Health News

Features

Healthy Cook: The disease-fighting properties of red foods

Roses are red Berries are blue Red foods tastes good And are heart-healthy, too. There are only a few days of the year when a writer can get that corny, and who am I to pass up the chance? But it’s true. Lots of red foods are good for the heart because of what they…
Pop Quiz: Is your teen at risk for dating violence?

A light push… A condescending statement… They may be just innocent moves by a person, but these could be telltale signs of teen dating violence. Is your teen at risk for being in such a relationship? Take our quiz to learn more about noticeable signs of teen dating violence, and what you can do as…
Making African-American history in Polk

Alice Manley: A lifetime of service (above) Alice Manley stands with four generations of directors for the health department. From left to right: Dr. Ulyee Choe (November 2012-Present); Dr. Daniel Haight (July 1996-November 2012); Dr. William F. Hill (January 1967-June 1985); and Dr. Kevin Sherin (July 1988-October 1993). Photo courtesy of the Florida Department of…

Enterovirus D68: Symptoms, Severity, and Treatment

We are currently experiencing a nationwide outbreak of the Enterovirus D68. Enterovirus D68 can cause respiratory illness ranging from mild to severe. Infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected and become ill. Adults may also become infected but are more likely to have no symptoms or mild symptoms. Children with asthma may…
Editor’s Dose: One trip to the ER that made me think

The last time I was at the Emergency Room was for my four-year-old daughter. Since April of this year, she has been suffering from chronic hives. At first glance, these hives could be mistaken for an allergic reaction— or worse, some kind of viral infection. During the course of her treatment, I’ve had multiple parents…
Healthy Cook: An ounce of canning is worth a pound of preparedness

In the olden days, when our parents’ parents were new parents, “Putting food by” was a big job.