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Don’t Miss Out on Open Enrollment

Time Is Running Out to Make Changes to Your Coverage by REBEKAH PIERCE The end of the year means holidays and open enrollment. The clock is ticking if you need to sign up for Affordable Care Act health insurance through the marketplace. In 2022-2023, Florida led the charge with a record-breaking number of marketplace enrollees…
BayCare Health System Acquires Winter Haven’s Gessler Clinic

by K. MICHELE TRICE BayCare Health System, Central Florida’s largest non-for-profit healthcare provider, is acquiring Gessler Clinic, Winter Haven’s physician-owned health care clinic, effective December 2. “Gessler’s long-standing dedication and high-quality service to its patients make it a natural fit to expand BayCare’s commitment to the community,” BayCare Co-Chief Operating Officer Lou Galdieri said in…
From Rejuvenation to ‘Prejuvenation’

Younger Generations Focusing on Preventive Over Reparative Cosmetic Procedures by RYAN MILEJCZAK Cosmetic procedures have become increasingly common during the past decade. Procedures like botox treatment, hyaluronic acid fillers, and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy are more popular than ever, and more and more young people are choosing to get cosmetic procedures than ever before.…

Word of Mouth: The importance of being earnest about flossing

FLOSSING LIKELY IS NOT your favorite part of your oral routine, but it’s necessary for tip-top oral health. Flossing reaches spots between your teeth that your toothbrush just can’t get. It removes food and plaque that can lead to more serious oral issues — like tartar and cavities, just for starters — so the American…
Editor’s Dose: Tips for minimizing back-to-school stress

IF YOU ARE LIKE ME, then come early July you were already thinking about preparations for the new school year. Parents and children in the community this year are getting ready extra early because Polk County public schools moved up their calendar by one week — day one of school is August 15.
Making the choice to breastfeed

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH in Polk County (DOH-Polk) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) recognize August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month. This is a wonderful time of year to promote breastfeeding as a vital health activity and discuss the health benefits breastfeeding provides. Although every woman has their own…