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Healthcare Facilities Focus on Facts, Precautions by TERESA SCHIFFER There is a new “C” word scaring people these days, and we’re willing to bet you’ve already heard it – coronavirus. Everywhere you look, coronavirus, or COVID-19, is on people’s lips. While the CDC is recommending we all take precautions, such as handwashing, good household hygiene,…
Staying in the Game

Polk Senior Games Help Seniors Stay Active and Involved by PAUL CATALA During her younger years in her Michigan hometown, Dot Van Farowe says she participated in a variety of sports and leisure activities. But at 91 years old, Van Farowe’s days of “pass, punt and kick” football, playing basketball, water and snow skiing and…
Pop Quiz: Handwashing Is the Best Defense, but Are You Doing It Right?

Amidst the information being released concerning COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, is a gem that will serve you well far into the future: proper handwashing procedures. Study after study has shown that properly washing your hands is one of the best defenses against any virus, bacteria, or germ. If you want to prevent being…

Medical Advice: Your flu prevention to-do list

AS YOU GATHER your “to-do” lists and prepare for the holiday season ahead, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County recommends you add one more important step — get a flu shot! The flu shot is the best way to protect our families and communities against the spread of influenza. When you make it…
Family Health: Flu shots for seniors

HE FLU is nothing to sneeze at. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 200,000 people will be hospitalized this year with the influenza virus, and it has been estimated that 50 to 70 percent of those hospitalized are people age 65 and older.
Word of Mouth: Your dentist is key to early cancer detection

IT SEEMS LIKE you hear about many different kinds of cancers these days, but one that isn’t being talked about enough is oral cancer. Cancer in the mouth and throat are diagnosed in nearly 50,000 Americans a year, and statistics show that only 57 percent of those diagnosed still will be living in five years.