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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…

Editor’s Dose: Simple reminders from great women

As I read Chris Hazelwood’s Q&A for the first time (article on page 14), I was inspired by her bravery and strength during a very challenging time in her life. She would be the first to say that she did not make it through her fight against breast cancer alone, but it also reminded me…
PCMA Letter: Looking at breast cancer in a different light

It is unavoidable that illness effects many peoples’ lives, not just that of the afflicted. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and, while this disease is serious and at times life threatening, it should not be looked at with fear. As with diabetes and heart disease, cancer is another…
Healthy Cook: Cooking ideas for the cancer patient

Cooking ideas for the cancer patient and her family Drugs can do miracles these days, but the body has a wonderful aptitude for helping itself get better. Like using the proper octane in a car, we have to fuel the body with nutrients that help it do its job. This is just as important, if…