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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…

Healthy Cook: Going nuts for better nutrition and weight loss

Being a health nut is a lifestyle people will want to embrace for the New Year – literally. Study after study for reducing heart disease risk, improving the body’s reaction to stress, and better glycemic control in Type-2 diabetes, concludes with the benefits of nuts. So why nuts? “Studies have shown that all kinds…
A possible ban to talk about (except on the phone while driving)

Here’s a possible ban for you to talk about (except on the phone while driving, of course): the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officially released a statement on Tuesday, December 14 that “texting, emailing, or chatting on the phone while driving is simply too dangerous and should not be permitted anywhere in the United…
Editor’s Dose: ‘Read Belly Up to Better Abs’

It feels like just yesterday we were passing out kisses at the toll of the New Year. Now the holiday season is fast approaching and soon our resolve for eating healthy and maintaining a regular exercise routine will be tested! I encourage you to not give in, and try something new. Our Web Exclusive…