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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…

Reducing the Need for Glasses at the Time of Cataract Surgery

by Damon Welch M.D. & Daniel Welch M.D. Cataract surgery is an extremely successful surgery. With cataract surgery, we have the ability to restore vision lost over time from the natural clouding of the lens, which occurs with age. In addition, special instruments allow us to measure the eye and lessen the dependence on…
Are You Suffering From Folliculitis?

Folliculitis is a skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. However, it has a number of different causes. Sometimes it requires antibiotics to heal, as these bumps can spread and turn into non-healing crusty sores if left untreated. The condition isn’t life-threatening, but it can be irritating, itchy, and unsightly. Who gets folliculitis?…
Actinic Keratosis: What It Is and How to Treat It

Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a skin condition that, when left untreated, can turn into skin cancer. It’s most common in people over the age of 40 who have had years of untreated sun exposure. Here’s how it can affect your life, when it’s time to see a doctor, and preventative measures…