Fresh & Fast: Did Somebody Say Smoothie?

When I want to start my day off on the right foot with a super healthy breakfast, I choose a smoothie.

7 Ways to Sharpen Your Mind at Any Age

If getting older is getting old to you, you can do many things to improve your brain and your life. Many of us worry about developing dementia, and it’s never too early or too late to boost your brain’s functioning. We all know how it feels to walk into a room and ask, “Why did I come in here?” This can happen at any age and can make you feel like you’re losing your mind. In some ways, you are losing access to short-term memory. The good news is your memory can be restored and enhanced. The earlier you begin to implement holistic tools, the better your aging experience will be. These eight tips are good places to start.

HELPING HANDS

Adult Daycare Stimulates Minds While Offering Caregivers a Change of Pace

NO REGRETS

Gessler Clinic’s Dr. Alan Gasner Approaches 50 Years of Medical Practice

Health and Happiness Have No Age Limit

Everybody wants to live a fulfilling life, age gracefully and enjoy the golden years. Maintaining your physical and mental health plays a crucial role in that endeavor. That means it’s important not only to eat right and keep your body moving but also to keep your mind stimulated as well. In this Senior Edition of Central Florida Health News, we touch on some of these very important issues.

National Infant Immunization Week

Many have received immunizations throughout their lifetime, but it’s often taken for granted how much of an impact these vaccines have on the lives of those in our communities, counties, state and even country. The Florida Department of Health in Polk County recognizes April 24-May1 as National Infant Immunization Week. This is an annual observance promoting the benefits of immunizations for children from birth to age 2.

Don't Just Feed Your Appetite, Feed Your Brain

You invite friends over for dinner and spend a couple of days planning, shopping and cooking. By doing so, you have not only created an enjoyable evening for all, but you have exercised your brain.

SHARING IS CARING

Central Florida Health Care Explains the Importance of the Health Information Exchange

How We ‘Talk' to Our Pets

Did you ever wonder how you can look in your pet’s eyes and know if he or she is sad, mad or glad or wants attention and they can do the same for you? How can that be when there are no spoken words between you? The answer is neuroscience, and you don’t have to be Dr. Doolittle to “talk” with the animals. We sometimes forget humans are part of the animal kingdom, too, with much the same physical organs and emotions.

When Man's Best Friend Is Also the Best Medicine

The powerful bond between humans and their pets has always been easily recognizable. Still, every year when we put together the Pets & Your Health edition of Central Florida Health News, we find stories of courage and understanding so strong we can’t help but be inspired.

POP QUIZ!

Pet Allergies? Get the Facts on the Best Way to Cope

HEALING PAWS

A Service Canine, A Veteran, and the Journey Back From the Edge

On Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals and Freelancers

If you watch a service animal with their human, there is a higher level of nonverbal communication taking place. The training that enables and facilitates that level of connection often takes years of training.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the Eye

Sleep apnea is a common but often undiagnosed disorder that has potentially serious general and eye health consequences. Approximately 25% of men and 10% of women are affected, but unfortunately, 80% of these are undiagnosed. High rates of undiagnosed patients may be due to the fact that the best test, a polysomnography sleep study, is inconvenient for the patients and can be very costly as it requires overnight monitoring of your breathing and other body functions during sleep while at a sleep center.

Cook Up the Good Stuff for Your Pup

You look down at the floor, and the little guy looks back at you, expectantly. The unspoken message transferred from his eyes to yours: “It’s dinnertime, right?”

SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION

Dr. Haight Dispels COVID-19 Myths and Explains Why He Trusts Vaccine

March Is National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County is bringing awareness to the importance of a nutritious, healthy lifestyle.

BATTLING OBESITY

Lakeland Regional Health Unveils New Weight Loss Institute

TEAMING WITH TECHNOLOGY

BayCare to Implement Virtual Health Care Assistant in Hospital Rooms

Pulling at Your Heartstrings: Empathy vs. Sympathy

Mary Joye, LMHC, PA, is a licensed mental health counselor with offices in Lakeland and Winter Haven. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information, visit winterhavencounseling.com.

Minimize Your Risk for Heart Disease

February is American Heart Month, and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County is bringing awareness to the reality of heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 655,000 Americans die from heart disease each year — that’s one in every four deaths.

MEDICAL ADVANCES

Watson Clinic Launches Clinical Trial of Drug Treatment for Heart Failure

KEEPING HER HEART IN THE GAME

Lake Wales Woman Works to Overcome Heart Disease With Positive Outlook, Strong Medical Team

Screening, Vaccinations Help Fight Cervical Cancer

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month and an important time of year to raise awareness about the importance of cervical health screenings for women.

TRANSFORMATION

Winter Haven Operating Room Technician Opens Up About Her Weight Loss Surgery and Journey

Resolutions for Resilience

New Year’s resolutions usually involve deprivation to change behavior and this can produce a negative and resistant mindset.

WHERE SOUL MEETS BODY

Yoga Can Increase Well-Being Through Meditation, Exercise, Spirituality

A NOSE FOR COVID-19

Central Florida Company Trains Canines to Detect Virus

POP QUIZ!

Celebrating Cervical Cancer Awareness Month With the Facts

Overindulge Over the Holiday? Give Your Stomach a Little TLC

Foods can be our friend … or not, depending on health conditions.