Charlotte Edition

By Anne-Marie Chalmers, MD Is there a relationship between taking fish oil and exercise performance? That was our hypothesis when we started giving Wellpride® fish oil to Thoroughbred racehorses nearly two decades ago. The theory held water. Trainers reported that their horses had better endurance and recovered faster after racing. Today, we know a lot more about how omega-3 fatty …

Have you ever wondered why your doctor places their hand on your throat and asks you to swallow? This common test allows the doctor to check for thyroid nodules. Although thyroid nodules are extremely common and usually benign, there are growing numbers of people with thyroid cancer and other thyroid issues. The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland. It produces …

By Jessica Guerra, L. Ac, AP While acupuncture can be used to treat virtually any health condition, by far the most commonly thought of medical issue for acupuncture is pain.  And with good reason.  Acupuncture is safe, natural, and has virtually no side effects.  Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated acupuncture to provide effective and lasting pain relief for lower back …

By Premier Foot & Ankle Specialists What is complex regional pain syndrome? Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a form of chronic pain that usually affects the arms, hands, legs, and feet. CRPS is uncommon, and its cause is not completely understood. CRPS is characterized by “pain out of proportion” to the severity of the initial injury. It is thought …

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 …