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…

Healthy Cook: Kid-approved summer snacks with blueberries

WE HAVE A PROBLEM. Too many of our children are overweight or obese. And that can lead to type 2 diabetes. The reasons are easy to figure out. Just look at the youngsters and compare what they are doing now with what kids did in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s.
Hospice Help: Wake up, guys! It’s Men’s Health Month

LET’S FACE IT, as men, we find time for a round of golf, making a run to a home improvement store, or spending a Sunday afternoon with our family. But taking care of our health? It ranks low on the list of priorities. This year marks the 21st anniversary of when President Bill Clinton declared…
PCMA Letter: A look at men’s health and a save-the-date item

EVERY JUNE, Men’s Health Month is emphasized across the country with screenings, health fairs, and educational events. These efforts are to help ensure that every male, from boyhood to retirement years, is enlightened about some of the health risks that affect more men than women. Some of these health risks are life-threatening dangers, but the…