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MEDICAL NEWS

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott hosts roundtable on fentanyl in Kissimmee
Law enforcement and organization leaders attended the discussion.

Source: Asher Wildman
Saturday, May 11 2024

AAPI advocate has renewed mission after kidney transplant
An Orlando man made the most of his time while waiting for a life-saving organ.

Source: Jeff Allen
Tuesday, May 07 2024

Dermatology group in Central Florida offering free checks for melanoma today
Thirteen locations seek to call attention to melanoma.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, May 06 2024

Central Florida medical student says Florida's changing abortion laws and exemptions are concerning
Emergency abortion rules were issued this week.

Source: Randy Rauch
Friday, May 03 2024

2024 Melissa's Race to Battle Brain Cancer ambassador gears up for Saturday's event in Sanford
This is the ninth year of the race has been held.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Friday, May 03 2024

State agency publishes flyer on abortion regulations, tackling what they say is "myth"
There are mixed opinions on Florida’s new six-week abortion ban and the impact it may have on women and clinics, which operate statewide.

Source: Jason Delgado
Thursday, May 02 2024

As new 6-week abortion restriction begins, advocates spread competing messages outside Orlando clinic
Some abortion-rights advocates say clinics will now have to turn more people away.

Source: Katie Streit
Wednesday, May 01 2024

Some say Florida's 6-week abortion ban doesn't go far enough
The six-week abortion ban goes into effect Wednesday.

Source: Randy Rauch
Tuesday, Apr 30 2024

Walmart to close its 51 health centers, virtual care service
Almost half of the health centers shutting down are in Florida.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Apr 30 2024

Groups push to get Florida Medicaid benefits expanded
Right now in Florida, if you make more than $19,000 a year, you likely won't qualify for Medicaid.

Source: Jeff Allen
Friday, Apr 26 2024

The pickleball craze is getting people active – but injury prevention is key
Pickleball is a fast-growing racket sport. There are significant benefits to be had, but it’s important to make sure your body is ready.

Source: Erin Billups - National Health Reporter
Thursday, Apr 25 2024

Florida health care providers adjust to largest U.S. drug shortage list in recorded history
Pharmacies and pharmacists say they are working to manage their inventory in the midst of the shortage.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Wednesday, Apr 24 2024

Former nursing home admin says federal mandate will only worsen labor problem
The mandate requires a certain amount of care per resident.

Source: Lizbeth Gutierrez
Tuesday, Apr 23 2024

Florida hemp industry could face an uncertain future
SB 1698, if signed into law, would cap the potency of THC in hemp products.

Source: Jeff Van Sant
Monday, Apr 22 2024

Autism cases in minorities being diagnosed more frequently
There are many barriers for families who are looking to get help for their autistic child.

Source: Lizbeth Gutierrez
Saturday, Apr 20 2024

Black Maternal Health: Advocacy, awareness and answers
We are sharing the personal stories, highlighting the racial disparities during what is supposed to be the most magical time of our lives: childbirth.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Apr 17 2024

Saving moms: 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, says Orlando clinic founder
Jennie Joseph is the Founder and President of Commonsense Childbirth, and says education and help are available for better outcomes.

Source: Tammie Fields
Wednesday, Apr 17 2024

Black Maternal Health Week events wrap up, but work continues
Mothers and educators are continuing to tell their stories and raise awareness for equality in Black Maternal Health.

Source: Saundra Weathers
Wednesday, Apr 17 2024

Experts say more diversity is needed in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials
Research shows Black Americans are significantly underrepresented in Alzheimer's clinical trials

Source: Cait McVey
Tuesday, Apr 16 2024

UCF alumni paves the way in neuroplasticity field
Neuroplasticity is a relatively newer science, it’s the study that the brain can change and is in a constant state of evolving.

