Healthy Living January 2016

Im I ag a ine e … Ev E ery y pa p rt of f Th T e Life e Cennte t r foor r Woome m n wa w s insppirired d by y ou o r patien e ts t .

Th T e pr p ivvat a e roomms? ? Because s wommen n wananteed them. Th The e deedica c te t d wome m n’ n s ca c re e nurrses? ?

Becacause e wo w meen a asked d for r th t em Mi M ni nimaall l y in invasi s ve sururgeryy? Because e wome m n ne n edded ed it. t

Th The e result is a center bui u lt and dessig i ne n d sppec e ififica c llly y fo f r to todaay’ ’ y s wo woman n and d her r ne n edds.

Vi V sit Leees e burggRegi g onal.oorg to o le l arn moore e

Ca ll l 800 -8889-337555 5 to schedule a pe e rssonnal ized t ou o r.

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

partners for life

Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County is one of the premier providers of cardiac care in Lake County and Central Florida. Founded by Dr. J. Henr y Lesmes in 1992, the practice bears a legacy of innovation, longevity, and consistency that our patients value

Our team of board-certified physicians uses state-of-theart methods to diagnose a wide range of cardiac and vascular diseasesHighlyinnovativethepracticeconsistentlybrings

diseases. Highly innovative, the practice consistently brings cutting-edge treatment to our patients.

As a full-service cardiology practice, Cardiovascular Associates provides complete care for any heart and vascular condition. The group also maintains privileges at the main area hospitals.

Individually, the highly trained cardiologists of Cardiovascular Associates possess unique capabilities that keep them on the cutting edge of advanced heart medicine. However, they collectively maintain a strong sense of camaraderie that provides patients a full continuum of care and a sense of ease at every office visit. Since 1992, we have been your partners for life.

YEARS OF SERVICE TO LAKE COUNTY & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE: Total Joint Replacement // Arthritis Evaluation // Non-Surgical Back Evaluation // Osteoporosis Evaluation // Physical Therapy Diagnostic Radiology // Sports Medicine // Shoulder Surgery // Foot & Ankle Surgery // Trauma & Fracture Management // Arthroscopic Surgery

J. Mandume Kerina, MD

Founder of TriCounty Orthopaedics. Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Advanced Joint Replacement Therapy

Isaac L. Mitchell, MD

Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Shoulder/Upper Extremity and Sports Medicine.

Claudia L. Thomas, MD

Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Orthopaedic Trauma and Spine, National Osteoporosis Foundation Member.

Cedric J. Tankson, MD

Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Foot and Ankle Specialist, Joint Replacement of the Ankle.

Alfred J. Cook, Jr., MD

Board Certified. Fellowship-Trained. Cartilage Rejuvenation, Shoulder Surgery, and Sports Medicine.

John T. Williams, Jr., MD

Founder of TriCounty Orthopaedics. Joint Replacement Therapy, Past Director of Total Joint Program at Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia

CONTENTTS

January 2016

FEATURING

22 // MEDICOM

The medical community in Lake and Sumter counties is comprised of world-renowned hospitals and state-of-the-art medical technology

WRITER: JOHN SOTOMAYOR

32

//

TOP DOCS

Find out which local doctors made the prestigious Castle Connolly’s Top Doctor listings.

39

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HEALTH PROS

There’s no shortage of innovative, talented physicians practicing in Lake and Sumter counties.

74

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DR. WISE

Dr. Jonathan Wise, a local chiropractor, has valiantly battled cancer since being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2013.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

84

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DESIGNER DRUGS

Today, teenagers are using designer drugs, which mimic the effects of banned substances.

ON THE COVER ART DIRECTION: JAMIE EZRA MARK

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK

Surgical Privileges at The Villages Regional Hospital

STAYING HEALTHY

There is no doubt people have become more perceptive and proactive when it comes to making health care choices for themselves. We no longer just accept information without doing some investigation to make the right choices for receiving the best possible outcomes, which is a good thing. We noticed this trend several years back when we launched a listing of the area’s five-star physicians in our January 2011 edition. The issue was a huge hit. In fact, readers requested additional copies.

For this reason, we decided to take a deeper look into the health care available in Lake and Sumter counties. This month, we share important information with you to show why it’s a blessing to live in this area, which by all rights could be considered the Healthcare Hub of Florida.

Because Central Florida is home to the second-largest retirement community in the nation, there has been an ever-increasing demand for superb health care services. The need for skilled physicians who specialize in orthopedics, cardiology, cancer treatment, women’s and men’s special health issues, and much more means residents of Lake and Sumter have access to some of the nation’s finest health care providers.

In this issue, you will find 90 of the area’s Top Docs. Akers Media partnered with Castle Connelly, a national company based in New York City that focuses on helping consumers find the best health care providers in any geographical area. I personally investigated this company to ensure the physicians listed did not pay to be named a top doctor. Castle Connelly begins the process by taking referrals and nominations from the doctor’s peers, and then a physician goes through a rigorous series of reviews that include education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary history.

What if your physician’s name isn’t on the list? Don’t be alarmed, there are thousands of physicians in this area, and if yours is not named, it may simply mean the doctor hasn’t been nominated, or is in the midst of the review process.

For your convenience, this listing will be available on our Healthy Living magazine website, lakehealthyliving.com, for the entire year and will be updated as physicians are added.

We hope you enjoy this issue and find the information we are providing of value.

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year,

Kendra Akers

Comments or questions for our publisher?

Our goal is to provide you with the best quality publication, so your feedback is vital.

KENDRA AKERS publisher/editor-in-chief kendra@akersmediagroup.com

DOUG AKERS vice president doug@akersmediagroup.com

JAMIE EZRA MARK chief creative officer jamie@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY

JAMES COMBS staff writer james@akersmediagroup.com

LEIGH NEELY staff writer/copy editor leigh@akersmediagroup.com

MICHELLE CLARK staff writer michelle@akersmediagroup.com

SHEMIR WILES staff writer shemir@akersmediagroup.com

JOE DELEON creative director joe@akersmediagroup.com

STEVEN J. CODRARO senior art director steve@akersmediagroup.com

JOSH CLARK senior designer josh@akersmediagroup.com

MICHAEL GAULIN production director michael@akersmediagroup.com

FRED LOPEZ chief photographer fred@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS//PHOTOGRAPHERS

ROZ ANDREWS MALINA JEWELL RICK BOSSHARDT, M.D., FACS DR. JREFFERY GLOVER FRED HILTON

KIM BADEN-KRISTENSEN

MARIANNA NICHOLS SCOTT PERKINS DAVE RAMSEY

SALES // MARKETING

TIM MCRAE vice president of sales and marketing tim@akersmediagroup.com

MIKE STEGALL senior account representative mike@akersmediagroup.com

MELANIE MELVIN director of client services melanie@akerscreative.com

HEIDI RESSLER account representative heidi@akersmediagroup.com

LYNNE KELLEY account representative lynne@akersmediagroup.com

ADMINISTRATION

DEB MATLOCK office manager deb@akerscreative.com

AUBREY AKERS office assistant aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION

SCOTT HEGG distribution manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Dr. Glover opened Leesburgbased Glover Chiropractic Clinic in November 2012. Rather than relying on surgery, medication, or injections, he utilizes drug-free, non-surgical approaches to treat a number of chronic and/ or debilitating conditions. He is a lifelong Lake County resident and 1999 graduate of Leesburg High School.

FRED HILTON

Fred spent 36 years as the chief public relations officer/spokesman for James Madison University in Virginia and 10 years prior as a reporter and editor for The Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia. He is now happily retired in The Villages with his interior designer wife Leta, their Cadillac Escalade golf cart, and their dog Paris. (Yes, that makes her Paris Hilton).

KIM BADEN-KRISTENSEN

Kim Baden founded the Danish brain training company, Brain+, with the vision of creating the most effective and engaging brain training tools from cutting-edge neuroscientific insights. The content in this article is part of the extensive BrainCoach feature in the app, Brain+ Brain Training for iPad and iPhone. Follow Kim on Twitter - @KimBadenK | www. brain-plus.com

RICK BOSSHARDT, M.D., FACS

Rick Bosshardt, M.D., graduated from the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1978. He founded Bosshardt & Marzek Plastic Surgery Associates, Lake County’s first practice to provide full-time cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery services, in 1989.

Dr. Bosshardt and his partner, Dr. Peter Marzek, were the first physicians in Lake County to perform immediate and delayed breast reconstruction following mastectomy, the first to perform microsurgical tissue transfer, and the first to offer ultrasoundassisted liposuction.

SCOTT PERKINS

Scott is author of the book “Discovering Your Root: Developing Your Identity in Christ.” As owner of Perkins Communications, he has spent the past 14 years working alongside church leaders in a variety of contexts—helping them launch new churches and revitalize dying churches. He is trained and certified by Creative Results Management, an organization that trains coaches for church planters and missionaries around the world. He is also a member of the International Coach Federation, the standard bearer and largest certifier of coaches in the world.

DAVE RAMSEY

Dave is a personal money management expert, a national radio personality, and best-selling author of “The Total Money Makeover.“ Ramsey earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Real Estate from the University of Tennessee. A frequent speaker around the country at large-scale live events, he has a nationally syndicated talk show, “The Dave Ramsey Show.“

Outside of his office, Dr. Bosshardt spends a great deal of time exercising. In fact, he has completed a Ironman triathlon, which is one of the most grueling races known to man. During the event, competitors swim 2.4 miles, bicycle 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles.

He has also conquered the Boston Marathon and Disney Marathon and completed several Olympicdistance triathlons and a half Ironman. And each April, he participates in a two-day, 100-mile bicycle ride to raise money for multiple sclerosis research.

“We all have 24 hours in a day, and everyone has time if they make time,” says Dr. Bosshardt, who became a vegetarian in July 2012. “I also believe that everyone is capable of doing more than they do. In one year you can be in a completely different place from a health standpoint.”

CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT

PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD

You can accomplish your 2016 goals of losing weight or getting in shape without being a gym rat. Lake and Sumter counties have several walking trails where you can burn calories while improving cardio health.

PEAR PARK

Enjoy a guided hiking tour with Lake County park rangers or simply discover this amazing 318-acre park by yourself. It is home to 160 species of birds and 40 species of butterflies.

4800 University Avenue

Leesburg

352.253.4950

FLAT ISLAND PRESERVE

Hike at this 2,300-acre conservation area located in the Okahumpka Marsh and enjoy ancient

oak trees and unique birding opportunities. Flat Island Preserve features two wooded islands as well as a 440-foot boardwalk leading to a canoe launch.

2301 Owens Road

Leesburg

352.343.3777

LAKE LOUISA STATE PARK

Hikers can enjoy more than 20 miles of hiking trails through thick Florida vegetation. Plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and birding are available.

KINDNESS: IT’S IN OUR BLOOD

7035 U.S. Hwy. 27

Clermont

352. 394.3969

LAKE OKAHUMPKA PARK

This park features a one-mile paved walking trail with multiple fitness stations along the way. Informational plaques identify trees and plants seen throughout the walk.

6085 E. S.R. 44

Wildwood

352.793.3624

Contrary to popular belief, we don’t have to begin the New Year focusing entirely on ourselves. With January being National Blood Donor Month, we have an opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of others. That’s especially true when you realize someone in this country needs blood every two seconds, according to the American Red Cross.

One Blood has four Lake County locations.

Lady Lake (352.750.4088)

Leesburg (352.728.1223)

Tavares (352.742.2020)

Clermont (352.241.7543)

SAFTEY SCORE

MAKING THE GRADE

For the third consecutive year, Florida Hospital Waterman received an “A” grade in the Hospital Safety Score, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from preventable medical errors, injuries, and infections within the hospital. The score comes from the Leapfrog Group, a national, nonprofit hospital safety watchdog.

“Florida Hospital Waterman has established a solid track record for making patient’s safety a top priority,” said Ross Edmundson, vice president and chief medical officer of the hospital. “Being the only hospital in Lake County to achieve the ‘A’ grade consistently during the past three years is a product of our ability to build a strong, patient-centered culture, focused on providing quality care.”

Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages Regional Hospital also received “A” grades.

PROVIDE GUIDANCE, HOPE

January is National Mentoring Month.

A ‘WHEEL’ TO HELP

In 2014, Eustis resident Tracy Draper completed a coast-to-coast bicycle ride from Malibu, Calif., to Amelia Island. She and six other cyclists raised more than $15,000 for Hope for the Warriors, a nonprofit organization that provides programs for veterans who sustained physical and psychological wounds on the battlefield.

She detailed the amazing journey in her book, “Live It: Riding the Highs and Lows of a Cross-Country Dream,” which was released in September. The book seeks to inspire readers to fulfill dreams while participating in humanitarian causes.

“People who have read the book tell me that it’s very uplifting and encouraging,” Draper said. “I want people to dare to dream, make their dreams happen, and truly live their dreams.”

The book is available at amazon.com and nonfictionpublish.com.

Lake County residents can be mentors through the Take Stock in Children program. By spending one hour with a student each week, mentors help them grow personally and encourage them to succeed in school. Low-income students who successfully complete the Take Stock in Children program receive college scholarships and hope for a better life.

For more information, visit takestockinchildren.org.

Medical Mysteries

BRRRR: BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE AND MY TEETH ARE CHATTERING

WRITER: FRED HILTON

Like many residents of Florida, I spent much of my life north of here, where the winters were brutal and featured numbing cold, complete with shivering and teeth chattering. Back then, we were sure that a Florida winter meant eternal warmth, bright sunshine, and happy flamingos. When we learned there was a February conference in Orlando, most of our office crew happily boarded a southbound plane.

We were ready for fun in the sun. We’d packed our shorts, Hawaiian shirts, and flip-flops. One of our coworkers, who came from Florida, tried to warn us. “They have

winter in Florida, too, you know,” she said. We ignored her.

Sure enough, the minute we got off the plane we were smacked in the face with a blast of arctic-like air. The flip-flops stayed in the suitcase. We shivered and our teeth chattered. This brings us to the question of the day: why do our teeth chatter when we’re cold?

As medical mysteries go, this one has a pretty simple and straight-forward answer. Our teeth chatter because our body is trying to warm us up.

Teeth chattering, according to Dr. Harold Katz, is “a mechanism the body uses to keep its core temperature of

98 degrees Fahrenheit. This is similar to the reason humans shiver. Any time skin gets too cold, receptors tell the muscles to expand and contract in quick bursts in order to produce heat.” If your teeth are chattering and you’re shivering, it “might be a sign that you need to warm up in the near future,” Dr. Katz says at TheraBreath.com.

The formal name for this process is homeostasis. “The human body does not like to get cold any more than it likes to get hot, and so uses a form of homeostasis to maintain a comfortable temperature of 98 degrees,” Dana Dovey says in MedicalDaily.com. “The hypothalamus in our brains is

the general of our body’s temperature control, and when the outer temperature begins to drop our hypothalamus instructs our body to go into ‘heat conservation’ mode.” When your hypothalamus is in this mode, your whole body shakes. As the muscles in your jaw begin to shake, your teeth clash, resulting in the sound we know as “teeth chattering.”

Shivering also boosts your metabolism in a similar way to exercise. To stay physically fit, you can choose between push-ups and freezing. On the other hand, you may also consider staying inside on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate.

MISSION: POSSIBLE

According to the Evangelical Christian Credit Union, an average church in the United States spends only one percent of its budget to support local benevolent programs. Similarly, only two percent of a church’s budget supports foreign missions.

Hearing this unsettling news sparked something deep in the souls of Summerfield residents Kevin Ganus and his wife, Mona.

“If churches say their goal is to spread the gospel through missions and help the poor with finances, then they should meet those goals,” said Kevin, an ordained minister who previously served as pastor of four local churches and assistant pastor at three churches.

That prompted Kevin and Mona to form Abundant Grace Fellowship, a church that puts its mission of outreach and benevolence

into action. Their 20-member congregation began services last February and meets Monday evenings at Best Western in Leesburg. Kevin is pastor, while Mona is worship leader.

Money collected through offerings is used for two purposes: to financially assist locals in need and support overseas mission projects, including construction of a church in The Philippines.

“Approximately 85 percent of church funds go toward building maintenance, staff salaries, and administrative costs,” said Kevin, who also works as a financial advisor for Wells Fargo Advisors.

“Our goal is to turn that upside down and give away 85 to 90 percent of the money that comes in.”

Reaching that goal is easily attainable because the church’s only expense is monthly rent. Neither Kevin nor Mona receives a salary. That frees up money to assist people in the community experiencing difficult situations, including a single woman enduring cancer treatments and a pastor in Sumter County battling kidney problems. In addition, the church helped pay funeral expenses for widows and provided money for families who have children with disabilities.

“We help people who through no fault of their own need assistance,” Kevin said. “Most of the people we help are not members of our church.”

Abundant Grace

Fellowship members are equally excited to assist in the construction of a church overseas. For the first time, a 50-member congregation in The Philippines will have a church building to worship God. It’s particularly gratifying for Mona, a native of the Philippines and a former member of the international organization spearheading the project.

“We’re very excited about carrying out what Jesus said to do, which is giving to the hungry and needy while spreading the gospel locally and overseas,” Kevin said. For more information, visit Abundant Grace Fellowship’s Facebook page or call Kevin at 352.516.2968.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

GET BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS

Welcome to Medicom, the elite medical community created by the exceptional health care offered in Lake and Sumter counties. Like Silicon Valley, the technology hub of the nation, this area has received nationwide recognition as a health care hub. The Lake County motto is “Real Florida, Real Close.” The same could be said of health care services—Real health care, real close.

STORY: JOHN SOTOMAYOR

Tampa

Orlando

Gainesville

Ocala

The complexity of urban development often begins with a simple yet brilliant idea from a single person and then grows through collaboration. In Lake County, the idea was to re-establish itself as a community committed to health and wellness. According to Dr. James Ray, an orthopedic surgeon currently with Nu Works who has worked in the South Lake area since 1992, South Lake began its transition with the vision of two men—CEO of Orlando Health John Hillenmeyer and Vice President of Orlando Health Shannon Elswick.

Both men shared the vision of establishing a wellness program in Central Florida. Together, they came up with a concept for a sports training facility.

Meanwhile, South Lake Hospital, a community hospital established in 1947, prepared to build a new, larger facility in Clermont. Hillenmeyer and Elswick saw this as a great opportunity and invited South Lake Hospital to partner with Orlando Regional Healthcare System, now called Orlando Health, in 1995. Together, they collaborated with South Lake Hospital administration, physicians, and USA Triathlon to establish the National Training Center, a world-class sports complex capable of training elite athletes—primarily triathletes, runners, cyclists, and swimmers. The National Training Center opened in 2001 on the South Lake Hospital campus in Clermont.

Almost simultaneously to the north, developer Harold Schwartz bought large tracts of land in the northeast portion of Sumter County and southeast corner of Marion County to continue expansion of his holdings in the northwestern corner of Lake County. Together with his son, H. Gary Morse, they envisioned a super-community for active seniors, having seen the success of other communities like Del Webb’s Sun City and offering even grander amenities and services to the residents of their previous development in the same location, Orange Blossom

DID YOU KNOW?

“Silicon Valley” became the nickname for Santa Clara Valley after writer Don Hoefler used it within the title of a series of articles for a weekly trade newspaper, Electronic News, published as “Silicon Valley in the USA” in 1971. Hoefler interviewed his friend, Ralph Vaerst, a local entrepreneur and the originator the phrase. Vaerst substituted the word “silicon,” the silicon chip being the major manufactured product in the area at the time.

and Sumter counties were in prime position to develop as a health care hub. We have seen this phenomenon happen before, and it dramatically altered the identity and financial significance of the area where it occurred.

Silicon Valley, in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay area, is home to the majority of the world’s major high-tech corporations and to thousands of tech startup companies. Several factors came together so that Silicon Valley could become the tech hub it is today. Local universities, like Stanford and Berkeley, provided the educated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) talent pool. Local industrial innovation attracted tech companies like Hewlett-Packard, Bell Telephone Laboratories, and Xerox PARC from 1955–1985. The semi-conductor and silicon transistor technology that followed attracted military interest and lucrative U.S. Department of Defense contracts. In the early 1970s, venture capitalists were attracted by the prospect of making millions in commercial use. Several venture capitalists beginning with Kleiner Parkins set up on Sand Hill Road. The availability of venture capital exploded in 1980, with the successful IPO of Apple Computer for $1.3 billion.

Gardens. Morse officially changed the name of the enhanced development in 1992 to The Villages.

Incredibly, The Villages’ population skyrocketed from 8,333 in 2000 to 51,442 in 2010. Since then, the community has more than doubled in size. According to the U.S. Census, approximately 114,350 people now call The Villages home. A wave of medical businesses, both traditional and alternative, followed. The impact is evident. The Villages adopted the slogan “America’s Healthiest Hometown.”

With heath care establishments developing in the north and south, Lake

The Silicon Valley tech hub was born from the perfect blend of available educated workforce, local tech business industry, and an influx of available capital from government and private interests. A similar combination is blending in Lake and Sumter counties to create a world-class health care hub.

