Medical Advice

by DR. JOY JACKSON Social media use has increased in recent years, with kids and teens spending hours on social media platforms every day. Concurrently, mental health symptoms among young people have also increased. In 2022, 48.2% of surveyed students in Polk County reported feeling depressed or sad most days, compared to 47.3% of students […]

by DR. JOY JACKSON As Florida residents, one of the first things we learn is how to be prepared for hurricane season. We learn how to minimize damage to our homes, to our vehicles, and to our persons. However, in the preparation for a hurricane, we often neglect an important aspect of our lives: our

by DR. JOY JACKSON It’s summer in Florida and kids are out of school. While they’re enjoying their break, it’s important that they stay safe. Children are among those most at risk for skin damage from the sun. While sun safety tips should be followed throughout the year, it’s critical to be cautious during the

by DR. JOY JACKSON For decades, heart disease has remained the number one cause of death in the United States. June is National Men’s Health Month, and the Department of Health in Polk County wants to raise awareness about heart disease among men and how it continues to be a major health concern.   So, what

by DR. JOY JACKSON The pandemic has illuminated a longstanding issue faced by healthcare workers worldwide: burnout. Nurses, in particular, have been affected, grappling with the pressures of caring for patients amid the uncertainties and demands of the healthcare landscape. According to the CDC’s Quality of Worklife Survey, nearly half of healthcare workers reported feeling

by DR. JOY JACKSON One of the most common health concerns people have as they age is about cancer, and for good reason. It’s the second-leading cause of death among those older than 65. Colorectal cancer, in particular, is a serious health concern for seniors. In Polk County, the colorectal cancer rate is higher at

by DR. JOY JACKSON A crucial responsibility in caregiving for infants is ensuring their safety and well-being. In 2022, the rate of unintentional suffocation and strangulation deaths among infants, occurring in bed, was three times higher in Polk County compared with Florida. In light of those concerning statistics, DOH-Polk wants to emphasize the importance of

by DR. JOY JACKSON The predominantly held belief that heart disease mostly affects men is a misconception. Contrary to this notion, statistics reveal that heart disease stands as the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Women comprise 40% of heart disease-related deaths in Polk County as of 2022.

by DR. JOY JACKSON During the start of a new year, people typically make promises to themselves to improve and better their lives. The Department of Health in Polk County would like to encourage Polk residents to make a substantial change in their thinking toward health, and that is practicing preventive health.  Why Is Preventive

by DR. JOY JACKSON The holiday season is a joyful time for celebration with family and friends, but it can also bring heightened stress and challenges to one’s mental health. A national study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that more than 38 percent of those surveyed felt their stress, depression, and anxiety increased