Source: Katie Streit
Tuesday, Apr 16 2024

'My whole world came to a halt, and I was filled with fear': Breast cancer survivor shares life and hair saving treatment journey
After being diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, Raquel Giorgio took a chance on a newer treatment in hopes of saving her hair throughout chemo.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Saturday, Apr 13 2024

HCA Florida heart transplant recipient celebrates each day
Kathleen Hornbecker, 76, says every day she give thanks to the person and their family that gave her her new heart.

Source: Erin Murray
Wednesday, Apr 10 2024

More young boys are battling eating disorders, says study
Pediatricians in the Tampa Bay area have seen it firsthand.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Wednesday, Apr 10 2024

Teen relearning to speak after a Percocet laced with fentanyl put him in a coma
Angel Pagan went into cardiac arrest after he bought a Percocet laced with fentanyl when he was 16.

Source: Asher Wildman
Tuesday, Apr 09 2024

Orlando doctor says state law restricting transgender care has created patient waitlists
How restricting transgender care has affected Central Floridans

Source: Katie Streit
Monday, Apr 08 2024

Breast cancer survivor volunteers for Lake County's 'Bras for the Cause'
Gigi Capria survived stage 3 breast cancer.

Source: Eric Levy
Monday, Apr 08 2024

City of Orlando hosts 23rd Annual Bike to Work Day
Hundreds of people are expected to participate in the morning ride.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Friday, Apr 05 2024

Central Florida residents say views on abortion stem from life experience, personal connections
Data shows at least one in eight voters say abortion is the most important issue when it comes to how they’ll vote.

Source: Jeff Allen
Thursday, Apr 04 2024

Orange County leaders launch campaign to eliminate Medicaid gap, expand coverage
Community organizations say they started an initiative to get Medicaid expansion on the ballot.

Source: Devin Martin
Thursday, Apr 04 2024

Children among hundreds of thousands of Floridians who’ve lost Medicaid coverage
Erin Booth says her son's cancer, and the extensive treatment for it, left his spine and brain with damage that requires expensive therapy.

Source: Jeff Allen
Wednesday, Apr 03 2024

The largest fresh egg producer in the U.S. has found bird flu in chickens at a Texas plant
Approximately 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets were destroyed after the infection, avian influenza, was found at the facility.

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Apr 03 2024

Medical marijuana patient has mixed feelings about recreational ballot initiative
The patient is upset that there is no “home grow” provision in the measure.

Source: Josh Rojas
Tuesday, Apr 02 2024

New Florida dashboard calculates health care cost of illegal immigrants
A doctor out of Lutz says the dashboard has left him concerned for the future of health care.

Source: Lizbeth Gutierrez
Monday, Apr 01 2024

Colon cancer on the rise in younger adults
Never expecting a colon cancer diagnosis, Alex Mojica, 35, said he ignored symptoms for a year.

Source: Erin Murray
Sunday, Mar 31 2024

Gephyrophobia, also known as bridge phobia, affects many drivers
Spectrum News talked to a Clearwater psychologist who said it's usually linked to other phobias, such as a fear of heights or flying.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, Mar 26 2024

Supreme Court considers whether to roll back easier access to abortion pill
The justices will hear oral arguments in the mifepristone case Tuesday.

Source: Ryan Chatelain
Tuesday, Mar 26 2024

Study aims to find out if Lecanemab can prevent Alzheimer’s disease
The "AHEAD Study" looks to see if the medication can stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease before a patient is even diagnosed.

Source: Cait McVey
Monday, Mar 25 2024

American Astronomical Society warns of counterfeit eclipse glasses
Viewing a partial eclipse directly without the proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage, even blindness, doctors says.

Source: Ryan Chatelain
Friday, Mar 22 2024

A new era begins for Cape Canaveral Hospital as construction gets underway
Construction is expected to be completed by late 2026 and open in early 2027.

Source: Greg Pallone
Thursday, Mar 21 2024

Clermont hospital offering more resources for women
Health officials hope this will shorten the gap of accessing medical resources.

Source: Katie Streit
Wednesday, Mar 20 2024

Volusia County resident aims to raise awareness about encephalitis
According to Encephalitis International, every minute one person is diagnosed with encephalitis around the world.

