............WHEN YOU CALL OR VISIT OUR OFFICE YOU WILL BE............ ............GREETED BY OUR CARING AND PROFESSIONAL STAFF............
Meet our dedicated associates:
Tara
- Office Manager & Billing Administrator. Her training is in office
administration and in addition has the added responsibility of
overseeing that the appropriate medical coding and billing reflect the
maximum benefit is available to each and every patient. Tara is a
native Floridian
Laura, CMA - Laura runs the Front Office. Laura
is a CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT AND A GRADUATE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
INSTITUTE. She greets patients with her friendly style. Laura verifies
insurances and handles referrels and refills perscriptions.
Danielle,
CMA - Medical Assistant & Lab Technician. Danielle, a graduate from
the Institute of Technology in Tampa is a certified medical assistant
and lab technician. Danielle brings her warm and delightful personality
to the office each day. She is patient, caring and a nice addition to
Dr. Laguna's office.
Connie, CMA - Certified Medical
Assistant. Native of NYC. Takes personal care of each and every patient
by taking history and physicals. Assists Doctor Laguna with all patient
procedures.
Dee- Works in front office coordinating and arranging patients appointments.
Leslie -Leslie's responsibility is handling patient records and answers telephone calls.
Tom McArthur- Ultrasound Technician.
Joseph
- Florida State Certified and Licensed Massage Therapist. He received
his training at the Humanities Massage Center in Pinellas Park. HE IS
CERTIFIED TO ADMINISTER BASIC SWEDISH TECHNIQUES, INTEGRATED WELLNESS
MASSAGE, NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPIES, TRIGGER POINT THERAPY, MYOFASCIAL
RELEASE AND MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUES. Medicare pays for massage therapy
and HMO's - PPO's may pay a portion of the therapy. Joseph has office
hours Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at Dr. Laguna's office.
Linda
- Office Coordinator. Linda is a graduate of The Univerysity of Miami
with a Bachelor of Education Degree. She also attended Johnstown School
of Medical Assisting in Johnstown, PA. She is a native of upstate NY.
What To Expect: The
duration of most surgical office procedures is about 20 to 30 minutes.
Local anesthetics are used to lower the discomfort level to a minimum.
Preprocedure: No special preparation is needed for this office surgical procedure.
Postprocedure: It is recommended that the patient rest after the surgical procedure. Daily wound care as prescribed by physician at the patient's home. Home health nursing care is also available.
CARDIAC STRESS TEST
Procedure Description: Evaluation of the heart by physical exertion.
What To Expect: The
subject will be exercising under the supervision of the physician using
a treadmill and state of the art cardiac monitoring equipment. The
duration is variable and usually takes from 6 to 10 minutes.
Preprocedure: Avoid coffee, tea or a heavy meal. If the patient takes beta-blockers, these drugs should not be taken prior to the test.
Postprocedure: Patient can go about their daily activities unless instructed otherwise by the physician.
Aviation Physicals
******* IS IT TIME TO RENEW YOUR FAA MEDICAL CERTIFICATE *******
...................To continue flying you will need a flight physical...................
Certified to proform the following physicals:
1st Class: for Airline Pilots.
2nd Class: for Commercial Pilots, valid for 12 months.
3rd Class: for private & Student Pilots, ..............Age 40 & over - valid for 24 months ..............Age 39 & under - valid for 36 months.
If you would like us to perform your next physical, please call and we will arrange an appointment that is convenient for you.
In
order to provide our patients with the best possible care we have
initiated SecureMessaging. This method of communications preserves your
privacy and the Doctor-Patient Relationship.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<............
REGISTER ON LINE
............>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Your USER ID and PASSWORD will gain you access to the following services: Rx Renewals General Inquiries Scheduling Appointments
Pneumonia
______________________VACCINE NOW AVAILABLE_____________________
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia
is an infection of one or both lungs which is usually caused by
bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, one
third of all people who developed pneumonia subsequently died from the
infection. Currently, over 3 million people develop pneumonia each year
in the United States. Over a half a million of these people are
admitted to a hospital for treatment. Although most of these people
recover, approximately five per cent will die from pneumonia. Pneumonia
is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
How do people "catch pneumonia?"
Some
cases of pneumonia are contracted by breathing in small droplets that
contain the organisms that can cause pneumonia. These droplets get into
the air when a person infected with these germs coughs or sneezes. In
other cases, pneumonia is caused when bacteria or viruses that are
normally present in the mouth, throat, or nose inadvertently enter the
lung. During sleep it is quite common for people to aspirate secretions
from the mouth, throat, or nose. Normally, the body's reflex response
(coughing back up the secretions) and immune system will prevent the
aspirated organisms from causing pneumonia. However, if a person is in
a weakened condition from another illness, a severe pneumonia can
develop. People with recent viral infections, lung disease, heart
disease, and swallowing problems, as well as alcoholics, drug users and
those who have suffered a stroke or seizure are at higher risk for
developing pneumonia than the general population.
