Health News

Features

Making African-American history in Polk

Alice Manley: A lifetime of service (above) Alice Manley stands with four generations of directors for the health department. From left to right: Dr. Ulyee Choe (November 2012-Present); Dr. Daniel Haight (July 1996-November 2012); Dr. William F. Hill (January 1967-June 1985); and Dr. Kevin Sherin (July 1988-October 1993). Photo courtesy of the Florida Department of…
Painting the town red with heart disease prevention

How Polk is taking steps to increase awareness and lower your risk Bill Mutz thought he was just going to help with a demonstration when he volunteered for an ultrasound at a Lakeland Leadership Cardiology group. But what he learned actually helped him: The ultrasound showed blood was not flowing properly through his heart’s mitral…
New year, New you!

How Polk County is Tackling Obesity and Residents are Making Healthier Lifestyle Choices Fifty-one year-old Ann Good topped 200 pounds last May. She lacked energy and was short of breath. Concerned about a family history of heart disease and diabetes, she decided to act. Today Good is 50 pounds lighter and breathing easier, in more…

Word of Mouth: All I want for Christmas is a better smile

A BEAUTIFUL SMILE brightens your look like a Christmas tree lights up a room. However, many people feel uncomfortable with their smiles due to cosmetic issues, like uneven teeth spacing, stained and discolored teeth, and more. If you’ve ever thought, “All I want for Christmas is a better smile,” then give yourself the gift of…
Hospice Help: How to cope during the holidays

IT IS NOT EASY to deal with grief and loss at any time of the year, but the holidays heighten these emotions. The following tips will help lessen the feeling of being alone and equip everyone with tactics to face the cheer of the season.
The Heart of the Matter: Benefits of olive oil for stopping strokes

IF YOU LOVE the Mediterranean-style diet and are concerned about the dangers of strokes, rejoice! This is good vascular health news for you. A 2011 study found that the consumption of olive oil — such as is common in a Mediterranean-style diet — might reduce the risk of stroke in older adults.