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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…
Pop Quiz: Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?

It’s time for school-age kids, adolescents, and teenagers to say goodbye to summer and return to a school routine. One important component of the routine for students should be getting enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for everyone, regardless of age, but it’s especially important for kids and even teenagers. Take our quiz to…
Youths and Suicide: Spot the Warning Signs

by MATT COBBLE Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care Many health experts have noted that the pandemic has wreaked havoc on mental health as of late. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to focus on how to help those who are suffering. While the national attention turns to children and teens…

Signs & symptoms: When your skin needs medical attention

As a surgeon who often treats and cares for patients whose ailments of the skin have gone too long without medical attention, I’d like to talk about the importance of seeing a doctor right away if you find abnormalities on the skin. I hope people can be aware that it is not only important…
Body, mind & spirit: Integrating primary and behavioral care

When you go to the doctor complaining of stomach pain, you probably don’t expect your problem to be depression. But it just may be. When you complain of headache, clumsiness, dizziness, shakiness, blurred vision, tingling around the mouth and seizures, you might expect an anxiety or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder. You may be surprised if…
Mediterranean diet for cardiovascular health

Dr. Sean P. O’Rourke is a board-certified cardiologist at Watson Clinic. With a subspecialty in cardiovascular disease, Dr. O’Rourke often sees patients suffering from heart disease. He took the time to answer some questions about heart disease, which has a higher death rate in Polk County than in the rest of Florida. Health…