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Pop Quiz: Facts and Statistics about Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, however many people don’t see it as the major life-threatening disease that it is. Many only see it as a disease of the very old, which is far from the truth. Alzheimer’s ranks up there with other major health issues, like diabetes and strokes, in…
Love at First-Aid

Tips for Keeping Guests Safe and Healthy During Wedding Events by MARY TOOTHMAN Many brides begin to plan their special day as little girls — imagining just the right pillowy bridal gown, visualizing their handsome partner, and feeling like a star for the day. The word “perfect” comes up a lot in bridal discussions —…
Alzheimer’s Awareness

Recognizing Early Warning Signs Can Improve Lives by CHERYL ROGERS Early warning signs can improve quality of life for dementia sufferers and their families. Here’s what to look for. As people age, they may forget things. They may walk from one room to another to get something, only to forget what it was. That is…

Editor’s Dose: Tips for minimizing back-to-school stress

IF YOU ARE LIKE ME, then come early July you were already thinking about preparations for the new school year. Parents and children in the community this year are getting ready extra early because Polk County public schools moved up their calendar by one week — day one of school is August 15.
Making the choice to breastfeed

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH in Polk County (DOH-Polk) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) recognize August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month. This is a wonderful time of year to promote breastfeeding as a vital health activity and discuss the health benefits breastfeeding provides. Although every woman has their own…
Editor’s Dose: Keeping kids’ bodies and minds active this summer

WHEN I FIRST had the twins, my mom would say, “Have a schedule for them, or they’ll have a schedule for you.” Basically, she was cautioning that I’d better keep those little minds and bodies active, or chaos would inevitably ensue. Being a mother of eight children, I think she was speaking from personal experience.…