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Tiny Paws, Big Heart

Central Florida Therapy Dog Koda the Fluff Spreads Smiles Worldwide by REBEKAH PIERCEphotos provided by JENA McKINSTRY What’s more adorable than a fluffy Pomeranian sporting hip black sunglasses, jetting around town in a bright red pup-sized convertible? We’ll wait. Koda the Fluff is a registered therapy dog that works with area healthcare facilities, including Orlando…
Closing the Care Gap

AdventHealth University’s Midwifery Degree Program Aims to Fill Growing Need for Prenatal, Postpartum Care by RYAN MILEJCZAK Pregnancy is an incredible time, but for many women, it can also present a variety of challenges. And one of the biggest supporters of pregnant women who face those challenges are the health professionals who provide care through…
Good Nutrition Isn’t Hard When You Have a Team Supporting You

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care As the adage goes, you are what you eat. In other words, eating a healthy, balanced diet that provides adequate nutrition is essential for good health. “Nutrition has a lot of impacts on your overall health, both mental and physical,” explains Ronald Lund, a registered dietician…

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…