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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…

Holiday tips to help keep the whole family healthy

AS WE ENTER THE HOLIDAY SEASON, the excitement of fall festivals, family gatherings, and holiday parties are worth celebrating. For many, this means gathering to-do lists, party planning, and shopping for family and loved ones. One thing to remember in the holiday preparations is to remain healthy this holiday season! In all of the excitement,…
Health Facts: The ABCs of bone health

For better bones, activity, bone density, and calcium intake are key BONES … The framework of your body is a living tissue that is constantly broken down, replaced, and needs daily nourishment. While it’s important to build strong and healthy bones during your youth, you should protect your bone in adulthood, too.
Q&A on the continued care needed to combat childhood obesity

Jessica Maxwell, ARNP, offers insight from the front lines of the weight-loss battle LESS THAN FIVE years ago, childhood obesity was recognized as a significant public health threat in Polk County. According to the most recent data offered by Florida Charts (2013), childhood obesity among WIC children ages two years and younger was at 31…