Clinical lipidology is a branch of medicine focusing on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and associated disorders. A physician who specializes in the field of lipidology treats patients with lipid disorders and cardiovascular disease. This physician specialist studies and treats cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins in the blood, all of which contribute to heart disease and atherosclerosis. The field of lipidology is growing rapidly because of the number of patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease, obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Florida’s warm and humid subtropical climate makes it a winter destination for many. Population in 2000 was 15,982,378, according to census statistics. Tallahassee, located in the north panhandle area, is the state capital. Tourism is a major industry in Florida, with Cape Canaveral, Disney World, the Everglades National Park, Universal Studios, the Atlantic coast and the Gulf coast all destinations for visitors and residents. Year-round outdoor activities include camping, golf, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating.

According to 2005 Census estimates, Florida has a population of 17,789,864. Of this population, 3,975,071 are under the age of 18 and 2,978,335 are at or above the age of 65.