Medical Advice

Most people, even if they don’t have pets, know about rabies. Rabies is one of the oldest known diseases in the world, dating to the beginning of written history. And, before the first rabies vaccine was invented in 1885 by Dr. Louis Pasteur, nearly all humans infected with rabies died.  In Polk County, according to […]

by DR. JOY JACKSON The heart is the powerhouse of the human body and, as such, it is holistically interconnected with the body as a whole. The heart cannot be separated from how the rest of the body is functioning. Poor diet and lack of exercise are often mentioned as factors a person could change

by DR. JOY JACKSON Happy 2025! Many people begin the new year with resolutions and plans to do the year right, to do better than they did the year before. Most of these resolutions come in the form of personal goals that people want to meet. But what about health? This January, for Cervical Cancer

by DR. JOY JACKSON The past few years have placed unexpected strain on the public healthcare system, making recruitment and retention of public health workers a significant challenge, and that includes county health departments, such as the Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk).  DOH-Polk plays a vital role in promoting community health and well-being.

by DR. JOY JACKSON As the holidays approach, attending social events can present a unique challenge for the 15.4% of Polk County adults living with diabetes. But having diabetes doesn’t mean missing out on the fun. The Department of Health in Polk County would like to provide some tips on how to navigate social events

by DR. JOY JACKSON Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women except for skin cancer. In the United States, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes. Every 13 minutes, a woman dies from the disease. In Polk County, breast cancer death rates remain a significant concern, with 124.2 deaths per

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