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Good Heart Health Requires Teamwork With Your Doctor

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., affecting more than 800,000 Americans every year. But despite this, they’re often a “silent killer,” and by the time you feel symptoms, it may already be too late. But what exactly is a…
Pop Quiz! Test Your Ticker Knowledge on Heart Disease Risks

A popular proverb goes, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” The proverb is speaking metaphorically about one’s spiritual heart, but when it comes to your literal, physical heart, it’s still pretty good advice. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S., according to the…
Breaking Ground for a Brighter Future

Polk State’s Simulation Hospital to Build Healthcare Workforce Pipeline by REBEKAH PIERCE November 21 marked a historic milestone for Polk State College as community leaders, officials, and educators gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the College’s newest location—the Haines City-Davenport campus. This 75,000-square-foot facility will house, among other things, Central Florida’s first public higher education…

Family Health: Urgent vs. emergency care

WHEN A SUDDEN illness or injury strikes, it can be stressful to decide where to seek medical attention. Though your primary-care physician is the best place to start, illness and injuries don’t always occur during office hours or on schedule. It’s important to understand your options for immediate medical care before symptoms strike, as it…
Medical Advice: Back-to-school tips and the 5-2-1-0 program

AS STUDENTS and families prepare to return to school, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (FDOH-Polk) would like to take this opportunity to remind them to take the proper steps to stay healthy this school year. Good health is important for students in order to maintain regular school attendance and be ready to…
Hospice Help: Hospice myth busting

WHEN MOST PEOPLE hear the word “hospice,” they immediately associate the provided care as being intimately tied to hours, or if lucky, days before death. Then there is also the supposition that hospice is only for cancer patients. These are just two myths that need to be busted when it comes to understanding hospice.