Health News
Features
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To smile or not to smile
Dr. Karen Teston and other local experts on oral hygiene and your overall health Some folks are afraid of pain. Some know they haven’t done a good job of taking care of their teeth, and don’t want to be lectured. Still others lack cash. Whatever the reason, many avoid the dentist until an emergency arises.…
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Community outreach programs make check-ups more available
Free dental exams, preventative tooth care, and more Several outreach programs in Polk County recently offered free dental exams and other tooth services to spread awareness about the need for dental health care. At the Haines City Dental Clinic, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (FDOH-Polk) offered free comprehensive dental exams to children…
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Helping make the healthier choice, the easier choice
About the Building a Healthier Polk initiative Building a Healthier Polk is a group of community partners brought together by Polk Vision who are working towards the goal of reducing the obesity rate in Polk County. Polk Vision is a broad, community-led partnership of organizations, businesses, government, and individuals. In 2012, Polk Vision’s Quality of…
Columns
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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…
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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…
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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…