Pasco-Hernando Medical Guid 2023

TheCenterforBoneand Joint Diseaseisproudtobecelebrating over50 yearsofprovidingthe Tampa Bay areawithcutting-edgeorthopaediccare. For yourconvenience, we nowhavethreeofficelocationstobetterserve theneedsof our Hillsborough, Pasco,and Hernandocountycommunities. We have9experienced,highlytrainedorthopaedicsurgeons,two physiatristsandapodiatristavailabletocareforallof yourorthopaedicconditions. We alsoofferx-rayandMRIservices. Our nationallyandinternationallytrainedphysicalandoccupationaltherapistsarewaitingtoprovide youwithone-on-onecare.

Craig Bennett,M.D. General Ortho/Spine

Jared Salinsky, D.O. General Ortho/Sports

George Kardashian,M.D. Hand/Elbow Fellowship

Juan Raposo,M.D. Revisions/SpineFellowship

ChristopherReyher,M.D. Physiatry/General

KirillIlalov, M.D. Spine Fellowship

DragomirMijic, D.O. Shoulder Fellowship

Dolfi Herscovici, D.O. Foot/Ankle Fellowship &Trauma Fellowship

KoreyYngstrom, D.O. Trauma Fellowship

Alexander Pappas, D.P.M. Podiatrist

Withmorehealthcareaccesspointsin PascoCounty, youcancountonBayCare.

Nomatterwhereyoulook,thereweare—you’llfindallthehealthcare servicesyouneedatthemanyBayCarelocationsthroughout PascoCounty. We offerawiderangeofcare and servicesto meetallthehealthcareneeds ofourcommunity. Whetheryouoryourlovedonesneedprimarycareor emergencycareoranythinginbetween,you’llalwaysgettheverybest care,closetohome. To learnmore: BayCareInPasco.org

We’ve got the most health care locations. And that means you get the most extraordinary care, close to home.

Greatcancercarestartswithanaccuratediagnosis. Andatreatmentplanthatoffersthebestchance ofsaving yourlife.Urgencymeans everything at Moffitt.So we’reaccelerating breakthroughsthatare savinglivestoday, resultinginoutcomesuptofour timesthe national averages. Choose Moffittfirst. Learn more at Moffitt.org/Outcomes.

and

• Cataract and intraocular lens implant surgery using state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

• Whenindicated, new astigmatismcorrectinglens implants used.

Glaucoma Treatment

• Evaluation andtreatment of glaucoma utilizingmedications, laser and surgery.

Eyelid Surgery

• Functional and cosmetic correction of the upper and lower eyelids restores peripheralvision, improves tearing and eyelid position andenhances appearance.

Vitreo-Retina Surgery

• Diabetic eye problems

• Retinal disorders and detachments.

•

Eye

comprehensive services to help you treat and take careof your sight. Whether you need highly specialized surgery orsimply your first pair of glasses, you can get the very best ophthalmic care.

ACUPUNCTURE

Linda J. Moore

Acupuncture Physician

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Over 25 years in practice; Pain, Stress, NAET, Herbs, Nutrition, Homeopathy

EDUCATION: B.A., Dipl. Ac.

Holistic Health Services

9400 River Crossing Blvd., Suite 101 New Port Richey, FL 34655

(727) 376-7955

www.HolisticHealthServices.net

AUDIOLOGIST-HEARING

Jodi Conter, Au.D.

Doctor of Audiology

American Speech and Hearing Association Certified, American Academy of Audiology member

EDUCATION: Master’s Degree USF, Doctor of Audiology A.T. Still University

Gardner Audiology

6215 Abbot Station Dr., Unit 105 Zephyrhills, FL 33542

13005 Spring Hill Dr. Spring Hill, FL 34609

(813) 782-5395 * (352) 556-5257

www.GardnerAudiology.com

info@gardneraudiology.com

AUDIOLOGIST-HEARING

AUDIOLOGIST- HEARING

Lauren Benoit, Au.D.

Doctor of Audiology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Certified American Board of Audiology, American Speech Language Hearing Association, American Academy of Audiology

EDUCATION: University of Connecticut

Medicare Accepted

Gardner Audiology

8520 Government Drive, Suite 1 New Port Richey, FL 34654

(800) 277-1182

info@gardneraudiology.com

www.gardneraudiology.com

Joanie Davis, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA

Hearing Aids / Cochlear Implants

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Audiology, Certified by the American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association

EDUCATION: West Virginia University

Medicare Accepted Davis Family Hearing

4075 Mariner Blvd. Spring Hill, FL 34609

11515 W. Emerald Oaks Dr. Crystal River, FL 34428 11325 Little Road

New Port Richey, FL 34654

809 CR466, Bldg. 100, Suite 102

Lady Lake, FL 32159

(800) 610-0399

www.DavisFamilyHearing.com

AmmarHatab,MD, FAAAAI

Fatima E. Khan,MD,MBA, FAAAAI

Donya S. Imanirad,MD,MS

LoriDavila,MSN,APRN,FNP-C

AUDIOLOGIST-HEARING

Kelly Hansen, Au.D.

Dizziness/Balance, Hearing

Evaluations and Hearing Aids

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Audiology, Clinically Certified EDUCATION: Purdue University, Arizona School of Health Science

Most Insurance Accepted Trinity Hearing & Balance Center 8605 Easthaven Ct., Suite 101 New Port Richey, FL 34655

(727) 372-1130

www.trinityhearingandbalance.com

CHIROPRACTIC

Tim DeCubellis, DC, CCSP

Chiropractic Physician

BOARD CERTIFICATION: National and Florida Board Certification, Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, Certified Laser Technician

EDUCATION: Palmer College of Chiropractic

DeCubellis Wellness Center 9020 Rancho Del Rio Dr. New Port Richey, FL 34655

(727) 842-4476

www.DeCubellisWellnessCenter.com

www.Suncoastfloat.com

CHIROPRACTIC Chase DeCubellis, DC

Chiropractor, Rehab, Massage

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Chiropractic Physician, Physiotherapy

EDUCATION: Palmer College of Chiropractic

Medicare Accepted Beyond Bones Chiropractic and Wellness 4115 Little Road Trinity, FL 34655

(727) 376-2024

www.BeyondBonesChiro.com

DENTISTRY

Christopher M. Congemi, DMD

General Dentristry

EDUCATION: University of Florida, University of Florida College of Dentistry

RESIDENCY: Wright - Patterson AFB

O’Sullivan, DeLuca & Ressel Dental Care 3429 Mariner Blvd. Spring Hill, FL 34609

(352) 666-9896

SpringHillDentist.com

DENTISTRY

James G. DeLuca, DMD

Dentistry

EDUCATION: Saint Anselm College, Tufts University

RESIDENCY: Bethesda Naval Hospital

O’Sullivan, DeLuca & Ressel Dental Care

3429 Mariner Blvd. Spring Hill, FL 34609

(352) 666-9898

SpringHillDentist.com

DENTISTRY A. H. Khan, DDS, FAGD General Dentistry

EDUCATION: 1974 Graduate; Post Graduate from NYU

Beacon Woods Family Dentistry 12036 Cobblestone Dr. Hudson, FL 34667

(727) 862-7664

www.beaconwoodsfamilydentist.com

DERMATOLOGY MelvinC. Lu,M.D.,

Dr. Lu hasbeenpracticing dermatologyin Hernandoand Pascocounties for25 years. He istheonlydermatologistin Hernando County to have beennameda TopDoctor by USNews& World Report.

Dr.Luhasearnedthe followingcredentials:

• Diplomate oftheAmerican Board of Dermatology

• FellowoftheAmerican Academy of Dermatology

• B.S.–MassachusettsInstitute ofTechnology(MIT)

•M.D.–Universityof Pennsylvania SchoolofMedicine

• DermatologyResidency –Univ.ofMichiganMedicalCtr.

• FormerClinical Asst. Professor of Dermatology–USF

DENTISTRY

Nicholas G. Ressel DMD, MAGD

General Dentistry

EDUCATION: University of Florida, University of Pittsburgh

O’Sullivan, DeLuca & Ressel Dental Care

3429 Mariner Blvd. Spring Hill, FL 34609

(352) 666-9898

SpringHillDentist.com

DERMATOLOGY

Theodore N. Fotopoulos, M.D.

