Matthew Vaccaro

Mosquitoes are getting a lot of attention lately. The Zika virus is grabbing headlines with its impact in Central and South America and beyond. As the temperature and amount of rain increases, so does the worry about the health impact these bugs can bring to Florida. Zika is not the only health-threatening virus that is…

Living in Florida, we are fortunate to have a climate that pretty much supports year-round growing of produce. Of course, the actual fruits and vegetables that you grow are good for your health, but did you know the act of gardening can be beneficial, too? Studies have shown that being physically active outdoors improves mood,…

If you ever had kidney stones, chances are you remember the painful experience well. Each year in the U.S., about a million cases are diagnosed at doctors’ offices and about 300,000 cases in emergency rooms. Kidney stones are solid pieces of material that form in the kidneys when the urine becomes highly concentrated. A small…

A central premise in yoga is “everything is connected.” That’s clear when you look at the health and fitness benefits of yoga that scientific research is confirming. Yoga is not just a way to stay fit — but an overall health aid. Here are some ways that yoga affects your health that you may not…

Your kidneys play a major role in your overall health. They filter and remove waste product, toxins and excess fluids. It’s important that your kidneys function properly to avoid damage to your heart, and even your bones. But for about 10 percent of U.S. adults, our kidneys don’t perform optimally. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects…

Your relationship with food may be a complicated one, but if you are part of the 10 percent of Americans with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) the struggle is real. “Those who suffer from IBS know that certain foods can trigger stomach pain, bloating and changes in bowel movement,” Dr. Le-Chu Su, gastroenterologist at UCF Health,…