It seems like we’ve been saying it for years: Florida is in the midst of a nursing crunch, and we’ve been speeding toward a severe shortage. Between an aging population, an aging workforce, and rapid population growth, the state has been facing a perfect storm for a nursing crisis. But now there’s good news: The […]
Florida Nursing Shortage Shows Signs of Relief Read More »
by RYAN PEARDON, O.D. The human eye is roughly the size of a quarter, yet it is incredibly complex. For you to have clear, functional vision, several different structures must be healthy and working in harmony. Think of an eye exam as a “bumper-to-bumper” safety check for your sight. Here are the primary tests we use to ensure your
Beyond the Chart: What Is Really Happening During an Eye Exam Read More »
by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN Nursing is a profession many people recognize, but few understand the specialized paths nurses can take. Public health nursing is one of those roles. To highlight this work, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) speaks with three of our Senior Community Nurses: Amy Thao, Katherine Pate, and Crystal
On the Front Lines of Prevention: Polk’s Public Health Nurses Tackle the Root Causes Read More »
Honoring the Nurses Behind Polk’s Everyday Miracles In hospitals, clinics, and care centers across Polk County, nurses are the steady hands and compassionate hearts that keep our community healthy. They are often the first to greet patients in moments of uncertainty, and the last to offer reassurance on the road to recovery. This month, we’re
Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects the body’s ability to absorb glucose, which is a form of sugar and a major source of energy. There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Both cause high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. High blood sugar causes many of the long-term effects of
Sugar Control & Its Role in Preventing Vascular Disease Read More »
by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care Central Florida Health Care is dedicated to bringing the highest quality medical care to the people of Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. With the opening of their newest location in Mulberry, they’ll be even better able to serve the communities that need their services the most.
Central Florida Health Care Opening Second Location in Mulberry Read More »
by JENNIFER GOODSON, MA, LMHC Recently, I was speaking with my second- and third-year students about the importance of developing healthy boundaries. This conversation felt especially relevant for the season they are in, learning how to “adult,” gaining independence, and forming their identity apart from their parents. Many shared a common struggle. They try to
When Pleasing Others Costs You Yourself Read More »
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to brush up on your knowledge concerning strokes as they are the fourth leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of disability in the US. One of the biggest reasons you should learn everything there is to know about strokes is
Pop Quiz! What Steps Can You Take to Prevent a Stroke? Read More »
On behalf of the Polk County Medical Association, it is my honor to introduce the remarkable healthcare professionals featured in this special Tribute to Nurses edition of Central Florida Health News. Nursing is a profession we all recognize, yet the sacrifices, skill, and depth of dedication behind it are not always fully understood. What patients
Portraits of Compassion Read More »
Every year, our Tribute to Nurses edition stands as one of our most meaningful issues. As I’ve mentioned over the years in this column space, my late mother spent her life in service as a nurse, first with the Polk County Health Department and later within the Polk County Schools. Growing up in the shadow
A Calling, Not a Career Read More »
