Features

Fitness Center Is Helping Women Get On- and Stay On – the Road to Good Health by PAUL CATALAphotos provided by THE BALANCE CULTURE The temptation and indulgence of the holidays are enough to make even the most enthusiastic fitness buffs take a few weeks off. New Year’s resolutions are often cited for driving gym […]

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month, a time for discussions about how different birth defects can affect individuals over the course of their lifespan, and what can be done to minimize the risk of these occurrences. It’s important to understand that the term “birth defect”

How Much Do You Know About Microbiomes and Your Digestive Health? Did you know that some kinds of bacteria are actually beneficial to have in your digestive tract? While it may sound counterintuitive, certain strains of bacteria — like lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, which make up your gut microbiome — offer a host of benefits for

AdventHealth to Provide $1.7 Million for Polk State Program story and photos by PAUL CATALA Since 1965, Polk State College has instructed, encouraged, and placed about 21,500 students into successful nursing careers. On average, 430 nurses graduate from the school’s nursing college each year. Now that program will have even more to offer thanks to

Winter Haven IV Bar Goes Far Beyond Hangover Remedies With a Focus on Wellness by TERESA SCHIFFER photos by JESSICA McDONALD There’s a new bar in Winter Haven, and this one won’t have you holding your head with regret in the morning! This bar specializes in wellness and hydration, so after a visit you’ll feel

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care Sickle cell disease may be a familiar phrase to many, but most people are still unfamiliar with the condition. “Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited disorders of the red blood cells,” says Dr. Cara Nelson-James of Central Florida Health Care. “It affects close to

What’s the Secret to Aging Gracefully? Everyone wants to put their “best face forward,” and that means paying attention to anti-aging skin care. However, there is a dizzying amount of information and an array of products out there aimed at fighting the signs of aging on your skin, so it can be a daunting task

AdventHealth to Open New Hospital in Winter Haven; Orlando Health to Expand Into Lakeland by PAUL CATALA Healthcare facilities are expanding at an astounding rate to match the population boom and increased need in Central Florida. AdventHealth is expanding its footprint in Polk County with a new four-story hospital and emergency department off Cypress Gardens

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed with diabetes or have been living with it for years, managing your diet can be a challenge. With so many options available at every grocery store and eatery, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, but dietary diligence is still one of the

Dietician Shares Tips to Help Diabetics Safely Enjoy Holiday Fare by TERESA SCHIFFER The holidays are approaching and with them the annual battle of the carbs at the dinner table. So much fantastic food – hearty casseroles, decadent desserts, and festive beverages … so many hidden calories and carbohydrates lurking on the table that can