Once organisms
enter the lungs, they usually settle in the air sacs of the lung where
they rapidly grow in number. This area of the lung then becomes filled
with fluid and pus as the body attempts to fight off the infection.
What are pneumonia symptoms?
Most
people who develop pneumonia initially have symptoms of a cold which
are then followed by a high fever (sometimes as high as 104 degrees
Fahrenheit), shaking chills, and a cough with sputum production. The
sputum is usually discolored and sometimes bloody. Patients may become
short of breath. Chest pain may develop if the outer aspects of the
lung are involved. This pain is usually sharp and worsens when taking a
deep breath, known as pleuritic pain.
In other cases of
pneumonia, there can be a slow onset of symptoms. A worsening cough,
headaches, and muscle aches may be the only symptoms. In some people
with pneumonia, coughing is not a major symptom because the infection
is located in areas of the lung away from the larger airways. At times,
the individual's skin color may change and become dusky or purplish (a
condition known as ?cyanosis?) due to their blood being poorly
oxygenated.
Conclusions
Pneumonia can be a serious and
life-threatening infection. People considered at high risk for
pneumonia include the elderly, the very young, and those with
underlying health problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure and sickle
cell anemia. Patients with diseases that impair the immune system, such
as AIDS, or those undergoing cancer therapy or organ transplantation,
or patients with other chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable.
A
vaccine is available for bacterial pneumonia. The pneumococcal vaccine
protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria populations and is
effective in approximately 80 percent of healthy adults. People over
age 65 and those in high-risk groups are advised to receive the
pneumonia vaccine.
The pneumonia vaccine is generally given
once, although revaccination after 3-5 years should be consideredfor
high risk adults who received their first shot six years ago or more.
Influenza
vaccination is also recommended since pneumonia often occurs as a
complication of the flu. Pneumonia and influenza vaccines are covered
by Medicare, as well as some state and private health insurance.
For an appointment call (727) 797-3798
Tetanus-Diphtheria
What Is Tetanus
Tetanus
(also known as lockjaw) is a potentially fatal disease that is caused
by bacteria found in dirt, dust, soil, and manure. The bacteria live
all over the world and is as common in cities as it is in rural areas.
The disease can occur in both humans and animals. Tetanus is also the
only vaccine-preventable disease that is not contagious, meaning you
cannot catch Tetanus from another person.
Tetanus enters the
body through many kinds of wounds?from a pinprick to a deep wound. It
can take as little as 2 days or as long as 3 months for a Tetanus
infection to set in. Once Tetanus is inside the bloodstream, the
oxygen-free environment allows the bacteria to grow, resulting in
severe muscle spasms. Symptoms include headache, sweating, fever,
difficulty swallowing, and stiffness of the jaw (lockjaw) and abdominal
muscles. Lockjaw is the most dangerous symptom because it can lead to
death by suffocation.
* Tetanus is a severe disease that is
easily preventable with a primary series (usually given in childhood)
of 3 vaccinations followed by routine boosters every 10 years
* You cannot "catch" Tetanus from the vaccine or another person
* Tetanus bacteria are abundant in dirt, dust, soil, and manure
*
Most adult Americans over 20 years of age are not protected against
tetanus because they do not get their booster shots routinely
*
Tetanus is more than rusty nails - it can be caused by many types of
punctures, including cuts, scrapes, scratches, splinters, body
piercings, animal bites, tattoos, injection drug use, lacerations, and
postsurgical wounds
What is Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a
disease that is spread by human contact, usually through coughing,
sneezing, or touching. It usually takes 2 to 5 days for the disease to
develop; initial symptoms include a runny nose similar to that of a
common cold. Other symptoms include sore throat, loss of appetite, and
low-grade fever. In severe cases, Diphtheria causes an overall swelling
of the neck and throat areas, resulting in a condition known as
"bullneck." The infection can progress and cause heart failure and
death.
* Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease that can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, and death
*
The disease can be spread by coughing, sneezing, or laughing, as well
as handling used tissues or drinking from the same glass as an infected
person
* The first signs of a Diphtheria infection are similar to those of a common cold, including a mucus nasal discharge
* Diphtheria can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine
* You cannot "catch" Diphtheria from the vaccine
* 10% of those who get Diphtheria die from it
* 20% of people under 5 years of age and over 40 years of age who get Diphtheria die from it
How Do I prevent it
Tetanus-diphtheria
(also known as Td) is the name of the vaccine that protects against
these 2 diseases simultaneously. Although the 2 diseases are very
different, after a primary series of 3 vaccinations, a single
vaccination of this combination vaccine in an adult can provide
protection against both diseases for up to 10 years.
For an appointment call (727) 797-3798
Flu Season Care
******************* ** FLU SEASON CARE ** ******************* ______________________VACCINE NOW AVAILABLE_____________________
Key Facts about Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
OVERVIEW
Influenza,
or flu, is a respiratory infection caused by a variety of flu viruses.
The most familiar aspect of the flu is the way it can "knock you off
your feet" as it sweeps through entire communities.
The flu
differs in several ways from the common cold, a respiratory infection
also caused by viruses. For example, people with colds rarely get
fevers or headaches or suffer from the extreme exhaustion that flu
viruses cause.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) estimates that 10 to 20 percent of Americans come down with the
flu during each flu season, which typically lasts from November to
March. Children are two to three times more likely than adults to get
sick with the flu, and children frequently spread the virus to others.
Although most people recover from the illness, CDC estimates that in
the United States more than 100,000 people are hospitalized and about
36,000 people die from the flu and its complications every year.
The Single Best Way to Protect Against The Flu is to Get Vaccinated Each Fall.
* The "flu shot" - an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus)
that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is
approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy
people and people with chronic medical conditions.
Each vaccine
contains three influenza viruses - one A (H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1)
virus, and one B virus. The viruses in the vaccine change each year
based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about
which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.
About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.
WHEN TO GET VACCINATED
November
is the best time to get vaccinated, but you can still get vaccinated in
December and later. Flu season can begin as early as October and last
as late as May.
WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED
In general,
anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get
vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year.
They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu
complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk
for serious complications.
People at High Risk for Complications from the Flu:
* People 65 years and older;
* People 50 to 64 years of age. Because nearly one-third of people 50
to 64 years of age in the United States have one or more medical
conditions that place them at increased risk for serious flu
complications, vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 50 ? 64
years; * Adults and children 6 months and older with chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma;
* Adults and children 6 months and older who needed regular medical
care or were in a hospital during the previous year because of a
metabolic disease (like diabetes), chronic kidney disease, or weakened
immune system (including immune system problems caused by medicines or
by infection with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV/AIDS]); *
Children 6 months to 18 years of age who are on long-term aspirin
therapy. (Children given aspirin while they have influenza are at risk
of Reye syndrome.); * Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season; * People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that house those with long-term illnesses;
* People with any condition that can compromise respiratory function or
the handling of respiratory secretions (that is, a condition that makes
it hard to breathe or swallow, such as brain injury or disease, spinal
cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other nerve or muscle disorders.)
For an appointment call (727) 797-3798
Osteoporosis Diagnosis & Treatment
WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?
OSTEOPOROSIS
is characterized by an excessive loss of bone density thereby weakening
the bone, making them brittle and more prone to fractures.
Osteoporosis
is a crippling bone disease affecting two in every five women over 50
or postmenopause. Bone loss is a natural part of aging and usually
occurs after age 35. However, excessive loss of bone mass causes bone
to become thin and brittle, leading to a higher risk of fracture.
Osteoporosis is a silent epidemic which is readily preventable and
treatable.
*** OSTEOPOROSIS IS MORE COMMON THAN HEART ATTACK IN WOMEN *** At the age of 50, a women has a 40% chance of experiencing an osteoporotic fracture some time during her remaining lifetime.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Your
risk increases if you have a family history of osteoporosis, have had
your ovaries removed, are Asian or Caucasian, small boned, inactive or
past the age of menopause. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a
low calcium diet and long term use of certain medications, such as
steroids (used to treat arthritis or asthma) can also contribute to
bone loss.
With proper diet, exercise and medical attention, the danger of osteoporosis can be reduced.
Our
practice now has state-of-the-art Bone Densitometer technology at our
office to provide safe, accurate and painless bone density analysis. A
bone density test is a fast and painless procedure that can measure and
monitor the rate of bone loss.
We are dedicated to helping you
maintain continued good health by providing a broad spectrum of
services including educational material, preventive care, early
diagnosis and effective treatment. The success of treatment is greater
when osteoporosis can be detected at an early stage.
For those
who have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis and are under
treatment, a bone density test can be beneficial in monitoring the
results of that treatment.
