AS WE ENTER the month of May, our thoughts often turn to Mother’s Day, the end of the school year for our children, prom night for our youth, Memorial Day, and the fast-approaching summer break. Perhaps lesser known than these staples of the month, however, is National Nurses Week, which is happening May 6-12. During […]
PCMA Letter: ‘Thank you’ can make all the difference Read More »
It was reported earlier this year by the Centers for Disease and Prevention that the life expectancy for people in the United States is at an all-time high of 78 years and 9 ½ months. Women born in 2012 are now expected to live more than 81 years and men nearly 76 ½ years. It
Medical Advice: How to stop a fall before it happens Read More »
The world can be a dangerous place. There are natural disasters such as hurricanes, man-made disasters such as bioterrorism, and infectious disease outbreaks such as H1N1. When it comes to preparing and managing for these incidents and/or outbreaks, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (FDOH-Polk) is equipped with one of the county’s most
Healthcare is becoming more expensive every year. In 2010, the United States spent 17 percent of its budget on healthcare costs. By 2016, that number is expected to rise to 20 percent. Chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, account for the majority of the national health expenditures.
Medical Advice: Addressing childhood obesity NOW to avoid disease LATER Read More »
One of the many benefits of living in Florida is the beautiful weather nearly year round. It is common for Florida residents to go to the beach, swim in the pool, and participate in recreational water activities well into the fall and even some winter months. Swimming is a great way to get exercise and
Medical Advice: The four layers of drowning prevention Read More »
I was first introduced to a disease known as chikungunya during my medical training. Initially, I dismissed this foreign illness as something I would probably not see in my career. Chikungunya was originally found in Asia, Africa, and the islands of the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific. This changed on December 2013, when there was
Medical Advice: Avoiding mosquitoes and chikungunya virus Read More »
Summer season is officially here. It is a great time to enjoy cookouts, playing sports, or participating in water-related activities. The summer season also brings a number of things that we need to be mindful of in order to be safe, such as hurricane season, mosquito season, and the less known amoeba season. Naegleria fowleri
Preventing PAM: A rare, but lethal infection Read More »
Saint Hubert, who lived from 656-727 A.D., was the patron saint of hunters, mathematicians, opticians, and metal workers. He was called upon to cure rabies until the early 20th century through the use of the St. Hubert’s Key, which was said to have been given to him by St. Peter. St. Hubert Key’s took the
Medical Advice: Rabies report and safety reminders Read More »
Every year in April, we observe STD Awareness Month. This is an opportunity for individuals, doctors, and communities to address ways to prevent some of the nearly 20 million sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that occur in the United States each year. Half of all new infections occur among people between the ages of 15 to
Medical Advice: Awareness is key to stopping upward trend of STDs Read More »
If you suspected that a member of your household had ingested a potentially poisonous substance, would you know what to do? Did you know you can call the Florida Poison Information Center—sometimes referred to as Poison Control—at 1-800-222-1222 for assistance with any possible poison event? A health care professional is available 24 hours a day,
Medical advice: Poison help in the home Read More »
