Charlotte Edition

Pancreatic cancer is the 10th most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, accounting for about 3% of all cancers and 7% of all cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Due to various factors, the disease is difficult to detect at an early stage, when it is more treatable. Understanding Pancreatic Cancer The pancreas gland, about 6 inches …

By Heidi Smith, Contributor If you frequently choke while swallowing food, you may have an uncommon and potentially serious condition called Zenker’s Diverticulum. Sovi Joseph, M.D., is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over 40 years of experience specializing in gastroenterology, including treating many patients with ZD. Based in Port Charlotte with ShorePoint Medical Group, Dr. Joseph specializes in gastroenterology, internal medicine, …

By Dr. Todd Pezzi As oncologists, we are constantly seeking better ways to treat patients. Our goals are to find and incorporate more effective approaches especially for patients and diseases that currently have limited options. We must continuously follow emerging research so that we can be as up to date as possible. In this article we will review some of …

By Dr. Aneley Yegezu Hundae, M.D., FACC Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Your blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day. When it is high, it is called hypertension. Hypertension is dangerous because it can damage your heart …

By Dr. Melissa Houston The year 2023 will be here in just a few weeks. How do you plan to start your New Year? It’s a great time to finish things that you’ve started. Do you have college credits but for one reason or another, you didn’t earn a college degree? Does the idea of spending years to graduate make …

By Duane Wiggins, M.D. Board Certified Ophthalmologist, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon with Quigley Eye Specialists Your eyes have a natural lens. The lens bends or refracts light rays that come into your eye to help you see. This lens should be clear. As we age, most of us will develop cataracts, which is when our lens becomes cloudy. Seeing through …

By Afton Patterson It’s not unusual for seniors to struggle with their mental health during the holidays. There is so much pressure during the holiday season to create a picture-perfect holiday and to spend it with family. But for seniors, the holidays can be very lonely. Seniors who have lost their spouse or can’t be with their children because they …

By Dr. Noël Crosby, Au.D. Imagine having no access to hearing healthcare. This is the case for 466 million people worldwide — of which 34 million are children. In the United States, untreated hearing loss may lead to isolation, depression, and lower earning potential. In many other countries, it may lead to ostracization, little or no education, and physical abuse. …

By James W. Mallonee There is a case pending with the following facts: 1) The spouses are separated and had been for a good ten years; 2) One of the spouses elected to purchase a vacant lot and build a residential home on the lot; 3) The spouse who was building the new home had two children who were over …

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 …