From the PCMA President

Don’t be misled by the sea of pink ribbons and cheerful awareness slogans: Breast cancer is a serious and relentless adversary. Its impact is both deeply personal and widespread, affecting patients, families, and communities.  It is predicted there will be a total of 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in U.S. women in

If this edition of Central Florida Health News doesn’t give you hope, then I don’t know what will. There’s often talk about the urgent need for more healthcare providers in Polk County. In fact, some of the numbers that came out of the State of the County 2025 forum earlier this year highlight just how

Mental health is a vital component of well-being, not just for individuals but for entire communities. When mental health needs go unmet, the consequences can ripple through families, workplaces, and schools, contributing to cycles of stress, instability, and diminished quality of life. So how can this be addressed? The answer lies partially in strong mental

Summer in Florida brings the sweltering heat and dangerous UV rays we all know too well, but it’s also a season for vacation, beach days, and outdoor adventures. Amid all the fun, it can be easy to forget the importance of protecting your skin from the sun. That’s a mistake that can lead to serious

This June, we’re proud to celebrate Men’s Health Month with an edition full of valuable information, expert advice, and timely insights. For years, conversations about prostate health have been whispered, avoided, and delayed. Yet the topic of prostate cancer has dominated discussions recently since doctors detailed the severity of former President Biden’s diagnosis. High-profile cases

For more than a decade, the state of Florida has been in the throes of a healthcare worker shortage. Thankfully, the deficit is starting to improve. According to the Florida Hospital Association, the reported overall nursing vacancy rate for 2024 was 7.8 %, a drastic drop from the 62% reported in 2022. The association attributes

As we age, maintaining good health becomes increasingly important to ensure a high quality of life. Senior health focuses on promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being for individuals in their golden years. This stage often brings unique challenges, including changes in mobility, chronic conditions, and cognitive shifts. Despite these obstacles, physical activity and social interaction

Over the past decade, animal influencers have captured the hearts and attention of people around the globe with their antics — but Koda the Fluff is a little different. This registered therapy dog works closely with Orlando Health and has visited other hospitals, including Lakeland Regional. Inside this edition, we chat with owner Jena McKinstry

February is for hearts, that much is certain. That, of course, includes figurative and candy hearts for Valentine’s Day, but there’s another heart that is far more important that you should be pledging your devotion to this month: your heart. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women. In fact, someone