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: Love a food that loves you back

BUGGS BUNNY had it right. He ate carrots because he liked them. But even if he hated carrots and liked, oh … parsnips, or Brussels sprouts … he should have chomped on the long orange sticks anyway because they are healthy.
Pediatric Health: How sick is too sick for school?

With flu season in full swing, it can be hard to know if your child is too sick for school or just feeling slightly under the weather. Oftentimes, it can be tricky to decide whether your child should stay home or is well enough to attend school.
Hospice Help: Caring for ailing hearts

DO YOU OR A LOVED ONE find it increasingly more difficult to breathe? Ever have tightness or pain in your chest for more than 15 minutes? Are your feet, ankles or abdomen swelling? Or, are you worried about the fact that you have rapidly gained three to five pounds in a day, while also fighting…