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Mommy makeover

Regaining your shape after baby After the excitement of birthing a baby, women face an inevitable reality: the post partum belly. It takes time for the body to readjust, but there are ways to hasten weight loss and regain your figure more quickly. The good news is some of it comes naturally. Instead of lifting…
Exercise on the brain

How to keep your mind in shape You’ve heard the expression “use it or lose it.” The advice is especially pertinent for adults in their 40s and beyond. That’s because our brains begin to shrink at that age, points out Dr. Herminio Cuervo, a Lakeland neurologist and Polk County Medical Association member. “It’s just like…
Prevention and treatment for stretch marks

Are you spinning your wheels over striae? Ahhh, stretch marks. Those dreaded angry red, purple or pink squiggles that typically show up over hip bones, on thighs and underarms, or across bellies, breasts and bottoms. When you’re pregnant, you’re more susceptible because of inevitable weight gain. So what’s a gal to do? Unfortunately, there’s no…

Publisher’s Note: Fruits and veggies – more matters month

Many may not know that September is national “Fruits and Veggies – More Matters” month. The Produce for Better Health Foundation offers the “Fruits and Veggies – More Matters” initiative as a simple, user-friendly way to get expert cooking advice, nutrition information, and shopping tips. As kids are getting back in school, it’s important…
August STATS

Minority Report 2 Number of adults (out of 10) that meet the suggested physical activity guidelines. Source: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services According to the USDA Food Environment Atlas, in 2007, 63.5% of Polk County residents met the suggested physical activity guidelines. “Physical activity guidelines for healthy adults are a minimum of…
Healthy Cook: Fill up, feel good, and get fit with a plum satisfying food

Want a cheap, portable and healthy treat for the busy days of summer? Nutrition experts say to stock up on dried plums. Sweet, earthy and luscious on the inside and slightly chewy on the outside, these half-dollar-sized dark, wrinkly nibbles are like organic raisins on steroids or little concentrated bites of an expensive ruby…