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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…

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…