Features

Army veteran Nakia Bennett urges men to speak up & advocate for their health. by SHAYLYNN MARKSphoto by GLENDA HOLCOMB  When Nakia Bennett of Lakeland checked his lab results last May, he was not expecting to find the first sign of prostate cancer. Bennett, who has Graves’ disease, has bloodwork done every four to six […]

by SHAYLYNN MARKS A hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship in April has sparked concern around the globe, but a local health expert says the average Florida resident does not need to panic. As of May 18, published reports listed three deaths and 11 total cases linked to the outbreak, with exposed

by RYAN MILEJCZAKSponsored by Central Florida Health Care Men have unique health needs, especially as they get older. This Men’s Health Month, we’re taking a closer look at how men can better take care of their health.  Dr. Rafael Pagan-Medina, a specialist in Adult Medicine and Chronic Disease with more than two decades of experience,

Friday evening is one of the best times of the week; Saturday and Sunday are before you, full of promise and opportunity. Unfortunately, it’s an opportunity that many fumble. While the weekend is a great time to rest and recharge, many people overindulge or fail to rest, and the result can actually be damaging to

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

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.

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

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, so how much do you know about this progressive disease that affects 10 million people worldwide? Although there is no cure, and scientists don’t yet know the cause beyond that a combination of genetic and environmental factors are to blame, treatments can make a meaningful difference in the quality of

by REBEKAH PIERCE Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care Imagine you’ve finally secured great health insurance after many years without it. You establish a relationship with a private-practice doctor, and begin planning your future family. You’re pregnant, and suddenly, unexpectedly, you lose your job. The insurance has disappeared, and now regular checkups are out of

At 74, Lakeland Senior Who Set World Record Proves Strength Has No Limit by SHAYLYNN MARKS Weighing in at 98 pounds and measuring 5’1”, Lakeland senior Nancy Georges is not what you’d expect. In fact, the 74-year-old is something of a local legend after she recently deadlifted 210.5 pounds — more than twice her own