Ours is a medical community. Welcome to Medicom.

HIGHWAY TO HEALTH

Lake and Sumter counties are at the center of four major cities that are significant health care providers: Gainesville and Ocala to the north, Orlando to the southeast, and Tampa to the west. The proximity contributes

(Clockwise from top left): Florida Hospital Waterman; The Villages Regional Hospital; South Lake Hospital; and Leesburg Regional Medical Center.

to the fundamental reasons why the Lake-Sumter area is ideally positioned as a health care hub. They are close enough to provide information on the latest medical and health care advancements as well as talent, but still far enough that residents prefer closer services.

Lake-Sumter residents are essentially living on a corridor of health care opportunity and access.

U.S. Highway 441 passes directly and indirectly through all four hospitals in Lake County. From the north, it passes The Villages Regional Medical Center, plus rows of medical businesses that mushroomed off the highway around The Villages. As it passes through Leesburg, it connects with Dixie Avenue, which bypasses to Leesburg Regional Medical Center. Return to Highway 441, past Leesburg Animal Center and Lake Regional Urgent Care toward Tavares. Highway 441 passes right by Florida Hospital Waterman on 1000 Waterman Way. To reach South Florida Hospital in Clermont, turn off Highway 441 in Leesburg onto U.S. Highway 27 to State Road 50. The hospital is a mile and a half away.

With The Villages—America’s Healthiest Hometown—to the north and South Lake Hospital with the National Training Center and LiveWell Fitness Center in Clermont—recently rebranded “The Choice of Cham-

pions”—to the south, it is fair to say geography had a big impact on the development of our medical community. So does the environment. There are more than 1,000 lakes in Lake County, which means the population is attracted to activities on the water. Swimming, water-skiing, and paddleboarding are common. The Florida landscape lends itself to an active lifestyle, such as hiking, biking, run-

WHY I CHOSE TO PRACTICE IN LAKE/SUMTER:

ning, and golf.

“Geographically, there is a natural tendency to want to be physical, and that translated to the need for a health care program that would allow people that lifestyle,” said Kim Couch, manager of community relations for South Lake Hospital.

Many of the hospitals and wellness centers are collaborating with local schools to build their talent base.

“I was an associate orthopedic surgeon on my way to interview at the University of Florida for a similar job. I chose to stay in Clermont because I was familiar with it as I was an orthopedic resident at Orlando Regional in the early ‘80s.”

“Our urgent care centers selected The Villages and Leesburg areas to provide services for an oversized population in need.”

— DR. GREGORY KRIVONYAK, Medical Director of Occupational Health Services, Central Florida Health Alliance servicing The Villages and Leesburg Regional Medical Centers

— DR. JAMES M. RAY, Orthopedic Surgeon at Nu Works

Among them is South Lake Hospital. “We partnered with Lake-Sumter State College and local Lake County schools this fall, launching a health and wellness collegiate academy,” said Couch. Incoming high school freshman apply for the program. It is focused on the health care field—science and technology. “The goal is to mold our local talent to remain in our community when they graduate,” she added. Upon graduation, they have a high school degree and an associate’s degree in health and wellness.

According to Vicky Mansavage, a consultant for the Regenerative Medicine Institute in The Villages, Central Florida provides other incentives for advances in technology and medicine, particularly financial ones.

“We have better tax laws,” Mansavage said, adding that state tax is designed to lower health care cost. That makes Florida a less expensive place to start a company.

Looking back on the ingredients for Santa Clara Valley in San Francisco to recreate itself as Silicon Valley— foundation, demand, talent pool, and financial incentives— it is easy to see how Lake and Sumter contains the essential components needed to transition as a health care hub. You have a health conscious foundation, a population that demands it, the educated pool to execute it, and the

WHY I CHOSE TO PRACTICE IN LAKE/SUMTER:

“I selected The Villages because I heard many positive things about it, how fast it was growing. I realized these were outgoing, active people. They were into health and wellness and open to trying new things.”

— REBECCA JAMES, Owner of The Salt Room

“One of the main reasons was seeing how active and openminded they are in The Villages. We thought it would be a perfect location to offer a clinic that specializes in well-being, not just pain management.”

“We chose this area because people who move here are committed to maintaining their health and staying active. We have the ability to help them do that, in ways no one else can.”

— DR. BILL ROWLAND, Founder and CEO of E-Med (Energy Medical)

— VICKY MANSAVAGE, Consultant for Regenerative Medicine Institute of The Villages

financial incentives to nurture both startups and national attractions, like the National Training Center.

EVERYTHING RIGHT, HERE

Residents can feel confident all their health care needs can be met here in Lake and Sumter. They run from the traditional to the alternative.

Each of the four hospitals offer specialties for which they are internationally revered. TVRH, for instance, offers the state-of-the-art da Vinci Surgical System, an effective robotic minimally invasive alternative to open surgery and laparoscopy. Leesburg Regional Medical Center has the Primary Stroke Center and the Urgent Care Center.

Florida Hospital Waterman has the Cancer Institute, the Joint Replacement Center, and the Women and Children Center. “Our Cancer Institute has been one of the busiest in the region for quite some time,” said Steve Jenkins, director of marketing and communications. “We offer a full range of services based around oncology; we have been on the cutting-edge of some of the newest technology, and services available for cancer treatment.”

The program of particular note

WHY I CHOSE TO PRACTICE IN LAKE/SUMTER:

BY THE NUMBERS

NUMBER OF ER VISITS PER YEAR AT FLORIDA HOSPITAL WATERMAN:

60,000

NUMBER OF SQUARE FEET THAT MAKE UP THE NATIONAL FITNESS CENTER:

37,000

NUMBER OF LAKE-SUMTER EMS SATELLITE STATIONS:

22

ACCESS TO EXERCISE OPPORTUNITIES IN LAKE COUNTY: 93%

ADULT OBESITY IN LAKE COUNTY: 31%

ACCESS TO EXERCISE OPPORTUNITIES IN SUMTER COUNTY: 78%

ADULT OBESITY IN SUMTER COUNTY: 29%

[SOURCES: 2009 LAKE AND SUMTER COUNTIES: FLORIDA’S HEARTLAND, PUBLISHED BY LAKE-SUMTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE; COUNTYHEALTHRANKING.ORG]

is the MAKOplasty robotic partial knee resurfacing, offered at the Joint Replacement Center, led by Dr. John Radnothy, a board certified orthopedic surgeon. The specialized implant offers a revolutionary FDA-approved method toward total knee replacement, retaining all of the original ligaments, thus the best option for long-lasting pain relief.

In addition to its world-class National Training Center and LiveWell Fitness Center, South Lake Hospital is revered for its Wound Care Center. The center introduced a pair of hyperbaric chambers that provide deep-dive oxygen therapy—the first of its kind in South Lake.

South Lake Hospital offers its own specialized robotic microsurgery, also utilizing the da Vinci Surgical System in what they call the Personalized Urology and Robotics (PUR) Clinic. In this case, for urology.

“We have one of the best robotic microsurgery programs for male infertility and chronic groin and testicular pain,” said Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, co-director of the PUR clinic. “Half of our patients come from outside the area. Because of that, we are sort of a medical tour-

“The reasons we built the Regenerative Medicine Institute here in The Villages are a small but powerful population, and Baby Boomers are the prime candidates to benefit from regenerative therapy.”

— GREG MURPHY, Patient Relations, Regenerative Medicine Institute of The Villages

“I chose to practice here because of the commitment from the hospital and community to provide the best medical care and technology and their commitment to health and wellness, not just locally, but nationally.”

— DR. JAMIN BRAHMBHATT, Urologist at South Lake Hospital and Cofounder of Drive for Men’s Health.

their noteworthy innovative alternative medicines. The Salt Room is a wellness spa that uses salt therapy for esoteric health. Owner Rebecca James had her own reasons to believe in the treatment and open her spa.

“I had a 2 year-old son at the time who suffered from several respiratory problems,” James said. “He had severe allergies. They tried to put him on nebulizers, and other forms of medication. As a mother, I did not want them to do that because of the side effects. He was so little.” Her business partner, Ashley, opened up her spa and advised James to bring her son. “I did, and he responded,” she said.

James found a spa expert who believed in the benefits of salt therapy, which originated in the salt mines in Estonia. She learned everything she needed to know about the therapy to open her business and selected The Villages because the people she encountered desired the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and were open to new and innovative ideas. Others found similar appeal throughout the county for their latest medical innovations.

Bill Rowland is the founder and CEO of E-Med (Energy Medicine). His team treated the elite of professional sports with electric medicine for over 30 years. The primary focus is to eliminate pain if nothing else works. That is done through electrical technology.

“Our whole body runs on electricity,

LAKE-SUMTER HEALTH CARE FACTS:

In 1992, Florida Hospital Waterman merged with Adventist Health System, joining a worldwide network of advanced technology and services.

South Lake Hospital is the second largest employer in South Lake County.

The Villages Regional Medical Center has one of the world’s first Ambient Light Catheter Labs and cutting-edge Telsa3 MRI.

and whenever there is personal pain, injury or disease, there is always an interruption of the electrical properties of the tissue,” said Rowland.

Machines analyze it and respond with the exact signal necessary to bring the tissue back to its normal condition. In that normal condition, the body has an amazing ability to heal itself.

“We are now using this technology that was once reserved as a secret weapon in the backroom for professional sports teams—and introducing it to the general public,” Rowland said.

“Here in Clermont, amniotic fluid flow therapy is the next level of science in tissue and cellular technology that can help with the management of diseases,” said Dr. Ray.

He recalled the case of a university soccer player with a meniscal tear documented with a MRI that was treated with amniotic fluid. The follow-up MRI demonstrated the healing of the tear. The radiologist who read the first MRI read the second and commented on the healing of the tear, but felt the patient must have had interim surgery. “Needless to say mom and patient are happy,” said Dr. Ray.

Lake County is ranked the #16 county in Florida in Overall Health Sumter County is ranked the #7 county in Florida in Overall Health

[SOURCE: COUNTYHEALTHRANKING.ORG]

The Regenerative Medicine Institute also provides amniotic treatment regulated by the FDA for soft tissue defects and general pain for conditions such as tendinitis and epicondylitis. “It will not heal neurological disorders,” said Mansavage.

[SOURCE: 2009 LAKE AND SUMTER COUNTIES: FLORIDA’S HEARTLAND, PUBLISHED BY LAKE-SUMTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE]

Sam Maruniak Class of '12

CHOOSING A DOCTOR IS A VERY PERSONAL DECISION.

PEOPLE NO LONGER D EPEND ON THE WORD OF FRIENDS OR SIMPLY SELECT A NE IGHBORHOOD PHYSI CIAN. WITH THE AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION AND THE EMPHASIS ON QUALITY OF CARE, CHOOSING A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IS A KEY DECISION. THIS LIST INCLUDES THE 90 TOP DOCTORS IN THIS AREA WHO UNDERWENT AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF THEIR EDUCATION, TRAINING, H OSPITAL APPOINTME NTS, AND D ISCIPLINARY HISTORY.

Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. is a healthcare research and information company founded in 1991 by a former medical college board chairman and president to help guide consumers to America’s top doctors and top hospitals. Castle Connolly’s established nomination survey, research, screening and selection process, under the direction of an MD, involves many hundreds of thousands of physicians as well as academic medical centers, specialty hospitals and regional and community hospitals all across the nation. Castle Connolly’s physician-led team of researchers follows a rigorous screening process to select top doctors on both the national and regional levels. Its online nominations process — located at www.castleconnolly.com/nominations — is open to all licensed physicians in America who are able to nominate physicians in any medical specialty and in any part of the country, as well as indicate whether the nominated physicians is, in their opinion, among the best in their region in their medical specialty or among the best in the nation in their medical specialty. Careful screening of doctors’ educational and professional experience is essential before final selection is made among those physicians most highly regarded by their peers. The result — we identify the top doctors in America and provide you, the consumer, with detailed information about their education, training and special expertise in our paperback guides, national and regional magazine “Top Doctors” features and online directories. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be selected and profiled as Castle Connolly Top Doctors. Physicians selected for inclusion in this magazine’s “Top Doctors” feature may also appear as Regional Top Doctors online at www.castleconnolly.com, or in a Castle Connolly Top Doctors® guide, such as America’s Top Doctors® or America’s Top Doctors® for Cancer.

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY

JOHNSON, THOMAS L , II THOMAS L., II

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Allergy & Asthma Care of Florida

1740 SE 18th St, Ste. 1002

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.622.1126

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Asthma & Allergy, Sinusitis

SHEN, THOMAS J THOMAS J.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center

8245 County Rd 44, Leg A, Ste. 1

Leesburg, FL 34788

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.314.2929

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Asthma & Allergy, Immune

Deficiency, Eczema, Urticaria

CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

RIEDERS, DANIEL E DANIEL E.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Ocala Regional Medical Center

West Marion Community Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS Heart Rhythm Associates

47 SW 17th St, Ste. A

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.620.2036

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

COUTURIER GEORG J COUTURIER, GEORG J.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Heart of the Villages

1149 Main St

The Villages, FL 32159

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.674.2080

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Echocardiography, Cardiac Imaging, Cardiac Stress Testing, Heart Disease

HERMAN, ROBERT L HERMAN, ROBERT L.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

LESMES, J HENRY J. HENRY

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

Florida Hospital Waterman

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Cardiovascular Assocs of Lake County

1879 Nightingale Lane, Ste. C-1

Tavares, FL 32778

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.742.1171

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Coronary Artery Disease, Cholesterol/ Lipid Disorders, Cardiac Catheterization, Arrhythmias, Pacemakers, Atrial Fibrillation

LONDON, JAMES F JAMES F.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

Ocala Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Family Medical Center 2230 SW 19th Ave. Rd.

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.237.4133

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Non-Invasive Cardiology

ROTHSCHILD, MARK A MARK A.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Heart of the Villages

1149 Main St

The Villages, FL 32159

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.674.2080

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Non-Invasive Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology, Echocardiography, Coronary Artery Disease

CHILD NEUROLOGY

NWAUBANI, ARTHUR E ARTHUR E.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Child Neurology & Epilepsy Center

312 S Lake St. Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.431.3600

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders

COLON & RECTAL SURGERY

LANDMANN, DWIGHT D DWIGHT D.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

ORAEDU, CHRISTIAN O CHRISTIAN O.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

Ocala Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Surgical Consultants of Central Florida

1830 SE 18th Ave., Ste. 3

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.690.6000

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Colon & Rectal Cancer & Surgery, Varicose Veins, Hemorrhoids, Diverticulitis

DERMATOLOGY

ALLYN, DAVID L DAVID L.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

South Lake Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Aesthetic Dermatology

210 N Highway 27, Ste. 1

Clermont, FL 34711

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.243.2544

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Skin Cancer & Moles, Cosmetic Dermatology

POWELL, STE VEN T STE.VEN T.

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY

BHATIA, MANOJ MANOJ

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Medical Imaging

801 E Dixie Ave., Ste. 104

Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.787.5858

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Musculoskeletal Imaging

KELLER, CATHRINE E CATHRINE E. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER F

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Medical Imaging

801 E Dixie Ave., Ste. 104

Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.787.5858

ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES & METABOLISM

JACOB, SINDHU S SINDHU S. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

South Lake Hospital

STE WART, GEORGE E , II

STE.WART, GEORGE E., II

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

Ocala Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Allergy & Asthma Care of Florida

1740 SE 18th St,

Ste. 1002

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.622.1126

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Asthma & Allergy, Rhinitis, Immune Deficiency

West Marion Community Hospital

Munroe Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida

2111 SW 20th Place

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.622.4251

SPECIAL EXPERTISE Pacemakers, Non-Invasive Cardiology

MIHYU, MARWAN M MARWAN M.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Florida Heart & Vascular Multi-Specialty Group

511 Medical Plaza Drive, Ste. 101

Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.728.6808

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Cardiac Stress Testing, Cardiac Catheterization

Munroe Regional Medical Center

Ocala Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Surgical Associates

1541 SW 1st Ave., Ste. 105

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.622.8152

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Colon & Rectal Cancer & Surgery, Anorectal Disorders

2910 SE 3rd Ct, Ste. A

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.732.0339

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Skin Cancer, Mohs Surgery, Acne & Rosacea

TITLE MD

GENDER F

PRIMARY ADDRESS

South Lake Endocrinology

2080 Oakley Seaver Drive, Ste. 110

Clermont, FL 34711

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.536.8644

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Diabetes, Thyroid Disorders

ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES

&

METABOLISM

MERSEY, JAMES H JAMES H.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

The Villages Health

Specialty Care Center

1400 US Highway 441 N, Ste. 810

The Villages, FL 32159

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.674.8700

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Diabetes,Thyroid Disorders,Hypertension

FAMILY MEDICINE FAMILY

ALBRIGHT, DAVID A DAVID A.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Ocala Regional Medical Center

West Marion Community Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

2203 SE 3rd Ave.

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.622.2477

LARA, CARLOS E CARLOS E.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Ocala Regional Medical Center West Marion Community Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

West Marion Family Practice

8599 SW Highway 200

Ocala, FL 34481

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.861.0043

STABLER, JOHN BRENT JOHN BRENT

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

The Villages Health

Belleview Care Center

5051 SE 110th St.

Belleview, FL 34420

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.674.1730

STEED, JAMES JAMES

DAVID, JR JR.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

The Villages Health

Belleview Care Center

5051 SE 110th St.

Belleview, FL 34420

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.674.1730

WAGNER, KURT B KURT B.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Primary Care Assocs 1749 David Walker Drive Tavares, FL 32778

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.742.1760

GASTROENTEROLOGY

GABRIEL, NEHME NEHME

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Gastroenterology & Nutrition Central FL

822 Perkins St.

Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.315.4111

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Nutrition, Endoscopy & Colonoscopy

WHERE DOES THE OLD ADAGE, “AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY” COME FROM?

IT ORIGINATED IN WALES. A VARIATION FROM A PEMBROKESHIRE PROVERB AS PUBLISHED IN THE FEBRUARY 1866 EDITION OF NOTES AND QUERIES MAGAZINE, “EAT AN APPLE ON GOING TO BED, AND YOU’LL KEEP THE DOCTOR FROM EARNING HIS BREAD.” IT LATER EVOLVED IN THE 20TH CENTURY TO, “AN APPLE A DAY, NO DOCTOR TO PAY” THEN TO, “AN APPLE A DAY SENDS THE DOCTOR AWAY.” THE MODERN VERSION WAS FIRST RECORDED IN 1922.

VAN ELDIK, RICHARD B VAN ELDIK, RICHARD B.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Ocala Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Gastroenterology

Associates Of Ocala

1901 SE 18th Ave., Ste. 400

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.732.8905

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Inflammatory Bowel Disease/Crohn’s, Endoscopy & Colonoscopy

INTERNAL MEDICINE

CONTI, ANDREW ANDREW

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

1400 US Highway 441 N Bldg. 910, Ste. 912

The Villages, FL 32159

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.750.1277

FAVIS, WEENA CHUA WEENA CHUA

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER F

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Prime Care 33041 Professional Drive, Ste. 101 Leesburg, FL 34788

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.365.1224

SPECIAL EXPERTISE Preventive Medicine

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

BITTL, JOHN A JOHN A.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Munroe Regional Med Center, Munroe Heart

125 SW 11th St. Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.351.7206

SPECIAL EXPERTISE Cardiac Catheterization, Angiography & Stent Placement, Coronary Artery Disease

FELDMAN, ROBERT L ROBERT L.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Munroe Regional Med Center, Munroe Heart

125 SW 11th St Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.351.7206

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Coronary Angioplasty/ Stents, Renal Artery Stenosis, Cardiac Catheterization

LEW, DAVID C DAVID C.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Florida Heart & Vascular

Multi-Specialty Group

511 Medical Plaza Drive, Ste. 101 Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.728.6808

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Peripheral Vascular Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, Cardiac Catheterization

SANTOIAN EDWARD C SANTOIAN, EDWARD C.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD/PhD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Munroe Regional Med Center, Munroe Heart

125 SW 11th St. Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.351.7206

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Peripheral Vascular Disease, Coronary Angioplasty/Ste.nts

UPADYA, SHRIKANTH SHRIKANTH

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

The Villages Regional Hospital

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD/PhD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Cardiac & Vascular Consultants

1050 Old Camp Rd, Ste. 270

The Villages, FL 32162

COUNTY Sumter

PHONE 352.633.1966

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Peripheral Vascular Disease, Invasive Cardiology, Angiography & Ste.nt Placement

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY

BERGER, MAURY B MAURY B.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Ocala Regional Medical Center

Munroe Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Florida Cancer Affiliates

433 SW 10th St

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.732.4032

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Lung Cancer, Hematologic Malignancies

CARTWRIGHT, THOMAS H H.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Ocala Regional Medical Center

Munroe Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Oncology Center

433 SW 10th St.

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.732.4032

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Gastrointestinal Cancer

HUSSEIN, MAEN A MAEN A.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Florida Cancer Specialists

110 North Blvd. E

Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.323.8022

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer

NEPHROLOGY

AHMED ADNAN AHMED, ADNAN

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

South Lake Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS Kidney & Hypertension Specialists of Central Florida

306 Mohawk Rd. Clermont, FL 34715

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.394.1361

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Hypertension, Kidney Disease-Chronic, Kidney Failure-Acute, Polycystic Kidney Disease

MENESES-TAYLOR, RUTH RUTH

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER F

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Center for Disease of the Kidney & Hypertension

611 W Dixie Ave. Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.323.0044

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Hypertension,Diabetes, Kidney Disease-Chronic, Kidney Failure

NWAKOBY, IZUCHUKWU E E.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Kidney Group

2980 SE 3rd Ct.

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.622.4231

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Kidney Disease-Chronic, Nephrotic Syndrome, Dialysis Care

VAGHELA, MAHESH K MAHESH K.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Kidney Group

2980 SE 3rd Ct.

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.622.4231

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Kidney Failure, Transplant Medicine-Kidney

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY

HILL, MICHAEL G MICHAEL G.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS Lake County Neurosurgical & Spinal Institute

704 Doctors Court, Ste. 101

Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.728.3252

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Brain & Spinal Surgery

NEUROLOGY

CHOUDHRY, MOHAMMAD A A.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Neurology Institute of Central Florida

26218 US Highway 27, Ste. 105

Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.323.1758

SPECIAL EXPERTISE Neuromuscular Disorders,Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders

NUCLEAR MEDICINE

SERAFINI, ANTON ANTON

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Medical Imaging

801 E Dixie Ave., Ste. 104 Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.787.5858

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

KERPSACK JOSEPH T KERPSACK, JOSEPH T.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

South Lake Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

South Lake Obstetrics & Gynecology

1900 Don Wickham Drive, Ste. 120 Clermont, FL 34711

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.366.0381

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Menstrual Disorders, Endometriosis, Women’s Health

SOURCE: HEALTH.ABC4.COM/ARTICLES/332/

13-RANDOM-HEALTH-FACTS-YOU-NEVER-KNEW

RUBIN, JAY J JAY J.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Ocala Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

NeuroHealth

2685 SW 32nd Place, Ste. 100

Ocala, FL 34474

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.732.9643

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Neuromuscular Disorders, Pain-Chronic, Sleep Disorders

MANN, RICHARD C , JR RICHARD C., JR

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Ocala Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Gynecology Associates

1500 SE 17th St.. Bldg. 200

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.351.0060

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Incontinence, Menopause Problems, Gynecology Only

IT TAKES AN INTERACTION OF 72 DIFFERENT MUSCLES TO PRODUCE HUMAN SPEECH.

