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…

Robotics Help Refine Hip, Knee Replacement

As we move further into the 21st century, more and more of the amazing things that science fiction promised us are becoming reality. One fascinating technological development is the use of robots in a variety of applications – including orthopaedic surgery. There are many reasons to utilize robots in various medical procedures, and the evidence…
Unmasking the ‘Invisible Injury’: Knowing Concussion Signs Saves Lives

National Concussion Awareness Day is September 17. Its purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of a concussion. To a teen athlete, the health risk of a concussion can seem small compared to their powerful desire to stay in the game and help their teammates. That’s one…
Happiness Happens… in the Sun!

Despite the recent rain, we residents of the Sunshine State still make time to enjoy the Florida sunshine. Nothing says happiness like a day at the lake with family and friends. But, while we all know that the sun can cause damage to our skin in the form of sunspots and skin cancers, did you…