Collier Edition

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that affects nearly 15 million people in the United States. Depression often either goes untreated or is managed with different kinds of oral medications such as, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Most of these medications take several weeks before a …

Did you know that out of the millions of people that set New Year Resolution goals, 92% fail? Why do so many individuals quit, fall short or never follow through? The biggest obstacle is setting unrealistic goals. Instead of deciding to run 5 miles a day, resolving to take the stairs, work out 3 to 5 times per week, or …

The intriguing anatomy and process of our brains help us to better understand the production of fear, anxiety, worry and the decision to take flight or to fight. Although medical professionals are still discovering new reasons for depression and anxiety to this day, we know that a tiny portion in the brain called the amygdala, stores emotional and threatening thoughts, …

By Lenore Brakefield, Esq., Partner It’s that time of the year again. With all the holiday parties, treats and goodies, it’s hard to stay focused on getting or staying lean. Don’t fret, this article is about avoiding construction liens and how to deal with them (a/k/a “mechanics lien”). What is a construction lien? Under Florida law, those who provide services …

By Michelle Durham PAIN • ACNE • ANTI-AGING • WOUND HEALING* What is Light Therapy? Light Emitting Diode (LED) phototherapy is the application of light energy to tissue to obtain therapeutic benefits. The energy is used to improve cellular performance. Phototherapy is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties and has a variety of applications across many medical fields. Research …

By Joseph G. Magnant, MD, FACS, RPVI – Vein Specialists of Fort Myers and Bonita Springs We have all likely seen someone walking down the street and noticed large bulging varicose veins and thought “they should really see a doctor about that.” Varicose veins are the most obvious sign of venous disease, and represents a medical condition called venous insufficiency …

By Russell Becker, DO, Vascular Surgeon It’s the new year, 2020, are you still going to keep ignoring the pain in your leg, or are you finally going to get a proper diagnosis and treatment? If you keep letting it go, you could potentially lose your limb! Individuals with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) have blood flow disruptions usually in the …

By Anna M Avola DMD, MS It is often said that your eyes are the window to your soul. Perhaps it could also be said that your smile is the window to your overall health! It’s that time of the year again when we start to think about resolutions for the New Year. Of course, the number one resolution has …

Were you one of the many people that were gifted a new puppy or kitten or rescued pet over the holiday season? If you are a new pet owner, understanding the tasks at hand is essential for your pet’s health, happiness, and safety. Things to know, do, and figure out as a new pet parent: #1 Routines Getting your new …

By Anne Marie Tremaine, MD Childbirth, aging, and hormonal variations can lead to significant changes to the vulvovaginal skin and mucosa that can negatively affect a woman’s quality of life. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause laxity of the pelvic anatomy. In menopause, our estrogen decreases causing atrophy (thinning) of the mucosa. These changes can lead to symptoms such as pain …