Editor’s Dose

Regardless of whether you love or hate Florida’s hot and humid summers, they’re a fact of life and a small price to pay for living in paradise. For most people, the answer is as simple as cooling off in the air conditioning or taking a dip in the pool. But for people who work outside, […]

As Polk officials gathered for the 2026 Polk Vision State of the County in April, Florida Department of Health-Polk County Health Officer Aaron Kissler offered a glimpse into plans to address the concerns identified in the county’s latest Community Health Assessment. The CHA results highlighted shortcomings in access to healthcare, behavioral health, chronic disease, and

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

Each May, we use the pages of Central Florida Health News to shine a spotlight on one of the most vital forces in healthcare: our nurses. It’s our way of honoring the hardworking professionals across our community who go above and beyond  to advocate for their patients, offer comfort in difficult moments, and make a

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