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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…

Healthy Cook: Healthy work lunch ideas that won’t break the bank

Get out the old Number 2 pencil and give the lead a lick. It’s time to figure how much lunch costs. And it does add up. Say you buy a sandwich for $4, an iced tea is a couple of bucks, a bag of chips sets you back a dollar. You’re at $7. Without the…
Publisher’s Note: Update on HealthCare.gov and enrolling for health insurance

As I’m writing this in late October, HealthCare.gov is still suffering from significant malfunctions, thus delaying the enrollment process for the healthcare plans under the Affordable Care Act. The website is designated as the hub for the enrollment period for Florida and 36 other states. However, these serious issues on the website have made it…
Ask a Nurse: Getting educated in wellness

As someone who considers herself a perpetual student, I’m a big proponent of the old adage “never stop learning.” Because this is one of my mottos that I try to live by, I will be one of the presenters at a free event: A Night for Wellness Education. Other presenters will include Dr. Dale Wickstrom-Hill…