Skin Cancer - Mohs Surgeon

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Dermatology Fellow in American Society of Mohs, American Society of Dermatology Surgery

EDUCATION: University of South Florida

Medicare Accepted

New Image Dermatology

5534 Gulf Dr., Suite 1

New Port Richey, FL 34652 7515 State Road 52; Suite 102 Bayonet Point, FL 34667

727) 847-3992 * (727) 863-8884

www.newimagederm.com

MelvinC. Lu M.D., F.A.A.D.

Mr. Edwardshasbeen practicingdermatology for over13 years,thelast12of whichhave beenin Hernando County. He isoneofonlya few Dermatology PAsin Hernando County to have anadvanced Master’s DegreeinPhysician Assistant Studies.

Mr. Edwardshasearnedthe followingcredentials:

• Certified by National Commission on Certificationof PAs

•Bachelorof Science– LeMoyne College

•Masterof ScienceinPhysician AssistantStudies

•Member Societyof Dermatology Physician Assistants ScottEdwards MPAS, PA-C

Your Local Hospitals

Pasco County

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel

2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Wesley Chapel

813-929-5000

adventhealth.com/hospital/ adventhealth-wesley-chapel

AdventHealth Zephyrhills

7050 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills

813-788-0411

adventhealth.com/hospital/ adventhealth-zephyrhills

Hernando County

Bravera Health Brooksville

17240 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

352-796-5111

braverahealth.com

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Spring Hill

12440 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

352-592-4250

encompasshealth.com/locations/ springhillrehab

HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital

11375 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

352-596-6632

hcafloridahealthcare.com/locations/ oak-hill-hospital

Bravera Health Spring Hill

10461 Quality Dr., Spring Hill

352-688-8200

braverahealth.com

Morton Plant North Bay Hospital - BayCare

6600 Madison St., New Port Richey 727-842-8468

baycare.org/hospitals/morton-plantnorth-bay-hospital/patients-andvisitors

AdventHealth Dade City

13100 Fort King Rd., Dade City 352-521-1100

adventhealth.com/hospital/ adventhealth-dade-city

HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital 14000 Fivay Rd., Hudson 727-819-2929

hcafloridahealthcare.com/ locations/bayonet-point-hospital

HCA Florida Trinity Hospital

9330 SR 54, Trinity 727-834-4000

hcafloridahealthcare.com/ locations/trinity-hospital

DERMATOLOGY

Melvin C. Lu, M.D.

Dermatology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Dermatology

EDUCATION: B.S. - Massachusetts Institute of Technology; M.D. - University of Pennsylvania

School of Medicine

RESIDENCY:University of Michigan Medical Center

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Oak Hill Hospital

Medicare Accepted

Melvin C. Lu, M.D. 10133 Cortez Blvd.

Brooksville, FL 34613 3633 Little Rd.,Suite 103 New Port Richey, FL 34655

(352) 596-4401 * (727) 376-4000

FAMILY MEDICINE

Jorge Cisneros, M.D. Family Medicine

Medicare Accepted

veriMED Health Group Land O’ Lakes, LLC 2674 Stonewood Park Loop Land O’ Lakes FL 34638

(813) 909-0760

verimedhealthgroup.com

FAMILY MEDICINE

Yolanda

Cubero-Diaz,

M.D. Family Medicine

Medicare Accepted

veriMED Health Group Zephyrhills, LLC

38034 Medical Center Ave. Zephyrhills, FL 33540

(813) 788-5531

www.verimedhealthgroup.com

FAMILY MEDICINE

Adam S. Greenfield, D.O. Family Medicine

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians

EDUCATION: Nova Southeastern University

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Medical Center of Trinity, Bayonet Point Regional Medical, Morton Plant North Bay

Medicare Accepted Family Medical Centers

2208 Duck Slough Blvd., Suite A Trinity, FL 34655 10806 US Hwy 19, Suite 102A Port Richey, FL 34668

(727) 375-5885 * (727) 861-7043

• Bayonet Point

• HernandoCounty

• Hudson

• New PortRichey

• SpringHill

• TarponSprings

• Trinity

• West PascoArea

Fotopoulos,M.D.

FAMILY MEDICINE

Darren

T. Morris, M.D.

Family Medicine

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Family Medicine

EDUCATION: Medical University of South Carolina

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Medical Center of Trinity

Medicare Accepted

Family Medical Centers

2208 Duckslough Blvd., Suite A

Trinity, FL 34655

10806 US Hwy 19, Suite 102A Port Richey, FL 34668

(727) 375-5885 * (727) 861-7043

www.familymedicalcenters.net

FAMILY MEDICINE

Inelvis Del Rio Ramos, M.D. Family Medicine

Medicare Accepted

veriMED Health Group Trinity, LLC

7611 Cita Lane, Suite 101

New Port Richey, FL 34653

(727) 376-9400

www.verimedhealthgroup.com

FAMILY MEDICINE

Vigel Varkey, M.D. Family Medicine

Medicare Accepted

veriMED Health Group Trinity, LLC

7611 Cita Lane, Suite 101

New Port Richey, FL 34653

(727) 376-9400

verimedhealthgroup.com

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Curtis Freedland, D.O.

Gastroenterology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: College of Osteopathic Medicine & Surgery, Fellowship in GI at Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Medical Center of Trinity, Morton Plant North Bay, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Medicare Accepted

Gastroenterology Associates of West FL

10820 State Road 54, Suite 201

Trinity, FL 34655

On second floor of Synovus Bank Building

7515 State Road 52, Suite 105

Hudson, FL 34667

(727) 846-7031 * (352) 666-1441

www.gastrowestfl.com

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Dilip

Ghanekar, M.D.

Gastroenterology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: MB, BS - University of Bangalore, Kempegowda Institute of Medicine; Fellowship in GI - Mayo Clinic

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Medical Center of Trinity, Morton Plant North Bay, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Medicare Accepted

Gastroenterology Associates of West FL 10820 State Road 54, Suite 201

Trinity, FL 34655

On second floor of Synovus Bank Building 7515 State Road 52, Suite 105 Hudson, FL 34667

(727) 846-7031 * (352) 666-1441

www.gastrowestfl.com

Tampa Bay Times Special Advertising Section

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Joseph Staffetti, M.D.

Gastroenterology and Non-Surgical Weight Loss Procedures

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Fellowship in GI-UMDNJ

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Medical Center of Trinity

Morton Plant North Bay, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Medicare Accepted

Gastroenterology Associates of West FL

10820 State Road 54, Suite 201

Trinity, FL 34655

On second floor of Synovus Bank Building

7515 State Road 52, Suite 105 Hudson, FL 34667

(727) 846-7031 * (352) 666-1441

www.gastrowestfl.com

SeniorCare with Compassion

GENERAL PRACTICE

Gilberto Alvarez, M.D.

Internal Medicine

veriMED Health Group Mariner, LLC

7064 Mariner Blvd. Spring Hill, FL 34609

(352) 597-5557

www.verimedhealthgroup.com

GENERAL PRACTICE

William Brent Young, M.D.

General Medicine

EDUCATION: Undergraduate Florida State, Medical School Maharry

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: HCA Bayonet Point, HCA Oak Hill, Spring Hill Regional Hospital

Medicare and Most Insurance Accepted

Medical and Diagnostic Center of Spring Hill

1550 Pinehurst Drive Spring Hill, FL 34606

(352) 683-6947

GERIATRICS

Marc S. Berger, M.D.

Geriatrics & Family Medicine

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Family Medicine, Certificate of Added Qualifications, Geriatrics

EDUCATION: McGill Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Canada

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Memorial Hospital

Tampa

Hourly Medical Consulting

802 B Second Street N. Safety Harbor, FL 34695

(727) 600-9205

info@HourlyMedicalConsulting.com

Hourlymedicalconsulting.com

ServingYour MedicalNeeds

•Diabetes/ Hypertension

• Asthma/COPD

• HeartDiseases

•Cholesterol Management

• CancerScreening

•Preventiveand WellnessExams

• MinorSurgery

•Skin LesionRemoval/ Biopsy

•JointInjections

• Ultrasound

• Tele-Health

•Neuropathy Testing

APOLLO

3535LittleRoad,NewPortRichey•727-375-0848

(Just North of Wal-Mart) rth OPEN Mon.-Fri.,8:30am-5pm

We acceptmostinsurancesandcommercialplans

GYNECOLOGY- GYN SURGERY

Wanda Torres, M.D., FACOG

Gynecology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology

EDUCATION: University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Mease Countryside, BayCare Health Center Trinity

Medicare Accepted Suncoast Women’s Care

2044 Trinity Oaks Blvd., Suite 125 Trinity, FL 34655

(727) 376-0060

www.suncoastwomenscare.com

Confused By Food Labeling? Join The Club.

