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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…

Health Hero

Local Firefighter Named EMT of the Year After Heroic Actions by TERESA SCHIFFER Superheroes don’t get days off! In August of 2017, Haines City firefighter Brenn Hines had an experience that his training had prepared him for. While visiting Ana Maria Island with his girlfriend and soaking in the sun and the sea, Hines heard…
Diverticulosis or Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a disease that affects the GI tract, primarily the colon. It increases with age, especially after age 40. There are many misnomers and misconceptions regarding this spectrum of disease and hopefully this helps to shed some light on them. Little pouches spring out from the walls of the colon due to high pressure…
Common Myths Regarding Oral Health

Oral health is of the utmost importance, but unfortunately, many people don’t understand the link between oral health and overall health. Our mouths are the gateway to our bodies, and the mouth can serve as a window into a person’s overall health. Make sure you understand the truth behind these common myths about oral health…