Collier Edition

One-third of seniors age 65+ experience an accidental fall each year, and fall-related mortality is on the rise. It’s no wonder that heightened fall risk leads to fractures, fear of falling, loss of confidence, and subsequent self-restricted activities. Medicare and the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) recommend that clinicians include fall risk assessment as part of every annual geriatric wellness exam. The …

As we age, we weather a number of changes, not the least of which may include vision loss. In fact, by the time we reach the age of 65, one in six suffers some type of visual impairment. As vision loss progresses and daily tasks become more difficult, it can mean losing the ability to live an independent life. It’s Not …

By Hector J. Cordero, M.D. Just like it’s critical for the elderly to get their pneumococcal vaccinations, it’s also just as critical for babies. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends routine administration of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or Prevnar13®) for all children younger than 2 years of age: • Give PCV13 to infants as a series of 4 …

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects 10 million women worldwide. It can begin early in the teenage years or develop later on. Despite its name, many women that have the disorder do not have ovarian cysts, while some do. PCOS is, however, a hormonal imbalance disorder that is thought to be genetic and environmental. Symptoms The three main hormones that are disrupted …

By Greg Pascucci Often, people believe old age and frailty go hand-in-hand. Studies show quite the contrary! Both psychological and physical aspects of aging are affected by older adults’ activity level. In fact, there is documented evidence from the National University of Singapore that found frailty in seniors can actually be reversed. “As we age, we become more sedentary and …

By Luga Podesta, MD The Gulf of Mexico with all of its backwaters, rivers and tributaries are literally out our back doors. It is no wonder that Southwest Florida is a fisherman’s paradise. Although we don’t often equate fishing with orthopedic or musculoskeletal injuries, these injuries occur much more often then we realize and are frequently overlooked. Fishing is a …

By Dr. Katia Taba, Personalized Retina Care of Naples When it comes to vision loss or visual changes, it is imperative that individuals see an ophthalmologist because as we age, low vision can make many daily living requirements that we often take for granted difficult or impossible to accomplish. For example, driving, reading, shopping, financial organization, and medication management all require …

Both integrated pain management and interventional pain management are treatment styles designed to help people relieve chronic and acute pain and discomfort. According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain – nearly four times the number of people who have diabetes and more than five times the number of people who suffer …

By Dr. Carolina Young Although it can be an uncomfortable topic for men, erectile dysfunction is extremely common. This is especially true in men ages 35-80 years of age. The most prevalent cause of the disorder is vascular disease, which leads to narrowing of the arteries and decreased blood flow. It’s important to see a medical professional if you are experiencing …

By Anne Marie Tremaine, MD It is no surprise that gel nails have become very popular. They are quick and easy to apply, have amazing durability, and an incredible glossy appearance. As a busy mom and physician, if I am going to take the time do my nails, I need them to be indestructible. But the question remains, are the …