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  • As we age, our diets need to change! Dawn Napoli provides dietary recommendations for women by age group

    In your 20s

    It’s important to remember that what you are eating in your 20s can set you up for eating habits throughout your whole adult life.

  • Success Story: Follow-up to the first vascularized lymph node transfer surgery in Florida

    When Jean Hutchinson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, she took it in stride and moved forward with the necessary treatment to beat the disease. After undergoing surgery and radiation, she breathed a sigh of relief and was ready to put cancer behind her. Then one day she looked in the mirror and noticed her right arm looked a little puffy.

  • Can Depression Affect my Pregnancy?

    Everyone faces times of sadness that may result in depression. Sometimes, the sadness may be a lifelong struggle, but sometimes, the feelings may come suddenly from an unexpected tragic event. Unfortunately, pregnant women are not immune to those feelings or uncontrollable events. Recently, I had a lovely pregnant patient face something incredibly challenging in her pregnancy. I’ll change the names and exact details so it doesn’t identify the person, but it’s a situation that may strike a chord with you.

  • I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Along with tests, treatments and surgeries, what else can I do?

    This question is quite common during our initial discussions with a patient who has just received the new diagnosis of breast cancer. We often have very little to offer on this subject. Western medicine, with all its advances, does not always engage the active participation of the patient. We instruct what tests, what medications, what operations are best; and these recommendations are based on a thorough knowledge of the disease, reflect the most current thinking, and achieve good results. However, at the end of all these consultations, there is often a recurring question, "What else can I do?"

  • Lymphedema: Causes, treatments and a new surgery that can improve quality of life

    Article by Kristine Secrest of Orlando Health's Rehab Institute

  • Foods to include in your diet this fall that pack a nutritious punch

    Many of us tend to think of fruits and vegetables as summer foods, and then forget about them as the fall and winter seasons approach. But did you know that some of the most nutrient-packed produce peaks during these seasons?

    Pumpkin

    What comes to mind when you hear the word “pumpkin?” Pie? Jack-o-lantern? Thanksgiving? Although a member of the squash family and treated as a vegetable, pumpkin is technically a fruit because it grows on a vine and contains seeds. Its vibrant orange-colored flesh is due to the significant amount of carotenoids, specifically lutein and beta- and alpha- carotene. Carotenoids are not only converted into vitamin A, which is critical for our eye and immune health, but also act as antioxidants by filtering ultraviolet rays that can cause damage to our eyes’ lens and retina. Just 1 cup of the pumpkin’s flesh can provide 250% of your daily value of vitamin A (organic canned pumpkin can provide even more, about 750% DV), along with vitamin C, vitamin E, riboflavin, potassium, and copper.

  • What causes absent or irregular periods? Dr. Greves explains possible diagnosis and treatment options

    Most women dread their monthly menstrual period, despite it being the sole component of the body’s ability to reproduce. What exactly is a menstrual period? Menstrual periods occur when a woman matures to the point of making enough hormones. Each month, the lining of the uterus prepares for a fertilized egg. If the woman does not become pregnant, the hormones in her body will drop, and the lining of the uterus will be sloughed off and leave the body as a menstrual period.

    What’s the difference between absent periods, irregular periods and spotting? What are some common causes?

    Absent periods are periods that do not happen at all, and irregular periods are periods that happen less than six to eight times a year. And sometimes, a woman will just “spot.”

  • What is preterm birth? Who is at risk, and how can it be prevented?

    Being pregnant can be one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life, as they anticipate the birth of their little bundle of joy. The hope for all women is that their pregnancy will go to full term, which lasts 40 weeks. However, in some cases, a woman goes into labor and delivers earlier than expected, which is called a “preterm birth.” Preterm birth can be described as any delivery that occurs between 22 and 37 weeks gestation. Preterm birth affects about 12% of pregnant women, a number that has remained essentially unchanged for the past 30 years, despite multiple interventions.

  • Postpartum depression: How do I maintain hope when I feel the unexpected?

    You are overwhelmed with emotion after giving birth to your beautiful baby and are truly moved by how sincere everyone is. And then, it happens. Someone stops you and asks the BIG question. “How are you?” You respond with, “I’m good” or I’m great,” but she presses on and asks you again. “So really, HOW ARE YOU?” How do you respond? Maybe you say something like “really I’m great,” or provide a quick reassuring smile and say “I’m just tired that’s all,” but inside you know that this does not even scratch the surface of how you are truly feeling.

  • How to avoid holiday weight gain with these simple tips

    The holidays are right around the corner, and many of us are cringing at the thought of what seems to be the unavoidable weight gain that happens every… single… year. But with all of the holidays dishes laced with butter, sugary baked goods, and luscious, rich holiday drinks, who can resist? Maybe this year you can break the weight gain cycle. Staying healthy through the holidays can be easier than you think, using these helpful tips.

    Preparing for the holiday season

    The holidays are stressful enough with family coming into town, travel plans, and last minute Christmas shopping. Set a realistic goal to maintain your weight over the holiday season, instead of trying to meet a large weight loss goal when temptations are high. Take 10- to 15- minute brisk walks to help relieve holiday stress, and help clear your mind of your growing to-do lists as the holidays kick into high-gear. Stay on your regular eating pattern and don’t skip meals. If you over-indulged at breakfast, don’t skip lunch and dinner. Skipping meals can lead to excessive hunger and over-eating. Instead, eat something light to tie you over until your next meal. Decide it is okay to eat your favorite high-fat foods. I always say, “everything in moderation.” Choose the indulgent foods you really enjoy and eat small portions to satisfy your craving. Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holiday foods by eating mindfully and in small portions. Here’s a great portion control tip for the holidays – carry an ice cream scoop with you to use to fill your plate with various foods. That way, you get a smaller portion of your favorite foods. Eat a light, healthy snack before going to an event or party. This will help curb your hunger going into the party, and control your portions and choices while at the party.

    Mindful eating while at the party

    Check out the buffet and food choices before filling your plate. How often do you go down the buffet line filling your plate up from the beginning, only to realize what you really wanted was at the end of the buffet line? Avoid this by scoping out your options first, and then choosing your favorite foods to eat and skipping the rest. Aim to fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables. Choose calorie-free beverages. Limit your intake of alcohol, juices, sodas, and eggnogs. The calories from sugar in these beverages can add up quickly, and often goes unnoticed. Bring a healthy dish to share. Are you in charge of a dish at your family potluck? Bring a healthy side dish that everyone will be sure to enjoy and I guarantee you, you won’t be the only one that’s glad you did. Make only one trip to the buffet table. With so many food options, it can be hard not to go back for seconds or thirds. Try to avoid this by grabbing your favorite foods the first go-around, and savor every bite. Keep your hands full with a low-calorie beverage. Hold your glass in the hand you usually eat with to keep from grabbing nibbles here and there as butlers make their way around the room. Stand away from the buffet table so that you aren’t tempted to nibble. Eat only when you are hungry, and not because food is at your fingertips. It’s also easy to mistake hunger for thirst, so make sure that you are properly hydrated by drinking water throughout the night. Avoid nibbling while you cook. There is a difference between nibbling and tasting while preparing foods. Avoid nibbling so that when it’s time to eat, you can sit down and enjoy the hard work you put into the meal!I hope that these tips help guide you through a healthier holiday season. Remember, the holidays are all about time spent with friends and family, so enjoy every minute!