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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…

Three Great Reasons to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Visit

You’ve had a physical, you’ve had your eyes checked, and your hearing. You have gone through all the usual testing— cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, etc. But have you scheduled your Annual Wellness Visit? This important appointment can help you regain control of your health and enhance your senior lifestyle. Whether you believe you’re healthy…
The Thyroid Gland and Weight Loss

Maintaining a healthy body weight can be frustrating – trying to balance sensible eating with proper exercise is tricky. Unfortunately, some folks suffer from health conditions that can make losing weight very difficult. An underperforming thyroid gland is one such culprit. The thyroid gland is an organ that sits at the base of the neck…
Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight

Did you know over 2 million Americans are affected by glaucoma? With proper treatment, the vast majority will not go blind from this silent disease of the eye. The most common form of treatment is eye drops, which work to reduce the eye’s pressure. However, some patients may require eye surgery to achieve their treatment…