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Enhancing the Safety Net

Polk County Approves $4 Million for Indigent Health Care by PAUL CATALA It’s funding that’s being called a local healthcare “safety net” for the underinsured and uninsured in Polk County. In November, Polk County Commissioners unanimously approved more than $4 million in funding for primary care, dental services and behavioral health services for Indigent Healthcare Services.…
The Battle Within the Battle

Cancer Drugs Caused Weight Gain, but Bariatric Surgery Restored Her Health by TERESA SCHIFFER Rhonda Smith is feeling great these days. She’s in great health, eating right, getting regular exercise, and savoring life in a new way after an arduous battle. In 2005, at the age of 27, Smith visited her doctor because she was…
Striking a Balance

Fitness Center Is Helping Women Get On- and Stay On – the Road to Good Health by PAUL CATALAphotos provided by THE BALANCE CULTURE The temptation and indulgence of the holidays are enough to make even the most enthusiastic fitness buffs take a few weeks off. New Year’s resolutions are often cited for driving gym…

Don’t worry about getting older — worry about getting healthier

Age is a pretty sensitive topic, especially for us women. We can’t help it, but it’s true. Once you hit that “certain age,” your worry worm syndrome about your appearance starts to kick in. You start to notice things, like the crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes. The extra belly fat that just…
PCMA Letter: Helping you do more than just live longer

As part of our continued efforts to raise awareness on important health topics in the region, I’m pleased to announce that we have a special guest columnist for Central Florida Health News magazine. Dr. Ulyee Choe, who is the director of the Florida Department of Health in Polk County, has graciously agreed to keep us abreast…
Healthy Cook: Culinary tips for the caregiver turned chef

There is no denying that our taste buds age with the rest of us. They get tired, just like our knees and hips. Doctors can replace some worn-out parts, but have you ever heard of a taste bud implant? One of the burger chains uses a slogan something like, “You Gotta Eat.” Well, it’s true. …