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…

Benefits of CareCredit

By Heather Hafner, Patient Relations Coordinator, Haines City Dental Most of us have times when a certain need or situation arises, bringing with it expenses that are not part of the predicted household budget. In dentistry, it’s not unusual for patients who need unexpected treatments or procedures to be concerned about financing. At Haines City…
What Dreams About Your Teeth Falling Out Might Really Mean

by WILLIAM NERESTANT, DDS Dreams can be confusing and intense experiences, and those that involve your teeth falling out are no exception. Dreams of teeth falling out, turning to dust, or cracking into pieces are stressful and unpleasant, and they can be caused by a number of issues. Explanations Behind Dreams About Teeth Falling…
The “Ripe” Time for Cataract Surgery

by William Corkins, O.D. Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida Whenever I tell a patient that he or she has cataracts they immediately ask if they need to have surgery. We start thinking about cataract surgery whenever the patient’s quality of life is affected. Common complaints include, “I can’t read road signs,” or “I can’t read the…