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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…

Publisher’s Note: We are your reader advocates

In a former life as a newspaper publisher, we sometimes had a position in the newsroom called a “reader advocate.” Our editors would rotate on this desk and some loved the assignment and some frankly hated it. Basically the job entailed taking phone calls or answering emails about this or that regarding the content of…
Body, Mind & Spirit: How to be a better health-nag

Most people don’t like a nag. So when it comes to important issues like physical fitness, a bit of diplomacy is in order – especially when it involves your spouse. “If you nag they just get mad,” says Jamie Moore, a registered dietitian at Lake Wales Medical Center. “It’s more leading by example.” “Show how…
PCMA Letter: Be aware and take caution at the beach

PCMA LETTER Title: Be Aware and Take Caution at the Beach Besides the fact that June is National Safety Month, June 5-11 is our nation’s official Rip Current Awareness week. With school out and the summer season upon us, the beach will become a major hot spot for quality time with family and…