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Word to the Wise

Lakeland Octogenarian Shares How Structure, Fitness Have Factored Into His Golden Years story by TERESA SCHIFFER photos by MICHAEL WILSON Who doesn’t want to live a long, healthy, and happy life? There’s no one formula that fits every lifestyle, so Central Florida Health News asked Lakeland octogenarian athlete Gordon “Cork” Wilson to spill the beans…
Pop Quiz: Osteoporosis Can Sneak Up on You. Are You at Risk?

Breaking a bone is scary enough for anyone, regardless of age. So imagine how frightening it can be to know that your bones aren’t nearly as strong as when you were younger! Unfortunately, that’s a reality for people who suffer from osteoporosis. The condition is often an underlying factor when seniors suffer broken bones. Take…
More Than Man’s Best Friend

Maguire Schmid Finds Perfect Partner in Diabetic Alert Dog by TIM CRAIG photos by MICHAEL WILSON Maguire Schmid remembers his first encounter with a Diabetic Alert Dog. It was about seven years ago at a festival. One of his friends who has type I diabetes had one. “I had no idea they even existed until…

Medical Advice: Awareness is key to stopping upward trend of STDs

Every year in April, we observe STD Awareness Month. This is an opportunity for individuals, doctors, and communities to address ways to prevent some of the nearly 20 million sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that occur in the United States each year. Half of all new infections occur among people between the ages of 15 to…
Ask a Nurse: Dental plaque & arterial plaque

Have you ever wondered what the dentist scrapes off of your teeth when you go in for your annual cleaning? Several studies over the past few years have found some surprising results. In 2010, Cornell University and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden collected samples from the mouth, gut, and arteries of 15 heart disease patients.…
Publisher’s Note: More options coming for Florida residents seeking health and dental coverage

You may or may not have heard already that there is an alternative option for discounted health coverage outside of the plans offered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Four companies intend to offer 15 to 20 discounted plans, which will include health and dental coverage options. Once the website is launched, residents should be…