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by TERESA SCHIFFER When President John F. Kennedy passed the Community Mental Health Act of 1963, a new world was opened up to scores of individuals who would never have received the care they needed to thrive in society. Locally, Winter Haven Hospital’s Center for Behavioral Health opened its doors in 1967 as one of […]

WHH Center for Behavioral Health’s Retiring Clinical Director Reflects on 36 Years of Change After 36 years with Winter Haven Hospital’s Center for Behavioral Health, Clinical Director Jeff Ware, LMHC, is trading the office for retirement. Central Florida Health News spoke with Ware to learn how the community and healthcare needs have changed during his

UCF Teams With AdventHealth, Orlando Health to Tackle Nursing Shortage by PAUL CATALA As more than 1,000 people each day make the Sunshine State their new homes, the need for healthcare professionals to take care of them intensifies. In April, the Florida Hospital Association said Florida will need more than 60,000 nurses in hospitals, clinics, and

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care As parents prepare for the upcoming school year, many will be making appointments with their kids’ pediatricians for physicals. During those visits to the doctors’ offices, it’s likely that vaccinations will be discussed. While vaccinations are nobody’s favorite, they serve an important role and are very

Menopause and Mental Health: Understanding the Link The physical effects of menopause — hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue, and weight gain — are common knowledge, but did you know that menopause can affect your mental and emotional health, as well? Knowledge is power, so arm yourself and take our quiz to get the facts on menopause

Exploring the Connection Between Sleep and Mental Health by RYAN MILEJCZAK According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 3 adults in the United States report not getting enough rest or sleep every day. You’ve likely heard time and again that sleep is essential to your physical health. But did you

photos by MICHAEL WILSON & TYLER DiGIOVINE On Wednesday, June 7, AdventHealth celebrated the groundbreaking of its ER in Winter Haven.  “We are very excited to be taking this first step to further expand our footprint of emergency care services here in Winter Haven,’’ says Tim Clark, president and CEO of the AdventHealth Polk Market.

Peer Support Coalition of Florida Launches Mental Health Training Program by RYAN MILEJCZAK Healthcare workers face difficult mental health challenges in their day-to-day lives. Long working hours, irregular schedules, stressful environments, and exposure to suffering can take a toll on their mental health.  The Peer Support Coalition of Florida, an Orlando area nonprofit, is acknowledging

Know the Risks and Signs Associated With Melanoma by RYAN MILEJCZAK Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with more Americans receiving a skin cancer diagnosis each year than all other cancer diagnoses combined. Melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, but it’s also the deadliest. In fact, it causes more

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care It’s summertime, and that means it’s time to get out and have some fun! It’s important to keep in mind that soaring temperatures here in Florida can lead to dangerous heat-related illnesses. Thankfully, if you know the symptoms to watch for, you can keep yourself and