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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…
Taking Action

State Mandate Calls for Mental Health Education in Florida Schools by MARY TOOTHMAN The State Board of Education has voted to approve a new mandate that calls for specific mental health lessons to be given to students in grades six through 12. The focus will be on awareness, prevention, and reducing stigma. At least…

Healthy Skin: Protect your skin and keep healthy

DERMATOLOGY’S main focus is to protect your skin and to keep you healthy and safe. The best thing you can do for your skin is to use sunscreen on a regular basis, especially here in the Sunshine State. When it comes to sunscreen, make sure to choose one that protects from both UVA and UVB…
Hospice Help: Protection from the flu

AS THE SUMMER MONTHS wind down and Labor Day fasts approaches, it is almost a rite of passage that we begin to notice the promotion of flu vaccine availability. But exactly who needs to be concerned about getting a vaccine and protecting themselves against this disease that could prove fatal?
Word of Mouth: ‘Wise’ advice for back-to-school oral care

WHILE WISDOM TEETH don’t make you smarter, they do usually come in when you are in your late teens or early 20s — a time when you’re expected to start displaying “wisdom” and maturity. Unfortunately, pain and discomfort from problems with your wisdom teeth can result in a lot of missed days from school —…