Health News

Features

  • Long-term health: Considering your BMI

    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

    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

    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…

Columns

  • Editor’s Dose: A thank you note to the teachers

    Editor’s Dose: A thank you note to the teachers

    This school year, our twins have started first grade and our four-year-old has started pre-K. Before day one, I have to admit, I was a nervous wreck (and I thought the first day of kindergarten was bad)… I was warned that it doesn’t get easier. As a mother, you experience so many emotions on the…

  • Medical Advice: The four layers of drowning prevention

    Medical Advice: The four layers of drowning prevention

    One of the many benefits of living in Florida is the beautiful weather nearly year round. It is common for Florida residents to go to the beach, swim in the pool, and participate in recreational water activities well into the fall and even some winter months. Swimming is a great way to get exercise and…

  • Publisher’s Note: Together – We can be a part of the solution

    Publisher’s Note: Together – We can be a part of the solution

    You may not be aware of it, but our region has a big problem. Here’s a look at some of the facts:

Accessibility Toolbar