Source: Massiel Leyva
Monday, Mar 18 2024

IVF ruling in Alabama puts some Florida patients on edge
Natalie Schwartz said after Alabama's State Supreme Court IVF ruling, she's worried something similar could happen in Florida.

Source: Matt Lackritz
Sunday, Mar 17 2024

Tampa mother says newly approved food allergy drug will provide peace of mind
In February, the FDA approved asthma medication Xolair as the first ever drug to reduce food allergy reactions.

Source: Cait McVey
Thursday, Mar 14 2024

Florida woman who was the driving force behind lockdown lift reflects on the pandemic
Mary Daniel became the driving force behind the movement to reopen long-term care facilities.

Source: Cait McVey
Tuesday, Mar 12 2024

Health care providers in Orlando tackle rising cases of syphilis
Bliss Health in Orlando has invested in better testing in hopes to stop the spread.

Source: Katie Streit
Wednesday, Mar 06 2024

Lake Nona program introduces yoga to kids
Experts say yoga can be used as a tool for kids and young adults to deal with stress.

Source: Katie Streit
Wednesday, Mar 06 2024

Measles vaccination initiative set to kick off in Apopka this week
In an effort to stop the spread of the measles, city leaders in Apopka are hosting several vaccinations events this month.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Tuesday, Mar 05 2024

Pair of swans at Lake Eola died of bird flu, Orlando officials say
Orlando officials said due to the discovery, it’s important for visitors to take precautions while at Lake Eola.

Source: Maria Serrano
Wednesday, Feb 28 2024

Adult measles case confirmed in Polk County amid Ladapo criticism
According to Florida Health, the person infected is between 20-24 years old. It's the first adult case in the state this year.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Feb 26 2024

Abortion amendment to be argued in front of Florida Supreme Court
A proposed amendment would allow abortions to remain legal until the fetus is viable. Court is tasked with ensuring ballot language isn’t misleading.

Source: Jason Lanning
Wednesday, Feb 07 2024

Osceola extends deadline for input on opioid settlement funds
$12 million will be allocated over the next 18 years.

Source: Randy Rauch
Tuesday, Feb 06 2024

A heart condition misdiagnosis nearly cost a Brevard County woman her life
Gail Romanini was misdiagnosed with chronic acid reflux and heartburn.

Source: Greg Pallone
Tuesday, Feb 06 2024

Halifax Health announces new medical office, ER department in Port Orange
The new Halifax Health ER department is expected to open at the end of 2024.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, Feb 06 2024

Orange County Zoning Board denies application for medical marijuana dispensary near Edgewater High
Under Orange County Code, dispensaries can’t be within 500 feet of a school.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Friday, Feb 02 2024

National Wear Red Day raises awareness about women's heart health
Wear red to spread awareness about women's health

Source: Jason Lanning
Friday, Feb 02 2024

Medical marijuana dispensary proposed near Edgewater High School
Under Orange County Code, dispensaries can't be within 500 feet of a school, and some residents aren't happy to hear about the idea.

Source: Celeste Springer
Wednesday, Jan 31 2024

Chance meeting leads thyroid cancer patient to her endocrinologist
Alex Freel recognized the signs of thyroid cancer early, and a chance meeting led her to a specialist who knew exactly what to do.

Source: Celeste Springer
Wednesday, Jan 31 2024

ADHD medication recalled after pharmacist finds container filled with the wrong pills
A pharmacist in Nebraska reported finding an antihistamine in a bottle that was supposed to contain Zenzedi.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, Jan 30 2024

Robitussin maker recalls several lots of cough syrup due to contamination
Haleon said use of the products could result in severe fungal infections.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Jan 25 2024

Tampa Bay woman fighting ALS: 'I’d be dead without my dad'
A retired doctor is trying to help his daughter overcome ALS, researching ways to stop progress of the disease.

Source: Jeff Butera
Thursday, Jan 25 2024

Record 21.3 million signed up for Affordable Care Act plans, Biden announces
The number represents a more than 30% increase from the previous year, when 16.3 million Americans signed up.

