Lee Edition

The days are notably warmer and longer.  We start to see our summer thunderstorm pattern settle in.  We come to Graduation season, and the pace for weddings picks up as well.  Here in Southwest Florida, we finish saying “See you next Fall!” to most of our seasonal residents, and we get ready for summertime.  It’s a very transitional month. It’s …

By David Ebner – Staff Writer     Since 1990, there have been a plethora of medical breakthroughs. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States even though death rates for heart disease have dropped by more than 35 percent since 1990. With the progress of cancer …

By Matt Fehniger, PT Outpatient Coordinator, Life Care Center of Estero Losses occur at every stage of life, particularly in later years. As we age, we must cope with a variety of setbacks including physical, social and emotional setbacks, which may affect our ability to function independently, jeopardizing our freedom by relying on others for our needs. The extent to …

By Joseph Kandel, M.D. As we head into National Arthritis Awareness month, I thought this would be the perfect time to review the disorder, how it is evaluated, and what professionals and you can do to improve your condition! First, arthritis is inflammation in the joint. This leads to stiffness, soreness, swelling, restriction of range of motion of the joint, …

According to NAMI (National Institute of Mental Illness) one in 10 Americans experience depression at some point in their lives yet only about 20 percent seek professional medical help—even though the condition is completely treatable. “May is National Mental Health Month,” says Jamie Seneca, Community Outreach Director for Nurse On Call. “Why not take this month to reflect on your …

By Debra K. Brinker, RN The popularity of regenerative, non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis has grown in recent years and with good reason. People want options that are less invasive, do not require anesthesia or a hospital stay, and that have successful long-term results.  Being diagnosed with osteoarthritis no longer has to mean giving up leisure activities and signing up for …

Do you hear unusual noise in your head? You are NOT alone! Between 25 and 50 million Americans are plagued with a condition that is imperceptible to other people. They look normal, but they are suffering. In some cases, their agony drives them to consider suicide. Tinnitus is frequently described as ringing in the ears. The sounds are described in …

As technology advances, understanding medical exams and procedures becomes more complex. The quality of services provided is an important consideration. The American Cancer Society endorses mammography, along with yearly physical examinations and monthly self-examinations, as the most effective means of detecting breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. Generally, mammography can reveal benign and cancerous growths before you …

By James J. O’Mailia, M.D., Gastroenterologist Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS, is a symptom based gastrointestinal disorder, which is often challenging for patients and their health care providers. It is characterized by abdominal discomfort, cramping, bloating, and a change of bowel habits. Irritable bowel syndrome affects 10 to 20% of the population and it affects nearly twice as many women than …

By Ulla-Undine Merritt (Dee) National Producer Number (NPN) 8853366 There are Special Election Periods for eligible individuals to purchase creditable health insurance coverage.  Most life change events have a maximum of 60 days to make that change. The majority of the time you’re earliest effective date is the 1st of the month following your application. Medicare and Under 65 Medical …