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Local Medical Academies Preparing Students for Health Careers

by CHERYL ROGERS Eighteen public schools in Polk County train students for future careers in healthcare through medical or health science programs. Here’s a look at how some of them have fared. Katya Viegas and Janet Hernandez are heading to medical school. Jesus Jimenez, or J.J., is glad he found an incentive to finish high…
Pop Quiz: Facts and Stats about Immunizations

by ERIKA ALDRICH August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to explore the topic of immunizations around the globe. The efforts to immunize people against debilitating and life-threatening diseases is a global initiative that we are all a part of. Test your knowledge of facts and statistics about immunizations by taking…
Tips to Prepare for the New School Year

by Mary Toothman It’s that time of year again: School supply aisles will be flooded with parents and children, clutching lists of what is required. First-day-of-school outfits will be carefully selected by many students. Late-morning sleep-ins will be replaced by early wake-up calls. Back to school means many things to parents and students — some…

A PEAK Annual Wellness Visit Preserves Youth

Are you living your best life? Staying youthful? Part of living your best life is taking care of business, health-wise. We’ve all come to know our responsibility is visiting the doctor for our regular appointments, like the yearly physical. Now you MUST add the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) to the Yearly Physical for optimal health. The Peak…
Mouth – Body Connection

To understand how the mouth can affect the body, it helps to understand what can go wrong in the first place. Bacteria that builds up on teeth make gums prone to infection and inflammation. If allowed, inflammation and the chemicals it releases eat away at the gums and bone structure. The result is severe gum disease, known as periodontitis. Health…
Eye Exams for Your Child

Does your child struggle with reading or schoolwork? He or she may benefit from a comprehensive eye exam. The majority of vision problems that interfere with reading and learning are easily treatable. Even if your child participated in a vision screening at their school or pediatrician’s office, he or she may benefit from a comprehensive…