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Community outreach programs make check-ups more available

Free dental exams, preventative tooth care, and more Several outreach programs in Polk County recently offered free dental exams and other tooth services to spread awareness about the need for dental health care. At the Haines City Dental Clinic, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (FDOH-Polk) offered free comprehensive dental exams to children…
Helping make the healthier choice, the easier choice

About the Building a Healthier Polk initiative Building a Healthier Polk is a group of community partners brought together by Polk Vision who are working towards the goal of reducing the obesity rate in Polk County. Polk Vision is a broad, community-led partnership of organizations, businesses, government, and individuals. In 2012, Polk Vision’s Quality of…
The trouble with trigger finger

Local surgeon develops alternate solution for a tricky procedure There’s no getting around this fact: you need your hands. When one or more of your fingers or thumbs doesn’t function properly, it interferes with work and play. Correcting a condition such as trigger finger once meant a trip to a hospital or surgery center for…

Word of Mouth: All I want for Christmas is a better smile

A BEAUTIFUL SMILE brightens your look like a Christmas tree lights up a room. However, many people feel uncomfortable with their smiles due to cosmetic issues, like uneven teeth spacing, stained and discolored teeth, and more. If you’ve ever thought, “All I want for Christmas is a better smile,” then give yourself the gift of…
Hospice Help: How to cope during the holidays

IT IS NOT EASY to deal with grief and loss at any time of the year, but the holidays heighten these emotions. The following tips will help lessen the feeling of being alone and equip everyone with tactics to face the cheer of the season.
The Heart of the Matter: Benefits of olive oil for stopping strokes

IF YOU LOVE the Mediterranean-style diet and are concerned about the dangers of strokes, rejoice! This is good vascular health news for you. A 2011 study found that the consumption of olive oil — such as is common in a Mediterranean-style diet — might reduce the risk of stroke in older adults.