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Pop Quiz: Germs 101—A Crash Course for Parents

Back-to-school season is upon us, and that means your child’s chances of coming down with an illness is greatly increased. While schools are centers of learning, they are also breeding grounds for all manner of germs. However, there are ways to lessen your child’s chances of coming down with something, having to miss school due…
Tackling Mental Health Together

Establishing the West Central Florida Mental Wellness Coalition Recognizing the record number of suicide rates, substance use and opioid deaths, nearly 30 local organizations have joined forces to develop a regional mental health initiative. On June 20, BayCare CEO and President Tommy Inzina and participating leaders from other hospitals, behavioral health providers, law enforcement, government…
Working Like a Dog

Reading with Bonnie the Therapy Dog by RACHEL CHRISTIAN Cassandra Banning and Bonnie, her 10-year-old shih tzu therapy dog, have been bringing joy and happiness to people in the Plant City area for almost six years. The pair can be spotted across town visiting nursing homes, hospitals, and even Bruton Memorial Library. Unlike service animals…

Itchy Skin? It Could Be Psoriasis or Eczema

Experiencing a skin condition can be a little unnerving, especially if you’re not sure what it is. Psoriasis and eczema are two common skin conditions that can even be seen in children. While these diseases may present in similar ways, they’re actually quite different and have different triggers and causes. Eczema This inflammatory skin…
Is It Melanoma? Learn the Warning Signs

Melanoma is a dangerous type of skin cancer that comes from cells known as melanocytes. While it’s less common than basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, two types of skin cancer that form in other types of skin cells, it is more dangerous. Melanoma can quickly spread to other organs if not treated at…
A Watery Dry Eye

A Paradox Gritty, sandy, scratchy… watery? Can all those words be used to describe dry eyes? In short, yes! Dry Eye Syndrome is a mystery for patients because the symptoms can be variable! Paradoxical Dry Eye is what eye doctors call Dry Eye Syndrome in patients whose main symptom is constant tearing. So, grab your…