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

MOFFETT, ALFRED H , JR ALFRED H., JR.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake OB-GYN Associates of Mid-Florida

601 E Dixie Ave., Ste. 401 Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.787.1535

SPECIAL EXPERTISE Menopause Problems, Osteoporosis, Hormonal Disorders

PILLOW, STE VEN E STE.VEN E.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Obstetrics & Gynecology

18450 US Highway 441

Mount Dora, FL 32757

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.383.4966

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Uro-Gynecology, Laparoscopic Surgery, Pelvic Reconstruction, Menstrual Disorders

WHERE DOES

OPHTHALMOLOGY

FISHMAN, CRAIG D CRAIG D.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Total Eye Care Center 640 S Lake St. Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.728.1717

SPECIAL EXPERTISE Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma, Eyelid Surgery

GOLDEY STACIA H GOLDEY, STACIA H.

TITLE MD

GENDER F

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Mid Florida Eye Center 17560 US Highway 441

Mount Dora, FL 32757

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.735.2020

SPECIAL EXPERTISE Oculoplastic & Orbital Surgery, Cosmetic SurgeryEyes, Botox Therapy, Eyelid Surgery

THE OLD ADAGE IS ACTUALLY A PROVERB FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON, WHICH CONTENDS THAT LAUGHTER PRODUCES A CHEMICAL REACTION IN THE BODY THAT RELIEVES STRESS, THUS IMPROVING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH. THE BIBLE SAYS LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE, BUT NOT THE BEST. PROVERBS 17:22 “A MERRY HEART DOETH GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE: BUT A BROKEN SPIRIT DRIETH THE BONES.” ECCLESIASTES 7:3 “SO RROW IS BETTER THAN LAUGHTER: FOR BY THE SADNESS OF THE COUNTENANCE THE HEART IS MADE BETTER.”

KAUSHAL, SHALESH SHALESH

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Citrus Memorial Hospital

TITLE MD/PhD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Retina Specialty Institute

1400 US Highway 441, Ste. 532

The Villages, FL 32159

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.484.1171

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Retina/Vitreous Surgery, Retinal Disorders-Inherited, Macular Disease/ Degeneration

MORRIS, H MICHAEL H. MICHAEL

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Ocala Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Ocala Eye 3130 SW 32nd Ave.

Ocala, FL 34474

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.622.5183

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Glaucoma,Cataract Surgery, Anterior Segment Surgery

TOPPINO, MAYSSA A MAYSSA A.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

South Lake Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER F

PRIMARY ADDRESS

1804 Oakley Seaver Drive, Ste. B

Clermont, FL 34711

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.243.8704

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Cataract Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease/Retinopathy, Botox Therapy, Laser Surgery

WARREN RICHARD C WARREN, RICHARD C.

TITLE MD

PENNACHIO, MICHAEL P MICHAEL P.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Total Eye Care Center

640 S Lake St.

Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.728.1717

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Cataract Surgery, Diabetic Eye Disease/Retinopathy

SHERIDAN JEFFREY A SHERIDAN, A.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Total Eye Care Center

640 S Lake St. Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.728.1717

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Cataract Surgery, Eyelid Surgery, Eyelid Cancer & Reconstruction

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS Ocala Eye 3130 SW 32nd Ave. Ocala, FL 34474

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.622.5183

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Oculoplastic Surgery, Eyelid Surgery, Laser Surgery

WEHRLY, SCOTT R SCOTT R.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Eye Associates

3310 Waterman Way Tavares, FL 32778

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.343.2020

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Cornea & External Eye Disease, Cornea

Transplant, Refractive Surgery

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

ETHIER DAVID B ETHIER, DAVID B.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

The Villages Regional Hospital

Munroe Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

The Villages Health

Specialty Care Center

1400 US Highway 441 N, Ste. 810

The Villages, FL 32159

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.674.8731

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Sports Medicine, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Hip & Knee Surgery

LUCAS, DAVID H DAVID H.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Sports Medicine Institute

— HIPPOCRATES (REFERRED TO AS THE “FATHER OF WESTERN MEDICINE”)

2020 Oakley Seaver Drive

Clermont, FL 34711

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.242.0404

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Hip & Knee Reconstruction

THE OLD ADAGE, “LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE” COME FROM?

“DECLARE THE PAST, DIAGNOSE THE PRESENT, FORETELL THE FUTURE.”

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

MESSIEH, MICHAEL S MICHAEL S.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

South Lake Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Focus Orthopedics

841 Oakley Seaver Drive

Clermont, FL 34711

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.243.6899

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Hip & Knee Replacement, Shoulder Replacement

MITCHELL ISAAC L MITCHELL, ISAAC L.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Tri County

Orthopaedic Center

701 Medical Plaza Drive

Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.326.8115

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Sports Medicine, Arthroscopic Surgery

A SHORT HISTORY OF MEDICINE

SAHAJPAL, DEENESH T DEENESH T.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Munroe Regional Med Center

8550 NE 138th Lane, Bldg. 400

Lady Lake, FL 32159

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.751.1036

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Sports Medicine, Arthritis, Joint Replacement, Shoulder & Elbow Surgery

THOMAS, CLAUDIA L CLAUDIA L.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER F

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Tri County

Orthopaedic Center

701 Medical Plaza Drive

Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.326.8115

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Orthopaedics - non surgical

OTOLARYNGOLOGY

MADONNA, DINO DINO

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery Assocs

601 E Dixie Ave.

Leesburg Medical Plaza, Ste.. 901

Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.728.2404

SPECIAL EXPERTISE Cosmetic SurgeryFace & Neck, Eyelid Surgery/Blepharoplasty, Rhinoplasty, Mohs Surgery

2000 B.C. – “HERE, EAT THIS ROOT.”

1000 B.C. – “THAT ROOT IS HEATHEN, SAY THIS PRAYER.”

1850 A.D. – “THAT PRAYER IS SU PERSTITION, DRINK THIS POTION.”

1940 A.D. – “THAT PILL IS IN EFFECTIVE, TAKE THIS ANTIBIOTIC.”

2000 A.D. – “THAT ANTIBIOTIC IS ARTIFI CIAL. HERE, EAT THIS ROOT.”

— AUTHOR UNKNOWN

PEDIATRICS

BAKER, MICHAEL C MICHAEL C.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Florida Hosp Med Group

Mount Dora Pediatrics

1502 N Donnelly St., Ste. 103

Mount Dora, FL 32757

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.383.0624

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Preventive Medicine, Special Health Care Needs, Developmental Disorders

LOGAS, PAUL C PAUL C.

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS Ocala Pediatrics

1500 SE 17th St, Building 600 Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.732.8955

MORSE, KENNETH H KENNETH H.

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS Ocala Pediatrics

1500 SE 17th St, Building 600 Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.732.8955

SPECIAL EXPERTISE Allergy

SHRINATH, MADHUKAR MADHUKAR

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Sunshine Pediatrics of Ocala

1900 SW 20th Pl. Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.840.5437

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Preventive Medicine, Chronic Illness

PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION

BOTNER, BRYAN K BRYAN K.

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Mulberry

Integrative Medicine

910 Old Camp Rd., Ste. 164

The Villages, FL 32162

COUNTY Sumter

PHONE 352.430.2720

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Sports Injuries, Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain-Chronic

CLUNN, AMY E AMY E.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER F

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Southeastern Integrated Medical

3305 SW 34th Circle, Ste. 101

Ocala, FL 34474

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.732.3110

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Pain-Back & Neck, Musculoskeletal Injuries

PINNAMANENI, SRIDHAR SRIDHAR

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Pain and Spine

Centers of Florida

8136 Centralia Court, Ste. 103

Leesburg, FL 34788

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.787.7246

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Pain Management, PainInterventional Techniques, Musculoskeletal Disorders

PLASTIC SURGERY

MARZEK, PETER A PETER A.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS 1879 Nightingale Lane, Ste. A2

Tavares, FL 32778

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.742.0079

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Liposuction & Body Contouring, Breast Reconstruction & Augmentation

PSYCHIATRY

VALENTE, THOMAS J VALENTE, THOMAS J. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

LifeStream

Behavioral Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

LifeStream

Behavioral Center

2020 Tally Rd.

Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 869.355.9394

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders

PULMONARY

DISEASE

ALBINO, JUAN A JUAN A. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

The Villages

Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

The Village Sleep Lab & Breathing Center

1400 US Hwy. 441 N Bldg. 940, Ste. 942

The Villages, FL 32159

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.751.4955

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Sleep Disorders/Apnea, Emphysema & Asthma

PULMONARY DISEASE

MONTOYA, FRANK J FRANK J. HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Pulmonary

Critical Care

1876 Nightingale Lane

Tavares, FL 32778

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.742.4447

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Sleep Disorders/Apnea

“MAN MAY BE THE CAPTAIN OF HIS FATE, BUT HE IS ALSO THE VICTIM OF HIS BLOOD SUGAR.”

— WILFRED G. OAKLEY (ENGLISH PHYSICIAN AND PIONEER OF DIABETES CLINICAL CARE)

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

FLINK, HERMAN M HERMAN M.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

InterCommunity Cancer Center

922 Rolling Acres Rd. Lady Lake, FL 32159

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.674.6300

JACOBSON, HAL M HAL M.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

South Lake Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

InterCommunity Cancer Institute

1920 Don Wickham Drive, Ste. 130

Clermont, FL 34711

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.243.9709

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Skin Cancer

RHEUMATOLOGY

LAFFERTY, THOMAS E THOMAS E.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

Ocala Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Southeastern Integrated Medical

Arthritis Center

3304 SW 34th Circle, Ste. 103

Ocala, FL 34474

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.291.0245

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Arthritis, Rheumatoid

Arthritis

STARK, KENNETH E KENNETH E.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

Lake Rheumatology & Internal Medicine

1613 Banning Beach Rd.

Tavares, FL 32778

COUNTY Lake

352.343.7735

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Lupus/SLE, Osteoporosis

SURGERY

DEIORIO, ANTHONY ANTHONY

V , JR V., JR.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

Ocala Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS Ocala Surgical Associates

1541 SW 1st Ave.,

Ste. 105

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.622.8152

GABRE-MADHIN, SEBLE Z Z.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

TITLE MD

GENDER F

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Florida Hosp Med Group

Center for Advanced Surgery 3350 Waterman Way

Tavares, FL 32778

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.742.2223

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Sentinel Node Surgery, Hernia, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Gastrointestinal Surgery

UROLOGY

DERSCH, MARK W MARK W.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

Ocala Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Advanced Urology Specialists

1901 SE 18th Ave., Bldg. 300 Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion PHONE 352.351.1313

KING, EDWARD D EDWARD D.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Advanced Urology Specialists

1901 SE 18th Ave., Bldg. 300

Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.877.2880

TAUB, HARVEY C HARVEY C.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS Advanced Urology Specialists

1901 SE 18th Ave., Bldg. 300

Ocala FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.877.2880

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Robotic Surgery, Kidney Stones

THOMPSON, J DEREK J. DEREK

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

THE AVERAGE SNEEZE WILL SPREAD OVER

100,000 VIRUS CELLS UP TO 30 FEET.

SOURCE: HEALTH.ABC4.COM/ARTICLES/332/13-RANDOM-HEALTH-FACTS-YOU-NEVER-KNEW

GORDON, CAROLE L CAROLE L.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER F

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Advanced Urology

Specialists

616 N Palmetto St.

Leesburg, FL 34478

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.877.2888

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Urology-Female, Incontinence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair

SHER ANDREW B SHER, ANDREW B.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Villages Regional Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Advanced Urology

Specialists

616 N Palmetto St.

Leesburg, FL 34478

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.877.2888

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Minimally Invasive Surgery, Prostate Cancer

VASCULAR & INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

CHANG, PAIROJ S PAIROJ S.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Vines Hospital of Ocala

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Lake Medical Imaging

801 E Dixie Ave., Ste. 104 Leesburg, FL 34748

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.787.5858

West Marion Community Hospital

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Urology Health Team

3200 SW 34th Ave., Ste. 202 Ocala, FL 34474

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.237.6162

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Prostate Cancer, Kidney Stones, Incontinence

YOUNG JAMES W , III YOUNG JAMES W., III

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Florida Hospital Waterman

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS

Urology Associates of Lake County

801 Northshore Drive

Eustis, FL 32726

COUNTY Lake

PHONE 352.357.6786

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Prostate Cancer, Erectile Dysfunction, Vasectomy

VASCULAR SURGERY

HODDINOTT, KEVIN M KEVIN M.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Munroe Regional Medical Center

TITLE MD

GENDER M

PRIMARY ADDRESS Munroe Regional Med Center

1511 SW 1st Ave., Ste. 200 Ocala, FL 34471

COUNTY Marion

PHONE 352.368.1661

SPECIAL EXPERTISE

Obesity/Bariatric Surgery

Great doctors not only blend cutting-edge care with state-of-the-art technology; they also display a great deal of care and compassion when interacting with patients. Without question, the physicians featured in this year’s edition of Health Pros marry the best of both worlds. Now, you can learn about some of the area’s most talented doctors and find out why they are respected among colleagues and patients alike. And who knows? You may just end up finding a doctor who’s right for you.

pros

A HEART FOR EXCELLENCE

Mention The Villages Ear and two things immediately come to mind: innovative technology and superb follow-up care.

That’s why the company serves nearly 5,000 active patients and typically sees 12,000 patients each year. In addition, approximately 70 percent of new patients come via referral, a glowing testament to The Village Ear’s emphasis on patient satisfaction.

Because President Kirk P. Malone focuses on providing superior customer service, The Villages Ear continues to be The Villages’ largest and most trusted name in hearing healthcare. As a result, Kirk takes pride in sharing his company’s success by giving back to the community where he lives, works and plays.

Kirk has lived in the area for 34 years. That’s why he’s so passionate about giving back. By supporting local nonprofit organizations, churches and civic organizations, The Villages Ear has undoubtedly strengthened the community and helped improve the quality of life for countless residents.

“I’m a firm believer that you are blessed so you can be a blessing,” he said. “The minute you stop giving back is the minute you stop receiving. I think it’s important to be open-minded about helping others who need help.”

In the past year, The Villages Ear has provided nearly $40,000 in donations. Local entities that have recently benefitted from Kirk’s kindness include the American Cancer Society of Lake/Sumter counties, the Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter Counties, Beacon College, Buffalo scholarship foundation, the PGA Junior Golf League, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Meadowbrook Church, The Father’s

House Church, New Life Presbyterian Church, Rotary Club and the Stonecrest Theater Guild.

“I take lots of pride in doing whatever I can to help the community,” Kirk said. “People in this community have been gracious in supporting The Vilages Ear, so it’s only fi tting to give back. Our community is our livelihood; therefore it’s important to give back to our community and invest in the future.”

Kirk currently lives on a farm in Oxford, where he enjoys raising various pets, including four rescue dogs. A Board-Certified hearing instrument specialist, Kirk began his career in 2003 as an intern with a private practice in Central Florida. He later worked for Sonus and was soon promoted to district manager, overseeing eight clinics throughout Central Florida. In August 2009, he purchased three practices in The

Villages from Sonus and changed the name to The Villages Ear.

“I wake up every day excited about going to work,” he said. “Not only do I get to meet so many wonderful people from The Villages and surrounding communities; I also provide them with the gift of hearing. There’s nothing more gratifying that that.”

THE VILLAGES EAR

3 convenient golf-cart-approved locations in The Villages:

2951 Traverse Trail | 352.259.8976 (in the Publix Shopping Center in Brownwood)

3399 Wedgewood Lane | 352.259.8070 (in the Southern Trace Professional Plaza)

314 LaGrande Blvd. | 352.753.3033 (U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Wendy’s)

www.TheVillagesEar.com

DR. HERMAN FLINK

InterCommunity Cancer Center is committed to providing quality, personalized cancer care in our community with the most advanced technology. Radiation Oncologist Dr. Herman Flink has cared for patients in the community for decades and is the most experienced radiation oncologist in Lake County, having directly cared for more than 10,000 cancer patients including local physicians, their family members, celebrities and community leaders.

Double board-certified, Dr. Flink is the only oncologist in Central Florida board certified in both therapeutic radiology, the treatment of cancer, and radiology, x-ray diagnosis of cancer, by The American Board of Radiology,

A Johns Hopkins resident and fellowship-trained oncologist, Dr. Flink was the first radiation oncologist in Central Florida to use CT Scan for radiation treatment planning (currently the standard of care internationally), use Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (currently standard of care internationally), and perform seed implants, for prostate cancer.

InterCommunity Cancer Center offers patients a compassionate team approach while ensuring access to innovative treatments with ongoing follow-up care. This team approach focuses on partnering with our patients’ primary care physicians and specialists, ensuring our patients’ entire care team understands the prescribed treatment and is continuously updated on their patient’s progress.

“We believe that a successful approach to patient care requires all medical disciplines and encourage second opinions in order to come together for the good of the patient,” said Dr. Flink. “We are fortunate to be part of the Lady Lake and Leesburg medical community.”

InterCommunity Cancer Center is part of Vantage Oncology, a network of more than 50 cancer treatment facilities in 13 states across the U.S. Together we can provide powerful outcomes for you.

INTERCOMMUNITY CANCER CENTER

855.900.5191

922 Rolling Acres Road

Lady Lake, FL 32159

ICCCVantage.com

DR. DENIS M. DIAZ

The care of children involves establishing two relationships for the pediatrician. Not only is it necessary to have rapport with the child, gaining the trust of the parents is essential.

“Parents need to find a pediatrician they’re comfortable with,” Dr. Diaz said. “Every patient needs to feel at ease when you go to a doctor. Our office focuses on patient satisfaction, We want our families to know we are the right fit for them.”

Dr. Diaz sees himself as a partner in the child’s health care. He understands that the families that face more sensitive issues with their children need a unique brand of care.

“My job is to be a counselor, a teacher, and to treat disease. It’s not my job to pass judgement on parenting skills or try to pass on my parenting values, unless there is a safety issue,” he said.

PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES OF LAKE COUNTY

1765 David Walker Dr. Tavares, FL 32778

352.343.3330

LakeCountyPediatrics.com

Online Scheduling Available

DR. ANIELKA R. RODRIGUEZ

Have you ever wished your whole family could have one doctor? Dr. Anielka Rodriguez is a family physician that treats patients ages 2 and up. “The foundation of family care is the personal doctor/patient relationship focused on integrated medicine, addressing a patient’s physical, mental and social health to prevent the development of disease,” Dr. Rodriguez said. Whether patients come in for a sick visit or an annual physical, Dr. Rodriguez takes the time necessary to make them feel heard. “When our patients come to our office, they are never going to feel rushed,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “It’s not an inand-out kind of doctor’s visit. We ensure patients have plenty of time with doctors to discuss whatever issues they have.” Should a patient’s medical issues require referral to a specialist, Dr. Rodriguez works collaboratively with the extended team to ensure that the patient receives the most comprehensive care possible.

