Health News

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Caring for your mental health

How to stay sane and make the most of your genetic heritage When a couple has been married 50 years, their lives are so intertwined they may be able to finish one another’s sentences. When one of them dies, the loss can be devastating. Normal grief can turn into depression—with life-threatening consequences.
Pop Quiz: How to alleviate mobility issues

Test your knowledge of mobility precautions to help keep your senior loved one active and safe As we age, our ability to move changes as well, going from one extreme to the other. However, we realize how precious our mobility is when seeing an older relative dealing with difficulties in movement. Be part of the…
Long-term health: Considering your BMI

The importance of discussing your Body Mass Index with your physician Since 2003, Polk Vision has been bringing together community partners to work toward Polk County’s collective vision. Going a step further, several Polk Vision members are working towards reducing the obesity rate in our communities with our Building a Healthier Polk Initiative. Of course,…

Healthy Cook: Love a food that loves you back

BUGGS BUNNY had it right. He ate carrots because he liked them. But even if he hated carrots and liked, oh … parsnips, or Brussels sprouts … he should have chomped on the long orange sticks anyway because they are healthy.
Pediatric Health: How sick is too sick for school?

With flu season in full swing, it can be hard to know if your child is too sick for school or just feeling slightly under the weather. Oftentimes, it can be tricky to decide whether your child should stay home or is well enough to attend school.
Hospice Help: Caring for ailing hearts

DO YOU OR A LOVED ONE find it increasingly more difficult to breathe? Ever have tightness or pain in your chest for more than 15 minutes? Are your feet, ankles or abdomen swelling? Or, are you worried about the fact that you have rapidly gained three to five pounds in a day, while also fighting…