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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…

Are Dental Problems Hindering Your Weight Loss?

by GERALD V. CERDAN, DMD It’s the New Year and I’ve already spoken with many friends and patients who want to lose some weight in 2019. Every year I hear about worthy weight loss goals, but little consideration is given to how dental health can impact (and yes, even hinder!) your progress, or ultimately stop…
It Takes a Community to Heal A Warrior

The holiday season is a time of catching up with friends and family and spending time with loved ones. Unfortunately for many veterans suffering from PTSD and their families, it can be a challenging and stressful time of year. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, each day 22 veterans take their own lives. It…
Does your child struggle with reading or schoolwork?

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 eye exam with an optometrist, who can detect eye damage or conditions that are not typically found during…