At Lake Primary Care Associates, appointments can be made by phone or online. Same-day appointments are often available. Dr. Rodriguez is fluent in English and Spanish.

LAKE PRIMARY CARE ASSOCIATES

1101 S. Eustis St., Eustis, FL 32778 352.589.4111

LakePrimaryCareAssoc.com

DR. ANUDH K. JAIN

Specialists at Florida Hospital Waterman Cancer Institute are dedicated to making their patients’ journey from cancer diagnosis to survivorship as harmonious as possible.

Anudh Jain, M.D. is the newest Radiation Oncologist Specialist on staff, having joined the Cancer Institute team in June. Born and raised in the New York/New Jersey area, Dr. Jain earned his medical degree from New York Medical College, Valhalla, N.Y. He completed his radiation oncology residency at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. A board-certified radiation oncologist, Dr. Jain has a special interest in prostate, breast, and skin cancers.

The Cancer Institute provides a Cancer Care Navigator Program and Social Services Program to work closely with physicians to provide you with comprehensive medical, organizational, and emotional support.

The Cancer Care Navigator Program consists of two highly skilled, registered nurse navigators to guide you through your entire treatment and recovery process—from prediagnosis to completion, including any treatments by physicians outside of Florida Hospital Waterman.

The Social Services Program consists of a licensed oncology social worker who assists patients and their families with the emotional and practical challenges that often occur with a cancer diagnosis.

“I think having the navigators and social worker provide a benefit because the patients have a constant person from the beginning to the end of treatment,” said Dr. Jain. “The patient may see a number of different doctors for different treatments, which can be very confusing.”

Dr. Jain affirms it helps to link everything together.

“Our support services benefit the patients from a psychological standpoint and from a medical standpoint, because they get everything done faster, so there are no delays,” said Dr. Jain. “If those delays extend out, it could compromise their care and outcome. It is important to manage treatment in a timely manner.”

FLORIDA HOSPITAL WATERMAN CANCER INSTITUTE

4000 Waterman Way Tavares, FL 32778

352.253.3600

DR. KARLTON KWAN

Dr. Karlton Kwan can pinpoint the exact moment he decided to become a chiropractor. As a teenager growing up in Orlando, he experienced migraine headaches for nearly one month. A family friend and chiropractor performed a simple adjustment, and the headaches immediately disappeared.

Now, Dr. Kwan is performing his own chiropractic magic and making pain disappear for patients of Buchanan Health Center. A graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2014, he thoroughly enjoys working alongside and learning from Dr. Tige Buchanan, founder of Buchanan Health Center.

“After graduating, I knew it was important to work for a chiropractor who possesses lots of experience and goes above and beyond for his patients,” said Dr. Kwan, who was raised in Orlando. “Dr. Buchanan is an excellent mentor who genuinely cares about the health and well-being of his patients. I love being in this field because we can utilize techniques that allow the body to heal itself naturally without bombarding the body with drugs.”

Likewise, Dr. Buchanan says Dr. Kwan is an excellent fit for his bustling practice.

“We’ve been blessed that we’re busy, and I realized the practice needed another chiropractor. We were really fortunate to bring in Dr. Kwan. The excitement and passion that he brings to the practice is amazing.”

Buchanan Health Center offers an integrative approach to healthcare by offering chiropractic, medical, and physical rehabilitation services.

“We’re a one-stop musculoskeletal shop,” Dr. Buchanan said. “We can offer patients everything from trigger point injections and family medicine to anti-aging products and hormone therapy. Having all these services under one roof is very beneficial for patients. Moreover, we have several physicians who can put their heads together and come up with the best course of treatment for a patient.”

BUCHANAN HEALTH CENTER

9836 US Hwy 441, Leesburg, FL 34788

BUCHANAN FITNESS GROUP

2800 W Old Hwy 441, Mount Dora, FL 32757

352.787.8531

BuchananHealth.com

ROBERT MAIELLO, MD

BOARD CERTIFIED, PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION

Personalized Care, Second To None.

Dr. Maiello works to maximize the function, self- sufficiency and mobility of people with temporary or permanent disabilities. He treats a wide range of problems from rotator cuff (shoulder) and back injuries, to arthritic joints and carpal tunnel syndrome; from fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndrome to stroke, amputation, and spinal cord injuries. Patients who have had devastating accidents or injuries are treated as hospital inpatients, whereas those with less debilitation are treated in the office setting. The focus is on enabling patients to have the best quality of life possible after accident or illness.

Many people’s jobs or hobbies such as golf or tennis, can be limited by pain and injury, and they seek non-surgical solutions to alleviate their problems. Dr. Maiello can help rehabilitate musculoskeletal problems such as shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle, back, and hip pain. (Often low back pain and hip pain disorders are often difficult to differentiate.)

Dr. Maiello also specializes in the treatment of neurologic impairment, stroke and spinal cord injury.

Dr. Maiello does not perform surgery, but provides a thorough examination combined with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that allows him to identify the exact cause of a patients symptoms. They use special electrodiagnostic techniques like electromyography (EMG) and nerve-conduction studies to diagnose conditions that cause pain, weakness, and numbness.

Dr. Robert Maiello is on staff at Leesburg Regional Medical Center, The Villages Regional Hospital, Florida Hospital Waterman, and Medical Director of Leesburg Regional Acute Care Hospital.

CENTRAL FLORIDA PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION

O: 352.530.2875 F: 352.801.7258

3261 US Hwy 27/441, Suite B-2, Fruitland Park, FL 34731

centralflpmr.com

ADVANCED GASTROENTEROLOGY & SURGERY ASSOCIATES

Atop-notch team is essential for the care patients expect. So is an A-game strategy that offers the latest in available services. That is why Advanced Gastroenterology, who has provided effective services in Lake County for more than 20 years, is delighted to add Tri Huynh, D.O., a world-class gastroenterologist, to their exemplary team.

He joins Lily Tran, M.D. and Garth George, M.D., now in their tenth and fourth year at Advanced Gastroenterology, respectively.

Dr. Huynh received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his fellowship in gastroenterology at Largo Medical Center, a teaching hospital associated with The VA Bay Pines Medical Health System.

Each team member brings valuable skill sets to the practice. Dr. Huynh adds advanced expertise with acid reflux problems.

“When a patient has acid reflux, over time Barrett’s Esophagus may effect the lining, which is premalignant,” explained Dr. Huynh. “We have the latest cauterization procedure known as the HALO therapy, and

it’s highly effective – about 98 percent.”

This year, new medications became available in Hepatitis C treatment with similar results, increasing the cure rate from 50-60% only a few years ago, to 97 percent.

“Many people are simply unaware of the available procedures,” said Huynh, “my goal is to bring them awareness that these ailments are treatable and can be eradicated, provided with the best possible care.”

The Baby Boomer generation – those born between 1945 to 1965 – are particularly at risk.

“We don’t just screen patients who are symptomatic with liver enzyme elevation anymore,” said Huynh. “We discovered that more people have Hep C than previously thought.” Untreated, Hep C can progress to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, or liver cancer, with high fatality rates.

“These conditions are preventable and now, nearly 100 percent curable,” said Dr. Huynh. “We are here to help.”

ADVANCED GASTROENTEROLOGY & SURGERY ASSOCIATES

Leesburg | Lady Lake | Clermont 352.323.8868 agsaflorida.com

DR. NORMAN S. NOVIS

When Dr. Norman Novis and his wife, Alona, opened Patients First Primary Care in December 2012, they had a vision in mind: develop strong relationships with patients and utilize a familycentered approach by treating patients like they would treat members of their own family. Both Dr. Novis and Alona, who serves as manager of the practice, enjoy going the extra mile to satisfy all your health care needs.

That is a big reason why the practice has grown considerably. In fact, Norman S. Novis MD, PA moved into a 3,000 square-foot office last March. The new office, located off C.R. 466 in Sunset Professional Center, allows Dr. Novis to offer additional services such as allergy testing, cardiac care, echocardiogram, pulmonary functioning tests, cancer screening, and venous and arterial ultrasound. He also hired Aji Achuthan an advanced registered nurse practitioner who helps him render services.

“Patients love the layout and architecture of our building,” he said. “They also like the fact that we can get them to the office faster and they experience less wait time.”

Dr. Novis not only treats patients at his facility; he personally visits patients at hospitals, including The Villages Regional Hospital, Florida Hospital Waterman, and Leesburg Regional Medical Center.

“This is a better way of treating patients,” he said. “I already know their medical background, and visiting them at health care facilities allows me to check on their condition and ensure they are receiving adequate treatment. It also allows me to know them on a more personal level.” While many doctors focus on a particular part of the body or a specific disease, Dr. Novis provides comprehensive care to patients with all sorts of conditions. He treats patients with diseases ranging from diabetes and heart conditions to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and osteoporosis. “We are about total wellness and offer patients both conventional and preventive approaches to medicine,” he said. “I have been working in the area for nine years and understand the population and how to best treat patients here.”

NORMAN S. NOVIS MD, PA

801 CR 466 Suite 101

Sunset Professional Center

Lady Lake, Fl 32159

352-633-7659

ADVANCED UROLOGY SPECIALISTS

Advanced Urology Specialists has one simple mission: to offer innovative, high-quality urologic care close to home.

“I’m really proud to be a part of a group of physicians who believe in providing the same, sometimes better, level of care that can be found at universities and places like Mayo Clinic,” says Dr. Richard Roach, who joined the practice last November. “This is great for our patients because it means they can receive the quality of care they need and deserve without having to visit a big city. Instead, we can do that … right here.”

Established in 2009, Advanced Urology Specialists was the groundbreaking result of five leading urology practices merging to form a shared vision for a new kind of urological care.

“Separately, we had worked together very cordially for years,” explains Dr. Andrew Sher, one of the founding partners. “But we decided to combine our talents to offer a more complete continuum of innovative and integrated care. As a group, we play to each other’s strengths and that allows us to be quicker and more efficient.”

With a reputation as the region’s most trusted resource for specialized care of male and female urological conditions, Advanced Urology Specialists employs a team approach when addressing anything from urinary incontinence to erectile dysfunction to prostate cancer.

Each urologist is a specialist trained in the latest techniques for treatment of various urologic problems with emphasis on minimally invasive procedures.

“For example, at a small practice one physician may be an expert in one treatment but not in another,” say Dr. Sher. “Because we are such a large group, we can make all treatment options available.”

“There isn’t an area we don’t treat,” adds Dr. Saumil Karavadia. “We can help you achieve what you’re looking for as a patient because we have a very high level of expertise within our group.”

ADVANCED UROLOGY SPECIALISTS

Locations in Lake, Sumter, Citrus and Marion counties

352.350.8272

AdvancedUrologists.com

VASCULAR VEIN CENTERS

Vascular Vein Centers has been serving the Central Florida community for over 14 years with venous and lymphatic evaluation, treatment, and preventative care. We continue to expand our spectrum of care with the latest tools and techniques that are medically credible and effective.

Dr. Samuel P. Martin founded Vascular Vein Centers (VVC) with a mission to deliver state-of-the-art vein care to Central Florida. His background is that of a vascular surgeon who has come to recognize that venous disease has been sorely underappreciated; not only in Central Florida, but across our nation. He is proud to have assembled an expert team of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses who combine skill with experience and knowledge to deliver unparalleled care to venous and lymphatic patients.

Dr. Martin was one of the initial physicians to gain the distinction as a board-certified phlebologist through the American Board of Phlebology, a board instituted to recognize those physicians with special qualifications to treat venous disease.

Dr. Hugo Hart, who, along with members of the VVC staff, continues to donate his time and expertise on medical mission trips to the Dominican

Republic to provide vein care to a population that has been left undertreated in regard to venous issues. Dr. Daniel Arnold is a board-certified general surgeon with many years of experience in his residency and in practice with vein disease.

The VVC diagnostic lab has been approved by the IAC- Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, AVL, the preeminent regulatory board for vascular labs.

Dr. Martin and the medical staff at Vascular Vein Centers have been able to achieve gratifying results with some of the most difficult cases of people seeking to improve their quality of life who have leg swelling and discomfort. Their motto is “Healthy Legs Healthy Life”.

VASCULAR VEIN CENTERS

352.751.9797

910 Old Camp Road Bld. 160, Ste. 162, The Villages ReliefForVeins.com

CARDIOVASCULAR ASSOCIATES OF LAKE COUNTY

Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County has made strides to become one of the premier providers of cardiac care in Lake County and in Central Florida.

Founded by Dr. J. Henry Lesmes in 1992, the practice bears a legacy of innovation, longevity, and consistency that patients value.

“As one of the oldest private cardiology practices in the region, our group has stood as a pillar in the medical community for more than 20 years,” says Dr. Samuel Goss, an invasive cardiologist with Cardiovascular Associates.

The practice’s team of board-certified physicians uses state-of-the-art methods to diagnose a wide range of cardiac and vascular diseases. The practice also brings cutting-edge services to its patients. Cardiovascular Associates brought the first electrophysiology (EP) physician to the area, Dr. Miguel Bryce. Dr. Lesmes was the first physician to perform a trans esophageal echocardiogram (TEE) at Florida Hospital Waterman.

Dr. Alejandro Caballero-Lopez, interventional cardiologist with Cardiovascular Associates, was one of Lake County’s first physicians to perform peripheral interventions, aortic aneurism repairs, carotid stenting, and pacemaker

placements. And in 2011, Cardiovascular Associates brought the first cardiac PET to Lake County.

The outstanding team can provide comprehensive care for any heart and vascular condition and also maintains privileges at several area hospitals.

Individually, the highly trained cardiologists of Cardiovascular Associates possess unique capabilities that keep them on the cutting edge of advanced heart medicine. Collectively, they maintain a strong sense of camaraderie that assists in giving patients a full continuum of care.

“We have a team approach,” Dr. Goss says. “We strive to provide a relaxing, friendly, and inviting office environment so our patients always feel comfortable.”

Strong partnerships, gracious professionalism, innovative technology and service with compassion are just a few of Cardiovascular Associates’ core standards. Over the years, these standards have helped make Cardiovascular Associates the place where employees want to work, physicians want to practice, and patients want to receive cardiac care.

CARDIOVASCULAR ASSOCIATES OF LAKE COUNTY

1879 Nightingale Lane, Suite A-1 and C-1, Tavares • 352.742.1171

LRMC Medical Plaza, 705 Doctors Court, Leesburg • 352.323.5700

CVALakeCounty.com

TRI-COUNTY PODIATRY

Taking care of yourself can be difficult when doctors give you the go around, telling you what you need then sending you elsewhere to get it.

Tri-County Podiatry knows how crucial timing is to good health and a good joke; this is why they offer in-house specialists such as a diabetes wellness expert, a physician trained in trauma and reconstructive surgery, a registered vascular technician, a physical therapy team, leading physicians, and good-humored staff to take care of you right away.

Both Dr. Felix Esarey and Dr. Johnny Wu agree, “Our goal is to be able to be your “one stop shop” for all of your foot and ankle needs. By offering a variety of services in our office and working closely with our entire medical team it enables us to control the quality of care that our patients receive resulting in better outcomes.”

They also know patients are busy and conveinence is key. In early 2016 construction will begin on a second office, located off of 466A at Colony Plaza. The new location will allow for additional appoint-

ment options to better accomodate patient needs with the same physicians and services offered at both locations.

“We really believe in creating an experience that exceeds our patient’s expectations, so that they enjoy their time in our office and they want to come back,” says practice manager Jenine Frazier, and it’s true. Dr. Ivelisse Rosa emphasizes this is a patient-first approach to care, “Not only do we treat each other like family; we want the patient to feel that way too.”

Tri-County Podiatry offers expedited care focused on a satisfying patient experience.

TRI-COUNTY PODIATRY

1585 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite B, The Villages 352.259.1919

tricountypodiatry.net

CHAMPIONS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Abusiness is only as good as its standing in the community, and Glover Chiropractic is proof that a stellar reputation and a dedicated team can mean success and growth.

Dr. Jeffrey Glover and the staff at Glover Chiropractic Clinic recently celebrated their three-year anniversary with a few renovations in their Leesburg office.

“We put in a digital X-ray machine and tore down some walls to add more treatment rooms,” said Dr. Glover. “We’ve been constantly growing since November 2012 and we couldn’t be happier.”

Word of mouth has been the key to Glover’s booming business. He realizes his clients’ satisfaction and overall wellness can make or break him and that’s why he and his staff go above and beyond to not only treat their patients but also make a lasting connection with them.

“We treat you like extended family,” he said. “We all believe in what we do and we care. Actions speak louder than words.”

Most people who walk through the doors of Glover Chiropractic come not only because they are in pain; they come because they are in pain and it is disturbing their quality of life. It then becomes Dr.

Glover and his team’s mission to find and correct the problem.

“I remember we had a gentleman come in because he had been dealing with shoulder pain on and off for several years, but it had gotten to the point where he couldn’t play baseball with his son,” said Dr. Glover. “When it starts to interfere with daily life then that becomes the driving force for people to come see us.”

In addition to his commitment to chiropractic medicine, Dr. Glover is a staunch supporter of his community. He sits on the board of several local organizations and participates in numerous community services events throughout the year. It helps keep him grounded, he explained.

“I enjoy staying connected to the people, which, in turn, helps me at work,” he said. “At the end of the day, I always strive to treat people fairly and do the best job I can do for them.”

GLOVER CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

312 N. 14th St. Leesburg, FL 34747 352.787.9995

GloverChiro.com

CLERMONT INTERNAL AND COSMETIC MEDICINE

As both a primary care facility and cosmetic care center, Clermont Internal and Cosmetic Medicine is your one-stop solution to health care. CICM manages chronic to acute conditions, covering all the responsibilities of a primary care doctor while also offering the benefits of personalized weight loss, non-invasive cosmetic procedures, spider vein removal, Botox, PRP, etc.

Founded by Dr. Estime, who was trained in internal medicine at Harrisburg Hospital of the PinnacleHealth hospital system and graduated with honors from St. Matthews University School of Medicine, the practice is committed to treating its patients with superior care and respect.

CICM prides itself in spending time with its patients so to address their issues completely. “We refuse to practice the sad, but too common, assembly line medicine,” said Dr Estime.

According to Dr. Estime, obesity is a leading contributor to poor physical and mental health in America today. Being overweight may cause hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, strokes, depression, and the disastrous implications of those conditions.

“We focus on all the key factors that may contribute to obesity — lifestyle (diet, exercise), biological (genetics, thyroid), mental state (depression) — to help you lose weight in an effective, safe, and timely manner,” said Dr. Estime.

At Clermont Internal and Cosmetic Medicine, your overall health is of the utmost importance. Dr. Estime and his staff offer comprehensive treatments and always keep your whole being in mind.

CLERMONT INTERNAL AND COSMETIC MEDICINE

“As a holistic care center, we understand overall health depends on the body and the mind, meaning how the body functions and how we feel about ourselves,” said Dr. Estime. One example of a condition that CICM approaches as a multilayered issue is obesity. CLERMONT

352.404.5174

290 Citrus Tower Blvd. Ste. 102, Clermont FL 34711

ClermontInternalMedicine.com

LEGACY CLINIC OF CHIROPRACTIC

At Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic, it’s not about giving patients medication and/or injections to simply mask pain. Instead, Dr. John Theeck extensively studies a patient’s lab work and utilizes various diagnostic tools to determine and treat the root cause of pain, which could stem from a structural problem, a muscle memory change, or even organ dysfunction.

Once the problem has been successfully treated, he thoroughly educates patients on proper nutrition and exercise so they can achieve optimal health.

“Last month I had a patient come here who was taking 33 different medications,” said Dr. Theeck, who opened his practice in The Villages nearly six years ago. “We provided her healthy eating tips and explained ways in which she could take control of her own health. She followed our advice and is now taking only 11 medications.”

While most chiropractic offices attract only patients suffering from back pain, Dr. Theeck treats many conditions, ranging from high blood pressure and asthma, to shingles and headaches.

“When it comes to diseases, we see and treat everything from A to Z,” he said. “We’re not just a chiropractic clinic; we’re a prevention clinic that teaches patients how to prevent disease

and achieve optimal health. Doctor actually means teacher, and educating patients about their condition is of utmost importance.”

That patient-centered, drug-free approach explains why patients throughout Central Florida entrust their care to Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic. After all, when a physician merely treats symptoms, patients will continue making unnecessary trips to a doctor’s office.

“What sets our practice apart is the way we treat, love and care for patients,” Dr. Theeck says.

TREATING CANCER WITH CARE

At the Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute (RBOI) in The Villages, cancer care goes beyond the latest medical treatments and equipment. It extends to taking interest in their patients’ emotional and safety needs. That’s why Dr. Robert Purdon, a radiation oncologist, joined RBOI last year after having a highly successful career in Tavares for 30 years.

