Communication Builds Our Community

Ridge Life / Wellness


Sorted by date  Results 26 - 50 of 91

Page Up

  • Dental Sealants Can Cut Kids' Cavity Risk 80 Percent

    Updated Sep 24, 2021

    (NAPSI)-Parents can help their children practically eliminate their chance of getting cavities, often at no cost-yet they don't. Here's a closer look at this conundrum: Be Smart About Sealants Beyond daily brushing and flossing, dental sealants have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cavities in kids-yet the clear protective coatings, which work by filling the deep grooves where bacteria can accumulate-remain largely underused. The thin, slippery coating applied...

  • Smiling couple sitting on exercise mat

    Thinking of Retiring? Think About Your Health Care Options

    Updated Sep 16, 2021

    (NAPSI)-More Americans may be looking to retire before age 65, according to several studies. However, they need to understand their financial needs, both long term and before age 65. This includes enrolling in health insurance to cover the gap before they are Medicare-eligible at age 65. "Choosing the right health coverage may seem difficult as many people have never shopped for their own health insurance or worry that they cannot afford it," said Mark Smith, president of...

  • Polk County Fire Rescue Earns National Recognition Improved Responses to STEMI Heart Attacks

    Courtesy Polk PIO|Updated Sep 12, 2021

    Polk County Fire Rescue has received the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures to treat patients who suffer severe heart attacks. Each year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it is critical to restore...

  • A photo of nurses in protective clothing

    A Light For Those Still In The Covid Darkness

    Updated Sep 12, 2021

    (NAPSI)-Whatever happens with the new phase of the pandemic, and the glimmers of normalcy that bring joy and hope to many, the light at the end of the tunnel is difficult to see for many. This is particularly true of the loved ones of the nearly 4,000 U.S. healthcare workers who have died from COVID-related illness. Not only are these people coping with the death of their loved one, they may have lost the main breadwinner and be overwhelmed with the stress of paying for a...

  • What To Do When Someone Dies

    Mary Walkup, Contributing Writer|Updated Sep 11, 2021

    Sometimes death comes without warning. The most common causes are heart attacks, and accidents. But sometimes, people just die without warning-in their sleep. We are going about our lives and suddenly, with the unexpected loss of a loved one, everything has changed for us. It changes you forever. The news arrives, and time stops. There are few things in life as devastating as the sudden death of a beloved friend or family member. As your world changes forever and you're...

  • AdventHealth and Chip Ganassi Racing to Support Mental Health

    Updated May 29, 2021

    AdventHealth is teaming up with partner Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) and their NASCAR Cup Series drivers Ross Chastain and Kurt Busch to raise money and awareness for mental health and provide fans with a chance to compete against Chastain and Busch on iRacing, the premier online simulation for motorsports. With May marking Mental Health Awareness Month and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 race just around the corner on May 30, the two drivers are taking some time to Play It Forward and en...

  • Maintaining Positive Mental Health During A Pandemic

    Kris Fitzgerald LMHC MA MBA, Contributing Writer|Updated Apr 29, 2021

    Think back to January 2020, what were your top concerns upon leaving home to start your day? I can tell you my top two: Did I unplug the iron and did I close the garage. January 2021, those concerns look more like: Do I have my mask, and do I have enough hand sanitizer? The mental health crisis in America we are now faced with has staggering numbers showing 1 out of every 4 adults and 1 out of every 5 adolescents suffer with a diagnosable mental health illness. Six out of...

  • Addicts Consider Short-Term Detox

    Shauna Krout, Contributing Writer|Updated Apr 8, 2021

    Addicts and alcoholics will be quick to jump into a detox program in hopes to solve their addiction in 3-7 days. One of the reasons they get stuck on drugs and alcohol is because when they try and stop they go into withdrawal and it is very uncomfortable. Short term medical detox programs will get you through the physical withdrawal as comfortably as possible with the use of drugs, and that's really it. Let's not forget that they still need to deal with why they got addicted...

