Health News

Features

Replacing candy with better-for-you snacks

Healthy Options Headed for Local School Vending Machines Fat-free and soy yogurts, granola bars, fruit and grain bars, and soy crisps may become standard fare at some Polk County public schools this upcoming school year. The snacks will be offered under a new contract with Central Florida Healthy Vending in Orlando. Some 200+ healthy snacks…
Pop Quiz: Finding your child’s fitness level

Do you know activity level your child should be at and what are the best kid-approved activities? We all know that we need to get in shape and stay in shape for the summer, but what about our energetic bundles of activity known as our children? Kids to teens need to have regular physical activity…
5 reasons your child should see a pediatric dentist before school starts

At the start of a new school year, it’s common practice for parents to schedule routine physicals, which include vision and hearing testing. What should also be added to back-to-school preparations is a routine dental checkup. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental checkups are as important as booster and immunization shots. Unfortunately, some…

Healthy Cook: Fooling the senses for feeling full after a meal

WE EAT FIRST with our eyes, then aroma comes into play. Our brain says if it looks good and smells good, it will taste good. And if it’s a big pile of food, we will be satisfied. Here’s the trick: You can fool your senses. One of the easiest ways is with the size aspect.…
Healthy Smiles: Diabetes and your oral health

PEOPLE WITH DIABETES tend to have more serious cases of oral disease, which can trigger diabetic complications. That’s why your dentist is so important as part of your health team. Although anyone can develop gum disease, there is a link between high blood sugar and increased incidence of periodontitis. Periodontitis (periodontal disease) is caused by…
Medical Advice: Keep vaccines between you and disease

“A NEW YEAR, NEW YOU” is the motto for many as they make their New Year’s resolutions. For some, this means changing their look or adopting healthier habits. These are great considerations. Another important goal for the New Year should be to make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Without these, the “new you”…