By Sally Moe, Times Total Media Correspondent

Food labels are intended to inform, but sometimes those labels are more confusing than informative. For example, have you ever thrown out food a day after the best by date, all while wondering if it might have been good for another two to three days (or even weeks)? Or misjudged the sugar content of an item? Or consumed gluten when you thought you were safe?

Best by / Sell by / Use by

These labels, as necessary as they are to calculate freshness and shelf life, are voluntarily provided by manufacturers and stores. Understanding the differences between them is important. Best by indicates how long a product will be of peak flavor or quality.

Sell by is for foods like milk products, meat, poultry and eggs, and is for stores’ inventory management. It’s recommended to buy these products if you will use them soon. Usually, milk can last five to seven days past the sell by date before turning bad; it’s best to store it in the back of your refrigerator where it’s coldest. Use or freeze beef, veal, pork and lamb products with a sell by date within three to five days of purchase. Fresh chicken, turkey, ground meat and ground poultry should be cooked or frozen within one to two days of purchase. Regarding eggs, this advice is straight from USDA.gov: “Eggs may be refrigerated three to five weeks from the day they are placed in the refrigerator. The sell by date will usually expire during that length of time, but the eggs will be perfectly safe to use. Always purchase eggs before the sell by or expiration date on the carton. To keep them safe, take eggs straight home and store them immediately in the refrigerator set at 40°F or slightly below. Leave them in their carton and place them in the coldest part of the refrigerator, not in the door. After hard cooking, eggs can be stored a week in the refrigerator.”

Use by marks the last date recommended for the use of the product. This is often printed on meat, poultry or egg labels and should be taken seriously.

Infant formula is the sole exception to these voluntary dates. Manufacturers must add use by dates, because those dates relate to formula safety. Never use infant formula after its use by date.

Sugar: Hiding in not-so-plain sight

If you want to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet – and most of us do – start with labels. While you expect to find lots of sugar in pastries, cookies, ice cream and the like, it shows up on the ingredient lists of many savory foods, like salsa, salad dressings, soups and pasta sauce, and other foods, like peanut butter, that simply don’t need it.

Don’t limit yourself to just the word sugar in your search. Added sugar can masquerade as agave nectar, barley malt syrup, cane juice crystals, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dehydrated cane juice, dextrose, diglycerides, evaporated cane juice, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, lactose, maltodextrin, maltose, molasses, rice syrup, sorbitol, sucrose, xylitol … the list is long and varied. You may end up finding eight or more types of sugar on the ingredient list of a particular food, particularly “healthy” cereals and granola bars! With something like 100 different names for sugar, this list isn’t exhaustive – but includes the more popular offenders. To see a complete list, visit http:// foodaddictiontherapynyc.com/103-names-of-sugar/.

Gluten: Know what to look for

If you want or need to go gluten free, you’ll discover at the outset that it means more than avoiding bread, pastries, pasta and pizza. Gluten is practically ubiquitous in prepared foods, and going gluten free requires vigilant label reading. Like sugar, it can masquerade as many different ingredients, and it pays to know their names. While not exhaustive, this list should give you an idea of the scope of ingredients gluten avoiders must keep an eye out for:

• Atta flour

• Autolyzed yeast and autolyzed yeast extract (MSG)

• Barley (grass, flakes, flour, malt, pearl)

• Breading, bread stuffing

• Brewer’s yeast

• Bulgur

• Durum (a type of wheat)

• Farro/faro (type of wheat also known as spelt or dinkel)

• Graham flour

• Hydrolyzed wheat protein

• Kamut (a type of wheat)

• Malt, malt extract, malt flavoring, malt syrup, malt vinegar

• Malted milk

• Matzo, matzo meal

• Modified wheat starch

• Oat bran, oat flour, oatmeal, whole oats (unless they are from pure, uncontaminated oats)

• Panko bread crumbs

• Rye bread and flour

• Seitan (a meat-like food derived from wheat gluten used in many vegetarian dishes)

• Semolina

• Triticale

• Wheat flour, wheat bran, wheat germ, wheat starch

(For a complete alphabetized list, visit https://www.celiac.com/ articles.html/forbidden-gluten-food-list-unsafe-ingredients-r182/) Information for this article was sourced from safehome.org, spoonuniversity.com, ask.usda.gov, healthyeating.sfgate.com, celiac.com and webmd.com.

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orthopedicsoffices locatedinBrooksville,Homosassa,andHudson,FL,whichinclude5providersand over20supportstaff.

rangeofservicessuchasorthopedicsurgery, joint replacement, pain management, sportsmedicine,arthroscopicsurgery, andhip resurfacing. Formoreinformationonthe specificspecialties related to knee,back,shoulder,hip,orother typesofpain,go to our websitebelow.

Pets Can Have “Pawsitive” Effects On Your Health

By Erin Feitsma, Times Total Media Correspondent

In movies, pets can talk, fly and perhaps even save little Timmy from a well. Your real-life pet may not be able to do all that, but they’re just as super. Did you know that animals can have a positive effect on your well-being? Whether you’re a cat person, dog person, ferret person or just an overall pet person (we knew we liked you), here we outline the benefits that your favorite little floof may be having on your health right under your nose. You do the most for Fluffy – but Fluffy may be doing the most for you.

Mental health: If you suffer from anxiety, consider getting a dog. Research shows that having a pup around can help soothe anxiety and calm you down. Research has even linked pet ownership with a decreased likelihood of depression. It’s also been proven that spending time with animals can lower your blood pressure and cortisol, the stress hormone. Ah, pets – they’re natural fluffy stress relievers. Just another reason to love them!

Exercise opportunities: If you want to get moving, adding a pet to your home could help improve your physical health. You may not walk your turtle or hedgehog (though we’d like to see it done), but walking your dog around the block each day helps you get off the couch and get your steps in. Dog owners are also less likely to be obese.

Heart health: Health benefits aren’t only for dog lovers – feline fanatics reap positive effects, too. If you’ve never

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Barbara Calderon, M.D.

Internal and Geriatric Medicine

Medicare Accepted

veriMED Health Group Land O’ Lakes, LLC

2674 Stonewood Park Loop Land O’ Lakes, FL 36438

(813) 909-0760

www.verimedhealthgroup.com

considered owning a cat (or two … or three), this fact may change your mind: One study suggests that those who have a cat are at less risk of suffering a fatal stroke or heart attack.

Social connectivity: Many of us have struggled with feelings of isolation and loneliness over the past few years thanks to COVID, but our pets may be able to help with that. One survey found that close to 90 percent of those surveyed said that interacting with an animal helped them feel less lonely. Not only that, but pets may also help give your social life a boost. A Harvard survey found that pet owners were more likely than those without a pet to meet new people around their neighborhood.

Information from this article was sourced from heart.org, ncbi.nlm.nih. gov, newsinhealth.nih.gov, onehealth.org, marthastewart.com, vbspca. com and health.harvard.edu.

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Margaret Gathman, DNP-C

Internal and Geriatric Medicine

Medicare Accepted

veriMED Health Group Brooksville, LLC 932 Candlelight Blvd. Brooksville, FL 34601

(352) 345-8185

www.verimedhealthgroup.com

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Jay Chowdappa, M.D.

Internal Medicine

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: Residency - Cornell University

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Medical Center of Trinity and Morton Plant North Bay Hospital

Medicare Accepted Apollo Medical Group, PA 3535 Little Road

Trinity, FL 34655

(727)-375-0848

www.apollomedgroup.com

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Navnit Patel, M.D., P.A.

