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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…

Minorities are at a Higher Risk for Heart Health Problems

Did you know that your race or ethnicity can put you at higher risk for having heart problems later in life? Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still the number one cause of American deaths, with certain ethnicities taking a higher toll than others. According to the American Heart Association: ● Non-hispanic blacks are nearly twice as…
Dental Care Reminders for Patients with Heart Conditions or History of Stroke

If you or a loved one struggles with heart disease, you probably already know that it has a big impact on your life. You may not have realized, however, that it also influences your dental care. Certain heart conditions can cause physical changes in your mouth. Medications prescribed by your heart doctor can also influence…
Advice for Aging Eyes

While aging is a fact of life that one cannot escape, there are certain measures that can be taken to ensure the best possible vision as you age. The following lifestyle modifications can help delay or prevent certain eye diseases. Regular Eye Examinations One of the most important things you can do is schedule yearly…