2 | CFHN
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CONTENTS | June 2026
    
    
    
9
12
6
Departments & Columns
	 4	 PUBLISHER’S NOTE
	 5	 PCMA LETTER
	 	 7 	BODY, MIND & SPIRIT 
	10	 HEART NEWS
16 	CALENDAR
19 	WORD SEARCH
20	 MEDICAL ADVICE
	21 	HEALTHY AGING
	22 	EDITOR’S DOSE
	22 	WORD SEARCH SOLUTION
Pop Quiz!
Do your weekends leave you refreshed or feeling worse by Monday morning? From sleep 
debt and screen time to overindulgence and endless chores, take our quiz to find out how 
well your habits are helping your body and mind recover.
Take Charge This Men’s Health Month
Men are far less likely than women to get regular checkups, often waiting until symptoms 
become serious. This Men’s Health Month, Central Florida Health Care’s Dr. Rafael Pagan-
Medina explains why prevention, screening, and healthy lifestyle choices can make all the 
difference in protecting long-term health.
Hantavirus Outbreak
A recent hantavirus outbreak tied to a cruise ship has raised alarm worldwide, but Lakeland 
infectious disease specialist Dr. Lindsay John says the risk to Florida residents remains low. 
He explains how hantavirus spreads, why this outbreak is different from COVID-19, and what 
precautions actually matter when it comes to staying safe.
THE ENDORSED PUBLICATION OF THE 
POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
CentralFloridaHealthNews.com
volume 16  |  issue 3  |  june  2026   FREE — TAKE ONE!
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CentralFloridaHealthNews.com
A FAMILY HISTORY,
A PERSONAL BATTLE
Lakeland Man Shares
Prostate Cancer Journey
To Help Other Men Speak Up
EDITION
HEALTHY COOK
Simple Tweaks Make 
Way for Guilt-Free Grilling
 
POP QUIZ!
Which Weekend Habits
Sabotage Your Health?
 
HANTAVIRUS OUTBREAK
Infectious Disease Doctor
Sorts Facts From Fear
 
PREVENTIVE CARE 
CHECKLIST FOR MEN
Screening Guidance 
For Every Age Group
Men’s 
Health
On The Cover 
A 
routine 
blood 
test 
changed 
everything for Lakeland Army veteran 
Nakia Bennett. Now recovering 
from prostate cancer surgery at 
51, Bennett is sharing his story to 
encourage other men to speak up, 
get screened, and advocate for their 
health. Page 10
photo by GLENDA HOLCOMB

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