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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,…

Minorities are at a Higher Risk for Heart Health Problems

Did you know that your race or ethnicity can put you at higher risk for having heart problems later in life? Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still the number one cause of American deaths, with certain ethnicities taking a higher toll than others. According to the American Heart Association: ● Non-hispanic blacks are nearly twice as…
Dental Care Reminders for Patients with Heart Conditions or History of Stroke

If you or a loved one struggles with heart disease, you probably already know that it has a big impact on your life. You may not have realized, however, that it also influences your dental care. Certain heart conditions can cause physical changes in your mouth. Medications prescribed by your heart doctor can also influence…
Advice for Aging Eyes

While aging is a fact of life that one cannot escape, there are certain measures that can be taken to ensure the best possible vision as you age. The following lifestyle modifications can help delay or prevent certain eye diseases. Regular Eye Examinations One of the most important things you can do is schedule yearly…