Features

Survivor Turns Breast Cancer Diagnosis Into Mission to Help Others by REBEKAH PIERCE For most of us, celebrating our birthdays means lighting some candles on a cake, perhaps enjoying a nice dinner out with family and friends, or going on a relaxing weekend trip. Caitlyn Grady’s 40th birthday plans looked a lot different last year.  […]

by RYAN MILEJCZAK  Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and though it’s widely recognized, its message remains crucial. But breast cancer isn’t the only women’s health concern that gets the spotlight in October. The month is also Menopause Awareness Month.  To learn more about these issues, we reached out

When it comes to cancer, early detection is key; for breast cancer, this means breast self-exams and mammograms are a must. Self-exams are part of the toolkit for early detection as Johns Hopkins maintains that 40 percent of breast cancer cases are first detected by women who felt a lump during a self-exam. Take our

New Lakeland VA Clinic Increases Access to Care for Nearly 49,000 by PAUL CATALA For five years, Jeffrey Mann of Bartow has had to drive about 45 miles each way to Tampa for his medical needs. But now, Mann only has to drive about 11 miles to see his doctors and nurses and get medical

Central Florida Health Care Building New Lakeland Clinic  by RYAN MILEJCZAK As healthcare organizations across the county aim to better serve our growing population, Central Florida Health Care is expanding access to health care by building a new center in Lakeland.  Ann Claussen has been the CEO of Central Florida Health Care since 2014 and

Area Nursing Programs Tackling Nursing Shortage Head On by REBEKAH PIERCE With the rapid expansion of the healthcare sector in Central Florida, you’d think the number of nurses is booming right along with it. But it’s not, and that’s putting the pressure on nursing programs at area schools to recruit more students into the profession.

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care It’s no secret that obesity is a major challenge throughout our country. Obesity can affect people of all ages, but perhaps most concerning is the growing prevalence of obesity in children. To learn more about this issue, we reached out to Central Florida Health Care’s Dr.

There are plenty of adages extolling the importance of the gut: “an army marches on its stomach,” “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and “go with your gut feeling,” are just a few. Doctors and scientists are adding another: “gut health affects overall health.”  There are trillions of bacteria, viruses, and

Area Physicians Weigh In on ECGs for Student Athletes by PAUL CATALA As the school year ramps up, parents are busy lining up appointments so their student athletes can get their sports physicals. Over the past decade, there’s been increased interest in the incorporation of electrocardiogram heart screenings in these physicals. An electrocardiogram, or ECG,

New Initiative Seeks to Connect Veterans and First Responders With Mental Health Resources by RYAN MILEJCZAK A new initiative here in Central Florida seeks to help veterans and first responders struggle with mental health challenges. The Heroes Wellness Collective, launched by Lake Wales-based Operation Recovery, seeks to create a centralized, online platform that connects veterans