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Know the Numbers: 1 in 4

Don’t Underestimate the Effects of Stress on Heart Health by TERESA SCHIFFER Heart disease accounts for one in every four deaths in the United States. With odds like that, it’s good to know that some contributing factors are within your control. Stress is one of those factors. Everyone experiences stress at some…
Game On!

Polk Senior Games Return This Year With Outdoor Activities by CATHERINE CERVONE This year marks the 29th year of the annual Polk Senior Games, the largest of the 20 local senior games held in Florida. Participants who are turning at least 50 years old in 2022 can participate in a variety of…
Pop Quiz: Heart attack or Panic Attack: Which Is It?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., so it’s no wonder that a heart attack—a result of coronary artery disease, which is one of the forms of heart disease—is a concern. While the most common symptoms of a heart attack are often recognizable, the symptoms of another common health condition—a panic…

Senior Care: Oral hygiene and its importance for your senior loved one

DENTAL HEALTH is important at any age, but it’s especially true for our senior populations. Today’s seniors likely didn’t have the benefit of fluoridated water and other products as children, and there are few healthcare programs that offer comprehensive dental care; both Medicaid and Medicare only offer scant coverage at best. The issue is so…
Editor’s Dose: Daily steps toward a healthier heart — so you don’t skip a beat

IN MY FAMILY, there is a history of a blood disease, which causes the person to produce too many red blood cells. This, in turn, causes the blood to be too thick, which puts the person at increased risk for heart attack or stroke. Although this rare condition is not linked to heart disease, it…
Senior Care: Talking to your loved one about senior driving safety

DRIVING OFFERS freedom and self-sufficiency to us all, but there could come a time when your senior loved one should give up driving for good. Unfortunately, not every elderly driver is able to admit that he or she should hang up the car keys. It may be up to you to talk to your loved…