Source: Ryan Chatelain
Wednesday, Jan 24 2024

Blood donations urgently needed during National Blood Donor Month
Each donation can help save up to three lives in 250 hospitals across the southeast.

Source: Nicole Griffin
Monday, Jan 22 2024

Annual Down syndrome clinic offers vital medical services and support in Florida
The clinic plays a vital role, particularly for families navigating the transition of their loved ones from high school to the adult world.

Source: Destiny Wiggins
Saturday, Jan 20 2024

Orlando VA host annual tea party for women veterans
The event focuses on mind, body, spirit and female empowerment.

Source: Destiny Wiggins
Saturday, Jan 20 2024

Ormond Beach nonprofit helps foster kids and foster families in need
The organization, 1 Ohana 1 Community, provides care packages and other resources for kids and families in the foster system.

Source: Massiel Leyva
Friday, Jan 19 2024

New medical school to open in August in Horizon West
The facility will include student housing.

Source: Maria Serrano
Thursday, Jan 18 2024

Health official gives advice on how to adjust to colder temps
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt suggests staying with your eating and exercise routine.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Wednesday, Jan 17 2024

Brevard County Veterans Service Center opens in Palm Bay
The Veteran's Service Center is located in Palm Bay City Hall.

Source: Greg Pallone
Friday, Jan 12 2024

What Canadian drug imports could mean for Floridians
A USF doctor said it's something also being explored by other states but cautions Canada can't meet the medication needs of the entire U.S.

Source: Sarah Blazonis
Friday, Jan 05 2024

Proponent of insulin cost reductions hopeful about Florida's Canadian drug program
The FDA has just approved Florida's plan to import select prescriptions in an aim to cut costs.

Source: Celeste Springer
Friday, Jan 05 2024

Floridians Protecting Freedom campaign reaches required signatures to get abortion on the 2024 ballot
The Florida Supreme Court still needs to approve the amendment language before the measure is put on the ballot.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Friday, Jan 05 2024

Florida can import prescription drugs from Canada under approved plan
It's a first-in-the-nation plan to import lower-priced prescription drugs from Canada, a long-sought approach to accessing cheaper medications.

Source: Associated Press
Friday, Jan 05 2024

Hope comes home for Christmas: Titusville woman celebrates her first Christmas cancer free
Janet Thompson finished her final chemotherapy treatment in August.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Sunday, Dec 31 2023

Health experts say flu cases are on the rise in Florida amid the holidays
It takes two weeks for the flu shot to take effect.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Friday, Dec 29 2023

Turtle Power: boy with ‘turtle shell’ on back thriving
A Clearwater toddler is smiling through surgeries to remove a large 'turtle-shell-like' nevus from his back.

Source: Jeff Butera
Sunday, Dec 24 2023

After mother's worry, autistic piano player secures paying job
Milosz Gasior, who lives with autism, has recently had several paying gigs for his talents as a pianist.

Source: Erin Murray
Sunday, Dec 24 2023

'Your reality is skewed': Army veteran with PTSD talks holiday challenges
Armour Savage has been battling PTSD since 2012. After self-medicating to cope, he committed to seeking professional help in December 2020.

Source: Brian Rea
Sunday, Dec 24 2023

9-year-old girl creates hearing aid charms for kids like her
Audrey Brown, bullied for her hearing aides, created hearing aid charms to build her confidence and now she doing the same for other kids.

Source: Saundra Weathers
Sunday, Dec 24 2023

Former Buccaneer Mike Williams died of dental-related sepsis, medical examiner says
Former player Mike Williams died from a rare form of sepsis related to dental health problems, according to a medical examiner’s report.

Source: Associated Press
Friday, Dec 22 2023

Are we one step closer to a world without chemo?
Clinical trials offer an alternative to chemotherapy for some cancer patients

Source: Erin Billups - National Health Reporter
Thursday, Dec 21 2023

Mom with disability says financial struggles increase with age
Brandi Baker says when she was younger fundraisers covered most costs, but that’s not the case in her 30s.