Internal Medicine

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: University of Zambia Medical School, Residency: Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Clinic

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Medical Center of Trinity

Medicare Accepted

2254 US Highway 19

Holiday, FL 34691 8849 Hawbuck St. New Port Richey, FL 34655 9336 Little Rd. New Port Richey, FL 34654

(727) 943-7710 * (727) 862-6779

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Carlos Martinez Solis, M.D. Internal Medicine

Medicare Accepted

veriMED Health Group Zephyrhills, LLC

38034 Medical Center Avenue

Zephyrhills, FL 33540

(813) 788-5531

www.verimedhealthgroup.com

OBSTETRICS / GYNECOLOGY

Giovanna S. Barlow, APRN, CNM

Certified Nurse Midwife

EDUCATION: Keiser University, Frontier Nursing University

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Mease Countryside Hospital

Medicare Accepted

Suncoast Women’s Care

2044 Trinity Oaks Blvd., Suite 125

Trinity, FL 34655

(727) 376-0060

www.suncoastwomenscare.com

OBSTETRICS / GYNECOLOGY

Shailja Dayal, D.O.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

EDUCATION: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Mease Countryside Hospital

Medicare Accepted

Suncoast Women’s Care

2044 Trinity Oaks Blvd., Suite 125

Trinity, FL 34655

(727) 376-0600

www.suncoastwomenscare.com

OBSTETRICS / GYNECOLOGY

Robyn Reese APRN, CNM

Obstetrics and Gynecology

EDUCATION: University of Florida

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Mease Countryside Hospital

Medicare Accepted

Suncoast Women’s Care

2044 Trinity Oaks Blvd., Suite 125

Trinity, FL 34655

(727) 376-0600

www.suncoastwomenscare.com

Close to cancer experts. Closer to what you love.

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute’s top-ranked cancer experts provide the most advanced treatments in our local community.

From genetic screening to immunotherapies, our quality care brings effective, targeted treatment to you so you can stay close to home

We take care of all the big things in cancer care, so you can focus on all the little moments that matter—every step of the way.

Susmitha Apuri, MD

Jorge Ayub, MD

Ayman Barakat, MD

Lawrence B. Berk, MD, PhD

Sawsan G. Bishay, MD

Mamta T. Choksi, MD

Uday Dandamudi, MD

Servillano E. Dela Cruz Jr., MD

Jasmin Desai, MD

Ramana Dutt, MD

Gustavo A. Fonseca, MD, FACP

Sunil Gandhi, MD, FACP

Larry Gandle, MD

Eva Gupta, MD

William V. Harrer III, MD

Sweta Jonnalagadda, MD

Gajanan A. Kulkarni, MD

Kapisthalam S. Kumar, MD, FACP

Mary M. Li, MD, PhD

Vikas Malhotra, MD

Arthur J. Matzkowitz, MD

Richard McDonough, MD

Shilen Patel, MD

Ramya Pinnamaneni, MD

Raju Rao, MD

Joseph M. Sennabaum, MD

Neha Sharma, MD

Jessica Stine, MD

Thomas H. Tang, MD

David Wenk, MD

Gail L. Shaw Wright, MD, FACP, FCCP

Wenqing Zhang, MD, PhD

Is Blue Light Bad For Your Eyes?

By Sally Moe, Times Total Media Correspondent

Maybe. The evidence is leaning in that direction.

But first, the good news:

When it comes to blue light, timing is everything. Daytime exposure to blue light boosts attention and alertness, enhances memory and cognition, and lifts your mood. (It’s been used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression triggered by the shorter days of winter. Research has shown that 20 minutes of morning blue light exposure helps ease SAD symptoms.) Blue light can also be beneficial for certain skin maladies, like acne, plaque psoriasis and actinic keratosis. (If you’re thinking about buying an at-home blue light device for this purpose, be sure it’s FDA-approved.) Furthermore, it regulates your body’s natural wake and sleep cycle, or circadian rhythm. If you’re wondering where all this blue light comes from, the dominant source is sunlight – followed by digital devices including computers, smartphones, tablets and LED TVs, and fluorescent light and LED lights.

So yes, we do need it. But too much night-time blue light exposure is believed to cause problems. Research indicates it can reduce the quality and duration of your sleep, as it suppresses the release of melatonin; that suppression is linked to metabolic syndrome, depression, obesity and cancer. Cumulatively, constant exposure to blue light may damage retinal cells and contribute to vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration. It may also contribute to cataracts, eye cancer and other eye problems. According to a vision study by the National Eye Institute, children are more at risk than adults for

these effects because their eyes absorb more blue light from digital devices. While our cornea and lens protect the retina from damaging UV rays, they do not hold back blue light. And devices like cellphones are typically held close to the face, especially before sleep, and that intensifies the exposure.

As digital and LED powered technologies are relatively new, more research tracking long-term effects will be needed. In the meantime, to maintain your sight and your quality of sleep, there are protective actions you can take:

• Turn off devices three hours before bedtime. If that thought makes you shudder, switch to an amber-light mode between sunset and sunrise.

• At night, wear blue-light blocking glasses. Some studies show that when subjects use blue-light-blocking glasses – even in a brightly lit room or while using an electronic device – they produce just as much melatonin as if it were dark.

• If you wear prescription glasses, request anti-reflective lenses, which reduce glare and block blue light.

• Eat plenty of foods containing eye-protective lutein and zeaxanthin, such as spinach, peas, summer squash, eggs, pumpkin, broccoli, avocados, carrots and pistachios.

• For additional protection, consider a supplement that supports eye health; TEBS is one example.

• At night, keep your home as dark as possible to support sleep. Tone down the digital display on your clock. Change night lights to red or amber bulbs.

for this article was gathered from UC Davis Eye Center’s Cultivating Health blog, Harvard Health, and preventblindness.org.

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Information

ONCOLOGY

Susmitha Apuri, M.D.

Oncology/Hematology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: Far Eastern University, Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation-Manila, Philippines

RESIDENCY: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine – Miami, FL

FELLOWSHIP: University of South Florida/H. Lee Moffitt Cancer and Research Institute – Tampa, FL

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Citrus Memorial, Seven Rivers

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

521 N. Lecanto Highway

Lecanto, FL 34461

2231 Highway 44 W., Unit 203 Inverness, FL 34453

(352) 746-0707 * (325) 860-7400

FLCancer.com/SApuri

ONCOLOGY

Ayman Barakat, M.D.

Medical Oncology / Hematology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncologist with experience treating blood disorders and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION & RESIDENCY: University of Texas and MD Anderson Cancer Center - Houston, Texas

FELLOWSHIP: Baylor University - Dallas, Texas

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Oak Hill Hospital, Bayfront Health, AdventHealth (Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills), BayCare Wesley Chapel and Bravera Brooksville

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

11063 County Line Road Spring Hill, FL 34609

7154 Medical Center Drive Spring Hill, FL 34608

26823 Tanic Drive Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

(352) 688-7744 * (352) 596-1926

(813) 279-7107

FLCancer.com/ABarakat

ONCOLOGY

Mamta T. Choksi, M.D.

Medical Oncology / Hematology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: N.H.L. Municipal Medical CollegeAhmedabad, Gujarat, India

RESIDENCY: Mt. Sinai Services at Queens Hospital Center - Jamaica, NY

FELLOWSHIP: Winthrop University HospitalMineola, NY

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: AdventHealth (North Pinellas), Medical Center of Trinity, Morton Plant

Mease North Bay, Regional Medical Center

Bayonet Point

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

9320 State Road 54

Trinity, FL 34655

(727) 842-8411

FLCancer.com/MChoksi

ONCOLOGY Servillano

Oncology

E.

Dela Cruz Jr., M.D.

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: Far Eastern University, Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation-Manila, Philippines

RESIDENCY: St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Yale University

Affiliate-Bridgeport, CT

FELLOWSHIP: Oncology/Hematology: Lenox Hill Hospital, New York University Medical Center - New York, NY; Mt. Sinai Medical Center - New York, NY

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: Citrus Memorial, Seven Rivers

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

2231 Highway 44 W., Unit 203

Inverness, FL 34453

770 S.E. 5th Terrace

Crystal River, FL 34429

(352) 860-7400 * (352) 795-6674

FLCancer.com/SDelaCruz

ONCOLOGY / HEMATOLOGY

Gustavo A. Fonseca, M.D., FACP

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncology, Hematology

EDUCATION: Universidad Del Norte – School of Medicine, Barranquilla, Colombia

RESIDENCY: University of Miami – Jackson Memorial Hospital

FELLOWSHIP: Oncology/Hematology, University of Texas – MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas and Baylor School of Medicine – Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS: Citrus Memorial, Seven Rivers

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

521 N. Lecanto Highway

Lecanto, FL 34461

(352) 746-0707

FLCancer.com/GFonseca

ONCOLOGY

Sunil Gandhi, M.D., FACP

Oncology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: Baroda Medical College - Baroda, India

RESIDENCY: Christ Medical Center - Oak Lawn, Illinois

FELLOWSHIP: Oncology/Hematology: UCLA - San Fernando Valley Program

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Citrus Memorial, Seven Rivers

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

521 N. Lecanto Highway

Lecanto, FL 34461

(352) 746-0707

FLCancer.com/SGandhi

ONCOLOGY William V. Harrer III, M.D.

