Health News

Features

  • Making African-American history in Polk

    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

    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!

    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…

Columns

  • Teeth Whitening

    Teeth Whitening

    By William Nerestant, DDS With the weather getting hotter and hotter, the summer months are right around the corner, and that means wedding season is upon us. Whether you’re the bride or groom, a bridesmaid or groomsman, or going as a guest, it is a special day for all involved, and special occasions like that…

  • Learn About LASIK and Other Refractive Procedures

    Learn About LASIK and Other Refractive Procedures

    By David Loewy, MD Refractive surgery is designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism to effectively reduce dependency on eyeglasses and contacts. The most popular refractive procedure is LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It involves shaping the cornea using a laser. Other refractive procedures include photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and refractive…

  • Is It a Virus or Allergies?

    Is It a Virus or Allergies?

    With one in every five Americans having some kind of allergy, it’s pretty common. There are many different kinds of indoor and outdoor allergies and sometimes the symptoms can be hard to tell the difference between a viral infection (like a cold) or if you are just having a flare up of allergies. Here are…

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