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Curtailing diabetes

Essential Tips for Better Disease Management Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. It is a major cause of heart disease and stroke as well as the leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower-limb amputations, and new cases of blindness among adults. In Polk County, the incidence of diabetes is…
Warning signs of bullying

Putting a Stop to It Before It Causes the Most Damage When children complain about a headache or stomachache, parents may seek immediate relief with over-the-counter painkillers or antacids. But when the symptoms recur, over and over again, a trip to the family doctor may reveal a sinister reason: Bullying. “They don’t want to necessarily…
Replacing candy with better-for-you snacks

Healthy Options Headed for Local School Vending Machines Fat-free and soy yogurts, granola bars, fruit and grain bars, and soy crisps may become standard fare at some Polk County public schools this upcoming school year. The snacks will be offered under a new contract with Central Florida Healthy Vending in Orlando. Some 200+ healthy snacks…

Family Health: Is it a headache or migraine?

WHEN A HEADACHE HITS, it can prove to be debilitating. Headaches often come with sensitivity to light, sound, and smells, throbbing temples, and even nausea and vomiting. Headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week, so when you’re suffering, it’s important to know how to manage the pain and whether you’re dealing with…
Editor’s Dose: A thank-you note to teachers and educators

AS A MOTHER, you experience so many emotions on the first day of school. You want your child to be excited, confident, and safe. But, you also have a countless number of worries about how they will interact with their classmates and teachers. Will they find a friendly face? What will they do when faced…
Medical Advice: Drain and cover reminders to prevent mosquito bites

AS FLORIDA’S LATE-AFTERNOON showers continue to roll in, the standing water around our homes, schools, and areas of recreation continue to swell. While this may put a damper on an afternoon of outdoor activities, what many do not realize is that this standing water also cultivates a breeding ground for pesky bugs like mosquitoes.