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Community outreach programs make check-ups more available

Free dental exams, preventative tooth care, and more Several outreach programs in Polk County recently offered free dental exams and other tooth services to spread awareness about the need for dental health care. At the Haines City Dental Clinic, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (FDOH-Polk) offered free comprehensive dental exams to children…
Helping make the healthier choice, the easier choice

About the Building a Healthier Polk initiative Building a Healthier Polk is a group of community partners brought together by Polk Vision who are working towards the goal of reducing the obesity rate in Polk County. Polk Vision is a broad, community-led partnership of organizations, businesses, government, and individuals. In 2012, Polk Vision’s Quality of…
The trouble with trigger finger

Local surgeon develops alternate solution for a tricky procedure There’s no getting around this fact: you need your hands. When one or more of your fingers or thumbs doesn’t function properly, it interferes with work and play. Correcting a condition such as trigger finger once meant a trip to a hospital or surgery center for…

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.”