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Beyond Breast Cancer Awareness

A look at prevention 365 days a year It’s time to lavish your pink frocks, flaunt that cotton candy boa, showoff those fuchsia stilettos and sport your cherry blossom bustier! Call all your BFFs as it’s October and that means Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Affordable Care Act Update

Many Polk County residents are continuing to rely on free healthcare clinics, despite health insurance subsidies available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As the nation nears its second open enrollment period for health insurance in November, it is business as usual at some area clinics.
Pop Quiz: What’s your Medicare IQ?

A Test that Will Help You Get Smarter About Your Coverage For youngsters, autumn means going back to school. For seniors and those who qualify, fall signals that it’s Medicare enrollment and renewal time. The Medicare Fall Open Enrollment Period is specially geared towards choosing Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Drug Plans, and it lasts…

Healthy Cook: Fooling the senses for feeling full after a meal

WE EAT FIRST with our eyes, then aroma comes into play. Our brain says if it looks good and smells good, it will taste good. And if it’s a big pile of food, we will be satisfied. Here’s the trick: You can fool your senses. One of the easiest ways is with the size aspect.…
Healthy Smiles: Diabetes and your oral health

PEOPLE WITH DIABETES tend to have more serious cases of oral disease, which can trigger diabetic complications. That’s why your dentist is so important as part of your health team. Although anyone can develop gum disease, there is a link between high blood sugar and increased incidence of periodontitis. Periodontitis (periodontal disease) is caused by…
Medical Advice: Keep vaccines between you and disease

“A NEW YEAR, NEW YOU” is the motto for many as they make their New Year’s resolutions. For some, this means changing their look or adopting healthier habits. These are great considerations. Another important goal for the New Year should be to make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Without these, the “new you”…