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Knowing whether or not to call 9-1-1

Recognizing an emergency versus non-emergency and how to get help Imagine this— it is 11 o’clock at night and you’re at home watching television. You see lights from a vehicle driving past your home. You can hear that the vehicle is slowing down and you look out the window to see the lights have been…
Local Health Update: All eyes on Amendment 2

Public forum on medical marijuana brings cheers and boos The Public Forum on Medical Marijuana hosted by the Lakeland Ledger was held at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the Harrison School for the Arts. There was a lot of cheering and booing going on Thursday night, August 28, at the Medical Marijuana Forum, as…
Pop Quiz: The reality of breast cancer in men

Test your knowledge and be prepared to prevent and detect Breast cancer awareness is generally directed at women, but it’s a disease that can affect men as well, albeit at a much lower rate of occurrence. Despite being less common, male breast cancer is a serious concern because it can be just like any other…

Ask a Nurse: Popping pain pills?

Americans make up ~4.6 percent of the world’s population, yet have been consuming 80 percent of the global opioid supply and 99 percent of the global hydrocodone supply1! According to the CDC in 2008, 14,800 died of an opioid overdose… more than heroin and cocaine COMBINED2. Opioids like morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, and fentanyl…
PCMA Letter: Don’t let an active lifestyle be a chore this summer

It’s fairly common amongst the general population to want to live a long, healthy, and happy life. Remaining physically fit is imperative to this way of life. Staying in shape helps you live longer and prevents illnesses. This is why the doctors of the Polk County Medical Association (PCMA) bring you the fitness edition this…
Publisher’s Note: Some of the healthcare legislation recently passed

Like any other year, the 2014 Florida Legislative Session saw a lot of action for health and safety-related bills. Some of them passed with flying colors, while others failed—but, just in case you aren’t aware—I’d like to summarize three important pieces of legislation that are being made into law: SB 1030 During the legislative session,…