“We are a facility dedicated to high quality patient care. Our two biggest concerns are improving our patients’ quality of life and safety,” he says. “We don’t cut any corners.”

To ensure RBOI patients receive the best care, Dr. Purdon says they employ the best staff and make sure a person’s overall wellness is No. 1. They were the first radiation oncology provider in the area accredited by the American College of Radiology. That means that RBOI has met widely accepted quality assurance standards, while using the most advanced technologies and techniques.

In addition, they have social workers who work in the office to offer support to not only the patients but also their families, and they help patients with details such as rides to appointments and insurance questions. For the staff at RBOI, it’s about considering the whole person, not just treating their cancer. Not a day goes by that Dr. Purdon doesn’t hear positive feedback from patients.

“Patients will tell me they’re so happy they came here or how they wish all doctors could be like us,” he says. “We make everyone who comes here feel like family. A lot of times our patients are coming to us every day for four to nine weeks of treatment.

Then they come back for follow-ups and sometimes they may need additional treatment. That’s a very long commitment, so we do our best to build those relationships and make people as comfortable as possible.”

Being able to make a difference in people’s lives is what drives Dr. Purdon every day. For example, this past summer when he was biking across America from Yorktown, Virginia, to Florence, Oregon, Dr. Purdon couldn’t help but think about returning to his patients.

“I really missed taking care of them and collaborating with my colleagues,” he says. “They were kind enough and generous enough to let me have that time to do that ride, but the entire time I was wanting to get back to my patients.”

That love for what he does encourages Dr. Purdon to push himself to continue learning and growing for the betterment of his patients and team.

“You’re either green and growing or brown and rotting,” he says with a laugh.

At the end of the day, he explains a doctor doesn’t go into their specialty looking for money or bankers’ hours. It’s about the people.

“Cancer is a life-changing event; therefore, I want to help patients get to a better place than they were before,” he added.

The Villages, FL 32159 352.259.2200 rboi.com

LEESBURG REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER OPENS NEW SHORT STAY WING

Leesburg Regional Medical Center (LRMC) continues to grow and expand to meet the needs of the community. The latest addition is the 24-bed Short Stay Wing recently opened to provide excellence in clinical care to patients who have not been admitted but can benefit from extended evaluation and treatment in a comfortable, private, and safe environment. The private rooms provide patients and doctors with a comfortable place for confidential conversations and for family members to visit without disturbing others.

LRMC, part of the Central Florida Health Alliance (CFHA), cares for more than 52,000 patients annually, which means the growth and improvement will continue.

Mayor Elise Dennison spoke briefly at the ribbon cutting and open house event for the new wing and talked about the hospital’s humble beginnings.

“It has always amazed me that people many years ago had the foresight to look ahead and think about what could be in this city,” Dennison said. “Back in 1955 the Chamber of Commerce thought we should open a hospital, so they began fundraising. By 1963, there was enough money to open Leesburg General Hospital, and now Leesburg Regional Medical Center is outstanding with its services and its outreach to the community.”

Dennison went on to say she envisions the partnership between the hospital and

the city continuing to grow as more people come to this area. “It’s an amazing hospital,” Dennison said. “It’s known throughout Florida as one of the best.”

Gerald Tucker, treasurer of the LRMC Foundation Board of Directors, was chairperson of the capital fundraising campaign for the Short Stay Wing. He spoke of his first discussion about the campaign with Don Henderson, President and CEO of CFHA.

“Two years ago Don came to us with a request. LRMC needed to expand its emergency room with some short-stay rooms. These needs came with the Affordable Healthcare Act and the community growth, which meant more needs,” Tucker said. “Sometimes a little more time is necessary for the staff to make a proper assessment for patients. The answer is a short stay unit that’s comfortable, private, and provides state-of-the-art technology.”

Don Hahnfeldt, chairman of the CFHA Board of Directors, said every effort was made to bring LRMC into the 21st century with style and the latest technology. The updated look of the façade and the continued work on the inside of the hospital make it a source of great pride for the community.

“Our number one priority is to keep [people] strong and healthy,” Hahnfeldt said. “Without community support, without the doctors and staff here to make it great, it’s just bricks and mortar.”

CFHA is proud that both LRMC and sister

Short Stay Wing was generously paid for by our community as a gift to their hospital.”

LRMC is a community-owned, not-for-profit hospital that provides open access to highquality medical care, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay for that care. Hahnfeldt said the board, management, and staff operate the hospital with one objective in mind: to provide excellence in health care for the community.

“We have been successful in doing that in a very challenging environment, when health care throughout the United States has been

undergoing a transition. Because of the efficiency of this team we have not only been able to survive but excel in providing great care in one of the fastest growing and one of the most senior counties in the United States.”

“The opening of the new Short Stay Wing was a perfect way to celebrate a very successful year in 2015,” Hahnfeldt said, “and the best way to start the New Year with the additional opportunities that we look forward to pursuing in 2016.”

LEESBURG REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

352.323.5762

600 E. Dixie Ave., Leesburg, FL 34748

LeesburgRegional.org

RADIOLOGY SPECIALISTS OF FLORIDA

Early detection is the best defense against today’s most deadly diseases.

Nobody understands this better than the radiologists and specialists at Florida Hospital Waterman and Florida Hospital Waterman Center for Medical Imaging (CMI), which have provided state-of-the-art imaging services for Lake County patients for more than 20 years.

Now, patients at both the hospital and CMI have access to even more consistent, high-quality services to patients thanks to a partnership formed when Medical Imaging Professionals merged with Radiology Specialists of Florida (RSF) in May 2015. RSF features a team of more than 90 board-certified radiologists who have specialized training in body imaging, interventional radiology, neuroradiology, pediatric imaging, women’s imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, and nuclear medicine.

As a result, Florida Hospital Waterman and CMI can offer patients and referring doctors around-the-clock coverage, reduced turnaround times, and increased access to subspecialty radiology services.

“We’ll have an opportunity to work with even more colleagues who have the most recent and up-to-date training,” said Dr. Fred Wittenstein, a radiologist since 1984 who was one of the founding members of Medical Imaging Professionals. “We’ll also be able to provide faster service and turnaround times for the hospital. We’re very excited about our partnership with Radiology Specialists of Florida because they’ve set a high standard of improving quality and efficiency of care in the region. Without question, the partnership will bring an increased level of service and quality of care to the practice, patients, and institutions we serve.”

Florida Hospital Waterman and CMI utilize some of the most advanced diagnostics tools, including PET/CT, MRI, 4D ultrasound, digital x-ray and a DEXA scanner to measure bone density.

DR. FRED WITTENSTEIN

practice

UROLOGY SPECIALISTS OF LAKE COUNTY

Dr. Jason Gerboc, Dr. Michael W. Fountain, Regina Guzzi, P.A., and the staff of Urology Specialists of Lake County seek to provide the highest quality of care for their patients. With a combination of specialized training and evidence-based treatment, they ensure patients not only get better, but also are completely satisfied with the level of care received.

“Our goal is always that the patient’s condition improves and they feel better,” Dr. Gerboc said. “When I’m listening to symptoms and complaints, I want to get to the heart of the matter so I can make an accurate diagnosis.”

Many urological problems often go untreated because people find them embarrassing or difficult to discuss with a doctor. Dr. Gerboc and Dr. Fountain understand the need for compassionate dialogue where health issues are concerned. The practice focuses on treating problems such as enlarged prostate, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction. There is no need to have discomfort or pain when the treatment is often available on site, using stateof-the-art technology and equipment.

“We want to be sure patients get treatment in a timely manner. We have immediate availability, sometimes

same-day office appointments. Certainly we can see patients within a quick turnover,” Dr. Gerboc said. “We have a great office, clean environment, friendly staff, convenient location, state-of-the-art equipment. Our staff is caring and concerned, always eager to meet our patients’ expectation.”

Urology is a constantly changing specialty, but the staff of Urology Specialists of Lake County are always prepared to provide compassionate care combined with cutting-edge treatment.

UROLOGY SPECIALISTS OF LAKE COUNTY

1210 Waterman Way

Tavares, FL 32778

352.343.2364

LakeCountyUrology.com

(L–R) JASON GERBOC, DO; REGINA GUZZI, PA-C; MICHAEL FOUNTAIN, DO, FACOS

LAKE WELLNESS FOR WOMEN OB/GYN W

omen know it’s important to take an active role in their personal health care, especially issues specifically related to obstetrics and gynecology.

The physicians at Lake Wellness for Women OB/GYN are dedicated to providing the best care by forming a partnership with each patient that ensures their needs are met in a caring and timely manner.

“We want our office to be the premier OB/GYN location where patients can get the treatment they need and the care they deserve,” Dr. Hallam said.

Lake Wellness for Women OB/GYN includes 3 physicians: Marilyn Mayne, D.O., FACOOG, Mamie Rogers, M.D., FACOG, and M. Joel Hallam, D.O. By keeping current with the latest developments in obstetrics and gynecology, these experienced physicians deliver new therapies and diagnostics to ensure that area women receive the care they need. Developing trusting relationships with patients is a vital part of patient care for these doctors, and they truly understand the significance of this.

“We take time to get to know our patients and families so we may gain an understanding of your lifestyle, family history, and other critical factors important in providing

quality health care and meeting our patients’ needs,” Dr. Hallam said.

Your health begins with YOU, this is why it is very important to take the necessary steps to ensure you practice a healthy lifestyle. One way the doctors help you achieve this goal is by providing resources and information in the field of women’s health, so you can stay up to date on the latest medical breakthroughs and know about local events related to women’s health issues.

“It is our mission to provide the highest quality obstetrical and gynecology care available in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere,” Dr. Hallam said. “Our friendly staff helps guide our patients through every step of care.”

LAKE WELLNESS FOR WOMEN OB/GYN

3340 Waterman Way

Tavares, FL 32778

352.589.6005

LWWObGyn.com

(L–R) Mamie Rogers, MD, FACOG; Joel Hallam, DO; Marilyn Mayne, DO, FACOOG

THE RAYS OF HOPE

For years, pain and fatigue were constant companions of Ann Busby. A resident of The Villages, Ann suffered from fibromyalgia, as well as severe arthritis throughout her joints and spine.

“I could only make doctor’s appointments every other day because my energy level was so low,” she said. “Whenever I tried to push myself I’d end up in bed for two days.”

Fortunately, life changed for the better when she visited Rays of Hope in Lady Lake. That’s where she began receiving photobiomodulation (formerly known as low-level light therapy), which promotes tissue repair, increases circulation, and reduces inflammation and pain.

“My energy level has doubled,” said Ann, who serves as group leader of a fibromyalgia support group in The Villages. “I’m a big believer in light technology. I see it as a big boon to health.”

The Rays of Hope is owned by Valerie Gause, a retired nurse who first used photobiomodulation on an acute flare up of a degenerative neck condition that resulted in loss

of function of the arm over a five-week period. If fact, she experienced dramatic improvement after only three sessions.

Photobiomodulation uses infrared light that stimulates cells to generate more energy and undergo self-repair. Photobomodulation has been proven to be effective on inflammation, swelling, wounds, nerve pain, muscle pain, and mild-to-moderate joint and back pain.

“I’ve also received anecdotal reports from clients that they’ve experienced increased energy levels and improved mental clarity, as well. That’s the kind of side effects we want to see,” Valerie said. “Light therapy in no way should replace medicine, but it can provide therapeutic and preventative support in many cases. The wonderful part is the whole-body delivery system allows for convenience and affordability.”

Understanding why light therapy is beneficial is much larger than space allows for this article. Valerie is more than happy to educate potential clients. You can contact Rays of Hope at 352.775.9976 or visit www.TheRaysOfHope.com.

LOSE WEIGHT, GAIN HEALTH

Contrary to popular belief, bariatric surgery isn’t performed strictly for cosmetic reasons. Sure, losing weight and looking thinner is one of the wonderful byproducts, but the surgery also helps patients achieve superior health.

“I’ve performed bariatric surgery on patients, and afterwards they’ve been able to get off their medications for diabetes and blood pressure,” said Dr. Reginald Griffin, who opened Concierge Bariatrics in Ocala two years ago. “Their quality of life is greatly improved, and the risk for stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease is greatly reduced.”

A lifelong Ocala resident, Dr. Griffin is fellowship-trained in bariatric and metabolic surgery and board-certified in general surgery. He performs two types of weight-loss surgeries: gastric sleeve surgery, which involves removing 85 percent of the stomach, and gastric bypass surgery, where food no longer enters the majority of the stomach.

While the procedures are different, both produce an important change in a patient’s body. That change is a significant reduction in the levels of a hormone known as ghrelin, which stimulates appetite.

“Ghrelin is at its highest levels in morbidly obese people,” said Dr. Griffin, who completed his surgical residency at the University of Florida. “But after gastric bypass surgery and gastric sleeve surgery, ghrelin levels decrease dramatically and as a result people are not as hungry anymore.”

Bariatric surgery has provided other health benefits, as well. For instance, many of Dr. Griffin’s patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery have been cured of Type 2 diabetes and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

“It’s so satisfying for me to see patients come back and no longer are on medications or suffer from diabetes,” he said. “Surgery can fix medical problems that medication cannot fix.”

In addition to bariatric surgery, Dr. Griffin also performs minimally invasive robotic surgery for gallbladder removal, hernia repair, and colon surgery. The robotic system features high-definition, 3D visualization, providing him with accurate visualization within the body cavity and improving both quality of the operation and patient safety. Patients benefit from smaller incisions, less blood loss, and less post-operative discomfort.

“Thanks to robotic surgery, patients can undergo a complex hernia repair and go home on the same day,” he said. “Patients who have robotic surgery are pleasantly surprised by the lack of pain they have post-operatively.”

Dr. Griffin also prides himself on operating a practice that provides highly responsive, personalized care.

“I can attend to all surgical needs of a patient and tailor a plan from one patient to the next. Therefore, my practice is a one-stop shop. Patients also have direct access to me, and that is very important for patients to be able to contact their surgeon. Every time they visit the office they’re going to see me directly.”

CONCIERGE BARIATRICS

1630 SE 18th St. Suite #103, Ocala FL 34471 352.236.5809

ConciergeBariatrics.com

‘I DON’T WANT MY KIDS TO HAVE A STEPFATHER’

Local doctor Jonathan Wise battles brain cancer with courage and strength so he can be there for his family.

STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ+PROVIDED

For 35-year-old Jonathan Wise, being a father means being a protector and provider. He wants to be there when his children falter. He wants to be there to applaud their triumphs. He wants to see them make a seamless transition into adulthood and equip them with the necessary tools and skills to make their own mark on the world.

So it’s no surprise that the possibility of not being there for his three children—Payton, 9, Britton, 7, and Camdyn, 2—crushes his heart. Although he is financially comfortable as owner of a bustling chiropractic office, he never thinks about material possessions such as exotic cars and fancy homes.

“There’s only one thing I desire in life. Each morning, I pray that I live long enough to raise my children and walk my two daughters down the aisle.”

So far, he has fought a courageous battle with cancer to make that dream become reality.

Dr. Wise, who owns Wise Chiropractic in Mount Dora, was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor in September 2013. The average life expectancy for patients with his type of tumor—astrocytoma—is only seven years.

Astrocytoma is the most common brain tumor, accounting for more than 80 percent of primary brain tumors in adults. It is classified on a scale of 1 to 4, depending on the severity and size of the tumor. Dr. Wise has Grade

2 astrocytoma, which grows slower than its higher-grade counterparts, according to the American Brain Tumor Association.

Sitting in his office on an unusually warm November morning, he removes a black hat to reveal a surgical scar that runs the length of his skull. He is bald from chemotherapy, and radiation has left a patch of skin on his head red and slightly blistered.

I ask him what probably seems like an unfair question.

“Are you scared?”

He answers calmly.

“No. I feel fortunate because my tumor is operable, and some people with my grade of tumor have surpassed odds by living 20 years. Their inspirational stories give me hope.”

So far, he has endured two major brain surgeries, undergone a clinical trial, and received numerous rounds of oral chemotherapy and radiation. He exercises and eats healthy. In short, he fights the disease each day with every ounce of courage and strength he can muster. Throughout his fight, these attributes have become more than mere words; they have become a way of life.

He has no other choice. His children mean the world to him. So does Missy, his high school sweetheart whom he

now proudly calls his wife. And he means the world to them.

“When he arrives home from work in the evenings, the children become excited and run to the door to greet him,” Missy said.

Dr. Wise has not allowed cancer and the accompanying side effects to disrupt quality family time. Since his diagnosis, the family has vacationed in the North Carolina mountains and visited local theme parks such as Sea World and Universal Studios. But it’s the little things that he enjoys most—like spending a winter day together picking out the perfect Christmas tree, taking family walks around the neighborhood, pushing his daughter on a swing, or reading to his son right before bedtime.

For Dr. Wise, these precious moments with family are ev-

“Those ski trips used to be reserved for the men in our family,” Missy said. “Now, he has decided to take me and the kids. One thing people don’t realize is he has enjoyed a lot of normal days where he feels pretty good and can participate in activities. Cancer patients can actually live pretty normal lives.”

Being able to enjoy those normal days has been a long, arduous road filled with many detours and speed bumps. In addition to enduring extensive treatments, he has suffered debilitating seizures that have taken away his driving privileges.

THE OTHER SIDE OF MEDICINE

After graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2012, Dr. Wise fulfilled a childhood dream by becoming a doctor and opening his own chiropractic clinic.

ery bit as therapeutic as they are enjoyable.

“I feel most comfortable when I’m around my family. My family is what inspires me to fight back against this disease. Being around them also helps me maintain a good attitude, and there’s no doubt that having a positive attitude is one of the key ingredients in fighting cancer.”

He’s especially looking forward to an upcoming ski trip in Utah.

Since then, he has spent each day battling disease and illness, constant but fascinating foes that he approaches with meticulous consideration and care. State-of-the-art technology such as spinal decompression, electric muscle stimulation, and laser therapy has helped him successfully treat the grimmest cases of sciatica resulting from herniated discs and degenerative disc disease.

“There’s no better feeling

“I’VE ALWAYS SEEN MEDICINE FROM A PREVENTIVE AND WELLNESS SIDE, AND NOW I’M SEEING IT FROM A LIFE-SAVING SIDE.”

than helping people overcome debilitating pain and regain their quality of life.”

What he never thought about was becoming a patient.

“Never, ever. I’m a Mormon who never drank alcohol, smoked cigarettes, or chewed tobacco.”

But cancer does not respect socio-economic status, religion, race, or healthy lifestyles. And that’s the harsh reality Dr. Wise learned in September 2013 after suffering an unexpected seizure at work. He was admitted to Florida Hospital Waterman that day and underwent a computerized tomography (CT) scan that revealed a lesion on his brain. A biopsy confirmed the lesion was cancerous.

This devastating news was delivered six weeks before his wife gave birth to their third child, Camdyn.

“Hearing that diagnosis turned my world upside-down,” he said. “My wife and I were excited to celebrate the joyous occasion of having another baby, and suddenly we’re facing cancer square in the face. It’s hard when your life goes from being completely normal one day to terrifying the next day.”

After getting over the initial shock and the gamut of emotions that accompany a cancer diagnosis, he decided to attack his tumor with “all guns blazing” by marrying conventional medicine with holistic modalities. The chiropractor who emphatically believes in a nontraditional approach to health without

drugs or surgery would be introduced to a new world of medicine replete with surgical tools, needles, clinical trials, state-of-the-art therapies, and cancer-killing drugs.

In February 2014, he flew across the country to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. There, surgeons performed a craniotomy, the most common procedure for brain cancer where doctors remove a portion of the skull’s bone to expose the brain.

“I remember waking up from that surgery and barely being able to see,” he said. “I looked at my phone and saw the time and had no idea

Liau, a neuro-oncologist at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. The vaccine is designed to add months—even years—to the lives of brain cancer patients. Dendritic cells are extracted from a patient, sent to a lab, and exposed to a protein that produces an immune response against cancerous cells. The dendritic cells are injected back into the patient and help trigger another type of cell, T lymphocytes, to kill cancerous cells left behind after surgery.

Following the clinical trial, his cancer remained stable for nearly one year. But a

what those numbers meant. It was a very tough surgery and took almost a full year to recover.”

However, the entire tumor could not be removed without damaging vital brain tissue. As a result, he agreed to undergo a clinical trial known as dendritic cell vaccine, which was pioneered by Dr. Linda

follow-up scan revealed that the tumor had increased in size. In February 2015, he underwent a high-tech surgery at Cleveland Clinic called NeuroBlate, which kills cancer with laser-guided blasts of heat to attack brain tumors. That procedure

“THERE’S NO BETTER FEELING THAN HELPING PEOPLE OVERCOME DEBILITATING PAIN AND REGAIN THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE.”

WHAT HE NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT WAS BECOMING A PATIENT.

Dr. Wise and Missy were all smiles when they opened a chiropractic office in 2012.

shrunk the tumor, which, as of this writing, has not grown.

