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Care in the Golden Years

From Assisted Living to Nursing Homes, Finding the Right Fit Is Key by MAGGIE THARP At some time or another, many seniors will reach a point where living on their own isn’t the best choice for their health or happiness. But when seniors and families realize this, it’s not always easy to make the transition…
Rheumatological Care Can Be Life-Changing, Especially for Seniors

by MAGGIE THARP Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care How much thought do you give to daily activities like getting dressed, tending to hygiene, and preparing food? If these things are easy for you, the answer is probably “not much.” However, if you experience debilitating pain and joint stiffness, your ability to do these simple…
Pop Quiz! Drilling Down on Dementia

Our brains are responsible for all of our functions—thinking, feeling, and doing—but there’s a chance that your brain can falter in its duties, called dementia. The CDC maintains that approximately 4% to 10% of the US population age 65 and older has dementia. Take our quiz to explore what dementia is, what its symptoms are,…

Word of Mouth: The importance of being earnest about flossing

FLOSSING LIKELY IS NOT your favorite part of your oral routine, but it’s necessary for tip-top oral health. Flossing reaches spots between your teeth that your toothbrush just can’t get. It removes food and plaque that can lead to more serious oral issues — like tartar and cavities, just for starters — so the American…
Editor’s Dose: Tips for minimizing back-to-school stress

IF YOU ARE LIKE ME, then come early July you were already thinking about preparations for the new school year. Parents and children in the community this year are getting ready extra early because Polk County public schools moved up their calendar by one week — day one of school is August 15.
Making the choice to breastfeed

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH in Polk County (DOH-Polk) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) recognize August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month. This is a wonderful time of year to promote breastfeeding as a vital health activity and discuss the health benefits breastfeeding provides. Although every woman has their own…