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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,…

September STATs

A Prostate Pick Me Up 60% Percentage decrease in death from prostate cancer in men who drank 6 cups of coffee daily, decaf or regular. Source: 20-year Harvard University Study “While this particular study hasn’t come across my desk, yet, I am aware of a lot of studies in the prevention of prostate cancer.…
Healthy Cook: The cure for the common fruit (variety is key)

Follow nutrition headlines and it may be tempting to focus on one fruit that’s exciting to health researchers. Unfortunately, the stars of the produce stand can change their rankings as quickly as the front-runners on “American Idol.” One week we’re told to cheer for red grapes; the next it’s cantaloupe. How should a person choose…
Don’t look, I’m exercising!

The Challenge of Going to the Gym for the Body Conscious The locker room isn’t the only scary place in the fitness center. The workout areas present their own challenges for the self-conscious. Just like in the locker room, the fear that others are watching and judging is a very real part of the…