Health News
Features
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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,…
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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…
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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
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Mouth – Body Connection
To understand how the mouth can affect the body, it helps to understand what can go wrong in the first place. Bacteria that builds up on teeth make gums prone to infection and inflammation. If allowed, inflammation and the chemicals it releases eat away at the gums and bone structure. The result is severe gum disease, known as periodontitis. Health…
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Eye Exams for Your Child
Does your child struggle with reading or schoolwork? He or she may benefit from a comprehensive eye exam. The majority of vision problems that interfere with reading and learning are easily treatable. Even if your child participated in a vision screening at their school or pediatrician’s office, he or she may benefit from a comprehensive…
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Bleeding with a Bowel Movement
A concerning complaint from patients, that causes grave concern is that of rectal bleeding ., Whether it is blood seen with a bowel movement or at the end on cleaning oneself, bleeding is worrisome and must be addressed. Not all bleeding is bright red and black, sticky tar-like stools are signs of bleeding as well.…