  • Addicts Also Fall into High Risk for COVID-19

    Shauna Krout, Contributing Writer|Updated Jan 10, 2021

    As the government puts orders in considering this new named Pandemic with the Coronavirus, we have things to keep in mind regarding who is at risk and how to prevent it. The elderly and those who are unhealthy or have a compromised immune system are at risk of this becoming fatal for them. People who fall under this category should take precaution immediately. Addicts and alcoholics most definitely fall under this category due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, lack of...

  • Letter to the Editor: Rhonda Wright

    Updated Jan 10, 2021

    Dear Editor, As a medical professional, I can vouch that the priority for all of us in the field is the quality, accessibility, and affordability of the care available to our patients. In Florida, all that is being threatened by a wave of meritless and expensive medical malpractice lawsuits. Right now, there are ill-intentioned lawyers across the state that file vague and unclear claims in an attempt use our state’s loose malpractice standards to win overblown legal fees in court or through settlements. All these lawsuits m...

  • Considerations for Care of Veterans

    Tracy Robert RN-CHPN, Contributing Writer|Updated Jan 10, 2021

    November is designated a time when American's recognize our nation's veterans for their service. Throughout the month, communities schedule special ceremonies to honor the men and women who have served in the military. While these honors are important, many may not realize that veterans could have emotional and physical service-related conditions that require consideration beyond expressions of gratitude. For example, veterans who served in World War II experienced different...

  • Resolve to Get Clean - There's Help

    Shauna Krout, Contributing Writer|Updated Jan 10, 2021

    As a New Year approaches a common theme is setting New Year's resolutions for yourself. As an addict I can remember setting goals of trying to do better in life. The one I would tell everyone was that I would quit smoking cigarettes. In reality I was setting a resolution of being clean going into the New Year. Year after year I failed at this, but deep down I wanted it to be true. I wanted a better life. I was tired of living day to day under the influence of drugs and...

  • Letter to the Editor from Shauna Krout

    Updated Jan 10, 2021

    Leaving treatment without a plan is like going on a road trip without a map. It is very important to have a set plan before leaving treatment. The plan should be realistic and the recovering person should be able to follow it without getting discouraged. This plan should include both structure and accountability. It should also have goals that are reachable and reasonable. This helps the recovering person feel accomplished and productive. The plan does not have to be filled...

  • Tips for a Healthy Brain

    Chevon T. Baccus APR, Executive Editor|Updated Apr 29, 2020

    EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was first produced for a presentation to a retired teachers' organization. We thought the content might be helpful to share. Not quite a year and a half ago I retired. After working close to 50 years, I figured I deserved a break. But after a few months of reading books and sitting around - a lot - I realized my memory was getting worse and my brain was becoming a lot less sharp. I called it mushy brain. I'm no expert, but for years I've been...

  • AdventHealth Seeking Plasma Donations from Those Who Recovered from COVID-19

    Updated Apr 15, 2020

    Patients with severe cases of COVID-19 may find help in an unlikely source – the blood plasma of patients who've recovered from the disease. It's called convalescent plasma, and the idea is that antibodies in the donated plasma will help fight the disease in patients who are suffering through it. "This is an extremely exciting development that shows promise in helping our sickest patients," said Dr. Juliana Gaitan, who is leading the project. "We're among the first h...

  • Detox Programs Take Time, Commitment

    Shauna Krout, Contributing Writer|Updated Apr 2, 2020

    Addicts and alcoholics will be quick to jump into a detox program in hopes to solve their addiction in 3-7 days. One of the reasons they get stuck on drugs and alcohol is because when they try and stop they go into withdrawal and it is very uncomfortable. Short-term medical detox programs will get you through the physical withdrawal as comfortably as possible with the use of drugs, and that's really it. Let's not forget that they still need to deal with why they got addicted...

  • Treatment Center Warns of Soma Abuse

    Shauna Krout, Contributing Writer|Updated Mar 25, 2020

    Many people would find this very surprising but Soma abuse is actually very common and being prescribed by tons of pain management clinics. Be cautious of the effects this medication could have on you or someone else. Soma is a muscle relaxant that acts as a sedative of the central nervous system putting it in the drug class of a tranquilizer. It has been known to be mixed with other narcotics to form different kinds of "cocktails" which can be deadly. A person abusing Soma...

