Health News

Features

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…
Pop Quiz: Establishing a solid oral care foundation

Will your child have a future Filled with healthy smiles? Teeth add to your smile, allow you to enjoy delicious foods, and rip apart that plastic wrap off your new DVD. However, as a parent, you might be wondering whether you’re setting up proper oral hygiene habits for your child, or if the little tike…
To smile or not to smile

Dr. Karen Teston and other local experts on oral hygiene and your overall health Some folks are afraid of pain. Some know they haven’t done a good job of taking care of their teeth, and don’t want to be lectured. Still others lack cash. Whatever the reason, many avoid the dentist until an emergency arises.…

Senior Care: Talking to your loved one about senior driving safety

DRIVING OFFERS freedom and self-sufficiency to us all, but there could come a time when your senior loved one should give up driving for good. Unfortunately, not every elderly driver is able to admit that he or she should hang up the car keys. It may be up to you to talk to your loved…
Senior Care: Improving the senior lifestyle with a healthy diet and exercise

ONE OF THE BEST and easiest paths to good health is through healthy eating and exercise. Yet, many wonder exactly what that may look like, especially for their senior loved ones. In truth, however, healthy nutrition and staying active does not have to be complicated. Below you’ll find recommendations for diet from the Dietary Guidelines…
Healthy Cook: Three steps to make positive strides toward portion control

HERE WE GO AGAIN. It’s that time of year when we look at our waistlines with disbelief — like the creeping credit card bill — “Where did all that come from?” It’s a case of, “If you don’t eat it, it doesn’t end up around your middle.”