Collier Edition

Physicians Regional Healthcare System is excited to welcome Matei Popa-Radu, D.O. to their medical staff. Dr. Popa-Radu joins a highly skilled team of cardiologists and cardiac-disease specialists at Physicians Regional. Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis and care of the cardiovascular system. Since there are so many aspects of your heart’s function, your cardiologist …

By Dr. Graciela Garton In 2021, the American Cancer Society estimated 14,480 new cases of cervical cancer, which ranked 20th among all cancer types. That was well below the estimated 284,200 newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer. Although cervical cancer is far down the list, any case above zero is one too many. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and …

By Colin E. Champ, MD, CSCS – Radiation Oncologist A common side effect of cancer treatment is a lack of hunger. Well-intentioned families worry that their loved ones are not eating, but we often forget how much taste drives hunger; without a taste for food, the once pleasurable activity of eating becomes a dreadful chore. A lack of hunger for …

Start the new year right by committing to you in 2022. Simple actions can make a big impact on your health over time. Catalina Niculae MD, a primary care physician with Physicians Regional Medical Group, shares a few to consider this year. Connect with others. Spend time with friends, family and those you care about. You’ll benefit your mental well-being and your …

By Blue Zones Project Southwest Florida Many of us have heard the expression that the “whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” This is especially true when it comes to community health and well-being. There are multiple key factors that drive well-being that not only impact each individual, but also determines how much an entire community thrives. Ten …

By Dr. James M. Ray and Dr. Valerie Sorge Joint pain from arthritis can be acute or chronic, large or small joints in location, nociceptive or neuropathic, but the underlying origin is inflammation. Our body”s mediators of inflammation include cytokines, neuropeptides, growth factors and neurotransmitters. Inflammation happens in everyone. Our immune system creates inflammation to protect the body from infection, …

By Dr. Daniel Wasserman Melanin is the component that gives people the color of their skin and hair, it can be demonstrated in photoaging, or due to hormones. Unwanted pigment in the skin is one of the most common aesthetic complaints we see in the office. It can be acquired through extensive cumulative sun/UV exposure, genetics, or both. Many of …

By Tom Everts PA-C, IFMCP Over 12 percent of people in the United States will end up developing a thyroid condition in their lifetime. About 60 percent won’t realize they have a condition. One in eight will be women. The associated risks are not benign, and include impact on fertility and pregnancy, as well as cardiovascular disease. The thyroid has …

As we age, our needs change. Maybe the responsibilities of homeownership have become overwhelming. You no longer want to mow the lawn, make repairs, or be so far away from loved ones and friends. In other cases, a spouse might need daily care due to a specific condition, or perhaps your loved one has a neurodegenerative disorder, such as dementia …

Diet and exercise are pillars for healthy aging that many people overlook. Usually, patients will say they don’t feel like they have the time, willpower, or enough knowledge about healthy nutrition to embark on or follow through with health and fitness protocols. Speaking to your health care provider is critical before starting any new exercise or making dietary changes, and …