Health News

Features

Digesting the facts

Are you at risk for stomach cancer? There is really no way to know for sure if you are going to get stomach cancer. Certain risk factors may make you more likely to get it than another person. However, just because you have one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get…
Q&A on preterm labor

What are the facts about preterm labor and births? Preterm birth is defined as those infants delivered prior to the completion of 37 weeks of an expectant mother’s pregnancy. Preterm birth occurs in approximately 12 percent of pregnancies. Preterm births occur spontaneously in the following cases: 40 percent after preterm labor 35 percent after preterm…
Why the HPV Vaccine?

Every two minutes, a woman dies of cervical cancer worldwide Cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine have entered the political debates around the country as well as discussions in the household. The current media firestorm surrounding the HPV vaccine has caused parents to question whether this new vaccine is right for their kids, or where…

PCMA Letter: My last letter as your president

IN THIS EDITION of Central Florida Health News magazine, you’ll read about some of the procedures that not only help improve the patient’s physical health, but also quality of life, and in some cases, improve self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is a procedure that can accomplish one or all of these health goals, and Polk County Medical…
Word of Mouth: Good tricks to know and treats you should keep to a minimum

FROM HALLOWEEN to the New Year, it seems as though both our mouths and our waistlines are bombarded with treats, sweets, and high-calorie foods. If you do nothing else this time of year, it should be to take care of your oral hygiene and be careful not to over indulge, but that’s easier said than…
Hospice Help: Raising awareness about hospice

AN UNFOUNDED misconception by most people is the following: Hospice care only occurs within the last 72 hours in the life of a person who has a life-limiting disease. NOT TRUE! Awareness to address this falsehood is one of many reasons why November is designated as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.