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Making choices that lower your risk

How African-Americans Can Avoid High Blood Pressure Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is a heavy weight that the African-American community has been destined to cope with. While no one is immune from high blood pressure, it is a proven fact that the African-American population has a 40 percent higher rate over any other ethnic group…
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!…

Editor’s Dose: Real change vs. empty promises

Here we are, at the dawn of a new year, and we each have an opportunity to challenge ourselves. This is the time when we resolve to let go of bad habits and become better people. Last year at this time, I didn’t want to make any empty promises. So being the editor that I…
Signs & Symptoms

Q&A on how to recognize (and treat) an overactive thyroid An overactive thyroid can cause alarming symptoms. We interviewed Dr. Brian Lake, an endocrinologist treating thyroid disease and diabetes at Gessler Clinic in Winter Haven, about the disease’s warning signs and treatments. Central Florida Health News (CFHN): What are the symptoms of an overactive thyroid…
PCMA Letter: Four resolutions that can change lives for the better

Another year has gone by. It is once again time to reflect and find new beginnings. During the holidays, we enjoy celebrating with friends and family. We overeat and drink more than we should. Excuses for overindulgence are as easy to find as holiday cheer. Following the holidays, either out of penance for all of…