Health News

Features

An Education in Fortitude

Breast Cancer Patient Discusses the Lessons Her Journey Has Taught Her story by TIM CRAIG photos by MICHAEL WILSON Three truths have become readily apparent to Cyntrena Gregory over the past 11 months. Gregory, from Winter Haven, first felt a slight lump in her breast in late 2020, but didn’t really take serious note…
Pop Quiz: ADHD Is On the Tip of Everyone’s Tongue, but What Is It?

There are few childhood conditions more discussed these days than ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, and it can last into adulthood. Get the facts about ADHD by taking our pop quiz. 1.) What are common signs and symptoms of ADHD in childhood? Forgetting or losing things…
Determination & Dreams

Polk State Respiratory Care Student Works Hard to Reach Her Goals by PAUL CATALA Shaledra Turner says it was her “best friend” who motivated her to work hard, focus, study and strive for success in life. That “best friend” was Turner’s grandmother Doris Wade. And even though she died in December 2014, her words of…

Medical Advice: Your flu prevention to-do list

AS YOU GATHER your “to-do” lists and prepare for the holiday season ahead, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County recommends you add one more important step — get a flu shot! The flu shot is the best way to protect our families and communities against the spread of influenza. When you make it…
Family Health: Flu shots for seniors

HE FLU is nothing to sneeze at. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 200,000 people will be hospitalized this year with the influenza virus, and it has been estimated that 50 to 70 percent of those hospitalized are people age 65 and older.
Word of Mouth: Your dentist is key to early cancer detection

IT SEEMS LIKE you hear about many different kinds of cancers these days, but one that isn’t being talked about enough is oral cancer. Cancer in the mouth and throat are diagnosed in nearly 50,000 Americans a year, and statistics show that only 57 percent of those diagnosed still will be living in five years.