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Long-term health: Considering your BMI

The importance of discussing your Body Mass Index with your physician Since 2003, Polk Vision has been bringing together community partners to work toward Polk County’s collective vision. Going a step further, several Polk Vision members are working towards reducing the obesity rate in our communities with our Building a Healthier Polk Initiative. Of course,…
Aging gracefully

What will your health look like in 40 years? Medical science has made inroads against major diseases that snuff short our lives. But by the time we reach 45, disease beats out accidents as the leading cause of death. The National Vital Statistics System shows cancer is the leading cause of death for 45 to…
Q&A on the most lethal form of dementia

Dr. Gordon J. Rafool shares the symptoms and treatment options of Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in America. In Polk, 11.8 percent of Medicare beneficiaries were treated for Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia in 2013, according to Healthy Tampa Bay. We interviewed Dr. Gordon J. Rafool, a geriatrician…

How to maintain oral health during the holidays

The holiday season is fast approaching with many distractions that might keep you from maintaining good oral health. Luckily, following a few tips can help ensure that your mouth stays in tip-top shape throughout the holidays! Up your oral care routine First and foremost, stick to your daily oral care routine. Then, to make sure…
The Dreaded Call: ‘Mom is on her way to the ER’

The immediate questions: Why? How did it happen? How long will she be there? How quickly can I get there? She’ll be upset, especially being alone. But can I get away right now? As care managers in geriatrics and dementia care, participating in ER visits is one of our biggest strengths and helps provide peace…
Enterovirus D68: Symptoms, Severity, and Treatment

We are currently experiencing a nationwide outbreak of the Enterovirus D68. Enterovirus D68 can cause respiratory illness ranging from mild to severe. Infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected and become ill. Adults may also become infected but are more likely to have no symptoms or mild symptoms. Children with asthma may…