Health News

Features

  • Enhancing the Safety Net

    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

    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

    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…

Columns

  • Heartburn and the Holidays

    Heartburn and the Holidays

    The holiday season is upon us and for many, it is a time of indulgence as well as celebration. At such times, heartburn and acid reflux can become more of a problem for folks who suffer from these chronically, or even for those who do not. Heartburn is a symptom caused by stomach acid irritating…

  • Oral Hygiene Tips for the Cooler Months

    Oral Hygiene Tips for the Cooler Months

    When it’s cold outside, exposed skin isn’t the only part of your body that can suffer from a drier climate. Your mouth and oral hygiene can suffer as well, and it is important to remain proactive in keeping your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy during the colder months. Here are a few common issues that are…

  • Learn About LASIK and Other Refractive Procedures

    Learn About LASIK and Other Refractive Procedures

    Refractive surgery is designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism to effectively reduce dependency on eyeglasses and contacts. The most popular refractive procedure is LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It involves shaping the cornea using a laser. Other refractive procedures include photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and refractive lens exchange (RLE). Those…

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