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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Heartburn and the Holidays
The holiday season is upon us and for many, it is a time of indulgence as well as celebration. At such times, heartburn and acid reflux can become more of a problem for folks who suffer from these chronically, or even for those who do not. Heartburn is a symptom caused by stomach acid irritating…
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Oral Hygiene Tips for the Cooler Months
When it’s cold outside, exposed skin isn’t the only part of your body that can suffer from a drier climate. Your mouth and oral hygiene can suffer as well, and it is important to remain proactive in keeping your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy during the colder months. Here are a few common issues that are…
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Learn About LASIK and Other Refractive Procedures
Refractive surgery is designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism to effectively reduce dependency on eyeglasses and contacts. The most popular refractive procedure is LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It involves shaping the cornea using a laser. Other refractive procedures include photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and refractive lens exchange (RLE). Those…
