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Celebrating Black History Month with a look at local African-Americans in medicine

ALEX ALEXANDER Registered Nurse Bartow Regional Medical Center As a black registered nurse from North Carolina, 56-year-old Alex Alexander has had his run-ins with prejudice. But he’s learned to remember who he is, treat others like his brothers and sisters, forgive, and … not believe everything he hears. “You earn things by your merit and…
Heart disease warnings for women

| Don’t believe you’re not at risk; do believe you can improve your odds | WOMEN HAVE A MEASURE of built-in protection against heart disease — as long as their ovaries are producing estrogen. Although estrogen may delay the onset of heart disease until the sixties or seventies, women’s risk eventually is the same as…
Pop Quiz: Are you feeding your feelings?

| Stop the snacking and learn to recognize when it’s emotional or physical hunger | EMOTIONAL HUNGER is an issue that many of us deal with, much to the chagrin of our waistlines! It’s especially prevalent during the holidays, as both stress and food are available in large helpings. However, we all have to eat,…

Editor’s Dose: Real change vs. empty promises

Here we are, at the dawn of a new year, and we each have an opportunity to challenge ourselves. This is the time when we resolve to let go of bad habits and become better people. Last year at this time, I didn’t want to make any empty promises. So being the editor that I…
Signs & Symptoms

Q&A on how to recognize (and treat) an overactive thyroid An overactive thyroid can cause alarming symptoms. We interviewed Dr. Brian Lake, an endocrinologist treating thyroid disease and diabetes at Gessler Clinic in Winter Haven, about the disease’s warning signs and treatments. Central Florida Health News (CFHN): What are the symptoms of an overactive thyroid…
PCMA Letter: Four resolutions that can change lives for the better

Another year has gone by. It is once again time to reflect and find new beginnings. During the holidays, we enjoy celebrating with friends and family. We overeat and drink more than we should. Excuses for overindulgence are as easy to find as holiday cheer. Following the holidays, either out of penance for all of…