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Adapting to Change

Pandemic Doesn’t Hold Back ‘Making Strides’ Virtual Campaign by TERESA SCHIFFER With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and 2020 being a year of social distancing and heightened health and safety measures, it’s no surprise that many annual fundraising events are being postponed, canceled, or held virtually. While this doesn’t have to stop people from…
The Journey and Beyond

How One Woman’s Breast Cancer Brought Her New Perspective by TIM CRAIG photos by APRIL SPAULDING For Toshika Chambers, it was a moment that put everything in perspective. Sitting in the lobby of her doctor’s office, the Lakeland native and Haines City resident waited for the results of a biopsy. Her mind swirled. A…
Body, Mind & Spirit

Why We Avoid Routine Medical Examinations By MARY JOYE, LMHC Most of us do it, or rather don’t do it when it comes to scheduling routine medical screenings or examinations. Who really wants a mammogram, colonoscopy or other unpleasant procedures? We procrastinate though we are told and scolded by the media and experts that…

Don’t look, I’m exercising!

The Challenge of Going to the Gym for the Body Conscious The locker room isn’t the only scary place in the fitness center. The workout areas present their own challenges for the self-conscious. Just like in the locker room, the fear that others are watching and judging is a very real part of the…
Publisher’s Note: Fruits and veggies – more matters month

Many may not know that September is national “Fruits and Veggies – More Matters” month. The Produce for Better Health Foundation offers the “Fruits and Veggies – More Matters” initiative as a simple, user-friendly way to get expert cooking advice, nutrition information, and shopping tips. As kids are getting back in school, it’s important…
August STATS

Minority Report 2 Number of adults (out of 10) that meet the suggested physical activity guidelines. Source: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services According to the USDA Food Environment Atlas, in 2007, 63.5% of Polk County residents met the suggested physical activity guidelines. “Physical activity guidelines for healthy adults are a minimum of…