He recently completed six weeks of radiation therapy at the Ackerman Cancer Center in Jacksonville. The center is one of the few places in Florida to offer proton therapy, which can deliver precise, high doses of radiation to accurately target cancer cells without damaging surrounding tissue.

“I’ve always seen medicine from a preventive and wellness side, and now I’m seeing it from a life-saving side,” Dr. Wise said. “I’ve been fortunate to receive some of the most advanced cancer treatments out there. I have to admit that I’m blown away from what doctors can do from a medical standpoint.”

But Dr. Wise hasn’t strayed from his holistic roots. In fact, he adheres to his company motto of “Eat Wise. Think Wise. Move Wise.” He’s currently taking a supplemental regimen that includes vitamins, magnesium, and probiotics for digestion. He faithfully follows the ketogenic diet, which entails drastically limiting carbohydrates and sugar. And he walks, performs multi-joint lifting techniques, and completes sets of pushups and sit-ups on a daily basis.

“It’s important for me to remain active. My neuro-oncologist said studies show that people with my condition who exercise every day live twice as long.”

LIFE WITH CANCER

During the past two years,

Dr. Wise has spent a considerable amount of time in hospitals and doctor’s offices. These days, though, he continues working at his practice four days a week, which offers a much-needed distraction from his ongoing cancer battle. He gives adjustments, conducts exams and x-rays, and provides patient consultations.

Seeing his cheerful demeanor is heartwarming to his office staff.

“He’s never down or sad,” said office assistant Holly Huling. “He always has a positive attitude and worries about others more than himself. He inspires me to be a better person because when I think of his situation it really puts life in perspective.”

Still, working a full-time job can be an arduous task for a cancer patient.

“The lights in my office bother my eyes sometimes, and I tire out much easier than I used to,” he said.

He also knows a debilitating seizure could strike at any moment. Because the tumor is located in his left parietal lobe, he has suffered three grand mal seizures that are caused by abnormal electrical activity throughout his brain. Imagine feeling a debilitating headache, your eyes rolling up in your head, and your body shaking violently—all before blacking out and losing consciousness.

“One time I had to go to the hospital because the seizure was so bad,” he said. “When you regain consciousness, you feel mentally and physically exhausted and sleep for hours.”

Anti-epileptic medication has kept his grand mal seizures under control; he hasn’t suffered one in more than a year. However, he does experience less severe seizures that cause his right arm to tingle and his hands to open and close uncontrollably.

“When I have those seizures, I lie on my back and they eventually stop. However, because of the tumor, my vision has been affected, and I can no longer write in cursive. Those things show how complex the human brain is.”

Florida driving laws require patients to be seizure-free for at least six months before they are re-issued a driver’s license. As a result, Dr. Wise has not driven a vehicle in more than a year. In fact, he sold his car and relies on his mother and wife to drive him to and from work.

“My mother and Missy have been my rocks,” he said. “It is easy to overlook a cancer patient’s family members. They’re fighting every bit as much as I am, and they’re also experiencing the same emotions.”

Not driving barely fazes him. He focuses on things he can still do. And as a chiropractor, he relishes the opportunity to help others who, like himself, are hurting.

“Being relatively young, I was never really able to relate to people who are sick,” he said. “Since having cancer, though, I feel much more compassionate toward people battling cancer and other illnesses. I view their problems on an entirely different level. Having cancer really makes

“MAKING PRECIOUS FAMILY MEMORIES NOW TRUMPS EVERYTHING ELSE IN LIFE.”

me believe strongly in what we are doing here.”

But his most passionate role in life is being a father and husband. He realizes the day could come when his brain tumor increases in size and his quality of life becomes nonexistent. That’s why making precious family memories now trumps everything else in life.

“I used to work around the clock, but now that I’m sick I realize I don’t have to work as hard as I once did. I have a great staff that can pick up the slack. This allows me to attend my children’s soccer games and spend more quality time with my family. I was missing out on things like that before, but now I relish the opportunity to be there for them and support them.”

One of his favorite activities is family home evenings, a Mormon tradition held on Monday nights. He and Missy, who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Eustis, involve their children in wholesome family activities such as prayer, scripture, and gospel reading.

“I want my children to become upstanding citizens,” he said. “That’s why it is important for me to make an impact on their lives while I’m still here.”

And for that, his wife is forever grateful.

“He’s everything a woman could hope for as the father of her children,” Missy said. “There’s nothing he loves more than being a dad.”

CREATE A NEW YOU

Finally, the holiday haze of stress and overindulgence are in the rearview mirror, while the dawn of a New Year is firmly in our sights. It’s time to re-evaluate our lifestyles and carefully determine how we can improve our health and overall appearance.

Here’s the good news. When it comes to redefining ourselves in 2016, the possibilities are endless. Who knows? Change might just come in the form of bright and radiant skin, a slimmer, sexier figure, or freedom from unwanted hair on certain body parts.

Fortunately, Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa can make all these New Year dreams come true.

The practice, which has offices serving The Villages and Ocala is operated by Dr. Michael Holloway and wife, Shannon and offers medically directed, result-based weight-loss services, as well as medical spa services such

as Coolsculpting®, Botox®, Restylane®, Laser Hair Removal and Skin Resurfacing as well as a variety of treatment based facials including the HydraFacial MD® to name a few.

Think of Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa as a medical practice with a day-spa mentality. None of the procedures are gimmicky or unproven. Dr. Holloway and Shannon pride themselves on offering only evidence- and outcome-based models of care.

“We’ve done our due diligence by carefully researching the technology and procedures we use,” Dr. Holloway said. “More importantly, we’ve assembled a highly certified and credentialed staff to perform these procedures. Those are the reasons we have such an incredible success rate in everything we do here.”

Here’s a detailed look at some of those treatments.

“We’ve assembled a highly certified and credentialed staff to perform these procedures. Those are the reasons we have such an incredible success rate in everything we do here.”

— MICHAEL M. HOLLOWAY, M.D.

Weight Management

There are many reasons to lose weight. Perhaps you want to get your body fine-tuned so you can walk the beach in a bathing suit without being embarrassed. Or, you may wish to minimize health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other conditions that can stem from obesity.

Whatever the reason, the physician-directed weight-loss program at Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa helps patients achieve desired results—all in a structured, healthy manner without undergoing surgery or a crash diet.

“We tailor the program to the individual needs of our patients,” Dr. Holloway said. “Our program does not focus on a diet; instead, we teach patients how to live a healthier lifestyle in a realistic and sustainable way.”

Starting with the free initial consultation, Dr. Holloway provides medically based guidance each step of the

Coolsculpting®

You’ve undoubtedly heard the expression “melt the fat away.” Lifestyle Solutions offers a much “cooler” way to eliminate unwanted fat.

way. The program includes individualized nutritional counseling, exercise and behavior modification techniques, prescription appetite suppressants when indicated, comprehensive lab workup and EKG. Patients are also offered Lipotropic and HCG injections as part of the program—both of which help increase fat burning and metabolism.

To say patients enjoy stellar results would be an understatement.

“We have one patient who was overweight and using a wheelchair,” said manager, Rosanna Whitehead. “Now, she’s walking with the assistance of a walker, and every time she walks into the office she’s smiling and singing. It has been amazing to see her transformation.”

Of course, Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa also offers other services to complement your weight loss and help you look and feel your best.

That’s because the practice offers Coolsculpting®, a revolutionary technology that targets fat cells to get rid of those annoying bumps and bulges of unwanted fat. During each hour-long session, the device, which is FDA approved, freezes fat cells without hurting the skin. The noninvasive, no downtime procedure does not involve any incisions, tubes or drains, and is very well tolerated with little to no bruising following the procedure.

“It can be used to treat all areas of the body, including the abdomen, the inner and outer thighs

as well as the latest FDA approved applicator that eliminates that undesirable double-chin,” Shannon said. “Patients see a significant reduction of fat in areas that are diet and exercise resistant. And because we have two Coolsculpting® machines, patients can have two areas treated at once rather than come in for separate appointments.”

Patients can enjoy peace of mind knowing the procedure is performed by highly trained and certified technicians. In addition, the treatment is administered in one of Lifestyle Solution’s spa rooms, where patients can maximize relaxation by gazing skyward at the glimmering fiber optic star dome ceiling and watch a movie or TV series of their choosing if desired.

Hydrafacial MD®

Sometimes, patients need more than a basic facial to treat skin that is wrinkled and dry.

Lifestyle Solutions offers a procedure known as the HydraFacial MD®, an advanced medical-grade skin care treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin. The treatment, which

Palomar Icon® Laser

Another way to improve your appearance without surgery is with the Palomar Icon® Laser. This FDA-approved laser technology is the latest example of how Dr. Holloway and Shannon provide the most advanced, effective and safest aesthetic treatments available.

It’s used for a wide range of aesthetic concerns, including sun spots and pigmented lesions, melasma, rosacea and facial veins, and hair removal from head to toe.

Equally effective is the Palomar Icon® Fractional Laser hand piece, which delivers heat to the deeper layers of the skin, thus promoting new collagen and elastin production. This technology is ideal for eliminating scars (surgical and otherwise), stretch marks, acne scars, and smoothing out wrinkled skin via skin resurfacing.

Come See Us

is performed by a licensed esthetician, also extracts and cleans out pores making the skin much smoother in its appearance. This noninvasive, age-defying procedure is soothing, moisturizing, nonirritating, and immediately effective.

Lifestyle Solutions offers a slew of other treatments, including Botox®, Restylane®, facials, body wraps, massage, body scrubs, peels, and microdermabrasion. There are two spa treatment rooms with a butterfly garden outback which makes for a perfect “spa party” for two that includes lunch or an afternoon snack and beverage. The practice also offers some of the latest skincare product lines, including iS Clinical®, a global leader in cosmeceutical skincare products that repair and rejuvenate aging and acne-prone skin.

But despite the vast array of state-of-the-art technologies, patients are equally satisfied by the high level of care and attentiveness provided by the warm, caring staff.

“We’re like a big family here,”

said Dairelys Lugo, medical assistant and lifestyle coach. “After finishing an appointment, patients often sit in the lobby and enjoy a cup of coffee because they like engaging in conversation with us.” Manager Gina Chancellor echoed those sentiments.

“We’re happy to be here in The Villages, and in only two months our patient base has doubled. If you haven’t met us, we encourage you to stop by so we can give you a free tour of the office and explain everything we do.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION LIFESTYLE SOLUTIONS MEDSPA

8550 NE 138th Lane

Lady Lake

1-844-LIFESTYLE

LSMedSpa.com

BATH SALTS

A synthetic cathinone, this is not the traditional bath salts used for water softening or aromatherapy purposes. This nervous system stimulant is used as a recreational drug and is popular among teens and young adults. Bath Salts have a host of street names—Vanilla Sky, Blue Silk, Snow Leopard (and many others). It is sold in powder form (white, off-white or slightly yellowed) in small plastic or foil packages. It can be snorted, injected, smoked, mixed with food or drink, and used as an airborne mist. Abusers report agitation, insomnia, irritability, dizziness, depression, paranoia, delusions, suicidal thoughts, seizures, and panic attacks. Bath Salts are easily available through the internet, convenience stores, and retail outlets known as “head shops.”

DEVIL’S BREATH

Scopolamine has a reputation of being the “scariest drug in the world.” It blocks free will, wipes away memory, and may even kill. One gram is similar to cocaine, but can be worse than anthrax. This drug turns people into complete zombies within minutes of ingestion and when it wears off, people often have no recollection of what happened to them including robbery and rape. This drug is odorless, tasteless, and can be simply blown into the face of someone on the street.

CHEESE

Black tar heroin is combined with crushed Xanax

or Tylenol PM tablets to create a highly addictive and very dangerous tan-colored powder snorted through the nose. It is packaged in a small paper bindle or clear zip baggie and can be bought for as little as $2. Symptoms include drowsiness and lethargy, euphoria, excessive thirst, disorientation, hunger, and extreme personality changes.

KROKODIL

This drug is a derivative of morphine (Desomorphine) and has sedative and analgesic effects while being eight to ten times more potent than morphine. It is easily made from codeine, lighter fluid, industrial cleaning fluid, gasoline other substances. Withdrawal from Krokodil can take an agonizing MONTH. The user’s skin turns greenish and scaly at the site of injection as blood vessels rupture and cause surrounding tissue to die.

BROMO-DRAGONFLY

(B-FLY) This synthetic hallucinogenic substance is similar to phenethylamines and has similar effects of those of LSD. B-Fly is sold over Internet. It is very toxic and the risk of overdose is high. It is often taken in combination with other drugs and its effects last much longer and can lead to double dosing and overdose.

CRUNK

This newest fad includes a “high” created right at home from ingredients found in any medicine cabinet and refrigerator. Called Crunk Concoction, it is a deadly

juice that teens down in hopes of getting high. It is a soda or other beverage mixed with an over-the-counter cough syrup and crushed prescription painkillers. Crunk produces an intense rush causing blackouts and breathing problems, and even death.

Gummy bears soak up vodka. They can be odorless and the person eating them has no idea how much vodka they put into their system.

HAND SANITIZER

A few squirts of hand sanitizer is the latest in a string of household products used to induce intoxication and may be equal to a couple shots of hard liquor. A few swallows is all it takes to get the intoxicated effects of alcohol—slurred speech, unresponsiveness, and possible coma.

WEED BUTTER (Synthetic Cannaboid)

The process involves cooking marijuana with butter. The bonding makes the THC in the marijuana more potent. THC is soluble in fats and alcohol. Butter and oils are loaded with fat, and serve as a perfect carrier for THC to go straight to the bloodstream where it will stay with the body for longer periods of time (up to months) after ingesting it. Hashish is often substituted for marijuana in the butter.

KHAT

Fresh leaves provide amphetamine-like result and it is abused for its stimulant and euphoric effects. Khat

is consumed orally as a tea; chewed into a paste; and sometimes smoked or sprinkled on food. After ingesting Khat, the user experiences an immediate increase in blood pressure and heart rate. In addition, there are immediate physiological effects such as physical hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.

KRATOM

An herbal drug of abuse, Kratom contains 25 compounds that act as poisons. One of these chemicals is considered a true opiate and is 17 times more potent than morphine by weight. Kratom is frequently marketed as a natural pain reliever and an alternative to powerful addictive narcotics like OxyContin; however, it is just as addictive with short-term and long-term side effects.

SMILES

Also nicknamed N-Bomb, Smiles is the latest synthetic drug responsible for teen deaths. Often abused for its hallucinogenic effects, is found in tablet, liquid, capsule, or powder form. The drug is often misrepresented by distributors and sold as other hallucinogens such as MDMA and LSD.

Packaging often says, “Not for human consumption.” Despite this warning, many people continue to experiment.

Call 911 or your local poison control center at 800-2221222 for help.

just a touch away

JANUARY 7

Stroke Support Group

This group offers an opportunity for stroke survivors to learn about local resources and interact socially while participating in group therapy. The group meets at 2:30 p.m. in the LRMC North Campus conference room. Information: 352.323.5658

JANUARY 12

Better Breathers

An American Lung Association support group to aid those who suffer from lung diseases. Participants learn tips and techniques to manage their disease. 1–3 p.m. National Training Center, 1935 Don Wickham Drive Clermont. Free. Information: 352.241.7109

JANUARY 12

Mended Hearts Support Group

Mended Hearts offers hope to heart patients suffering from cardiovascular disease, as well as their families and caregivers. Noon–1 p.m. Florida Hospital Waterman, 100 Waterman Way Tavares. Information: 352.253.3399

JANUARY 20

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group

Share stories and reach out to others facing similar challenges with multiple sclerosis, a disease that attacks the central ner-

vous system. 10 a.m.–noon, National Training Center, 1935 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont. Free. Information: 352.242.2350

JANUARY 21

Breast Cancer Support Group

A breast cancer diagnosis is a time filled with fear and uncertainty. Fortunately, you don’t have to battle breast cancer alone. Share your stories with others fighting the disease and learn effective coping strategies. 1:30–3:30 p.m. Florida Hospital Waterman, 4000 Waterman Way in Tavares. Information: 352.253.3605

JANUARY 23-24

Florida Rush Cup

Soccer teams from around the country compete to take home gold medals in their respective age divisions. This unique event is at the National Training Center, 1935 Don Wickham Drive Clermont. 7a.m.–8p.m. Information: 407.654.5552

JANUARY 25

Amputee Support Group

It can be devastating to live with limb loss. Fortunately, amputees can share their trials and tribulations with other amputees, while helping one another cope in the process. 6–7 p.m. Florida Hospital Waterman, 1000 Waterman Way, Tavares. Information: 352.253.3892.

JANUARY 30

Health and Wellness Fair

Organized by New Beginnings, this health fair features medical vendors, short seminars on various topics, and free health screenings. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in Wesley Center at First United Methodist Church of Clermont. Information: 352.404.6946

JANUARY 30

Mount Dora

Health and Fitness Expo

Wallace Fitness is hosting a fun, free family event to promote health and fitness awareness. Activities include fitness demonstrations, weight loss education, live entertainment, prizes, contests, food trucks, and demonstrations by community health care providers, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at Donnelly Park in downtown Mount Dora. Information: wallacefitness.com/expo

JANUARY 30

Spice It Up for Hospice Chili Cook-Off

This event includes a chili tasting contest, raffle prizes, and live entertainment by Todd Brown and the River Junction Band. Proceeds benefit the Lane Purcell Hospice House and Cornerstone Hospice patient care. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in downtown Bushnell. Information:

352.742.6807

JANUARY 30

The Florida Hospital Waterman’s 7th annual Celebration of Life Gala

This event held at the Westin Lake Mary, located at 2974 International Parkway. Proceeds raised from the event support Florida Hospital Waterman’s emergency department. Information: 352.253.3270

FEBRUARY 6

Taste of Wellness

Attendees can win fun door prizes and visit with health and wellness providers. Enjoy great food, drinks, and entertainment. All proceeds benefit World Wellness Education, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at La Hacienda Recreation Center in The Villages. Information: 352.459.1655

We are dedicated to helping you get your life back on track!

Diabetes management Insulin Pumps

Diabetes Education

Pituitary Disorders

Specializing in:

Weight Loss

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid Ultrasounds

Thyroid Biopsies

Adrenal Disorders

Specializing in:

Disabling Conditions

• Deconditioning (due to illness, injury, or surgery)

Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Neuropathies

Numbness & Weakness

Stroke Rehabilitation

EMG Nerve Conduction Studies

• Joint Injections

Years Serving Lake and Sumter Counties

F. Ramharrack MD FACE Board Certified Endocrinologist

Rebecca Boone ARNP, FNPC, CDE Certified Insulin Pump Trainer

BODY

If you truly want to make your heart smile, then you should engage in 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, according to the American Heart Association.

ONE DOCTOR’S PERSONAL HEALTH EVOLUTION

WRITER: RICHARD T. BOSSHARDT, MD, FACS

When I was a kid, I took my health for granted. I ate what I wanted. The concept of exercise was moot because I played outside all day when I was not in school. I slept like a log. The most stressful things in life were chores and homework. Looking back, from a vantage point of over six decades it is sobering to think that my father had open heart surgery to bypass four blocked blood vessels by the time he was sixty. I don’t take my health for granted any more.

Here is a brief summary of one doctor’s effort to adapt in order to stay well and fit.

DIET

I grew up on bicultural “comfort” food: American meat and potatoes and Brazilian barbeque, black beans and rice. I loved deserts. Portion control was second and, sometimes, third helpings. I still eat what I want but I have taught myself to want things that are good for me, in smaller amounts. In my 50’s I developed elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both linked to heart disease. I tried a statin drug for a while. It worked well but made me feel weak. I quit it and took stock of my diet. The upshot is that I decided to give a vegetarian diet a try. After two years, I do not miss eating animals at all. I do eat some dairy and eggs. I try

not to be too fanatical and for a special occasion will break from my diet. I cut out all added sugar. I never thought I would drink coffee or tea without 3 teaspoons of sugar. No more. I like them better without. Most of my meals are prepared at

home from unprocessed foods. I haven’t darkened the doors of a BK or MacDonald’s in years. Do I feel deprived? Heck, no!

I love fresh foods, salads, stir fries, roast veggies, smoothies, etc. etc. Best of all, my cholesterol and triglycerides

are back to where they were when I was in med school and my weight is within ten pounds of what it was when I was in college. Best, I feel great. I don’t take supplements. I’ve gone with and without them. Can’t tell the difference.

I can’t improve on Michael Pollan’s advice from Food Rules- An Eater’s Manual in which he summarizes a healthy diet in seven words: Eat food, mostly plants, not too much.

ll and fit

EXERCISE

As a kid, most of my play involved running- tag, capture the flag, hide and seek, etc. Now, I have to make sure I take time for exercise otherwise my daily schedule will rule my life and keep me chained to a desk, chair, or computer screen. I love running. It is simple, pure, utterly natural, can be done anywhere/ anytime, and requires no special equipment. Seriously. None. Although I don’t advise it, you can run perfectly well naked. You don’t need to teach a kid to run; it comes naturally. Nearly everyone can run. If, for any

“The single thing that comes close to a magic bullet, in terms of its strong and universal benefits, is exercise.

