Lee Edition

Do you hear unusual noise in your head? You are NOT alone! Between 25 and 50 million Americans are plagued with a condition that is imperceptible to other people. They look normal, but they are suffering. In some cases, their agony drives them to consider suicide. Tinnitus is frequently described as ringing in the ears. The sounds are described in …

As technology advances, understanding medical exams and procedures becomes more complex. The quality of services provided is an important consideration. The American Cancer Society endorses mammography, along with yearly physical examinations and monthly self-examinations, as the most effective means of detecting breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. Generally, mammography can reveal benign and cancerous growths before you …

By James J. O’Mailia, M.D., Gastroenterologist Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS, is a symptom based gastrointestinal disorder, which is often challenging for patients and their health care providers. It is characterized by abdominal discomfort, cramping, bloating, and a change of bowel habits. Irritable bowel syndrome affects 10 to 20% of the population and it affects nearly twice as many women than …

By Ulla-Undine Merritt (Dee) National Producer Number (NPN) 8853366 There are Special Election Periods for eligible individuals to purchase creditable health insurance coverage.  Most life change events have a maximum of 60 days to make that change. The majority of the time you’re earliest effective date is the 1st of the month following your application. Medicare and Under 65 Medical …

WHAT is Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS)? PWS is a complex genetic disorder affecting appetite, growth, metabolism, cognitive function and behavior. It is typically characterized by low muscle tone, short stature, incomplete sexual development, cognitive disabilities, problem behaviors, and the hallmark characteristics—involuntary and uncontrollable chronic feelings of hunger and a slowed metabolism that can lead to excessive eating and life-threatening obesity. Those …

By Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG Until recently, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) was rarely addressed because women were reluctant to discuss the embarrassing symptoms. POP is one of the most common disorders women will face in their lifetime. Today, many gynecologists and primary care physicians routinely screen women for symptoms, and a new surgical specialty of urogynecology has arisen to treat pelvic …

By Dr. John C. Kagan, M.D. Spring is here, and with this time of year come many of the popular sports activities that we know and love. The great advantage  of living in Florida is the endless opportunities to get outside and remain active, but with this opportunity comes the responsibility to ensure that we are taking care of our …

Q&A  with Hazelden in Naples, Executive Director, Brenda J. Iliff, MA Q: Why is the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation enhancing the treatment of opioid dependence? A: As a leader in the addiction industry, The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation continues to respond to the national epidemic of addiction to opioids, including prescription painkillers (OxyContin, Vicodin, Demerol, etc.) and heroin, and a …

By Ramon Gil, M.D. As scientists and medical researchers continue to make progress searching for the cause(s) of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), and ways to eventually “cure” this illness, the treatment has become not only more effective, but more specialized, requiring from both:  patients and treating neurologists, a more comprehensive understanding of the different aspects of this complex disease. The amount …

By Steven J. Gibbs, Esq. Hello Friends & Colleagues! It is common knowledge among estate planning professionals that reducing the size of larger estates is a key component of limiting the Federal Estate Tax exposure.  Estate reduction may be accomplished through gifting to individuals and other entities, such as Irrevocable Trusts, or pursuing other “spend down” strategies. However, not always …