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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…

Healthy Cook: Culinary tips for the caregiver turned chef

There is no denying that our taste buds age with the rest of us. They get tired, just like our knees and hips. Doctors can replace some worn-out parts, but have you ever heard of a taste bud implant? One of the burger chains uses a slogan something like, “You Gotta Eat.” Well, it’s true. …
Word of Mouth: Myths about implants debunked, part II: Are they effective?

Working like your own teeth, dental implants are imbedded in your jaw bone; they offer a superior option over bridges and dentures. Implants look and feel like your natural teeth, but you may worry that they won’t be effective long-term. Look to the facts when considering the effectiveness of implants. Myth: Dental Implants are too…
Ask a Nurse: Alzheimer’s is Type 3 Diabetes!

In 1906, a German neuropathologist Dr. Alois Alzheimer first identified what is now considered Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). He was caring for a middle-aged woman suffering from memory loss and disorientation. Just a short five years later, the woman passed away after enduring the torment of hallucinations and symptoms of dementia. Currently “the presence of neurofibrillary…