by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN In 2026, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and 1 in 5 Americans develop skin cancer before the age of 70. Most skin cancers are linked to ultraviolet (UV) rays which come predominately from sun exposure. How can Polk County residents combat the dangers of sun exposure […]
Skin Cancer Prevention Starts With Sun Protection Read More »
by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN Many men wait until something feels wrong before seeing a healthcare provider. But some of the most common health concerns — including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and certain cancers — may not cause obvious symptoms at first. Regular screenings can help identify health issues early, when they are often
Screenings Every Man Should Know About Read More »
by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN Nursing is a profession many people recognize, but few understand the specialized paths nurses can take. Public health nursing is one of those roles. To highlight this work, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) speaks with three of our Senior Community Nurses: Amy Thao, Katherine Pate, and Crystal
On the Front Lines of Prevention: Polk’s Public Health Nurses Tackle the Root Causes Read More »
by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN Anyone can fall and get hurt. Falls are one of the most common causes of injury in the United States. While falls can happen to people of any age, they affect older adults the most. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death for adults age 65 and older
Seniors at High Risk for Falls Read More »
by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN Rabies is a severe viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is one of the oldest diseases known to man with its presence being recorded by several ancient civilizations. The longstanding existence of rabies through the history of humankind speaks to the severity and fatality
Don’t Fall for These Common Rabies Myths Read More »
by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN The heart functions as a communications hub that connects major parts of the body. It is the body’s transportation network: It delivers oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and it removes waste products. The health and functionality of your heart has major implications for your overall health. Heart disease is the
Know Your Numbers to Decode Your Risk for Heart Disease Read More »
by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN Happy New Year! As people reflect on their lives at the dawn of a new year, it leads them to consider what changes they would like to make. They envision a more ideal version of themselves, the person they’ve always wanted to be. They often make resolutions to lose weight, eat
Make Resolutions Stick by Making Micro-Habits Your Goal Read More »
by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN Aaron Kissler, MPH, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk), has dedicated over 26 years to public health service. With a career spanning local, regional, and state leadership, Aaron Kissler brings his passions for data analysis, epidemiology, and fostering community engagement. The workforce challenges faced by
DOH-Polk Health Officer Shares Philosophy on Building a Strong Workforce Read More »
by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) wants Polk residents to know that small, consistent lifestyle changes can make a big difference in preventing type 2 diabetes. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition, type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t
5 Ways to Reduce Your Risk for Diabetes Read More »
By DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. It accounts for about 30% of all new female cancers each year. In the United States, about one in eight women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. Anyone can get breast cancer regardless of their age, race,
Breast Cancer Can Happen to Anyone Read More »
