Collier Edition

A breast cancer diagnosis can spur many emotions, and anxiety is certainly one of them. Throughout this journey — diagnosis, treatment, and recovery — often brings about significant anxiety due to the uncertainties and stress associated with the disease. However, emerging research suggests that adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise can play a crucial role in managing …

Nearly all of us have experienced heartburn on an occasional basis, but if you are feeling the burn more than twice a week, you could have gastroesophageal reflux disease, one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. In fact, it’s estimated that 20% of us in Southwest Florida have GERD. “It can be challenging to tell the difference between acid reflux, …

The interconnection between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and cardiovascular (CV) disease highlights a significant area of concern within public health and clinical management. COPD is a progressive respiratory condition marked by obstructed airflow from the lungs, leading to symptoms like breathing difficulty, cough, mucus (sputum) production, and wheezing. It’s not only a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide …

By Nancy J. Tarbell, MD FASTRO – Director of Health and Wellness Regular physical activity has long been recognized for its multitude of benefits, and recent research further underscores its role as a potential treatment option for depression. A study published in The BMJ revealed compelling evidence linking various forms of exercise to decreased symptoms of depression, both when practiced …

By Amy Hoffmann Schenk, RN, BSN, MS Ed, Community Engagement Lead Neuropsychiatric Research Center of SW Florida Wow, it is already April! How many of you remember the saying “April showers bring May flowers”? It was always important to have your umbrella handy. That is not necessarily true here in Florida, but I remember it distinctly growing up in NW …

The field of ophthalmology has taken a remarkable leap forward with the introduction of the RXSIGHT™ Light Adjustable Lens (LAL). As a groundbreaking addition to premium lens technology, this innovative solution is redefining the post-cataract surgery experience for patients seeking optimal vision outcomes. Traditionally, cataract surgery has provided patients with improved vision by replacing the clouded natural lens with an …

In the journey of life, death is an inevitable destination that we must all face. Despite its certainty, many individuals and families find themselves unprepared when the time comes to bid farewell to a loved one. The burden of making funeral arrangements can be overwhelming during grief and mourning. However, one can alleviate some of the stress associated with end-of-life …

By Jenny Bradley April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to highlight the challenges those living with this condition face and foster a deeper understanding of how we can all support better health and wellness. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 10 million people worldwide are impacted by the disease. While living with the disease is challenging, here are some practical …

By Dr. Michael Shaffer Your neck is the pedestal for your head. It is made up of 7 bones called vertebrae. These are stacked on top of each other to form the top of the spinal column. This is the main structure which protects the spinal cord and links the network of nerves throughout your body. Messages travel along this …

One out of every eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. The first line of defense against this awful disease is early detection through quality imaging – performed routinely throughout every woman’s lifetime. “In patients identified as high-risk, where the chances of breast cancer are increased, additional screening with MRI is …