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Protect Yourself, Loved Ones With a Flu Shot

As families begin to prepare for fall festivities, the Florida Department of Health recommends adding one more thing to your to-do list this season—getting a flu shot! The flu shot is the best way to protect families and communities against the spread of influenza. Those who get the flu shot early decrease the risk of…
It Takes a Community

We Care of Central Florida’s Project Think Pink Helps Uninsured Women Get Screening, Treatment by TERESA SCHIFFER Did you know that one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime? Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second-leading cause of cancer death…
Misinformation Is Contagious: Sort Fact From Fiction on the HPV Vaccine

Vaccinations are important shots that people need to get to protect against serious diseases. You may have heard reports on the news recently about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. With all the buzz, it can be hard to sort fact from the fiction. Test your knowledge by taking our quiz and learn how to ensure…

Ask a Nurse: Popping pain pills?

Americans make up ~4.6 percent of the world’s population, yet have been consuming 80 percent of the global opioid supply and 99 percent of the global hydrocodone supply1! According to the CDC in 2008, 14,800 died of an opioid overdose… more than heroin and cocaine COMBINED2. Opioids like morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, and fentanyl…
PCMA Letter: Don’t let an active lifestyle be a chore this summer

It’s fairly common amongst the general population to want to live a long, healthy, and happy life. Remaining physically fit is imperative to this way of life. Staying in shape helps you live longer and prevents illnesses. This is why the doctors of the Polk County Medical Association (PCMA) bring you the fitness edition this…
Publisher’s Note: Some of the healthcare legislation recently passed

Like any other year, the 2014 Florida Legislative Session saw a lot of action for health and safety-related bills. Some of them passed with flying colors, while others failed—but, just in case you aren’t aware—I’d like to summarize three important pieces of legislation that are being made into law: SB 1030 During the legislative session,…