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P UBLISHED B Y T HE S OUTH F LORIDA S UN T IMES
Life Without Contact Lenses And Glasses Alane Kravatz loves to dance. She also loves going to live concerts and comedy shows, and enjoys making occasional trips to casinos. The active 56year-old stays fit by swimming and working out at Zumba class. So when her eyesight started to decline drastically, it made a big difference in her lifestyle. “My eyes had been getting progressively worse,” she says. “I’d been wearing contacts since I was 17 because I was very nearsighted, but for the last six months or so, they didn’t help anymore. I couldn’t see the performers at concerts and shows, even with binoculars, and I couldn’t watch TV.” Perhaps the most difficult change was how her poor eyesight affected her ability to
drive. “I didn’t drive on the highway for a year,” says Alane, who has worked in sales for more than two decades. “And my night vision was bad, so I didn’t drive in the dark, even on city streets.” Alane lives in Hollywood with her husband, Michael, who is a CPA, and their dog Paisley, a Labrador retriever. The couple has three children; twin boys who are attending the University of Florida and a daughter, a UF graduate who lives and works in New Jersey. Alane’s life was busy and full, but her inability to see clearly was affecting nearly every aspect of it. She was tired of it, so she paid a visit to the Braverman Eye Center in Hallandale Beach.
Dr. Stanley Braverman gave her what turned out to be good news. “He said I had cataracts,” she says. “I had blamed my poor vision on my age.” Alane had a simple, painless surgical procedure to remove the cataracts. Because she was so nearsighted, Dr. Braverman was able to change the power of the lens implant that he used, to get rid of her severe myopia, and actually give her un-aided 20/20 vision in each eye. Afterward, she literally couldn’t believe her eyes. “When I opened them, I could see perfectly,” she says. “I thought I was dreaming. They had told me my vision would be improved, but I didn’t expect it
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Alane Kravatz, pictured here with Dr. Stanley Braverman, is thrilled with her 20/20 vision after cataract surgery!
Island Resort Living at... Azalea Gardens Discover a hidden gem in Hollywood that offers seniors a wonderful lifestyle, peace of mind, and compassionate care; all within a serene, tropical environment. Since fresh air and outdoor living can have a beneficial effect on residents and their health, Azalea Gardens, a Timeless Life Care community, was designed and is meticulously maintained to produce an atmosphere that is an oasis for the senses. The gorgeous botanical garden is a sight to behold, with rainbow-hued colors and lovely fragrances that fill the air. A walking path winds through a lush landscape with a
variety of fruit trees, inviting a peaceful stroll. Magnificently spacious gazebos with benches offer shade and comfort, as an overhead fan creates a refreshing breeze. Residents and visitors can enjoy the serenity of a duck pond, as well as the beautiful Japanese koi displaying amazing shades of gold, orange and black as they gently swim through the pristine waters. Nearby fountains, featuring gently trickling water, create a soothing ambiance, as a myriad of butterflies adds to the beautiful atmosphere. The earth-friendly environment extends to the
residences, which creates a lovely sense of flow connecting each suite to the stunning gardens. Just outside their doors, residents, their friends and family can take in views of the extraordinary surroundings from their own porches. Fully furnished rooms are available or individuals may personalize their space with their own possessions. As Director of Community Relations Chris Snider explains, “The goal of Azalea Gardens is to provide Timeless Life Care in an aging-in-place facility. We are dedicated to promoting the well-being of each resident and helping them to maintain their independence in a
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