Oncology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: Jefferson Medical CollegePhiladelphia, PA

RESIDENCY: Cooper University Medical CenterCamden, NJ

FELLOWSHIP: Oncology/Hematology: Cooper University Medical Center - Camden, NJ

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Citrus Memorial, Seven Rivers

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

770 S.E. 5th Terrace Crystal River, FL 34429

2231 Highway 44 W., Unit 203

Inverness, FL 34453

(352) 795-6674 * (352) 860-7400

FLCancer.com/WHarrer

ONCOLOGY

Kapisthalam S. Kumar, M.D., FACP

Medical Oncology / Hematology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Hematology and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: Chingleput Medical College, Tamilnadu, India; Stanley Medical College, Madras, India

RESIDENCY: Detroit General Hospital, Detroit, MI

FELLOWSHIP IN HEMATOLOGY: Wayne State University, Detroit, MI

FELLOWSHIP IN ONCOLOGY: University of Miami, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Medical Center of Trinity, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, AdventHealth (North Pinellas)

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

14100 Fivay Road, Suite 380 Hudson, FL 34667 9320 State Road 54 Trinity, Florida 34655

(727) 862-9026 * (727) 842-8411

FLCancer.com/KKumar

ONCOLOGY Mary M. Li, M.D., Ph.D.

Medical Oncology / Hematology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: Doctorate, Residency & Fellowship: University of Louisville; PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology; Medical School: Tianjin Medical School.

Tianjin, China

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Oak Hill Hospital, Bravera Brooksville

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

11063 County Line Road

Spring Hill, FL 34609

7154 Medical Center Drive Spring Hill, FL 34608

(352) 688-7744 * (352) 596-1926

FLCancer.com/MLi

ONCOLOGY

Vikas Malhotra, M.D.

Medical Oncology / Hematology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: University of Delhi - New Delhi, India

INTERNSHIP & RESIDENCY: Wright State University - Dayton, OH

FELLOWSHIP: University of Missouri - Columbia, MO

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Oak Hill Hospital, Bravera Brooksville

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

11063 County Line Road

Spring Hill, FL 34609

7154 Medical Center Drive

Spring Hill, FL 34608

(352) 688-7744 * (352) 596-1926

FLCancer.com/VMalhotra

ONCOLOGY / HEMATOLOGY

Richard McDonough, M.D.

Oncology/Hematology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: Medical School: University of Miami, Miami, FL

RESIDENCY: University of Miami, Miami, FL

FELLOWSHIP: Hematology/Oncology: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL’

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: AdventHealth (Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills), BayCare Wesley Chapel

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

7315 Green Slope Drive

Zephyrhills, FL 33541

(813) 778-0400

FLCancer.com/RMcDonough

ONCOLOGY

Shilen Patel, M.D.

Medical Oncology / Hematology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indes

RESIDENCY: State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY

FELLOWSHIP: Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Oak Hill Hospital, Bayfront Health, Medical Center Bayonet Point, AdventHealth (Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills) BayCare Wesley Chapel and Bravera Brooksville

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

11063 County Line Road

Spring Hill, FL 34609

7154 Medical Center Drive

Spring Hill, FL 34608

26823 Tanic Drive

Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

(352) 688-7744 * (352) 596-1926

(813) 279-7107

FLCancer.com/SPatel

ONCOLOGY Thomas H. Tang, M.D.

Oncology/Hematology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: West China University of Medical School – China; Geneva Faculty of MedicineSwitzerland

RESIDENCY: Lenox Hill Hospital – New York, NY

FELLOWSHIP: Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer Center – New York, NY

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Oak Hill Hospital, Bravera Brooksville

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

7154 Medical Center Drive Spring Hill, FL 34608

11063 County Line Road Spring Hill, FL 34609

(352) 596-1926 * (352) 688-7744

FLCancer.com/TTang

ONCOLOGY David Wenk, M.D.

Medical Oncology / Hematology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: Ross University School of Medicine(High Honors), West Indies, Dominica

RESIDENCY: University of South Florida

FELLOWSHIP: Moffitt Cancer Center

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Medical Center of Trinity, Morton Plant Mease - North Bay, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and AdventHealth (North Pinellas)

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Insti tute

9320 State Road 54

Trinity, FL 34655

(727) 842-8411

FLCancer.com/DWenk

ONCOLOGY Gail Lynn Shaw Wright, M.D. FACP, FCCP Medical Oncology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, NC

RESIDENCY: Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC

FELLOWSHIP: National Cancer InstituteBethesda, MD

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Morton Plant North Bay, Medical Center of Trinity, Regional Medical Center at Bayonet Point, AdventHealth (North Pinellas)

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

9320 State Road 54

Trinity, FL 34655

7651 Medical Drive

Hudson, FL 34667

(727) 842-8411 * (727) 868-9208

FLCancer.com/GWright

ONCOLOGY

Wenqing Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.

Oncology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Medical Oncology, Hematology, Bone Marrow Biopsy and Internal Medicine

EDUCATION: Beijing Medical University/Peking University, Beijing, China

RESIDENCY: Internal Medicine: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY

FELLOWSHIP: Hematology/Oncology: James Graham Brown Cancer Center/University of Louisville, Louisville, KY

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Citrus Memorial, Seven Rivers

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

770 S.E. 5th Terrace

Crystal River, FL 34429

2231 Highway 44 W., Unit 203

Inverness, FL 34453

521 N. Lecanto Highway

Lecanto, FL 34461

(352) 795-6674 * (352) 860-7400

(352)746-0707

FLCancer.com/WZhang

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Sara Creekmore, D.O.

Opthalmology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Board Certified

Ophthalmology

EDUCATION: Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

RESIDENCY: Ophthalmology Residency in Valley Health System, Las Vegas, Nevada

Medicare Accepted

Suncoast Eye Center

14005 Lakeshore Blvd.

Hudson, FL 34667

(727) 868-9442

SuncoastEyeCenter.com

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Alan M. Freedman, M.D.

Cataracts & Implants

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Ophthalmology

EDUCATION: New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY

Medicare Accepted

Suncoast Eye Center

14003 Lakeshore Blvd.

Hudson, FL 34667

(727) 868-9442

www.SuncoastEyeCenter.com

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Frederick Hauber, M.D.

Ophthalmology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Board Certified

Ophthalmology

EDUCATION: University of Tennessee College of Medicine

RESIDENCY: University of South Florida

Medicare Accepted

Suncoast Eye Center

14003 Lakeshore Blvd.

Hudson, FL 34667

(727) 868-9442

SuncoastEyeCenter.com

28 Pasco Hernando MEDICAL GUIDE

Sunday, January 29, 2023Tampa Bay Times Special Advertising Section

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Michael Manning, M.D.

Ophthalmology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Ophthalmology

EDUCATION: Doctorate of Medicine - USF College of Medicine, Residency - University of South Carolina School of Medicine

Medicare Accepted

Suncoast Eye Center 14003 Lakeshore Blvd. Hudson, FL 34667

(727) 868-9442

www.SuncoastEyeCenter.com

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Roshni Ranjit-Reeves, M.D.

Oculofacial Surgeon

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Ophthalmology and Oculofacial and Reconstructive Surgery

EDUCATION: University of South Florida

RESIDENCY: USF Eye Institute

FELLOWSHIP: Duke Eye Center

Oculofacial Surgery and Cosmetic Laser Institute

24420 State Road 54

Lutz, FL 33559

(813) 303-0123

https://doctorrosh.com

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Clinton W. Sheets, M.D.

Glaucoma Specialist & Cataract

Surgery

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Ophthalmology

EDUCATION: Fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

Medicare & Most Major Insurances Accepted Advanced Cataract & Glaucoma Care, PLLC 7515 State Road 52, Suite 104 Hudson, FL 34667

(727) 300-0299

www.CataractGlaucomaCare.com

OPHTHALMOLOGY - RETINA

Marguerite Kohlhepp, M.D.

Vitreoretinal Specialist

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Ophthalmologist

EDUCATION: Stony Brook, NY, Residency at Yeshiva University NY; Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery, University of Nebraska Omaha

Medicare Accepted

Suncoast Eye Center 14003 Lakeshore Blvd. Hudson, FL 34667

(727) 868-9442

www.SuncoastEyeCenter.com

Move It, Move It

By Erin Feitsma, Times Total Media Correspondent

Looking to add a little whimsy to your workout? We’ve got you covered. Consider deviating from your tried-and-true exercise routine with some of these unusual, off-the-cuff healthy activity suggestions.

