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Back to school, better than ever

Setting the foundation for success with good study habits, healthy nutrition and more You send your children off to school with hopes you’ll get through the year without squabbles over homework, computer time, or nonstop snacking. Unfortunately good intentions aren’t enough. You need a concrete plan if you want your children to develop good study…
Tighter standards protect young athletes

From Concussions to weight management, sport safety is key Making sports safer for children is a big issue these days – from protecting athletes who suffer concussions to those attempting dramatic weight loss. “Concussions are things that are going to happen. You don’t let them go back to playing until that concussion is healed,” says…
Have fun in the sun while safeguarding from the heat

Steps to help prevent heat exhaustion and stroke The Sunshine state is known for its sandy beaches, adventurous theme parks, and cool swimming pools. But she is also known for her hot, muggy days. Being careful not to get overheated is the number one rule in Florida. As reported in an article from the Surgeon…

Signs & symptoms: When your skin needs medical attention

As a surgeon who often treats and cares for patients whose ailments of the skin have gone too long without medical attention, I’d like to talk about the importance of seeing a doctor right away if you find abnormalities on the skin. I hope people can be aware that it is not only important…
Body, mind & spirit: Integrating primary and behavioral care

When you go to the doctor complaining of stomach pain, you probably don’t expect your problem to be depression. But it just may be. When you complain of headache, clumsiness, dizziness, shakiness, blurred vision, tingling around the mouth and seizures, you might expect an anxiety or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder. You may be surprised if…
Mediterranean diet for cardiovascular health

Dr. Sean P. O’Rourke is a board-certified cardiologist at Watson Clinic. With a subspecialty in cardiovascular disease, Dr. O’Rourke often sees patients suffering from heart disease. He took the time to answer some questions about heart disease, which has a higher death rate in Polk County than in the rest of Florida. Health…