Health News

Features

When Neck Pain Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Local Heart Disease Survivor, Mary Hunt, Shares Her Diagnosis and Treatment Story by TERESA SCHIFFER Do you know what the number one killer of women is, causing one in three deaths each year? You might be surprised to learn the culprit is heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, approximately one woman dies every…
Exercise Helps Keep Hearts Young & Happy

Polk Senior Games Include a Heap of Heart-Healthy Activities by MARY TOOTHMAN Introducing or stepping-up regular exercise programs can result in dramatic improvements to the lives of the 65 and older population— and the emphasis on heart health this month offers an ideal opportunity to spread the word. In a 2010 Center for Disease Control…
Is It Cardiomyopathy or a Heart Attack?

Knowing the Difference and Getting Treatment Early Could Save Your Life story by CHERYL ROGERS portrait by LUIS BETANCOURT When it comes to women and heart disease, it’s not one size fits all. Breast pain, shoulder or neck pain, arm pain, back pain, stomach or jaw pain, and even pain in your fingers can be…

Actinic Keratosis: What It Is and How to Treat It

Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a skin condition that, when left untreated, can turn into skin cancer. It’s most common in people over the age of 40 who have had years of untreated sun exposure. Here’s how it can affect your life, when it’s time to see a doctor, and preventative measures…
Key Steps for Preventing Amputations

More than 25% of American seniors have diabetes, and 10% to 15% of people with diabetes have leg and or foot ulcers. Simple things like managing your diabetes and performing daily foot care can help prevent ulcers, which can be difficult to treat and may eventually require amputation. More than 80% of amputations begin with…
Action Plan for Healthy Vision

By: Chelsea Hollier, O.D. Routine eye exams can help your eye doctor prevent, diagnose, and treat vision problems and eye disease in children and adults. In addition, the National Eye Institute recommends several ways to maintain healthy vision. Get an annual dilated eye exam. Having your annual eye exam done allows you to stay…