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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…

Publisher’s Note: Healthcare.gov open enrollment ends February 15

If you do not have health insurance, and you’re not sure how to get it, you need to make it a priority to look at your options on Healthcare.gov — the website that offers healthcare insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The open enrollment period is happening now, but it closes on February 15.…
Editor’s Dose: Accountability is another ally with weight-loss goal

In this edition of Central Florida Health News, we talk about how your new year’s resolution to lose weight can benefit from having medical supervision … but why? My answer for you is very simple: Because we all need to be held accountable.
Healthy Cook: Busting resolution diet myths

IN THE NEW YEAR I will … In the new year I won’t … Sound familiar? It’s the new year’s resolution. We make ’em. We break ’em. And we feel guilty about it.