Health News

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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…

Planning meals is key for the time and money strained

For many modern parents, their children’s growth charts are climbing in an unhealthy direction and for the adults in the home, blood pressure readings are following suit. Now, for the first time, nutritious dinners are going to be a priority in the home. But then the typical chaos takes over: traffic, work and family…
Serving the working family for a longer, healthier life

With retirement age on the rise, modern parents both working to support the family, and the cost of health insurance climbing, the health business sector is making continued efforts to put emphasis on a longer life through disease prevention and healthy lifestyle choices. According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s latest study, many Americans will…
Living a life of leisure amidst the chaos

For some it’s packing the golf clubs in the car trunk and heading off; or maybe stopping by the fabric store to pick up some quilting materials. It’s called taking a break to pursue a favorite pastime. But for those carrying a bit of guilt for engaging in play, experts say it’s time to…