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A New Leash on Life

Service Dog Gives Florida Southern Graduate New Independance by K. MICHELE TRICE photos by MOLLYE MILLER In our society, individuals with disabilities are presented with challenges in their routines that people without disabilities never consider. Service animals can help overcome some of those challenges. Mackenzie Carlson of Winter Garden and her 3-year-old service dog, Atlas,…
Early Detection Plays a Big Role in Colon Cancer Prognosis

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care March is recognized as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and while it may not be a topic that many people find appealing, it’s essential to be aware of the importance of early detection in treating this cancer. Geoffry Hall, RN, APRN, FNP-C, is one of the many…
Pop Quiz: Test and Share Your Smarts for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to explore this common disabling neurological disease. Take our quiz to learn the signs and symptoms, treatments, and other information about multiple sclerosis, also known as MS. 1. True or false? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disease of young adults.…

Editor’s Dose: A thank-you letter to nurses

FROM MID-FEBRUARY to about mid-April, my family was at the doctor’s office a lot. The late-spreading flu season (although none of us in our household ever actually caught the flu — thank goodness) must have carried with it many other viruses, because we’ve certainly experienced our fair share. In fact, a few nurses on staff…
Healthy Skin: May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month

“C’MON, DOC. What’s a little sunburn?” is a question I frequently hear from the public. The answer is, if you’re lucky, that’s all it is. But a little sunburn is one of the easiest skin cancer risk factors to avoid. If left untreated, skin cancer, or melanoma, can progress to the point that it’s disfiguring…
Cautions for two of your favorite summer activities

SPRING IS THE TIME OF YEAR in Florida when temperatures begin to warm and the weather is perfect outside. With the sun shining and a gentle breeze blowing, this beautiful weather also marks the beginning of swimming season for Polk’s residents. Swimming and boating are two of the most popular summer activities for people living…