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Mental health on the brain: Recent mental health reform brings more awareness

Plus: Local resources for depression, bipolar disorders, suicide prevention, and more INCARCERATION, VIOLENCE, HOMELESSNESS, suicide; these are the results of untreated mental illness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, more than 43 million — or 1 in 5 adults — in the U.S. experience mental illness in a given year. And approximately 10…
The importance of UV-blocking sunglasses

American Academy of Ophthalmology survey confirms need for more eye protection BEACH, THE POOL, the lake; Central Floridians will be headed outdoors for fun and relaxation this summer. While most will remember to lather on the sunscreen and shield their skin from harmful UV rays, how many will be watching out for their eyes as…
Parker plays his part to help his fellow man

Raising awareness at Walk to Cure Arthritis Tampa event, and beyond PARKER LENTINI, a local 16-year-old with a different story to tell, was an active kid who enjoyed sports. When he started experiencing severe aches and pains in his bones and joints, many around him chalked it up to growing pains. When fevers, rashes, and…

PCMA Letter: Getting the word out

OCTOBER is Breast Cancer Awareness month and, to help educate the community about early detection, this edition features some important stories you’ll want to read. We at the Polk County Medical Association (PCMA) are here to help educate and equip the members of our community to live healthier lives, and subsequently, hopefully prevent serious illnesses…
Family Health: Steps for a breast self-exam

ABOUT ONE IN EIGHT U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. There are a few things that can be done for early detection, such as an at-home breast self-exam. This exam helps women know what is normal for them. They can then report any changes to their healthcare provider.…
Healthy Skin: Taking action against acne

IT’S TIME for back to school, and for teens with acne, this can be even more stressful. Acne is the papules and pustules that develop on the face, back, and chest usually at the onset of puberty. It is not uncommon to have acne as early as 10 years of age. Normal onset is between…