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Spotlight on Students’ Mental Health

New Law Seeks to Lower Number of Baker Act Incidents by MARY TOOTHMAN When state Rep. David Silvers heard about one child’s horrific experience as she was taken into custody under Florida’s Baker Act, he couldn’t stop thinking about it. A news story about the circumstances haunted him. The Baker Act is a Florida law…
Pop Quiz: Are Your Protecting Your Eyes From Digital Eye Strain?

For the majority of Americans, screen time is all the time. We utilize computers, tablets, and smart phones constantly, whether at work or for leisure. While the advantages of such technology can’t be denied, all of that time spent looking at a screen is not good for your eyes! Digital eye strain is a very…
Skintelligence

Most Skin Cancer Is Preventable; Early Precautions Pay Off Later by TIM CRAIG Tom and Ariana Glennon know about the sun. From being stationed out in the South Pacific to making a life in Winter Haven, the pair’s experience with the sun’s rays has evolved. “When we were younger, there was no thought about sunscreen,”…

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…