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Pop Quiz: Germs 101—A Crash Course for Parents

Back-to-school season is upon us, and that means your child’s chances of coming down with an illness is greatly increased. While schools are centers of learning, they are also breeding grounds for all manner of germs. However, there are ways to lessen your child’s chances of coming down with something, having to miss school due…
Tackling Mental Health Together

Establishing the West Central Florida Mental Wellness Coalition Recognizing the record number of suicide rates, substance use and opioid deaths, nearly 30 local organizations have joined forces to develop a regional mental health initiative. On June 20, BayCare CEO and President Tommy Inzina and participating leaders from other hospitals, behavioral health providers, law enforcement, government…
Working Like a Dog

Reading with Bonnie the Therapy Dog by RACHEL CHRISTIAN Cassandra Banning and Bonnie, her 10-year-old shih tzu therapy dog, have been bringing joy and happiness to people in the Plant City area for almost six years. The pair can be spotted across town visiting nursing homes, hospitals, and even Bruton Memorial Library. Unlike service animals…

Medical Advice: Rabies report and safety reminders

Saint Hubert, who lived from 656-727 A.D., was the patron saint of hunters, mathematicians, opticians, and metal workers. He was called upon to cure rabies until the early 20th century through the use of the St. Hubert’s Key, which was said to have been given to him by St. Peter. St. Hubert Key’s took the…
Ask a Nurse: Genetic testing for mental health medications

We have all heard of, and some of us have even experienced firsthand, the tragedies surrounding mental health disorders. It’s nearly impossible to watch a TV show without hearing about a new antidepressant that causes an endless list of unwanted symptoms. And according to the CDC more than 1 in 10 American’s over the age…
Healthy Food: Create good mood food

Ever get a day when nothing is going right? The kids are fighting. The pool turned green. Gas went up 15 cents. The peanut butter is gone. After all that, you might be thinking, “If I just had some chocolate.” Or a glass of wine. Or a big plate of mashed potatoes. What we eat can change…