Editor’s Dose

February brought a harsh dose of reality as the nation mourned the loss of “Dawson’s Creek” actor James Van Der Beek to colorectal cancer. The actor, who was 48 when he died, announced his diagnosis in 2024 and publicly shared his journey on social media as he came to grips with it. His death has […]

A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of a wide range of health problems, including heart disease, depression, obesity, cancer, and more. But if you’re a desk jockey like me, logging eight or more hours a day in front of a screen, finding ways to incorporate movement and even moderate exercise into your workday can be

Doing what’s best for your physical — or even your mental — health isn’t always as straight-forward or as easy as we’d like it to be. A couple of months ago, someone I deeply respect shared a simple pearl of wisdom with me: Start each day by focusing on three positive thoughts.  That was it;

The holidays are a joyous time to gather with friends and family, but when it comes to germs, sharing isn’t caring.  It’s easy to let your guard down when you’re in full celebration mode, but just like the unspoken rule of “no talk of politics,” there are a few common-sense-but-not-so-commonly-practiced habits to keep yourself and

If you’re like most people, the holiday season revolves around family and food.  What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word Thanksgiving? Chances are it’s a table brimming with ham or turkey with all the delicious seasonal fixings and maybe a separate table overflowing with decadent desserts. Add in the

When it comes to health care, I suspect I’m not so different from anyone else. Reputation, availability, in-network status, experience, and credentials have been guiding factors when choosing a provider or facility.  In September, however, my perspective widened. Two close family members were hospitalized for unrelated reasons, and I found myself immersed in an unexpected

This edition is a powerful reminder of partnerships that are thriving across Central Florida, all united by a common goal: infusing the healthcare system with top-tier providers at a time when demand far surpasses supply. The best part is that the ones highlighted in this edition’s features are just the tip of the iceberg! Skeptical? 

I’m sure you’ve seen the many memes about Florida and its quirks that circulate on social media: the steamy weather, the gators, the hot pavement, the mercurial weather … the list goes on. Lately, another danger has been stealing the headlines: flesh-eating bacteria.  As of press time for this publication, Vibrio vulnificus has caused four

By now, you’ve probably read more than your fair share of articles urging you to take hurricane preparation seriously. You also probably have enough flashlights and matches to hold you until Hurricane Season 2027, so I’ll spare you the rundown of the survival supplies we all know by rote anyway. But you’re not entirely off

Polk County recently held its State of the County 2025 forum at the Polk State College Center for Public Safety in Winter Haven. While topics ranged from health care and schools to transportation, infrastructure, and more, the insights gleaned about health care were what resonated most with us here at Central Florida Health News.  At