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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…

Healthy Cook: Awareness is served

Pink is the color of the day— every day in October— to raise awareness of breast cancer. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the United States started in 1985. The original aim was to increase early detection of breast cancer by encouraging women to have mammograms. The pink ribbon, which had been used to symbolize…
Editor’s Dose: The story behind Walt Hall Tribute Day at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

When people think of the Boys & Girls Clubs, some phrases that come to mind are “cultivating character” or “education and leadership development.” But like all good organizations, it’s the people who operate the programs day-in and day-out that mold our impressions of an institution for mentoring the leaders of tomorrow. We don’t just think…
Word of Mouth: When it’s NOT good to be sensitive!

Sensitivity is a desirable trait in many situations these days, but that’s definitely not the case when it concerns your teeth. Experiencing continued sensitivity in your teeth is a sign that something is wrong in your mouth. If you experience pain or sensitivity while brushing and flossing, or have hypersensitivity to hot or cold, then…