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Pop Quiz: Is your home fall-proof?

Falling is the most common cause of household injuries. It is especially dangerous for older Americans, as a fall can be fatal or have serious long-term affects like physical impairment, loss of independence, and costly medical bills. Since six out of every 10 falls happen at home, take our quiz to test your IQ on…
What poses a greater threat to your health than Ebola?

The chances of catching the West African-born virus versus the threat of the flu and pneumonia Fears abound, but Americans have very little to worry about when it comes to contracting Ebola. While Ebola is serous and often fatal, outbreaks of the infectious disease are primarily in West Africa. “The risk to the general public…
Partnering with patients and the community in prevention

Dr. Wickstrom-Hill on an integrative approach to medicine and the First Responders Challenge As a waterskier for Cypress Gardens in the 1970s, Dale Wickstrom knew the importance of a healthy diet and keeping fit. After her mother’s near-death experience, she became a respiratory therapist. She later returned to school to become a Registered Nurse, and…

Medical Advice: Back-to-school tips and the 5-2-1-0 program

AS STUDENTS and families prepare to return to school, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (FDOH-Polk) would like to take this opportunity to remind them to take the proper steps to stay healthy this school year. Good health is important for students in order to maintain regular school attendance and be ready to…
Hospice Help: Hospice myth busting

WHEN MOST PEOPLE hear the word “hospice,” they immediately associate the provided care as being intimately tied to hours, or if lucky, days before death. Then there is also the supposition that hospice is only for cancer patients. These are just two myths that need to be busted when it comes to understanding hospice.
First impressions of our daughter’s new specialist

WE HEARD IT growing up from our mothers all the time, but we didn’t quite understand the true significance of it. As adults, we begin to see the value in making a good first impression. Whether it’s for a job interview, that first parent-teacher meeting, or sitting down with a new doctor, first impressions play…