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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…

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…
Dr. Narmo Ortiz Offers Advanced Treatments for Infected Wounds

A festering wound on the leg or foot can result in amputation, but advanced treatments are helping to save limbs. Davenport Foot and Ankle Specialist Dr. Narmo Ortiz has completed a fellowship to learn these advanced procedures. “They can help with limb salvage for a diabetic person, for someone with a foot and ankle deformity,…
Tips for Helping Relieve Your Child’s Pet Allergy in the Home

Everyone loves the family pet, especially children. Dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, fish, whatever the friend may be, pets become beloved family members. They provide comfort, companionship, and so much more. Unfortunately, some children have pet allergies. This can be a disappointing situation, especially if the allergy is severe enough to cause an asthma attack. If…