Source: Jeff Allen
Wednesday, Dec 20 2023

FDA finds 'extremely high' lead levels in cinnamon from Ecuador plant that ended up in apple sauce pouches
Cinnamon tested from the plant had lead levels more than 2,000 times higher than a maximum level proposed by the FDA.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Dec 19 2023

Alzheimer's Association pushes for law enforcement to establish dementia training
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in 10 people with dementia will wander, increasing their chances of an encounter with law enforcement.

Source: Cait McVey
Monday, Dec 18 2023

Hernando family shares inside look of living with diabetes, as new report suggests Florida is outpacing national average
About 11.6% of Floridians had diabetes compared to the national average of 9.4%.

Source: Calvin Lewis
Saturday, Dec 16 2023

Drug companies increased prices faster than inflation for 48 drugs, owe Medicare refunds
The price increases triggered a key provision in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Source: Susan Carpenter
Thursday, Dec 14 2023

Central Florida veterans with substance abuse issue find help
Recent studies find one in three veterans have been arrested at some point.

Source: Greg Angel
Wednesday, Dec 13 2023

Breast cancer survivor creates wig stands for patients at Orlando Health
Pam Bozkurt and her woodturning club have donated more than 60 wig stands to cancer patients at local hospitals.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Tuesday, Dec 12 2023

Mini horses helping people heal across Florida
Mary Rose Gullet is expanding equine therapy with her business, Honey’s Mini Therapy Adventures.

Source: Melissa Eichman
Saturday, Dec 09 2023

Alzheimer’s Association: Number of Florida caregivers on the rise
As the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease continues to rise, so does the number of loved ones becoming caregivers.

Source: Cait McVey
Tuesday, Dec 05 2023

Man to run 100 miles supporting service dogs for vets, first responders
Mike Koprowski will run from Kissimmee to St. Petersburg for a special reason.

Source: Trevor Pettiford
Saturday, Dec 02 2023

Central Florida health officials calling for more people to get HIV tests
Central Florida health care providers are calling on more people to get tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Source: Destiny Wiggins
Saturday, Dec 02 2023

‘We should not wait’: 5 GOP senators urge China travel ban as more children are hospitalized
Experts with the CDC, WHO and China's government say the illnesses are not being caused by a new virus.

Source: Dale Greenstein
Friday, Dec 01 2023

Orlando ranked top five in U.S. for HIV cases in 2022
Research shows the rate of people living with HIV in Central Florida almost doubles the national average.

Source: Jaclyn Harold
Friday, Dec 01 2023

How to spot illegal medical upcoding
Does your medical bill seem too high? Experts say you might be right.

Source: Erin Billups - National Health Reporter
Wednesday, Nov 29 2023

Challenge 22 raises money to help combat veteran suicide
Challenge 22 has a goal of raising $100,000 by Dec. 31.

Source: Curtis McCloud
Monday, Nov 27 2023

Babies are expensive. Does your pregnancy have to be?
Having a baby is an exciting time for new parents, but the costs can be stressful.

Source: Erin Billups - National Health Reporter
Wednesday, Nov 22 2023

The flu is soaring in Florida and other states, health officials say
Normally, the season takes off in December.

Source: Associated Press
Monday, Nov 20 2023

Stop! Washing your Thanksgiving turkey could spread germs
Germs are common in healthy poultry.

Source: Associated Press
Sunday, Nov 19 2023

Veteran using software to expand UCF's PTSD treatment to thousands
Terasynth's goal is to expand UCF Restore's PTSD treatment to at least 10,000 veterans within the first year of its new software.

Source: Jeff Allen
Wednesday, Nov 15 2023

Veterans push for expanded access to psychedelics for PTSD treatment
For veterans struggling with PTSD, psychedelic drugs could offer hope

Source: Erin Billups - National Health Reporter
Tuesday, Nov 14 2023