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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…
Are You Talking to Me?

Recognizing and Neutralizing Negative Self-Talk by TERESA SCHIFFER As the new year gets underway, there’s always a lot of talk about resolutions. Healthy lifestyles, fewer expletives, diets and procrastination rank up there with the most common goals. This year, how about a different kind of resolution? One that could have a lasting effect on…

PCMA Letter: Part of the responsibility of being a father

As doctors and parents, this edition of Central Florida Health News hits very close to home for many of us at the Polk County Medical Association (PCMA). One of the features in this edition talks about how regular health screenings for men are an essential part of living a longer, healthier life. I was honored…
Publisher’s Note: A look at House Bill 9: Involuntary examinations under the Baker Act

As I’m writing this, the 2013 Legislative Session at our state’s capitol is still underway, but will soon be coming to a close. During this process, several notable bills to our healthcare system will potentially be passed. One of the simple, but notable bills is one that will allow physician assistants (PAs) & advanced registered…
Editor’s Dose: Adventures with kids and vegetables

My twins are turning five this year, and they have officially reached the “vegetables are gross” stage. Fortunately, I can exclude my three-year-old girl and two-year-old boy from this dilemma . . . at least two out of four of my kids will eat their greens (and actually enjoy it!). The twins, however, are another…