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Lost and Found

Winter Haven’s Chris Lonton Describes Her Journey With Breast Cancer and the People Who Keep Her Going by TIM CRAIG photos by JOE DELUC When Chris Lonton checked into Gessler Clinic in Winter Haven for her regular mammogram in December 2015, she didn’t think twice. She would go in, get the exam, then leave. Little…
Prepped for the Future

Danielle Drummond’s Accomplishments Precede Her Term as Head of Lakeland Regional by MARY TOOTHMAN photo provided by LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH Danielle Drummond won’t officially become head of Lakeland Regional Health until January 1 of 2021, but she will certainly be ready. She has already been serving as vice-president and chief operating officer of the nonprofit…
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…

Medical Advice: Awareness is key to stopping upward trend of STDs

Every year in April, we observe STD Awareness Month. This is an opportunity for individuals, doctors, and communities to address ways to prevent some of the nearly 20 million sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that occur in the United States each year. Half of all new infections occur among people between the ages of 15 to…
Ask a Nurse: Dental plaque & arterial plaque

Have you ever wondered what the dentist scrapes off of your teeth when you go in for your annual cleaning? Several studies over the past few years have found some surprising results. In 2010, Cornell University and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden collected samples from the mouth, gut, and arteries of 15 heart disease patients.…
Publisher’s Note: More options coming for Florida residents seeking health and dental coverage

You may or may not have heard already that there is an alternative option for discounted health coverage outside of the plans offered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Four companies intend to offer 15 to 20 discounted plans, which will include health and dental coverage options. Once the website is launched, residents should be…