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Are you prepared to save a life?

A Free, Hands-Only CPR Training Event Are you prepared to save a life? Learn about life-saving Hands-Only CPR at the upcoming Citizen CPR event, sponsored by the Polk County Medical Foundation. Citizen CPR is a non-profit agency, founded in 1985 under a mission to train as many people as possible in the basics of CPR.…
Educational (but cool) toys for my kids

Healthy Play Time is the Primary Goal with the Latest in Activity Toys and Games The list has gotten longer; the price tags more expensive. It’s the annual adventure for parents around the nation this time of year—finding the ultimate toys that children want and “need” this holiday season. However, a new trend in the…
Survival of the fittest for the holidays

Staying Focused on the Right Routine for the Best Results In the midst of holiday shopping and parties, it’s easy to rationalize skipping or postponing your regular workout. Don’t! “Stay active. Monitor your time. Make sure you schedule those workouts,” advises Rob Ciccone, a certified fitness trainer at Anytime Fitness in Auburndale. More than ever,…

Gaining a Better Understanding of Pacemakers and Defibrillators

Pacemakers and defibrillators have become so common. Everyone has questions and concerns about these. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers. What are pacemakers and defibrillators used for? Pacemakers are used when the heart rate is too slow or stops and the patient is symptomatic: dizziness or blackouts usually. Conversely, defibrillators are for the…
Use of Opioids as First-Line Treatment a Slippery Slope

What do Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, and Chris Farley have in common? These are celebrities who developed dependence on prescription drugs that started with legitimate use after injuries or procedures. They subsequently developed an addiction, which culminated in their unfortunate and untimely deaths due to unintentional overdose. Just a few examples of other celebrities who…
Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration, AMD, is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 50. It destroys the macula, which is the small central area of the retina that provides detailed, central vision. With AMD, you lose the ability to see fine details, both close-up and at a distance. Due to the…