Exceptional Care

Dr. Colleen McCain had a particularly interesting introduction to the world of veterinary medicine. While spending her first few years practicing in rural Michigan, she gained valuable experience learning the industry and treating a number of different animals—including one skunk. But it was an unforgettable experience with an unruly cow chasing her around a stall that convinced... Read More

A Family Affair

It’s no secret that owners think of their beloved pets as true members of their family, showering them with love, attention and care. And just as one would seek out the best pediatric care for their child, choosing the right veterinarian is of the utmost importance for pet parents. Luckily, for the last four decades one area practice has distinguished itself from the rest by providing... Read More

Helping Hands

Life as a mother of seven kids between the ages of 17 and 8 certainly gets hectic, to say the least, but Susanna Gedaro isn’t one to complain. Considering what she went through on the road to parenthood, she makes it a point to appreciate all of the highs and lows that come with the role. Gedaro suffered through multiple miscarriages—the first of which came very late in her... Read More

A Bright Future for Patients Facing Infertility 

Infertility can be one of the most devastating events for patients to endure. There are psychological and emotional ramifications that pile up like hopelessness, guilt, frustration, anxiety, loneliness and even depression. When faced with infertility, having the support of a professional team that is known for high rates of success and—just as important—for their compassion... Read More

The Perfect Fit

Although the patients who visit Dr. George Patounakis at Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) Florida can be described as hopeful parents, often, “hope” is exactly what they are most in need of. Many have been told at other fertility clinics that they cannot use their own eggs or sperm to make an embryo or will not be able to carry a pregnancy, and their dreams of becoming... Read More

A Bundle of Fun

Everyone is familiar with the phrase, “You can’t please everyone,” and the folks at Dezerland Park Orlando are no exception. They just don’t seem to believe in the tired, old cliché—and upon stepping foot in Florida’s largest indoor attraction, it’s easy to see why. The 850,000-square-foot space was officially unveiled in late 2020 and has quickly established itself... Read More

Paying Tribute

The past few months have provided renewed hope in the health care community. COVID-19 vaccines have helped change the tide from anxiety and isolation to relief and liberation. However, variants and vaccine hesitancy have continued to place hardships on medical professionals across the country. Even while all hands were on deck fighting the virus, the health care field hasn’t slowed... Read More

The Continuing Conflicts of COVID-19

Displeased man with cap, blue jeans and sunglasses holding a NO COVID vaccine sign with crowd of people in background. Supporting anti-vaccination movement. Anti-vaxxer activist. By spring of 2020, COVID-19 had begun to affect everyone, in some form or another. The lingering pandemic has not only brought about severe illness, death and financial hardship but the seemingly never-ending... Read More

Caring for the Kids

It’s no secret that pediatric providers play a key role in a child’s growth and development. And certainly every parent wants the very best for their kid, so prioritizing their health during their formative years is of the utmost importance—even more so during the nearly two years since the onset of the pandemic.  And while many of the headlines surrounding pediatric health... Read More

A Summer to Remember

Every day at Camp Rockmont for Boys, a Christian summer camp located in the mountains of Western North Carolina, holds the promise of a different adventure, whether the kids are participating in a favorite activity or trying a new one they never even dreamed was possible.  Before that, however, the mornings start with a tradition that might seem a little unusual at first, but becomes... Read More

A Closer Look

Every parent wants nothing more than for their children to grow up and live a long life full of happiness and good health. And while most will say just looking into their little one’s eyes can elicit tremendous joy, sometimes it’s what they don’t see that could be a cause for concern.  A young child’s vision plays an integral role in their ability to learn and develop,... Read More

A Reason to Smile

Fravel Brewer Orthodontics, photo by Roberto Gonzalez Dr. Breck Brewer acknowledges that his career path might be a little unconventional, but it was the perfect way to satisfy both his drive to help others and the desire to serve his country.  As he was preparing for the world beyond his undergraduate studies at Florida State University, the Central Florida native applied to dental... Read More

New Year, New You

Many of us were eager for the chance to spend gather with family and friends around the holidays given these trying times. But now that the New Year has arrived and resolutions are being made, many are switching their focus to their overall health and wellbeing. For those looking for a fresh start in 2022, a visit with a trusted skin care specialist should be on your checklist. In... Read More

Best of the Best 2021

It’s hard to say there was anything good to come out of the pandemic, but one of the consequences of spending so much time closer to home is that it made us truly appreciate all the many things Central Florida has to offer. From our favorite spots to grab a bite and the shops we frequent to the unique ways to spend an afternoon or the beauty treatments we couldn’t live without,... Read More

Family of the Heart

A family, at its core, is about  love. It’s a safe home, unconditional support and a built-in team who will always be there to take care of each other.  That’s why Melanie Stimmell, of the supportive, educational and advocacy nonprofit Florida’s Foster/Adoptive Parent Association (FAPA), says that loving an adopted child is no different than loving a biological one.  “The... Read More

Varying Vaccine Viewpoints

According to data from the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than six million children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Over one million of those cases occurred this past September, as many schools reopened with in-person classes. While the likelihood of COVID causing severe illness or death is a much lower risk for children than adults, over 500 children... Read More

26Health

Patient-centered care. An idea often conceptualized in health care facilities, but often never fully realized until now. For the staff at Orlando-based 26Health, it is not enough to say it is their goal to treat the entire patient. They make it happen. “The organization truly takes a holistic view of the patient,” says Manny Carames, director of behavioral health and adoptions.... Read More

Diabetes and Your Eyesight

Diabetes is said to be one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases in the world, and in the United States alone it affects 34.2 million people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that’s roughly one out of every 10 of the population. Even more jarring is the fact that one in five don’t even know they have the disease.  What, exactly, does this have... Read More

Experts in Eye Care

The health and wellness of your eyes should never be overlooked. Proper care of your eyes and vision is a key component to your overall health. The physicians of Central Florida Eye Specialists understand this and are dedicated to excellence in ophthalmology. The practice has been tending to the eye care needs of Orlando-area patients for over 30 years. With six convenient locations... Read More

Connecting Hearts, Growing Families

For more than 20 years, Amy Imber has been a tireless adoption advocate, connecting families of all kinds to the children their hearts have chosen.  In that time, she’s noticed that a handful of stigmas and misconceptions have lessened their hold on public perception. These days, for example, adoption isn’t so readily dismissed as a second-best alternative, just as it’s recognized... Read More

Tapping into Personal Health: Look Better, Feel Better, Perform Better 

In today’s world, we want instant gratification, and nowhere is that more desirable than in the realm of health and wellness. To achieve these goals, we might increase our water intake or start taking more vitamins and supplements and even join a gym, but it can be months before we see and feel the results of that hard work. However, there is a way to start feeling better faster... Read More