Collier Edition

Funeral traditions vary greatly across cultures and regions, reflecting diverse beliefs, customs, and practices surrounding death and mourning. While traditional funeral services remain prevalent, modern innovations and changes in end-of-life services offer alternative approaches to honoring and memorializing loved ones. Traditional Funeral Practices In many cultures, traditional funeral practices involve rituals and ceremonies that commemorate the deceased’s life and provide …

By Svetlana Kogan, M.D. Patient asked: Over the past month, I have been experiencing severe lower back pain while lying in bed. I have no idea what’s causing it since I have not done any heavy lifting or unusual activity. Some nights the pain is so sharp that I can’t even fall asleep. Why is this happening to me? Dr.Kogan’s …

By Dr. Michael Shaffer Douglass Hill is a busy fella. Entrepreneur, Lacrosse coach, gym rat, community activist, man on a mission to enjoy life. Then one day, while carrying a heavy object with a helper, Doug’s world changed. The helper dropped the object, and Doug ended up with a protruding disc and pain that intensified over days. Handfuls of pain …

FGCU’s Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging aims to transform opportunities for living well while living long The Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging is a regional hub to connect Florida Gulf Coast University with community organizations supporting the older adult community in Southwest Florida. Faculty, staff and students from FGCU’s Marieb College of Health & Human Services and from …

By Jenny Bradley May is Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate the profound contributions of members of our communities. This year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” emphasizes the importance of social engagement and meaningful relationships as we age. Across the country, older adults are proving that later life is a time of growth and vitality. Whether sharing their wisdom with …

Arthritis, a term encompassing over 100 different types of joint diseases and conditions, affects millions worldwide, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. As the world marks Arthritis Awareness Month this May, it’s imperative to shed light on this often misunderstood condition and its impact on individuals and communities. Arthritis is not a condition confined to the elderly; it can affect …

Dr. Katia Taba, Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Retinal Specialist May marks Stroke Awareness Month, a crucial time to highlight the importance of understanding strokes and their potential impact on various aspects of health, including vision. While strokes primarily affect the brain, their repercussions can extend to the eyes, often serving as early indicators or resulting in lasting visual impairments. As we …

In the quest for youthful, radiant skin, individuals often explore various skincare treatments and procedures. Among these, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) microneedling has emerged as a revolutionary approach, captivating the attention of skincare enthusiasts and professionals alike. Combining the power of PRP therapy with microneedling techniques, this innovative procedure offers promising results in skin rejuvenation, collagen stimulation, and overall skin health …

By Kathy V. Verdes, APRN, A-GNP-C Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to the death of brain cells. It is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, yet it is largely preventable. Increasing awareness about stroke, its risk factors, and preventive measures is crucial in reducing its …

Decibels Audiology Audiologist Encourages Residents to Learn the Signs of Hearing Loss This National Speech-Language-Hearing Month Rachel Spencer, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology/Ear Nerd According to new estimates, 1 in 9 Americans has hearing loss in both ears. Although hearing loss can have serious consequences when left unaddressed, it is often not prioritized as a health or quality-of-life issue. This is …