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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…
Specialized Care

Chapters Health System, Bartow Regional Medical Center Open Palliative Care Clinic by MARY TOOTHMAN In partnership with Chapters Health System, Bartow Regional Medical Center has opened a palliative care clinic in Bartow. Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on relieving the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The provision of palliative care…

Word of Mouth: Oral cancer: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Cancer can affect any part of your body, and the mouth is no exception. While oral cancer can be caused by damaging behaviors such as the use of tobacco or alcohol, it can still occur without explanation. Oral cancer is much more prevalent than believed, and this unfortunately means that it’s often not diagnosed until…
Publisher’s Note: The importance of relay for life

There’s no doubt about it: when fighting a disease as devastating and life-threatening as cancer, it can wreak havoc on your daily life. At the diagnosis and throughout the painful surgery and treatment process, the patient’s stress level (as well as his or her friend’s and family’s) can go through the roof. I’ve personally lost…
Editor’s Dose: Lookin’ out for new moms with my tips for the baby blues

If you’re a lucky woman who has just recently had a new baby, you might be suffering from severe mood swings commonly known as the “baby blues.” These extreme fluctuations (highs and lows) in temperament are very real… don’t fall for that trick that “it’s just you imagination!” As a mom of four children who are all…