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Q&A on the most lethal form of dementia

Dr. Gordon J. Rafool shares the symptoms and treatment options of Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in America. In Polk, 11.8 percent of Medicare beneficiaries were treated for Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia in 2013, according to Healthy Tampa Bay. We interviewed Dr. Gordon J. Rafool, a geriatrician…
Pop Quiz: Establishing a solid oral care foundation

Will your child have a future Filled with healthy smiles? Teeth add to your smile, allow you to enjoy delicious foods, and rip apart that plastic wrap off your new DVD. However, as a parent, you might be wondering whether you’re setting up proper oral hygiene habits for your child, or if the little tike…
To smile or not to smile

Dr. Karen Teston and other local experts on oral hygiene and your overall health Some folks are afraid of pain. Some know they haven’t done a good job of taking care of their teeth, and don’t want to be lectured. Still others lack cash. Whatever the reason, many avoid the dentist until an emergency arises.…

Steps for a breast self-exam

About one in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. There are a few things that can be done for early detection, such as an at-home breast self-exam. This exam helps women know what is normal for them. They can then report any changes to their healthcare provider.…
Healthy Cook: Awareness is served

Pink is the color of the day— every day in October— to raise awareness of breast cancer. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the United States started in 1985. The original aim was to increase early detection of breast cancer by encouraging women to have mammograms. The pink ribbon, which had been used to symbolize…
Editor’s Dose: The story behind Walt Hall Tribute Day at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

When people think of the Boys & Girls Clubs, some phrases that come to mind are “cultivating character” or “education and leadership development.” But like all good organizations, it’s the people who operate the programs day-in and day-out that mold our impressions of an institution for mentoring the leaders of tomorrow. We don’t just think…