Health News

Features

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…

Medical advice: 8 simple tips to sounder sleep

Sure, there’s plenty to worry about these days: The economy, job security and family issues. It’s enough to lose sleep over. Not that we need any help from sleep deprivation. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), one out of 10 adults has insomnia so severe that it has daytime consequences. As…
Publisher’s Note: Looking ahead for health

Let me be the first to welcome you to the inaugural edition of Central Florida Health News! From the early conceptual designs to the product you hold in your hands, it has been a great experience collaborating with the Polk County Medical Association (PCMA) to bring you the best in health news and local features.…
Healthy Cook: A better for you Easter with egg-citing meals

For many families, a favorite spring pastime is coloring and decorating hard-cooked eggs to celebrate Easter. This fun activity often is followed by hiding the eggs outdoors and then encouraging children to find them. However, eggs aren’t just a colorful way to fill an Easter basket. In fact, if you take a hard-boiled approach…