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Ask a Physician Who Knows! — Understanding your medical records

1. What is a medical record? Every time you see a medical health provider, a record is kept of what transpired during the visit. These records are kept by physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare providers. The record contains your identifying information, medical history, medication and prescription lists, vitals, and results of testing, as…
Healthy Cook: No more procrastination with easy food prep and meal ideas

IF WE MUST have a national slogan when it comes to cooking, many of us should choose “Procrastination for the Nation.” I’m too busy. I don’t have time to fix a healthy (insert name of meal or snack). I’ll buy something good for lunch.
Pop Quiz: Test your knowledge of managed-care plans

Preventing health insurance mishaps by knowing how you’re covered THERE’S NO GETTING around the fact that healthcare insurance plans can be complicated and confusing. There are many different types of plans, such as managed-care plans, and each has its own set of rules and requirements. However, having the right information — down to the smallest…

Medical Advice: National Nutrition Month challenge — ‘Put Your Best Fork Forward’

MARCH IS NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH, and The Florida Department of Health in Polk County is bringing awareness to the importance of a nutritious, healthy lifestyle. National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education campaign that was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to be observed annually in March. The campaign focuses its attention on…
Word of Mouth: How to know your mouth — and your mouthwash needs

NOT ALL MOUTHS are created equal, and not all oral concerns are the same. It’s the reason why there are so many different types of mouthwash available on the market.
Family Health: How to beat peak allergy season in Central Florida

SPRINGTIME IN CENTRAL FLORIDA is beautiful. Temperatures are pleasant and the warm breezes carry the sweet scent of the orange blossoms. Unfortunately for some, it also means pollen allergies from blooming flowers, like orange blossoms, and from trees and grasses, like live oaks and rye. That fine dusting of yellow pollen that is released every…