Health News

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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.…

Medical advice: 8 simple tips to sounder sleep

Sure, there’s plenty to worry about these days: The economy, job security and family issues. It’s enough to lose sleep over. Not that we need any help from sleep deprivation. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), one out of 10 adults has insomnia so severe that it has daytime consequences. As…
Publisher’s Note: Looking ahead for health

Let me be the first to welcome you to the inaugural edition of Central Florida Health News! From the early conceptual designs to the product you hold in your hands, it has been a great experience collaborating with the Polk County Medical Association (PCMA) to bring you the best in health news and local features.…
Healthy Cook: A better for you Easter with egg-citing meals

For many families, a favorite spring pastime is coloring and decorating hard-cooked eggs to celebrate Easter. This fun activity often is followed by hiding the eggs outdoors and then encouraging children to find them. However, eggs aren’t just a colorful way to fill an Easter basket. In fact, if you take a hard-boiled approach…