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Pop Quiz: Learn How to Fight the Signs of Aging

Everyone wants to look their best, and most agree that signs of aging are a leading factor in that battle. Signs of aging can include wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, dry skin, and more. Luckily, you can fight these changes without expensive or invasive procedures like Botox or cosmetic surgery. Take our Pop Quiz to…
The First Step

Right Mindset, Guidance Can Keep a New Exercise Program From Being Intimidating By PAUL CATALA photos by CALVIN KNIGHT When Nancy Hogan first walked through the doors of the local fitness center, she was just beginning to build the momentum to finally get on a regular exercise routine. The retired school teacher, who lives in…
The Quintessential Essential Worker

Demand for Respiratory Therapists On Rise Amid COVID-19 by TERESA SCHIFFER Inhale…exhale…. Many of us take the ease of breathing for granted. We breathe in and out all day and night, rarely giving the life-sustaining act a second thought. All that changes when we come down with sinus congestion or a respiratory infection that leaves…

Editor’s Dose: Tips for minimizing back-to-school stress

IF YOU ARE LIKE ME, then come early July you were already thinking about preparations for the new school year. Parents and children in the community this year are getting ready extra early because Polk County public schools moved up their calendar by one week — day one of school is August 15.
Making the choice to breastfeed

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH in Polk County (DOH-Polk) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) recognize August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month. This is a wonderful time of year to promote breastfeeding as a vital health activity and discuss the health benefits breastfeeding provides. Although every woman has their own…
Editor’s Dose: Keeping kids’ bodies and minds active this summer

WHEN I FIRST had the twins, my mom would say, “Have a schedule for them, or they’ll have a schedule for you.” Basically, she was cautioning that I’d better keep those little minds and bodies active, or chaos would inevitably ensue. Being a mother of eight children, I think she was speaking from personal experience.…