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Back to School

Doctors Discuss Safety, Logistics of Education During Pandemic by TERESA SCHIFFER It’s back-to-school season again – but this time there’s a twist. COVID-19 infection rates and deaths are still on the rise in the U.S., meaning students, educators, and parents must learn to navigate education during an ongoing public health crisis. This is not the…
The Vaccination Question

Doctor Explains Why Immunizations Are So Critical, Even During Pandemic by TERESA SCHIFFER As we enter flu season while in the midst of a raging pandemic, the topic of vaccinations is on a lot of people’s minds. You may be wondering if you should get a flu shot this year, if a coronavirus vaccine will…
Get Trained, STAT!

Polk Schools Offer Array of Medical Programs to Prepare Students for Booming Healthcare Fields by MARY TOOTHMAN The healthcare sector is booming, and people all across the country are taking note. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that from 2006 and 2016, 2.8 million jobs were added to the health sector. That’s almost seven…

Healthy Cook: Can the right diet help with clinical depression?

SOME DAYS you just don’t feel like doing much. That’s normal. If most days are like that, it’s not normal. You could have clinical depression. A visit to your doctor is in order for a proper diagnosis. Many diseases can have symptoms similar to depression and you or a well-meaning friend or relative are not…
Reducing stress during your back-to-school shopping

THE FIRST DAY of school for public schools in Polk County is August 24. By the time this note hits the street, the pressures to have all the supplies taken care of will be felt around the region. The good news is, the Florida Senate passed a 10-day back-to-school sales tax holiday. From August 7-16,…
Healthy Smiles: Time for a back-to-school smile that shines

SMILES ARE IMPORTANT. They can boost your self-image in a way that helps you focus on what’s really important, like making the grade at school or acing that interview for your dream job. Whichever your current stage in life or goal you face, a healthy and beautiful smile can make you feel happier and increase…