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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…

Love Your Oral Hygiene This Valentine’s Day

Investing in your personal health should always be one of your top priorities. For this reason alone, you should always maintain healthy oral hygiene routines to help maintain your physical and mental health. If that isn’t motivation enough, consider your significant other this Valentine’s Day when you’re out on the town enjoying your evening. No…
Persistent Stomach Aches? You May Have Gallstones

In previous columns we explored the gallbladder and its role in digestion. What we have not yet talked about are the symptoms that gallstones can cause and the management options available. Gallbladder disease affects roughly 20% of people at some point in their lives and over 700,000 gallbladders are removed annually in the U.S. Gallstones…
Are Dental Problems Hindering Your Weight Loss?

by GERALD V. CERDAN, DMD It’s the New Year and I’ve already spoken with many friends and patients who want to lose some weight in 2019. Every year I hear about worthy weight loss goals, but little consideration is given to how dental health can impact (and yes, even hinder!) your progress, or ultimately stop…