  • Publix Fills 100 Millionth Free Prescription

    Updated Jan 10, 2020

    Publix Pharmacy recently filled its 100 millionth free prescription as part of its free medication program. "We are proud to provide a service that helps our customers afford their medications," said Publix Vice President of Pharmacy Dain Rusk. "As the cost of health care continues to rise, this program has become even more important to our customers and our communities. Too often, high prescription costs prevent people from taking medication as prescribed. When medications...

  • Video PSA Explores Dangers of Vaping

    Updated Jan 8, 2020

    Polk County Public Schools has teamed up with the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County to warn students and families about the dangers of vaping. The school district produced a public service video featuring PCPS Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, and Dr. Joy Jackson, director of the Florida Department of Health in Polk. The video also features students from George Jenkins, Ridge Community and Winter...

  • Opiod Epidemic Claims Half Million Lives in Past Decade

    Shauna Krout, Contributing Writer|Updated Jan 1, 2020

    With 2020 beginning we have come to the end of a decade where nearly half a million people have lost their lives to overdose. The opioid epidemic started in 2010 with pain killer dependence rising and doctor shopping being the newest thing to do. Now heroin is on the rise with the newest deadly killer fentanyl. The solution the government has come up with is to put people on the MAT program. MAT stands for medication assisted therapy. This puts people on a medication that the...

  • As Family Gathers, Watch for Drug or Alcohol Problems

    Shauna Krout, Contributing Writer|Updated Dec 26, 2019

    As the holidays approach, keep in mind you will be spending time around family and friends that you might not typically see all year round. Some families will have an amazing time and make tons of new memories. Yet some families will become newly aware that a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, while other families are preparing for yet another holiday that might be ruined by one already in the family. You should be familiar with the signs that your loved could be...

  • New 96-Bed Behavioral Health Center to Benefit Polk County

    Sean Mallott, Contributing Writer|Updated Dec 11, 2019

    Lakeland Regional Health, with support from the City of Lakeland, is planning to construct a three-building, 96-bed center to better serve the behavioral health inpatient and outpatient needs of the Polk County community. The $46 million Center for Behavioral Health & Wellness will be built near Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and will treat adults and adolescents for mental health problems, substance abuse, memory disorders and more. Outgoing LRH President Elaine...

  • Is Someone Missing from Your Holiday Celebration?

    Danielle LaBossiere, Cornerstone Hospice|Updated Dec 11, 2019

    Whether your loved one passed away recently or years ago, the holidays can stir up a sense of loss that overshadow any celebrations. Reminiscing about holiday traditions, knowing your loved one will not be present, can cause sadness and anxiety. While everyone grieves differently, it's important to know that intensified feelings associated with loss is common this time of year. Some may feel the need to hide their feelings from friends and family. They may be embarrassed or...

  • Death Rate Increasing with Fake Pill Epidemic

    Shauna Krout, Contributing Writer|Updated Oct 30, 2019

    Nowadays, the drug world is far more dangerous. Addicts now have to be cautious about buying fake pills that look exactly like the ones you get at your local pharmacy. They might think they are buying a Xanax, Oxycodone, or maybe an Adderall even. But in reality, they are buying something that is deadly. Dealers are mixing concoctions and pressing them with a little machine to make something that they think will be way more addicting and less costly. They are putting fentanyl...

  • Doctor Shares How Adverse Childhood Experiences Have Lasting Health and Economic Impact

    Chevon T. Baccus APR, Executive Editor|Updated Oct 16, 2019

    Adverse childhood experiences often have a lasting impact, resulting in negative health and economic outcomes throughout adulthood, according to Dr. Lyn Jones, who has worked with hurting people for many years. A Babson Park chiropractor and longtime psychiatric nurse, Jones shared her expertise in domestic violence, other abuse and neglect at the recent annual meeting of the GFWC Lake Wales Woman's Club. The Woman's Club has adopted domestic violence abuse and prevention as...

Page Down