–Frank Hu,

epidemiologist at the Harvard School of Public Health

SLEEP

reason, you can’t, then walk, or swim, or cycle. Here’s the thing: do something. Our bodies weren’t meant to be sedentary. Everything about the way we are built screams, “MOVE!”. For me to keep running, and enjoy it, I have to do other things too. I swim a little, bike a little, and work out at the gym a couple of times a week. No time to exercise you say? I promise, in today’s busy world, if you don’t make the time, it won’t just be there. When you have fallen on the ground and are stuck there like an overturned turtle because you do not have the strength to get up, it will be too late. I feel my best, am in a better mood, and am most productive when I feel fit.

thing: do Our bodies weren’tmeanttobesedentary.

If there was one thing I took for granted from childhood through college was that I could fall asleep at the drop of a hat and sleep for 8-10 hours unless an alarm woke me. Now, a night’s sleep without at least one interruption because of the need to empty my bladder is a rare pleasure. Some night’s it’s twice. Six hours, heck, four hours of uninterrupted sleep is a gift. I have learned that I have to force myself to get to bed at a decent hour as I am a night owl by nature. I have learned to keep the room cold, cover all LED lights, and use a firm, comfortable mattress with a good quality pillow that supports my neck. No TV watching at bedtime. With my busy schedule, I still find that I build up a sleep deficit over the course of a week so I love a one hour Sunday midafternoon nap. It refreshes me without making me feel drugged. I don’t take sleep for granted.

2016

RESTART!

WRITER: DR. JEFFERY GLOVER

January begins a new year, a fresh start, a chance to hit the restart button. What resolution do we all make every year? What resolution do we all break after a week or two? That’s right we all want to lose weight and be in better shape. If this is what we all want, then why do we perpetually fail?

Many of us want to give the illusion of trying and then finding an excuse why we can’t keep the commitment. We somehow trick ourselves into thinking having a gym membership is the same as actually going to the gym. We rationalize, play games, and bargain with ourselves to not exercise or work out. Here are some tips to stay accountable.

Have a workout partner/buddy. Many times, you will skip a workout if it’s just yourself but if you know you are letting a friend down by not showing up, you find a way to make it. Many times, we care more about others than ourselves.

STRESS

This is my Achilles’ heel. Modern life is so fast and furious, there is so much calling for my attention, and the complexity of our modern, technological age is such that staying calm and focused takes continual effort. Anxiety and depression are epidemic. I try to wake up each day grateful for another day of life. I try to count my blessings and keep my eye on the proper ordering of priorities: faith, family, fulfillment, fun, fitness, and, last of all, finances. When bad things happen, I try to learn from them and move on. When good things happen, I thank God for undeserved grace and appreciate them.

When I look back on 63 years, what I mostly feel is grateful.

Richard Carlson, author of the “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” series of books, made a career based on two premises. 1. Don’t sweat the small stuff 2. It’s all small stuff.

el Modern life is so fast and furious, there is so much of our modern, is d focused takes continual and y roper of un, fitness, and, last of all, s When served and 3 years, what I or of the ll career based n’t sweat the all stuff

Pre-plan meals. When we do this and take our meals with us we have no excuse not to eat right. Meal prepping may take some extra time on Sunday but can save a lot of stress throughout the week when you have to work through lunch or have unexpected things come up. You have your food ready to go when you are.

Minimize stress. Easier said than done right? Stress can make us worry, eat more, lose self-esteem, and do things generally not healthy for us. I tell people many times to “Live life at 90 percent.” What this means is life is 10 percent what happens to you, 90 percent how you deal with it. Focus on the 10 percent you can control and do the best you can.

Don’t make excuses. In college, a coach of mine told me to not make excuses or blame other people/circumstances for our condition. When you start pointing fingers, realize there are three more pointing back at you. We ultimately control our own destination and success. No one cares more about you and your success than you do.

We all have the same struggles but with a great support system and realizing we aren’t alone everyone can do it. We can make this a more successful year than the last.

WHAT’S GOING AROUND

WAKE UP WITH eyes that are swollen, itchy and pink all over? You’re not alone. Many urgent care locations report that Conjunctivitis, better known as Pink Eye, typically goes around this time of year.

PINK EYE IS AN INFLAMMATION OR INFECTION OF THE CONJUNCTIVA AND IS VERY CONTAGIOUS.

The conjunctiva is a thin film that covers the inside of your eyelids and the whites of your eyes. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a bacteria or a virus so prescription eye drops may be needed to heal the infection.

Symptoms include:

• Redness in the whites of the eye

• Red and swollen eyelids

• Tears

• Itching and burning

• Sensitivity to light

• Discolored drainage or matting of the eyelashes

If you suspect you or one of your family members have Pink Eye, there are a few things physicians recommend:

• Don’t rub or touch your eyes or it could spread to both eyes.

• Remember to wash your hands often – you can easily spread Pink Eye to your children and others.

• Do not share towels.

• Change pillowcases frequently.

• If you wear makeup, wash/ disinfect makeup brushes and discard of any eye makeup (i.e. mascara) that may have become contaminated.

• If you wear contact lenses, stop wearing the contacts and either sanitize the lens or throw it out if it is a disposable lens.

Only a doctor can determine if you need an antibiotic to heal your Pink Eye and once you’ve started the antibiotic, you should stay home from work or school until you’ve applied the drops for 24-hours.

WHAT’S GOING AROUND

If you want to know more of What’s Going Around in this area throughout the year, visit CentraCare.org and sign up to receive weekly health email alerts

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CONTENT PROVIDED BY CENTRA CARE , FLORIDA HOSPITAL URGENT CARE

MEDITERRANEAN TUNA SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

4 cans albacore tuna, drained well

1 can quartered artichoke hearts, drained

1/2 cup chopped red bell or piquillo peppers

3/4 cup sliced Greek olives

1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1/4 cup sliced fresh basil

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

1/2 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

METHOD:

Put all ingredients into a large bowl and gently fold together until well combined. Serve on sliced bread as a sandwich or spoon over a green salad.

Source: wholefoodsmarket.com

Here’s what patients recently said about

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C

MIND

Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.

—William S. Burroughs

DETOX YOUR BRAIN

Today, we start with a quiz: How many IQ points do you think the citizens of the United States have collectively lost due to exposure to toxins?

Take a guess.

The answer is 41 million IQ points have been lost due to toxins, more specifically to lead, mercury, and pesticides. This was estimated in a study published by the National Institutes of Health.

Toxins are body bashers and brain killers. Toxins are chemical substances that damage our bodies at the cellular level. When toxins kill or damage our nervous system and our brain, we call them neurotoxins.

Neurotoxins can cause lower IQ, but also lead to ADHD and autism; they can damage the brains of unborn children and have a range of other harmful effects.

The most insidious thing about toxins is they exist all around us in our everyday environments, but they are invisible. They’re in our furniture, our clothing, our food, and in the air. We’re only now beginning to understand the long-term effects of toxin exposure, but it’s becoming chillingly clear that toxins can wreak havoc on our bodies and brains. Toxins are poisonous to us.

So how do we face this toxic reality?

7 RULES TO ELIMINATE TOXINS

1. EAT ORGANIC

You can reduce your exposure to pesticides 80-90 percent by eating organic foods. In the US, the term “organic” means the food is strictly controlled and must have at least 95 percent organic ingredients. “Natural” is rarely as natural as the producer would like you to think.

2. THROW AWAY CANNED FOOD

Cans are lined with anticorrosive compounds, for example bisphenol-A and manganese. This goes for both food and soda cans. These compounds seep into the food, drink, and right into you.

3. AVOID ALL PLASTICS

In general, plastics are loaded with chemicals and toxins. To put it bluntly, all plastics are a long-term health risk. The substances in plastic can cause problems ranging from cancer to infertility. Take a moment to think about how much plastic is in your life. Take a look in your fridge. Instead of plastic, use glass and ceramic containers for your food. Unpack food from its plastic wrapping when you get it home to minimize the time in plastic.

WRITER: KIM BADEN-KRISTENSEN, FOUNDER OF BRAIN +

4. PUT A FILTER ON YOUR WATER SUPPLY

Public water usually contains a lot of fluoride, chlorine, and other potentially damaging chemicals. To filter the water, for example, you can put a reverse osmosis filter on your sink. Not only will it protect you, the water will taste better.

5. AVOID ANYTHING SYNTHETIC AND STRONG SMELLING

If you are using artificial air fresheners, get rid of them. If you want a nicer smell, replace the air freshener with essential oils mixed with water. Avoid cleaning agents that smell harsh. The same goes for beauty and personal care products. Find a new deodorant, shampoo, and soap that are as chemical free as possible.

6. OPEN YOUR DOORS OR WINDOWS EVERY HOUR AND LET IN FRESH AIR

You get the benefit of fresh oxygen, but you also let out all the chemicals that your furniture, walls, and carpets are slowly releasing into the air.

7. SAY NO TO CASH REGISTER RECEIPTS

This is a final and sneaky source of toxins. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s a fact. Cash register receipts are soaked in bisphenol-A. So just say no to them, or as a minimum, wash your hands after being in contact with them.

In the next article, you’ll learn why learning is paramount to brain health. Learn more at Brain-plus.com.

TOUCHING A NERVE

Have you ever had a senior moment and completely forgotten something that should be easy to remember? Why does this happen? If we understand the concept of neuroplasticity, we can better understand this.

Neuroplasticity refers to changes in neural pathways and synapses due to changes in behavior, environment, neural processes, thinking, and emotions, as well as changes resulting from bodily injury. Your brain and nervous system control every function and every organ in your body. Your attention, balance, posture, breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion,

sexual function, hormone production, and immune response are controlled by your nervous system. When the brain and nerve system function well, your body functions well. As we age, we experience negative neuroplasticity and brain functions tend to decline. This, in turn, negatively affects other functions throughout the body. You begin to experience memory loss, hearing loss, vision loss, altered taste and smell, and moods that are more depressed. Increased susceptibility to infection happens due to declining immune function, which means you are more susceptible to colds and flus.

Doesn’t sound too exciting, does it?

What can we do to combat this and bring about positive neuroplasticity? That is what chiropractic adjustments help bring about. Chiropractic adjustments specifically remove interference to normal health and healing. They reduce and, over time, may eliminate the negative effects of stress that result in declining mental states.

Omega 3 supplements (EPA and DHA) are critical for normal nerve signal transmission. For more information, visit your chiropractor and discover what dosage levels are appropriate for you.

WRITER: DR. JEFFERY GLOVER

HOW TO OVERCOME ADDICTION

Recognizing drug or alcohol addiction in yourself is very difficult. This is because people who are addicted tend to tell themselves and others that they can stop at any time, and that they are in control. This type of denial is the first sign of addiction. It is also the biggest obstacle to getting the help you need. An important step on the road to recovery is honesty.

If you’re wondering if you have an addiction problem, take an honest look at the way you live. If you drink or use drugs every day, chances are that you’re addicted.

Another good way to find out if you in fact have a problem is to go a full 24 hours without your habitual drinking or drug use. Then try to last another 24 hours. If you cannot survive 48 hours without your ‘fix’, it may be time to get some help.

Getting help for a drug or alcohol problem is another difficult step, but one that you won’t regret.

People who are close to you care for you and are a valuable source of support when you decide to get help. Once you have reached this point of decision, approach someone you trust and talk to the person about your problem. Ask him if he would be willing to help you do what you need to beat it. Both you and the person who supports you will need to recognize that the road ahead will probably be a difficult one.

Once you have discussed your problem with a person you love and trust, it is time to be more public about it. Find a support group. The beauty of today’s technology is that you don’t necessarily have to join a local group. You can go online and join chatrooms to talk about your problem. Support groups can give you both support and valuable information on where you can get professional help. There are many professional institutions that can help you deal with your addiction problem.

Depending on the seriousness of your addiction, you could be helped as an outpatient. In such a case, it is important to understand that you will need to be very disciplined and minimize your access to the substance you are addicted to. You can also ask family members and friends to help monitor your progress and keep an eye to make sure that you don’t fall back into your addiction habit. If your addiction is severe, you may need to be admitted to an institution that can help you overcome your addiction.

Support is absolutely vital if you are to overcome addiction. Friends and family can help you stick to your plan. Support groups can understand your day to day struggle. But the first step is always understanding that you have a problem in the first place. You can only change if you believe there is a need for change.

TIPS FOR COPING WITH TOUGH TIMES

WRITER: ROZ ANDREWS

If you are in the midst of a challenging situation, daily life can seem like an uphill struggle. Whether you are unemployed or are faced with a family or personal problem, it can be difficult to survive everyday life with such troubles on your mind. Here are some tips for coping with day-to-day life and, if possible, taking positive action to improve your circumstances.

TAKE EACH DAY AT A TIME. If your future is uncertain, try not to look too far into the future. Try and enjoy today and live life in the present moment. Do as much as you can today to try and improve your situation.

Worrying about the future will not help to change your circumstances and it can lead to a kind of mental paralysis, resulting in inaction and depression. However, at the same time, it is important not to feel guilty if you do worry about the future several times a day. It is very difficult not to do this if your situation has an uncertain outlook. Talking to a close friend or writing about your worries and fears in a personal journal can bring them into the open and loosen the grip they have on you.

GO OUTSIDE AND GET SOME EXERCISE. If you stay indoors all the time and stare at the same four walls, it is inevitable that you will soon start to feel depressed. Therefore, commit yourself to going outside at least once every day and doing some exercise. A brisk walk in the fresh air can be a great mood-lifter. If you prefer to jog or run, vary your route often and you will benefit from the change of scenery as well as the exercise.

BE THANKFUL Even

if your circumstances are extremely challenging, there should still be some things in your life that you can be thankful for. Even if they are as simple as a comforting cup of hot chocolate or a beautiful sunset, each day brings us several moments that make us grateful that we are alive.

When you find negative thoughts creeping into your head, grab a piece of paper and write down up to 10 things you are thankful for. Before you reach the end of the list, you will be feeling much better.

SET YOURSELF GOALS. No

matter how desperate your situation may appear, there are still some tasks that you could accomplish with a view to improving your circumstances. For example, if you are out of work, you could set yourself a target of finding and applying for a certain number of jobs each day.

The goals that you set should be realistic and not too difficult to achieve, otherwise you will set

yourself up for failure and this could result in feeling worse about your situation, which in itself could lead to depression.

TRY TO REMAIN POSITIVE.

If you are going through a problematic period in your life, it is difficult, if not impossible,

to remain positive all of the time. However, remaining as positive as possible in difficult circumstances does have several benefits. If you have a positive attitude, you will be more likely to try different courses of action that may improve your situation. If, on the other hand, you have a negative attitude, you will be more inclined to feel that there is no point in trying to change your circumstances, and your attitude may mean that you don’t take a step forward that will lead to a substantial improvement in your situation.

It is also important to remember that, although you may have little or no control over your circumstances at the moment, you have full control over your feelings. It can be very liberating to realize this! A positive attitude leads to positive action and your situation will be much more likely to improve more quickly through positive action.

EXPECT SOME BAD DAYS

It is very likely that there will be some days when everything seems to go wrong and the future seems bleak. All you can do on such days is to hang in there and tell yourself tomorrow will be better, because even the most difficult circumstances can change quickly. If you keep doing your best and moving forward, it is extremely likely your situation will change for the better at some point in the future.

So, live in the present moment as far as possible, do some physical activity each day, be grateful for the good things in life, set goals and work steadily towards them, adopt a positive attitude, and survive the worst days in the best way that you can. Your reserves of patience, perseverance and determination will increase. At the end of this difficult period, you will be a stronger person and much more capable of dealing with any challenges that may arise in future.

NEW YEAR, NEW MIND

We wake up in the morning feeling sluggish and tired. Inevitably, we begin pondering how we’re going to successfully manage our workload and get through the grind of another day. The day has barely started yet we’re already in a bad mood. We’re all guilty of having mornings like this. As a result, Healthy Living is introducing several powerful ways to enhance your mood and stimulate your mind.

ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO THROUGHOUT THE DAY

In the morning …

Go for a walk within 30 minutes of waking up. Sunlight is powerful and can enhance your energy and focus. It also increases brain activity and alertness. Simply put, it stimulates your brain much more than a light bulb or cup of coffee ever could.

In the afternoon

Take a very brief nap during your lunch break. German researchers discovered that taking a sixminute nap can improve memory. It can also provide the ultimate pick-me-up from that dreaded feeling of afternoon fatigue. You may also want to sneak in a crossword puzzle or Sudoku.

In the evening

Make your bedroom as dark as possible. That may mean shutting off your cell phone, television, and laptop. Oh, the horror! However, when your brain gets deep sleep, it feels supercharged by morning.

Sources: askmen.com/sports/health_200/215_mens_health. htmlabcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodCommunity/ways-mindsharp/story?id=15497115

EXPOSE YOURSELF TO SCENTS

The following scents can boost your productivity and mood at work.

Lemon. Lemon has calming properties for those dreary times you’re feeling angry or anxious.

Lavendar. Lavendar is an essential oil that helps control emotion stress. It has a shooting effect on nerves and also treats headaches and migranes.

Jasmine. This is commonly used as an antidepressant and is known for bolstering feelings of confidence, optimism, and revitalized energy.

Rosemary. It contains properties that help relieve physical exhaustion and mental fatigue.

Cinnamon. Cinnamon has stimulating properties that fight mental fatigue and improve concentration and focus.

Peppermint. Peppermint is ideal when you’re trying to solve difficult problems because it invigorates the mind and promotes clear thinking. Source: entrepreneur.com/article/224575

SIGHTS TO SEE

Feasting your eyes on beautiful sights will definitely enhance your mood.

• There are few things more adorable in life than your pet. Play with your pet, or if you’re at work, take a few minutes to look at some of your pet’s most memorable photos. You’re sure to get a warm and fuzzy feeling.

• Try smiling at someone. Chances are, he or she will smile back. Seeing someone smile at you is extremely heartwarming.

• Dust off your old photo album and reminisce about some of the most beautiful destinations you’ve visited. Or, you can surf the Internet and find pictures of some of the most picturesque places around the world.

• Take a walk in a local park. Seeing the abundance of plant life and wildlife Mother Nature provides helps improve mental health.

Dr. Johnson and Dr. Boardman are part of a group of trained surgeons performing minimally invasive surgeries with the use of robotic technologies. One of the procedures is TIF.

Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) treats the underlying cause of GERD without incisions. This innovative procedure uses the EsophyX device to reconstruct the antireflux valve and restore the body’s natural protection against reflux.

TIF is performed under general anesthesia and requires patients not to eat or drink several hours prior to the procedure. The procedure itself generally takes less than an hour.

Typically, patients can go home the following day as well as return to work and most normal activities within a few days.

For more information regarding this minimally invasive procedure, along with other surgical procedures performed by the group, please visit our website: www.MidFloridaSurgical.com

TIF: AN INCISIONLESS SURGICAL SOLUTION FOR GERD If you have heartburn more than once a week, you may have chronic acid reflux, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Heartburn is the most common symptom, but you may also experience:

• Regurgitation

• Pain or discomfort in chest

• Trouble sleeping

• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

• Frequent swallowing

• Persistent cough

• Intolerance of certain foods and liquids

• Gas and bloating

• Excessive clearing of the throat

• Excessive salivation

• Hoarseness or laryngitis

• Asthma or asthma-like symptoms

• Dental erosions or therapy-resistant gum disease or inflammation

Jorge L. Florin, M.D.,F.A.C.S // Christopher Johnson, D.O.,F.A.C.O.S. Jason Boardman, M.D. F.A.C.S. // Joseph Armotrading, M.D., F.A.C.S. David Wright, D.O.,F.A.C.O.S.

SPIRIT

Social media has given us this idea that we should all have a posse of friends when in reality, if we have one or two really good friends, we are lucky.

– Brene Brown

MAKE NEW FRIENDS

Without good friends most people find it difficult to be truly happy. We all need someone to laugh with, someone to share our interests with, someone we can turn to for advice, support and comfort. Yet, as we age, it can seem difficult to make new friends. But making new friends is a skill that can be worked on and perfected, just like any other skill.

IN OURTEENS the opportunities for friendship seemed limitless. Most people in our age group were single, childless and seeking to establish relationships. Many were still in search of a close best friend. But once you reach your mid to late twenties, those of similar age are starting to commit to marriage, to raising children and to building a career. It is not that people over 30 do not wish to make new friends, it’s simply that it is easier and less time-consuming for them to stick to their old friends. Of course, making new acquaintances is easy. Ask a lonely 30 year old if she knows lots of people and she may show you her 600

Facebook followers. But she may also complain that she still feels lonely and has few close friends. Meeting new people and forming casual, shallow relationships is easy; making deep, intimate friendships is difficult. Yet in many ways modern life provides better opportunities to form these sorts of deep friendships later in life. Fifty years ago the majority of people remained in the area in which they were born, living close to childhood friends. Today, in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world, it is more common for people to move around. Thus, more people are either seeing old friends leave, or are themselves leaving old friends.