Goat yoga: What’s better than yoga? Yoga with goats, that’s what. If you haven’t heard of goat yoga, the concept is pretty self-explanatory – a yoga class takes place in a room full of baby goats who may or may not try to climb onto your back. Been there, done that? If goat yoga feels so yesterday, there’s also dog yoga for canine lovers or, for the truly poised among us, horseback yoga, where participants practice yoga poses *on the backs of live horses.* The more you know!

Quidditch: For Harry Potter fans, this fictious sport needs no introduction. If you’ve long wished you could be a student at Hogwarts, settle for the next best thing and enjoy a magical game of the wizarding world’s popular sport, Quidditch, in real life. Some colleges have their own Quidditch teams, and there’s also US Quadball, a Quidditch-adjacent sports organization that provides events and other types of programming for more than 100 club and collegiate teams across the nation. Accio Golden Snitch!

Glow-in-the-dark workouts: You love working out, and you love neon ensembles. Combine the two and you get … glowin-the-dark workout classes! Don’t deny yourself the simple pleasure of doing your fitness routine in the dark while looking like the neon-tinged, space-patterned carpet of your beloved neighborhood bowling alley. We can only surmise that classes like these get glowing reviews.

Unicycle hockey: On the topic of unusual sports, unicycle hockey exists. Yes, it’s basically hockey, and yes, you have to compete while riding a unicycle. What could go wrong? One would assume that, not unlike horseback yoga, a fair amount of balance is involved. If you love playing hockey but aren’t keen on ice skating, this one-wheeled take on the sport may be the activity for you!

Stranger Things intervals: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be repetitive, but HIIT workouts don’t have to be boring. Give your exercise routine a taste of the Upside Down with Stranger Things-inspired and ’80s-infused interval training that incorporates dance moves (“Running Up That Hill,” anyone?). You can find some of these Stranger Things workouts on YouTube. If you’re not a fan of the show, there’s plenty of other themed HIIT routines out there to fit your fancy, from HIIT workouts soundtracked with emo music to Disney HIIT routines. You’re welcome.

Drum cardio: Amp up your cardio workout and feel the beat with a drum cardio routine. For drum cardio, you’ll need a pair of drumsticks (you can easily find fitness drumsticks on Amazon), an exercise ball and a bucket for the ball to rest on. Classes can be taken in person, or if you have the equipment, you can work out at home along to YouTube drum cardio videos. (We won’t tell if you freestyle your own drum solo.)

Information from this article was sourced from npr.org, usquadball.org, hockeygods.com, youtube.com and drummagazine.com.

OPTOMETRY

R. Michael Schulz, O.D.

Emergency Care Available, Glaucoma

Disease, Eye Infections, Contacts, Routine Exams

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Ocular Therapeutics (Medicine)

EDUCATION: Southern College of Optometry

Medicare Accepted Most Insurance Accepted Schulz Eye Care

4107 Little Rd. New Port Richey, FL 34655

(727) 376-3131

www.schulzeyecare.com

OPTOMETRY

Sandra Stroud, O.D.

General Optometry, Contact Lens Specialty

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Board Certified Optometric Physician; Residency - Yale, New Haven VA Medical Center

EDUCATION: UMSL School of Optometry

Most Vision Insurance Accepted Precision Optical HolidayTower 2435 US 19 N., Suite 100 Holiday, FL 34691

12610 US Hwy 19 (Inside Walmart)

Hudson, FL 34667

(727) 937-6551 * (727) 378-0469

www.stroudeyecare.com

ORTHOPAEDICS

Joseph Barrelli Jr. M.D.

Orthopaedics

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Oak Hill Hospital, Brooksville Regional, Spring Hill Regional

Medicare Accepted

West Coast Musculoskeletal Institute

14555 Cortez Blvd.

Brookville, FL 34613

(352) 556-4823

www.wcmiortho.com

ORTHOPAEDICS

Craig R. Bennett, M.D.

Orthopaedic Surgery, Spine Disorders

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Orthopaedic Surgery

EDUCATION: University of Virginia

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Bayonet Point, Oak Hill Hospital, St. Joseph’s North

Medicare Accepted

The Center for Bone and Joint Disease

7544 Jacque Rd. Hudson, FL 34667

16506 Pointe Village Dr., Suite 109

Lutz, FL 33558 10221 Yale Ave. Brooksville, FL 34613

(727) 697-2200 * (352) 596-0900

(727) 605-3808

ww.centerforboneandjoint.com

ORTHOPAEDICS

Peter D. Candelora, M.D.

Total Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine Injuries, Fracture Cases

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

EDUCATION: Tulane University School of Medicine

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: NPR Surgery Center at Trinity, Medical Center of Trinity, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Medicare Accepted

Coastal Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

5145 Deer Park Drive

New Port Richey, FL 34653

(727) 848-1417

www.BONE-DR.com

ORTHOPAEDICS

Jennifer L. Cook, M.D.

Total Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine Injuries, Fracture Cases

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

EDUCATION: Harvard, Massachusetts Ins. of Tech, Michigan, Fellowship Insall Scott Kelly Inst. NYC

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Medical Center of Trinity, New Port Richey Surgery Center at Trinity, Comprehensive Outpatient Joint & Spine Institute, AdventHealth North Pinellas, BayCare Surgery Center, Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin

Florida Joint Care Institute

2165 Little Road Trinity, FL 34655

(727) 372-6637 * (727) 477-9453 text

www.drjennifercook.com

www.floridajointcare.com

Dr TarabishyhasbeenhelpingpeopleinHernandoandCitruscounties for41years Hespecializesinorthopedicsurgeryonthehips, kneesand shoulders, includingarthroplastyandarthroscopicprocedures Healso treatsanarrayoffracturesandgeneralorthopedicconditions.

ORTHOPAEDICS

Rachel S. Dhani, M.D.

Family Medicine, Sports Medicine

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Family Medicine, Board Eligible Sports Medicine

EDUCATION: Undergraduate-University of Florida, Bachelor of Science in Biology- Cum Laude Medical School - University of Florida College of Medicine

RESIDENCY: Bayfront Family Medicine Residency, St. Petersburg, FL,

FELLOWSHIP: University of South Florida, Primary Care Sports Medicine

Medicare Accepted

Florida Joint Care Institute

2165 Little Rd

Trinity, Fl 34655

(727) 372-6637

appointments@floridajointcare.com

ORTHOPAEDICS

Stephen A. Hanff, M.D.

Total Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine Injuries, Fracture Cases

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

EDUCATION: University of Miami, BS Cum Laude with Honors; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, MD Alpha Omega Alpha; University of Florida, Residency Orthopaedic Surgery

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Comprehensive Outpatient Joint & Spine Institute, Medical Center of Trinity, New Port Richey Surgery Center at Trinity, Florida Hospital North Pinellas, BayCare Surgery Center, Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin

Florida Joint Care Institute

2165 Little Road

Trinity, FL 34655

(727) 372-6637

www.floridajointcare.com

www.hanff.com

ORTHOPAEDICS

Dolfi Herscovici, D.O.,FAAOS

Orthopaedic, Foot and Ankle Surgery

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Orthopaedic Surgery

EDUCATION: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine D.O.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Bayonet Point, Oak Hill Hospital

Medicare Accepted

The Center for Bone & Joint Disease

16506 Pointe Village Dr., Suite 109

Lutz, FL 33558 7544 Jacque Rd.

Hudson, FL 34667 10221 Yale Ave.

Brooksville, FL 34613

(727) 605-3808 * (727) 697-2200

(352) 596-0900

www.centerforboneandjoint.com

ORTHOPAEDICS

Kirill Ilalov, M.D.

Spine Surgeon / Orthopaedic Surgery

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

EDUCATION: Fellowship at Texas Back Institute

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Bayonet Point, Oak Hill Hospital, St. Joseph’s North

The Center for Bone & Joint Disease

10221 Yale Ave. Brooksville, FL 34613

(727) 697-2200 * (352) 596-0600

www.centerforboneandjoint.com

ORTHOPAEDICS

George Kardashian, M.D.

Orthopaedic, Hand & Microvascular Surgery

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Orthopaedic Surgery and Hand Surgery

EDUCATION: NY University Hospital for Joint Diseases, Hand Fellowship at University of Miami

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Bayonet Point, Oak Hill Hospital, Trinity Medical Center, St Joseph’s North

Medicare Accepted

The Center for Bone & Joint Disease

7544 Jacque Rd.

Hudson, FL 34667

10221 Yale Ave.

Brooksville, FL 34613

(727) 697-2200 * (352) 596-0900

www.centerforboneand joint.com

ORTHOPAEDICS

Aaron Mates, M.D.

