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The Struggle is Part of Their Story

Clay and Beranda Mock Share Their Story as they Continue Their Journey to Parenthood by LENORE DEVORE She was 23. He was 19. They were young, but Beranda didn’t have time to play games. She told Clay Mock right away that she only wanted a serious relationship, one that would involve getting pregnant quickly. Time…
Pop Quiz: See How Much You Know About Tooth and Gum Disease

by ERIKA ALDRICH Tooth and gum disease are important health considerations well beyond childhood, but they are not as high in our social health consciousness as they need to be. Since knowledge is power, knowing as much as possible about oral health can help you to decrease your chances of having cavities, losing teeth,…
Striking Out Cancer

World Record Attempt at Charity Challenge Helps Raise Cancer Awareness story by MARY TOOTHMAN The third time was supposed to be the charm – but an attempt on April 15 to break the World Record of a human cancer awareness ribbon did not have Mother Nature on its side. Still, organizer Chris Hazelwood sounded…

Medical Advice: Back-to-school tips and the 5-2-1-0 program

AS STUDENTS and families prepare to return to school, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (FDOH-Polk) would like to take this opportunity to remind them to take the proper steps to stay healthy this school year. Good health is important for students in order to maintain regular school attendance and be ready to…
Hospice Help: Hospice myth busting

WHEN MOST PEOPLE hear the word “hospice,” they immediately associate the provided care as being intimately tied to hours, or if lucky, days before death. Then there is also the supposition that hospice is only for cancer patients. These are just two myths that need to be busted when it comes to understanding hospice.
First impressions of our daughter’s new specialist

WE HEARD IT growing up from our mothers all the time, but we didn’t quite understand the true significance of it. As adults, we begin to see the value in making a good first impression. Whether it’s for a job interview, that first parent-teacher meeting, or sitting down with a new doctor, first impressions play…