FIRST, it is important to ask not what you want from others but what others want from you. Many friendships are founded upon, and sustained by, a mutual interest. Cultivate an interest in as wide a variety of subjects as possible. Do not focus too exclusively on your love of literature or football. Watch more films, learn to play poker, keep up with politics or join a history

group. People often regret not having someone in their lives with whom they can share their love of, for example, the Beatles or French movies. In their youth, people are more easily impressed by fashionable clothes and lots of confidence. But as they mature they often seek out depth, enthusiasm and knowledge.

OF COURSE, cultivating lots of new interests is of no use if you are tedious, unpleasant company. Work on your people skills. Ask yourself what sort of conversationalist you are. There is usually much room for improvement. The golden rule when meeting new people is to listen. That does not mean patiently waiting for the other person to finish. Really listen to what they say. Maintain eye contact, smile and nod along as the person you wish to befriend is speaking. In general, people in conversation with others appreciate two qualities above all: enthusiasm and cheerfulness. Life is difficult, and often tedious, so the last thing people want is to speak to someone

negative and depressing. Always be conscious of how you are making the other person feel. If you boast, you are probably making the other person feel small. If you monopolize the conversation, constantly interrupting and disagreeing with your new friend, you are probably making them angry.

ONCE YOU have taken a good look at yourself and done what you can to improve your attractiveness as a friend, it is time to seek out new people. Meet as wide a variety of people as you can and, above all, do not give up. You will meet many odious individuals, and you will endure rejection. But that is true of any attempt to establish relationships with others. Remember, no contact is ever a waste of time. Many people meet their closest friends through other friends. You may not care much for John, but through John perhaps you will meet Peter, with whom you will go on to enjoy a lifelong friendship. Sociologists identify three conditions necessary for establishing lasting friendships. The first is proximity: no matter how well you get along with

a random stranger at a party, if he is just visiting from the other side of the country it will be difficult to build a relationship. The second is repeated, unlooked for contact. To make a friend, you need to see them regularly. This is why so many people make their closest friends at school or work rather than on occasional visits to the park or local bar. The third is most important. For an acquaintance to turn into a close friend you need to spend time together in a relaxed, informal setting in which the barriers of stiff, formal politeness can be overcome.

FINALLY, BE CONFIDENT. You must make the effort to invite people out to dinner or on a fishing trip. This demands a little courage; you have to expose yourself to the possibility of rejection. If you meet someone at work who shares your love of Jane Austen, or golf, or classic cars invite them over for a bottle of wine. Alcohol relaxes people and allows a greater intimacy to develop. Don’t be afraid to tell people that you like them. For all you know someone may enjoy your company

very much but not realize you feel the same. Don’t hesitate to say to someone “I do hope you can come. I don’t meet many people who also love literature. It is such a pleasure to be able to chat about Shakespeare and Dickens.” The most popular individuals tend to be those who are able quickly to get past formal politeness and reach a level of friendly intimacy. Popular people also tend to be quick to call someone a friend.

TAKE AN INTEREST in the world, work on your people skills, be open and approachable and above all don’t give up. If you do all these things, and you keep trying, eventually you will find someone you really connect with. Never forget that many people out there are also lonely and in search of friendship. No one ever made close friendships by demanding affection and interest from others. You will make friends if you get out there and demonstrate affection and interest towards others.

THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVING YOURSELF UNCONDITIONALLY

WRITTEN BY: MARIANNA NICHOLS

The results are in, and they are extremely concerning. According to a 2011 survey published in Glamour magazine, a staggering 97% of women feel bad about their looks, regardless of their body type, weight, or age. Men were not included in this survey, but they shouldn’t be too far behind in the “I hate/ must change…”

marathon. It appears that lifestyle trends and the media have done a great job planting the self-doubt seed in every less-than-perfect individual across the globe, and every trait or behavior outside their commands is considered a flaw —a defect that needs “fixing.”

If you fall into that 97percent struggling to get rid of one or more undesirable traits, take a step back and think why. Do you feel inferior to current beauty standards? Do you want to impress a special someone or make others like you?

Either way, you are off on the wrong foot. When change is dictated by external factors other than the individual’s own will to change, it becomes a burden. In other words, if you are trying to modify your appearance or

behavior to meet someone else’s criteria, you are setting yourself up for failure.

Change is a good thing, even when it leads to learning from your mistakes. However, you cannot wait for the transition to be completed in order to love yourself. Sure, you will feel better and more confident once you have achieved a positive outcome, like losing those 15 pounds or kicking a bad habit, but viewing your attempt as something to be over with will drain your motivation. Instead, think of it as an enhancement process —a personal upgrade. Each day that you focus on your goal is a step toward a better version of yourself.

When you don’t love yourself, no change will ever be enough. While you might think that losing the extra weight or renewing your wardrobe will earn you much-needed self-esteem, things are not always that simple. Obsessing over your flaws to the point that you can’t appreciate your strong traits and enjoy life means that, no matter how much you achieve, your mind will always be on the lookout for the next defect to correct. On the contrary, if you already feel good about yourself, any

change can be welcomed as an improvement without your happiness depending on it.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that people often have a skewed selfimage. This means that you tend to be a less objective — and often far harsher —judge of yourself than others. As a result, while other people may see delicious curves on your body, all you can see is weight to be lost. This self-induced distortion of reality can lead to extreme measures, such as crash diets that can damage your health or unnecessary cosmetic interventions. In not-sorare cases, it can also spark feelings of unhappiness, self-hatred and, eventually, depression.

Perfection is the ultimate illusion —everyone has weak spots. Some people manage to conceal them by focusing on their positive characteristics, while others linger in a constant struggle for change. Believe it or not, if you can accept your flaws and love yourself unconditionally, others will love you too. Leave the nagging and self-loathing behind and make the most out of your positive side.

PERFECTION IS THE ULTIMATE ILLUSION –EVERYONE HAS WEAK SPOTS. SOME PEOPLE MANAGE TO CONCEAL THEM BY FOCUSING ON THEIR POSITIVE CHARACTERISTICS, WHILE OTHERS LINGER IN A CONSTANT STRUGGLE FOR CHANGE. BELIEVE IT OR NOT, IF YOU CAN ACCEPT YOUR FLAWS AND LOVE YOURSELF UNCONDITIONALLY, OTHERS WILL LOVE YOU TOO.

SPIRIT

POSITIVE E

veryone knows sayings such as, “the power of positive thinking” or “think positive.” Most people understand that thinking positively creates a better mood, more energy, more confidence, and is contagious to the people we come into contact with. People who have a positive attitude seem to have better luck than people with a more negative outlook. It is believed that those who keep their thoughts and attitude positive have more positive things happen to them. They do well while interviewing for jobs, they tend to become more successful, and they seem to be happier overall. Others seem to be drawn to these types of people. But is there really power in positive thinking?

There are stories of people who practice positive thinking that believe they lived through a tragedy or beat cancer because of their thoughts and positive outlook on life. Many doctors try to disprove this,

be more successful, have confidence, and believe more in themselves. When they are more successful, they are happier. When they are happier, they are less stressed or are able to cope with stress more effectively than someone who thinks negatively. When people are less stressed, it does affect their health positively. Studies show that people who are less stressed have a stronger immune system, are less likely to have a heart attack or heart disease, have a higher opportunity to live a longer life, are less likely to become depressed, and have a better overall well-being.

So, not only will we become happier and have a higher chance of success with a positive attitude, but we may become healthier as well. Although positive thinking

may not be a magic pill you take to make everything better and does require some effort, it sounds like a win-win situation. Those who practice positive thinking not only have positive thoughts, they actually transform negative thinking into positivity. When a negative thought pops into their head, they will consciously find something positive in that thought and change it around. Eventually, all their thoughts automatically become positive. Positive thoughts can help control depression, anger, and selfdoubt among other things. They also practice ‘positive affirmations’, which is positive self-talk.

Maybe the ‘power’ in positive thinking is not the kind of power some are looking for. It may not be a groundbreaking cure to disease, or a guarantee for success, but it can make living life a little easier, happier, healthier, and even more successful. It definitely seems worth being more positive to get these types of results.

Those who practice positive thinking not only have positive thoughts, they actually transform negative thinking into positivity.

No Duck Left Behind

$10,000 in prizes

Rubber Ducky Race and Carnival

Saturday, March 5, 2016

10:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.

Wooton Park, Tavares

Grand Prize:

$5000 College Scholarship

Proceeds benefit Lake County Schools

Duck Adoptions on sale at participating schools

January 18th.

1 for $5 or 3 for $10

Or order on-line at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016educational-foundation-no-duck-left-behind-rubberduck-race-tickets-19930394346

Learn the Duck Dance and win prizes! More information at www.facebook.com/noduckleftbehindrace

THE BEST MEDICINE

Dear Dave,

I’ve worked in a hospital as a nurse for 10 years. I make good money working long hours. The problem is it seems to disappear, and I’m left trying to stretch those last few dollars to the end of the month. I know I eat out a lot. I grab quick meals between shifts and on the way home because I’m too tired to cook. I think I spend more than I should on other things, too. Do you have any tips for someone who wants to get control of their money, but has very little free time?

—Amy

Dear Amy,

Sometimes the medicine that works the best tastes the worst. This is true

for both physical and financial health. That’s why, no matter how tired you are or how little free time you seem to have, you must make time do a written budget every month. This is essential, and it really doesn’t take long. When you sit down and commit a plan to paper, giving every dollar a name before the month begins, you’re taking control of your money instead of allowing a lack of it to control you.

Start with the income you know is predictable. If this isn’t possible, look back over the last several months, and find the minimum amount you brought home during a month over that period. This will be the basis for your budget. Once you’ve established a baseline income, you can prioritize expenses. But remember, restaurants are not a priority!

When you start telling your money what to do ahead of time, you’ll have more ability to do what’s needed with

what you’ve earned. It’s empowering and energizing, and it gives you the chance to make your Total Money Makeover a reality!

—Dave

MONEY AND BEHAVIOR

Dear Dave,

Why do you say that personal finance is 80 percent behavior? I thought money was more about math and keeping track of things.

—Gerald

Dear Gerald,

Keeping your checkbook balanced and things like that are an important part of what I teach. However, behavior plays an even bigger role for several reasons. You can add, subtract, multiply, and divide all day. That stuff’s easy. But until you learn to control your behavior, stick to a budget and spend less than you make, you’re always going to have problems with money.

One of the keys to being a success in personal finance is realizing work comes before play. This is a behavior issue. Let’s say your car needs new brakes. You know this, and you know you have a limited amount of cash, but you still walk into a store and buy a big, fancy television instead. That is not mature behavior. As long as you behave that way, your money will always slide right out of your hands.

In addition, this means you’ll never have enough for important things like saving, investing, and giving.

—Dave

Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books, including Smart Money Smart Kids. “The Dave Ramsey Show” is heard by more than 8.5 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

WRITER: DAVE RAMSEY

HOW TO FIND YOUR UNCLAIMED MONEY

Did you know that nearly 33 billion dollars in money and assets is just waiting to be claimed by its rightful owners? That startling statistic comes from the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, the organization charged with reuniting all that lost cash with its rightful owners.

Taking the time to search for your own unclaimed property and lost money can leave you a lot richer. In fact, making a search for lost property part of your yearly routine is a good way to ensure you never lose track of money

that is rightfully yours.

Start your search by going to the website established by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. The website address is, aptly enough, Unclaimed.org.

Once on the Unclaimed. org site, go down to the center of the page and click on the interactive map. This will open a new window pointing to the unclaimed property department for that state. Each state maintains its own database of unclaimed property, making it easier for residents of that

state to find the bank accounts, brokerage accounts, tax refunds and other property they have coming.

Enter your last name or business name in the form and click the search button. Only your last name is required, but providing your first name will narrow the search and make the results more relevant. Entering your first name is obviously even more important if you have a common last name like Jones or Smith.

Click on each matching record to see more details. The record will contain information about

the financial institution the money came from, along with an estimated amount. Note any assets you feel belong to you.

Complete a claim form for money you believe to be yours. Each state has its own procedure for claiming lost funds, so be sure to read the claim form carefully and provide all the required information. Each state has its own claim process in place, so be sure to follow the instructions on the claim form. Also be sure to check the unclaimed property department records for each state where you have lived.

TO BE OR NOT TO BE

5 ESSENTIAL ’B‘ ATTITUDES OF SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS

Building a profitable business is not simply a matter of seizing upon the right idea at the right time. To become a successful entrepreneur, you need to put in the time and effort to improve your entrepreneurship skills. From hiring the right team to producing a product your customers want and need, each component of a successful business is directly related to your skill level as an entrepreneur. If you want to improve your chances of a long-term career, there are numerous attributes you need to hone. Following are five entrepreneurial attributes that begin with the letter ‘B’ you might want to focus your efforts on:

BRAVE

Entrepreneurs who are brave stand a far greater chance of achieving their dreams than those who meekly follow in the footsteps of others. If you’re willing to risk failure or social questioning as you attempt to scale your business, your chutzpa and bravery will often be rewarded. If you ever find yourself questioning your entrepreneurial endeavors, just remember that “fortune favors the brave”.

BRIGHT

A bright entrepreneur is also a savvy entrepreneur. Bright founders spot trends before others, notice questionable behaviors in others, and realize opportunities faster than their less-logical competitors. If you’re willing to double-down on your innate wisdom, you’ll go far as an entrepreneur.

BOLD

Boldness can further your career in numerous ways. From approaching top-level investors to seeking out partnership opportunities others might not have the chutzpa to pursue, your willingness to embrace bold behavior will set you apart from other entrepreneurs. Dreaming big, taking on competitors, and scaling your business at a rapid pace all require a bold streak not all entrepreneurs possess.

BOASTFUL

Although boastfulness might be thought of as a less-than desirable trait, it can work in your favor if used at appropriate times. Boasting at a cocktail party or amongst potential customers might not be wise, while tooting your own horn around press people is likely to earn you coveted media coverage. Knowing when to be brash and when to temper your self-aggrandizing will be the key to using this personality trait to your benefit.

BRUTISH

Like boastfulness, brutishness can have a negative connotation. When used in the appropriate manner, brutish behavior can lead to increased sales, business connections, and even investor funding. If you’re able to discern when aggressive behavior will win you favors and when you should modify your maneuvers, you’re likely to be more successful than entrepreneurs who fail to measure their moves.

Honing your skills as an entrepreneur is critical for long-term success. Few are natural-born entrepreneurs; the majority of startup founders and small business owners need to make a concerted effort to become better bosses. Who will you be? Will you be working on any of the above-listed attributes to become a more successful entrepreneur?

HOW DO REAL PEOPLE OVERCOME CHALLENGES TO SAVE FOR RETIREMENT?

We hear a lot about how far behind Americans are in saving for retirement, but we don’t often hear many solutions the average family can actually afford. That’s how we landed on a $300 a month figure. It’s a challenging number, since few of us can find an extra $300 a month without effort and sacrifice. But it’s doable, and it’s enough to make a real difference in your nest egg by retirement.

1. DEAL WITH REALITIES, AND CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS

Many people are debating whether they’ll ever be able to squeeze anything out of their budgets for retirement savings. We get it. One of the main reasons people hesitate to save for retirement is they focus on meeting day-to-day obligations.

Christina is a mom of five kids in Alexandria, Va. Two of her children have special needs, so she knows what it’s like to be wary of “spending” money on retirement savings. “It’s been hard to save for retirement, because I always feel like I need more money in the bank since we don’t know what’s coming with the kids,” she said.

“But I know that if we don’t save now, we won’t be able to take care of ourselves in the future, let alone them, if they need it,” Christina added. As a result, she and her husband made retirement savings their priority.

They’re debt-free, have an emergency fund, and watch expenses like a hawk. They’ve also come to the tough, but correct, decision to save for their retirement instead of building a college fund for their children.

“We feel that the best gift we can give our children is a strong work ethic, good money sense, and not having to care for us when we get old,” she said.

2. REFINE YOUR BUDGET AND WORK TOWARD YOUR GOAL OVER TIME

Making up your mind to put retirement savings at the top of your to-do list is just the first step. Now you actually have to find the money. Dave Ramsey, along with many retirement experts, recommends you invest 15 percent of your income for retirement. That sounds like a huge chunk of cash, especially if your budget is so tight it squeaks.

When Katie quit work to stay home with her kids, her family in Mason City, Ill., had to learn to live on one income. After such a drastic cut, they had to face the fact they could not afford to put away 15 percent of her husband’s income for retirement. However, they didn’t stop investing just because they couldn’t reach the 15 percent goal.

“We were just doing as much as we could,” Katie explained. “However, each month we were able to tweak the budget a little more—stuff like changing his W-4 and our cell phone package. Now, we can afford

15 percent for retirement, contribute to college funds, and increase our fun money!”

Judy from Spring Branch, Texas, started her retirement savings plan nearly 20 years ago by contributing just 3 percent of her salary. Then, each year she received a bonus, she diverted most of it to her 401(k), and every time she received a raise, she put a third of that into her 401(k), as well.

“It did not take long to max out my 401(k),” Judy said. “At age 51, my husband and I have two kids in college with the costs completely funded. We are at the point of severe wealth building, and our giving has increased significantly. It’s a great feeling to know that I could retire at age 60 if I choose.”

3. LET GO OF PAST REGRETS

This is where many people get stuck. They see saving for retirement as a mountain too large to climb after a certain point in their lives. They give up before they even begin.

If the prospect of building a nest egg at the eleventh hour is overwhelming, go back to the first step and separate your realities from your emotions. One of the best ways to do that is to get all the facts. Where do you really stand now, and where could you be if you started saving with gazelle intensity?

*Used with permission from Ramsey Solutions. For more information, visit www. daveramsey.com.

CARE FROM THE HEART

v ita ll y im p ortant utcomes. The team

g es takes p atients’ m p owerin g them .

Patient education is vitally important to ensure successful outcomes. The team at Heart of the Villages takes patients’ health to heart by empowering them every step of the way.

One reason Dr. Georg Couturier enjoys working in The Villages is because patients enjoy living healthy and active lifestyles. That’s a big advantage for a doctor who emphasizes the human side of medicine.

“Residents of The Villages are extremely educated and committed to their health,” said Dr. Couturier, who opened his practice, Heart of The Villages, in August 2010. “When people take ownership in their health, it helps me bring their level of care to a higher level and harness their potential to make strides in both the longevity and quality of their lives.”

were selected after peer nomination, extensive research, and screening by a doctor-directed research team.

“It’s always an honor to be validated by your colleagues,” he said. “When you are respected by both your colleagues and patients, it shows you are doing something right.”

Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston and is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease.

“All cardiologists are properly trained and competent to diagnose and treat cardiovascular problems,” he says. “However, we understand that patients want more than competence; they want doctors who genuinely care about them as people. They have real feelings, and their feelings matter to us.”

Dr. Inamdar is an electrophysiologist, or “electrician of the heart,” who specializes in treating abnormal heart rhythms.

As a cardiologist, Dr. Couturier treats diseases related to the cardiovascular system, including, but not limited to, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmia, and venous disease. For him, it is of utmost importance to spend quality time with patients by answering all their questions and addressing all their concerns.

level of care t harness their strides in both of thei As a cardio treats disease cardiovascula but not limited disease, cardi venous diseas utmost import time with pati question concerns “One of the bei is t and effec pat do individ that be patien relati that part pra

“One of the most important aspects of being a good physician is having the ability to clearly and effectively communicate with patients,” he said. “When you do that, you can form an individualized treatment plan that best suits each specific patient. Having a working relationship with patients that is built on trust is a big part of our success as a practice.”

His approach to patient care explains why Dr. Coutruier was recognized in the Castle Connolly’s Top Doctor listings as one of the area’s Top 90 doctors. Nominees

Dr. Couturier , who completed two cardiology fellowships, is boardcertified in the following areas: internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, computed tomography, pacemaker implantation, and vascular imaging.

He is joined at his practice by Drs. Mark Rothschild and Vatsal Inamdar. Dr. Rothschild completed his cardiology fellowship at St.

“Electrophysiology has always been very intriguing to me,” he says. “I love being in this fi eld because I feel it is the most challenging and complex fi eld in cardiology. Another reason I love it is because I can offer a cure for disease rather than simply prescribing medication to a patient for the rest of his or her life just to mask symptoms.”

They share Dr. Couturier’s philosophy in providing patients with a superior medical experience.

“We’re a small, hands-on cardiovascular practice that is committed to doing what is right for patients,” he says. “All three of us are down-toearth cardiologists who enjoy participating in the care of our patients rather than simply telling them what to do.” FOR

352.674.2080

1149 Main Street, The Villages heartofthevillages.com

“We’re a small, hands-on cardiovascular practice that is committed to doing what is right for patients”

Impressions

fi“Tomorrow,isthe arstblankpageof Write365pagebook. –Bradagoodone.” Paisley

We’rEReady

More parents choose Florida Hospital Waterman for emergency care than any other hospital in Lake County. Our specialists have a way with kids—and their families—and it’s made us the number one resource for care in the county. It’s something your kids will probably never remember. But we know thousands of parents who will never forget it.