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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…

Family Health: Set some simple goals to prioritize your health

EACH NEW YEAR brings the opportunity for new beginnings. When crafting your resolutions, be sure to prioritize your health by setting some simple goals.
Healthy Cook: Nature supplies tasty potions and lotions

BOGO IS A GREAT WAY TO SHOP. Anything free is a bargain in my book. We can carry that a step further than you might think. How about buying a tasty food and using it outside as well as inside?
Editor’s Dose: Five habits that will help you feel (and look) better

WHEN I START to feel sluggish and stressed, there are a few steps I take to help get me back on track. Consequently, these steps also always help my appearance, too! After a few weeks of these healthy habits, I not only get increased energy, I also feel a little more confident when I look…