In Polk County, rates of new HIV diagnoses among men have been on the rise. As of 2021, men are nearly four times as likely as women to be diagnosed with HIV. During Men’s Health Month, we can work toward reducing new HIV infections and promoting men’s overall well-being by reiterating fundamental knowledge about HIV. …
DOH Director of Nursing Discusses the Nature of Public Health, Outreach For National Nurses Week 2023, the Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) interviewed our Director of Nursing and Community Health Services, Tammy Durden. She has been a nurse for 29 years, and she’s been in the role of director for eight years. Durden …
by Dr. JOY JACKSON, MD, Director of DOH-Polk A peril of aging is the increased risk of falls. Falls are the No. 1 cause of injury and injury-related death among seniors ages 65 and older. The statistics are equally dire in Polk County: Falls are the leading cause of unintentional fatal injury among seniors ages …
We love our pets and treat them like members of the family. More than half of American households have at least one pet. Owning a pet is shown to improve health. But, it’s also important to know how to keep children healthy around pets. Even when pets seem healthy, they can carry diseases that spread …
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Know the Heart Disease Risk Factors for Black Americans February is both American Heart Month as well as Black History Month. While February is a time to celebrate the past and the present achievements of the Black community in America, it’s also a fitting time to contemplate how to improve heart health. While heart disease …
The New Year Is a Great Time to De-Stress Just like tomorrow is a new day, 2023 is a new year. Each new year, many of us make resolutions in an effort to improve our lives. The Florida Department of Health in Polk County wants to encourage you to live your best life by changing …
Marking World AIDS Day With Education Since 1988, World AIDS Day has been observed internationally on December 1 as a day of solidarity and awareness for those affected by HIV/AIDS. The Florida Department of Health in Polk County wants to eliminate the spread of HIV, provide facts about HIV/AIDS to our communities, and promote testing …
Diabetes Affects More Than 37 Million Americans What is Diabetes?You or someone you know probably lives with diabetes. It is a chronic disease that affects how the body turns food into fuel. The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes, where there is excess sugar in the blood. High blood sugar can, in …
Take a Stand Against Breast Cancer by Dr. JOY JACKSON, MD, Director of DOH-Polk Getting diagnosed with breast cancer at any stage is a frightening prospect, but getting diagnosed early can make a difference. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, we want to remind you of the importance of first, carefully evaluating your …
World Rabies Day September 28 is World Rabies Day, a day dedicated to raise awareness about rabies and enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide. Rabies is a potentially life-threatening disease that affects the central nervous system. By using prevention strategies and providing treatment early, death due to rabies is preventable! Who is at risk for …
