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Talking to your teen can make a difference

New Data Reveals Teen Pregnancy Rates Have Fallen in Polk County For the past decade, the teen pregnancy rate in Polk County has been among the top in Florida, but the latest figures show the rate has dropped. “Community partnerships and civil dialogue has worked to lower teen pregnancy,” says Dr. Daniel Haight, director of…
Kicking the smoking habit for good

A resolution easier said than done, but not impossible With the holidays behind us, we stand at the threshold of another New Year. In an effort to improve our lives over the next 12 months, we’ll make resolutions that if achieved would make a difference for the better. If yours is to get healthy, fantastic!…
When less is more in exercise

How to boost the health benefits of your workouts It’s easy to fall into the routine of walking or jogging at the same pace every time. But to get the most of our exercise regimen, we need to challenge ourselves. “The number one thing to do is to increase the intensity that you work out…

Don’t worry about getting older — worry about getting healthier

Age is a pretty sensitive topic, especially for us women. We can’t help it, but it’s true. Once you hit that “certain age,” your worry worm syndrome about your appearance starts to kick in. You start to notice things, like the crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes. The extra belly fat that just…
PCMA Letter: Helping you do more than just live longer

As part of our continued efforts to raise awareness on important health topics in the region, I’m pleased to announce that we have a special guest columnist for Central Florida Health News magazine. Dr. Ulyee Choe, who is the director of the Florida Department of Health in Polk County, has graciously agreed to keep us abreast…
Healthy Cook: Culinary tips for the caregiver turned chef

There is no denying that our taste buds age with the rest of us. They get tired, just like our knees and hips. Doctors can replace some worn-out parts, but have you ever heard of a taste bud implant? One of the burger chains uses a slogan something like, “You Gotta Eat.” Well, it’s true. …