past year (or from any negative circumstance)?” Positively process the answer. Taking inventory helps you to pause and reflect on how you want to move forward. Practical applications are also important to

How Far We’ve Come

JESSICA McDONALD, EDITOR jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com

well-being. Here are seven compiled from research studies:

1. Socialize more: Spend less screen time and more real time with supportive others.

2. Sleep better: Your brain and body will thank you. Sleeping well assists in weight loss.

3. Increase positive thinking: Reduce the time you spend taking in negativity of any kind.

4. Exercise: A short-term cure for some anxiety and depression symptoms, exercise increases feel-good chemicals while decreasing stress hormones that make you hungry or angry.

5. Express gratitude: This mindful focus stimulates overall well-being.

6. Get out in nature: Get outdoors and commune with yourself and others.

7. Recover the lost art of etiquette: Diplomacy makes society safer. (Less horn honking in bad traffic, please. Thank you!) Common politeness and kindness decrease interpersonal dissension and increase healthy connections.

Notice that making a resolution was not on the list. Though the new year is a time of making resolutions, many are punitive. Praise is a greater motivator than punishment. Saying, “I need to lose weight’’ is more negative than, “I want to gain health.” Miniscule methods of reframing can help you accomplish goals with more ease.

We have all been through something these past two years and having respect for one another, even if we disagree, can be healing for us and everyone around us. As we come out of survival mode, be patient with yourself and others as you transition into revival mode and enjoy each day of the new year with hope for a brighter future. HN

One year ago in this column space, I marveled at how quickly scientists were able to create a COVID-19 vaccine. At the time, vaccines were reserved for first responders and healthcare workers, and many of us were putting our names on lists and eagerly awaiting word that our turn had come. Fast forward to today and you can see how far we’ve come in the battle with an enemy we once knew nothing about.

We continue to face variants that challenge an already basic understanding of the virus, but the progress the scientific community has made is unmistakable.

Vaccines have enabled many nations to emerge, albeit cautiously, from isolation, but the threat is far from over. Now, we’ve moved on to booster shots to help protect us from new and existing threats. The latest comes in the form of the Omicron variant, which has fueled a boom in cases in recent weeks. As of this writing, Omicron is the dominant strain in many countries, including the US, Denmark, Portugal, and the UK, and there’s talk of a fourth dose of the vaccine headed our way.

At a recent AdventHealth Orlando press conference, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Victor Herrera emphasized the need for more people to get vaccinated and boosted. While the number of patients hospitalized with COVID in AdventHealth facilities across Florida remains low, the positivity rate has proven to be a strong indicator of future hospitalizations.

According to health officials, a review of patients who recently tested positive showed that most of the people suffering “breakthrough” infections did not get a booster shot. There’s your sign: Get vaccinated, and get boosted.

My enthusiasm over our success on the vaccination front doesn’t mean I don’t see the grim statistics or the dangers to come, just that I’m heading into the new year with a sense of hope that whatever the future holds, our scientific teams will rise to the occasion.

HN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Joye, LMHC, PA, is a licensed mental health counselor with offices in Lakeland and Winter Haven. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information, visit winterhavencounseling.com.

Trust your hips and knees to the leader in joint replacements.

When you have your hip or knee replacement procedure at a BayCare facility, you’re trusting a leader in Tampa Bay and West Central Florida. No health system or hospital does more hip and knee replacements than BayCare. That level of experience means clinical excellence, which is why 98 percent of our hip and knee replacement patients are up and walking within 24 hours of surgery. For a physician referral: BayCareJointRepair.org or (844) 260-7155