Orthopaedic Surgery, Foot & Ankle

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

EDUCATION: University of South Alabama, BS, MS, MD, Internship, Residency, Andrew Institute

Fellowship

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Comprehensive Outpatient Joint & Spine Institute, Medical Center of Trinity, New Port Richey Surgery Center at Trinity, AdventHealth North Pinellas, BayCare Surgery Center, Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin

Florida Joint Care Institute

2165 Little Road Trinity, FL 34655

(727) 372-6637 * (727) 477-9453 Text

www.floridajointcare.coma

ORTHOPAEDICS

Bryan T. Moynihan, PA-C

Orthopaedic Physician Assistant

BOARD CERTIFICATION: FL DOH Physician

Assistant License, American Academy of Physician

Assistant

EDUCATION: Hofstra University

Medicare Accepted

Most Major Medical Accepted

West Coast Musculoskeletal Institute

14555 Cortez Blvd.

Brooksville, FL 34613

(352) 556-4823

www.wcmiortho.com

32 Pasco Hernando MEDICAL GUIDE

Sunday, January 29, 2023Tampa Bay Times Special Advertising Section

ORTHOPAEDICS

Daniel Moynihan, M.D.

Orthopedic

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Oak Hill Hospital, Brooksville Regional, Spring Hill Regional

Medicare Accepted

Most Major Insurance Accepted

West Coast Musculoskeletal Institute 14555 Cortez Blvd.

Brooksville, FL 34613

(352) 556-4823

www.wcmiortho.com

Keep your mind sharp with popular puzzles and games

SURGERY ORTHOPAEDIC Huy Nguyen, M.D.

Physiatry / Orthopaedics

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

EDUCATION: Tufts University School of Medicine

Medicare Accepted

The Center for Bone & Joint Disease 7544 Jacque Rd.

Hudson, FL 34667 10221 Yale Ave.

Brooksville, FL 34613

(727) 697-2200 * (352) 596-0900

Centerforboneandjoint.com

It’s game time! Enjoy an array of interactive games and puzzles available online now. Plus, find even more puzzles printed in the GameTimes section every Sunday in the Times. Game on!

ORTHOPAEDICS

Kenton Panas, M.D.

Sports Fellowship Shoulder

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

EDUCATION: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Bayonet Point, Oak Hill

Medicare Accepted

The Center For Bone & Joint Disease

7544 Jacque Rd.

Hudson, FL 34667 10221 Yale Ave.

Brooksville, FL 34613

(727) 697-2200 * (352) 596-0900

Centerforboneandjoint.com

We prideourselvesonproviding exceptional podiatric care. Fromour staff to ourphysicians, we strive to takeourtime,listen to ourpatients, andcreate a welcomingenvironment. Ourpracticeencompasses ALL ASPECTS of podiatric care—includingdiabetic footcare, heelpain, wound care, fungalinfections,dermatologic conditions,injuries/fractures,arthritis, neuropathy, flat feet,bunions,hammer toe, athlete’s foot,andmore.

ORTHOPAEDICS

Juan Raposo, M.D.

Orthopaedic, Spine & Trauma Surgery

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons

EDUCATION: Spine Fellowship at OrthoSpine Center and Trauma Fellowship at Southwest

Orthopaedic Group

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Bayonet Point, Oak Hill Hospital, Trinity Medical Center, St. Joseph’s North

Medicare Accepted

The Center for Bone & Joint Disease

16506 Pointe Village Dr., Suite 109

Lutz, FL 33558 7544 Jacque Rd.

Hudson, FL 34667 10221 Yale Ave.

Brooksville, FL 34613

(727) 605-3808 * (727) 697-2200

(352) 596-0900

www.centerforboneandjoint.com

ORTHOPAEDICS

Jared Salinsky, D.O.

Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

EDUCATION: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Oak Hill, Bayonet Point

Medicare Accepted

The Center for Bone & Joint Disease 7544 Jacque Rd. Hudson, FL 34667 10221 Yale Ave.

Brooksville, FL 34613

(727) 697-2200 * (352) 596-0900

Centerforboneandjoint.com

ORTHOPAEDICS

Michael D. Shawer, PA-C

Orthopaedic Physician Assistant

BOARD CERTIFICATION: FL DOH Physician

Assistant License, American Academy of Physician Assistants

EDUCATION: Nova SE University

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: OH, BFSH, BF B’Ville

Medicare Accepted

Most Major Insurance Accepted

West Coast Musculoskeletal Institute 14555 Cortez Blvd.

Brooksville, FL 34613

(352) 556-4823

www.wcmiortho.com

ORTHOPAEDICS

Imad E. Tarabishy, M.D.,P.A.

Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Oak Hill Hospital, Bravera Health Brooksville and Bravera Health Spring Hill

Medicare Accepted

Dr. Imad Tarabishy Orthopedics

11339 Cortez Blvd.

Brooksville, FL 34613

(352) 596-8558

www.tarabishyorthopedics.com

PHYSIATRY / PAIN MANAGEMENT

Christopher Reyher, M.D.

Interventional Spine and Conservative

Pain Management

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; American Board of Pain Management

EDUCATION: University of Chicago Schwab Rehab Hospital

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Bayonet Point

The Center for Bone & Joint Disease

7544 Jacque Rd.

Hudson, FL 34667

10221 Yale Ave.

Brooksville, FL 34613

(727) 697-2200 * (352) 596-0900

www.centerforboneandjoint.com

PODIATRY

David M. Allen, DPM

Podiatry

EDUCATION: Temple University

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Trinity Medical Center

Medicare Accepted

Foot and Ankle Medical Center

5141 Deer Park Dr., Building IC

New Port Richey, FL 34653

5463 Commercial Way Spring Hill, FL 34606

(727) 847-2406 * (352) 596-3338

PODIATRY

Nahed Bolis, DPM

Podiatry

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Podiatric Medicine

EDUCATION: New York College of Podiatric Medicine

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Oak Hill Hospital, Bayfront Health, BayCare

Medicare Accepted

Foot and Ankle Medical Center, PLLC

5141 Deer Park Dr, 1C

New Port Richey, FL 34653

463 Commercial Way

Spring Hill, FL 34606

(727) 847-2406 * (352) 596-3338

www.footandanklemc.com

34 Pasco Hernando MEDICAL GUIDE

Sunday, January 29, 2023Tampa Bay Times Special Advertising Section

PODIATRY

Alexander Pappas, DPM,FAC,FAS

Foot & Ankle Surgery, Podiatry

EDUCATION: Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Bayonet Point, Oak Hill Hospital

The Center for Bone & Joint Disease

16506 Pointe Village Dr., Suite 109 Lutz, FL 33558 7544 Jacque Rd.

Hudson, FL 34667 10221 Yale Ave. Brooksville, FL 34613

(727-605-3808 * (727) 692-2200

(352) 596-0900

www.centerforboneandjoint.com

SPORTS MEDICINE

Martin Rodrigo Canillas, M.D. Family Medicine & Sports Medicine

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Family and Sports Medicine and ECFMG

EDUCATION: Universidad Nacional de Asuncion, University of Oklahoma

RESIDENCY: INPRO Physical Medicine & Rehab

Medicare Accepted Most Insurance Accepted

West Coast Musculoskeletal Institute

14555 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville, FL 34613

(352) 556-4823

www.wcmiortho.com

SPORTS MEDICINE

Matthew Marsh, M.D. Sports Medicine

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Sports and Family Medicine

EDUCATION: St.Vincent Medical Center

Medicare Accepted

Most Major Insurance Accepted

West Coast Musculoskeletal Institute

14555 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville, FL 34613

(352) 556-4823

www.wcmiortho.com

SURGERY - GENERAL

Jared Frattini, M.D.

Colorectal Surgery

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery

EDUCATION: Georgetown Medical School, Yale University Surgical Residency, Cleveland Clinic Florida Fellowship

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: AdventHealth North Pinellas and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Medicare Accepted

Gulf Coast Surgical Group 2439 Country Place Blvd., Suite 102 New Port Richey, FL 34655

(727) 845-1662 * Fax: (727) 264-8869

www.gulfcoastsurgicalgroup.com

SUGERY- ORTHOPAEDIC

John B. Fuller, M.D.

Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand Surgery

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Board Eligible

Orthopaedic Surgery

EDUCATION: University of Florida, Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, William Beaumont

Army Medical Center/Texas Tech University

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: HCA Florida Trinity Hospital

Medicare Accepted

Florida Joint Care Institute

2165 Little Rd. Trinity, FL 34655

(727) 372-6637

appointments@floridajointcare.com

SURGERY ORTHOPAEDIC

Dragomir Mijic, D.O.

Orthopaedic Surgery

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Fellowship - trained shoulder and elbow Orthopaedic Surgeon

EDUCATION: Medical Degree - Des Moines University; Residency - Michigan State; Fellowship - Holy Cross Hospital

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Bayfront Health

Brooksville, Oak Hill, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Medicare Accepted

The Center for Bone and Joint Diseases

8281 S. Suncoast Blvd.

Homosassa, FL 34446

10221 Yale Ave.

Brooksville, FL 34613 7544 Jacque Rd

Hudson, FL 34667

(352) 596-0090 * (352) 597-2664

(727)697-2200

www.centerforboneandjoint.com

SURGERY ORTHOPAEDIC Korey Yngstrom, D.O.

Hip / Trauma Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Board Eligible

EDUCATION: Monmouth University, Rowan University of Osteopathic Medicine, VCU Orthopedic Trauma Program, Zucker School of Medicine

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Bayonet Point HCA, Oak Hill Hospital

Medicare Accepted

The Center for Bone & Joint Disease

7544 Jacque Rd.

Hudson, FL 34667

10221 Yale Ave.

Brooksville, FL 34613

(727) 697-2200 * (352) 596-0900

Djones@centerforboneandjoint.com

www.centerforboneandjoint.com

Online Health Resources

www.cdc.gov

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

www.nih.gov

National Institutes for Health

www.floridahealth.gov

Florida Department of Health

www.drugs.com

www.medicare.gov

www.diabetes.org

American Diabetes Association

www.cancer.org

American Cancer Society

www.heart.org

American Heart Association

www.alz.org

Alzheimer’s Association

www.namipasco.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness-Pasco County

www.namihernando.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness-Hernando County

UROLOGY

David DiPiazza, M.D.

Male & Female Urology, Specializing in Robot-Assisted Surgery

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Board Certified Urology and Urogynocology (Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery)

EDUCATION: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Medical Center of Trinity, Mease Countryside Hospital, Mease Dunedin Hospital, AdventHealth North Pinellas, Morton Plant North Bay

Medicare Accepted Advanced Urology Institute 2148 Duck Slough Blvd., Suite 102 New Port Richey, FL 34655

(727) 375-1975

www.advancedurologyinstitute.com

UROLOGY

Brian Hale, M.D. FACS

Urology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Urology

EDUCATION: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Mease Countryside Hospital, Mease Dunedin Hospital, AdventHealth North Pinellas, Medical Center of Trinity, Morton Plant North Bay

Medicare Accepted Advanced Urology Institute 35095 US Hwy 19 N., Suite 202 Palm Harbor, Fl 34684

(727) 375-1975

www.advancedurologyinstitute.com

UROLOGY

Juan Otheguy, M.D., FACS

Male & Female Urology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Diplomate of American Board of Urology

EDUCATION: Universidad Central del Caribe, University of Puerto Rico

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: North Bay, Medical Center of Trinity

Medicare Accepted Urology Professionals

2075 Little Rd.

New Port Richey, FL 34655

(727) 375-5520

UROLOGY Richard Rabinowitz, M.D., FACS

Male & Female Urology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: Diplomate of American Board of Urology

EDUCATION: Northwestern University, Washington University, St. Louis

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: North Bay, Medical Center of Trinity

Medicare Accepted Urology Professionals

2075 Little Rd. Trinity, FL 34655

(727) 375-5520

UROLOGY Amar J. Raval, M.D.

Urology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Urology

EDUCATION: Florida State University, College of Medicine

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: AdventHealth North Pinellas, Medical Center of Trinity, Mease Countryside Hospital, Mease Dunedin Hospital, Morton Plant North Bay

Medicare Accepted

Advanced Urology Institute

35095 US Hwy 19 N., Suite 202 Palm Harbor, FL 34684

(727) 375-1975

www.advancedurologyinstitute.com

UROLOGY Ali Syed, M.D.

Urology

BOARD CERTIFICATION: American Board of Urology

EDUCATION: SUNY Upstate Medical University

HOSPITAL AFFILIATION: Medical Center of Trinity, Mease Countryside Hospital, Mease Dunedin Hospital, AdventHealth North Pinellas, Morton Plant North Bay

Medicare Accepted Advanced Urology Institute 2148 Duck Slough Blvd., Suite 102 New Port Richey, FL 34655 35095 US Hwy 19 N., Suite 202 Palm Harbor, FL 34684

(727) 375-1975 * (727) 771-0600

www.advancedurologyinstitute.com

Coffee: The Risks vs. The Rewards

By Sally Moe, Times Total Media Correspondent

Coffee is as entrenched in American culture as burgers and beer. According to the 2020 Atlas of American Coffee, 62% of us Yanks drink coffee every day and 70% drink it every week. (Those numbers are on the rise: 2022 figures have daily coffee drinkers at 64%.) But as much as we love the stuff, we have been exposed to reams of conflicting information over the years about whether it’s good or bad for health. Chalk that up to flawed studies, and failure to take into account such other lifestyle factors as smoking, alcohol use, or lack of exercise.

But WAIT! There’s more!

• Boosting energy levels (You knew that, of course – but one small study found that consuming caffeine increased time to exhaustion during a cycling exercise by 12%, and significantly reduced subjective levels of fatigue in participants.)

• Support of brain health: According to one review of 13 studies, people who regularly consumed coffee had a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. What’s more, caffeine consumption also slowed the progression of Parkinson’s over time. Another review of 11 observational studies in more than 29,000 people also found that the more coffee people consumed, the lower their risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Several studies have demonstrated that moderate coffee consumption could be associated with a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

• Promoting weight management: Coffee could help support weight management and may be linked to decreased body fat. One study also found that people who consumed coffee were more likely to be physically active.

• A lowered risk of depression: According to one review of seven studies, each cup of coffee people consumed per day was linked to an 8% lower risk of depression.

• Reduced risk of early death: Compared with non-drinkers, those who drank 3-5 cups of coffee daily were 15% less likely to die early from all causes, including cardiovascular disease, suicide, and Parkinson’s disease. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee provided benefits. The study authors suggested that bioactive compounds in coffee may be responsible for interfering with disease development by reducing inflammation and insulin resistance.

Right now, with those factors accounted for in studies, the consensus is that the good well outweighs the bad. So let’s start with the good. For instance: Did you know that coffee has more antioxidants than black and green teas? Research into the effects of coffee has plenty more to say. Studies indicate regular consumption offers protection against:

• Type 2 diabetes (one review of 30 studies found that each cup of coffee test subjects consumed per day was linked to a 6% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is thought to be due to coffee’s ability to preserve the function of beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.)

• Liver disease, including liver cancer: research shows that the more coffee people drink, the lower their risk of death from chronic liver disease. Drinking one cup of coffee per day was tied to a 15% lower risk, while drinking four cups per day was linked to a 71% lower risk. As little as 2-3 cups of coffee a day can result in a 38% reduction of risk of developing liver cancer.

• Heart attack and stroke: Some research shows that drinking coffee could be linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Furthermore, habitual coffee drinking has been associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease in women.

Obviously, there are many benefits associated with regular coffee intake, but it’s still not for everybody, due to a number of factors. For instance:

• Coffee can temporarily raise blood pressure

• Too much coffee can increase your heart rate, cause palpitations, and increase production of stress hormones

• Coffee can irritate your stomach and GI tract

• In sensitive individuals, coffee can worsen anxiety

• Coffee may worsen the symptoms of GERD, because it relaxes the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus, enabling acid reflux

• Unfiltered coffee (Turkish coffee, French press, espresso) contains diterpenes, which raise LDL cholesterol and triglycerides

Finally, coffee is not good for kids under 12; and should be consumed with care or avoided by those who have IBS; overactive bladder; Crohn’s; glaucoma; hypertension; arrhythmias; epilepsy; anxiety or panic disorder; or are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you love coffee, but are uncertain about whether it would help or hurt you, don’t go to Facebook University – get the 411 from your doctor.

Information for this article was sourced from healthline.com, mayoclinic.org, hsph.harvard.edu, ncausa.org, and eatthis.com.

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