Central Florida Health News January 2023

tude of excited Jollibee patrons waiting to get their hands on their Jollibee favorites, but also first-timers waiting to have their own Jollibee experience," said Jose Miñana, Jollibee Foods Corporation's Group President for North America. "There's no greater joy for us than serving the needs and tastes of Jollibee fans in the community. At Jollibee, we aim to bring families together for happy moments over great tasting food with superior value, served with warm and friendly service –our own brand of joy." The brand has become a symbol of nostalgia and warm childhood memories for many overseas Filipinos in the U.S. To many, Jollibee is the go-to restaurant of Filipinos for both special

volume 12 | issue 10 | january 2023 FREE — TAKE ONE!

New Year, NEW YOU EDITION

get to try Jollibee's signature menu items such as the world famous Chickenjoy. This dish is delicately breaded to be crispylicious on the outside and juicylicious inside. The well-loved Jolly Spaghetti is a favorite of both kids and kids-at-heart because of its signature sweetstyle sauce, loaded with chunky slices of savory ham, ground meat, and hotdog. Other classic menufavorites include the juicy and cheesy Jolly Hotdog, and the Peach Mango Pie, which is made with real Philippine sweet mangoes and a flaky golden brown crust.

largest Asian restaurant company, is now open in Jacksonville. This is the 36th store in the US, as well as the first in the state and Southeast US. It opened to the public on March 18, 2017. Jacksonville is the most populous city in the Sunshine State, as well as home to the largest FilipinoAmerican community in Florida. The longawaited arrival of Jollibee in the city has

THE ENDORSED PUBLICATION OF THE POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Cancer Drugs Added Weight, Surgery Restored Her Health

Polk Approves $4 Million For Indigent Health Care

See JOLLIBEE page 15

Kollagunta Chandrasekhar, MD, FACC Cardiologist

Meet Your Providers…

…established his clinic over 20 years ago. He is well known in the community and trusted for his accurate diagnosis and compassionate care.

• Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine

• Executive Director the Heart Function Clinic, Low Risk Chest Pain Center and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

• President of Medical Staff for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

• Chairman of Cardiology for Lake Wales Medical Center

• Clinical Associate Professor, FSU College of Medicine

Ritu Aparajita, MD, RPVI

A Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon who earned her MBBS at University of Delhi, India. She then completed a research fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center and a residency in general surgery at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, she completed her fellowship training in Vascular Surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey. She’s co-authored more than two dozen journal articles. She was recently nominated for the American Medical Association Inspiration Award that recognizes physicians who have contributed to the achievements of women in the medical profession.

Roan Cadavona, ARNP, FNP-C

…brings a high level of education and experience in Cardiac Catheterization, Electrophysiology and working in the Cardiovascular Progressive Care unit. He serves a vital role in providing patients with optimal cardiovascular care through counselling and screening, as well as disease prevention and management strategies.

• Board certified Family Nurse Practitioner

• Member of Staff for BayCare Winter Haven Hospital

On the Cover

beef up menus with

American classics

twists

of meat entrées with choice of sides. Moreover, new menu categories (such as flatbreads) and service elements freshen the concept. About the Report 2017 Forecast: Culinary Trend Tracking Series offers an outlook on the culinary trends—the foods, dishes, ingredients and flavors—that Packaged Facts expects to grow popularity in 2017. Rockville, MD When it comes to American cuisine, there are few things more iconic than steakhouses. The slabs of marbled meat, the sizzling grills, the oozing butter, and the dripping bravado, maybe even cowboy hat or two for ambiance—it's enough to make even fictional steakophile Ron Swanson misty-eyed. Yet all the traditional steak dinners ordered daily, there are restaurants nationwide pushing the concept the all-American steakhouse to new culinary heights, according market research firm Packaged Facts in the brand new report 2017 Forecast: Culinary Trend Tracking Series. "The steakhouse back and will capture our attention in 2017. Not that the classic restaurant style ever disappeared, but renewal of the model taking place in response to new sources of beef and new flavorful expressions of the concept that get chefs and diners excited," says David Sprinkle, research director, Packaged Facts. Today's steakhouse menus increasingly feature grass-fed cattle, locally raised animals, heritage varieties, meat butchered and dry aged in-house, and dishes that stem from the whole animal, not just the premium cuts. And that's just the meat. Creative side dishes in lieu of old standards, global and seasonal flavors, and wider menu selection also distinguish these new school operations. Chefs and consumers both want their meat taste delicious and feel good about its’ consumption, too. This new breed steakhouse broadcasts its mission to support local ranchers, factor in sustainability and animal welfare, and create dining experience that showcases culinary flair, not just grill master's skill at cooking steak to the requested doneness. These operations are also designed to be more inclusive, more of great place for all kinds of people dine well, not just traditionminded men on expense accounts. As result, the modern steakhouse increasingly similar to other modern restaurants with a focus on distinctive 2017 forecast: Steakhouses

CentralFloridaHealthNews.com ENROLL PAGE 12 THE ENDORSED PUBLICATION OF THE POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION volume 12 issue 10 january 2023 FREE — TAKE ONE! Ap petizer s: Entrées: Advertisers Directory 2 Appell Pie 2 Calendar Events 10 Classified Ads 14 What’s Going On 3 Analysis:Catering industry revenues on the rise 4 “Big Data” — Doesyourrestaurantneedit? 7 RiseBisquitsDonuts to open in Coral Springs 11 Del Taco spices up expansion in the Southeast 13 STD US PAID WESTPALMBEACH,FL PERMIT 4595 WWW.TRNUSA.COM VOLUME 21 NUMBER ◆ MARCH 2017 FLORIDA’S FOODSERVICE INDUSTRY NEWSPAPER  ◆ $3 FLORIDA EDITION Jollibee's U.S. expansion continues with first Florida location opening Jacksonville, FL After much anticipation and excitement, Jollibee, the largest Asian restaurant company, now open Jacksonville. This is the 36th store in the US, as well as the first in the state and Southeast US. opened to the public on March 18,2017.Jacksonville is the most populous city in the Sunshine State, as well as home to the largest FilipinoAmerican community Florida. The longawaited arrival of Jollibee in the city has "As Jollibee debuts in Florida, we anticipate seeing not only multitude of excited Jollibee patrons waiting to get their hands on their Jollibee favorites, but also first-timers waiting to have their own Jollibee experience," said Jose Miñana, Jollibee Foods Corporation's Group President for North America. "There's no greater joy for us than serving the needs and tastes Jollibee fans in

Pop Quiz! Trust Your Gut

Did you know that some kinds of bacteria are actually beneficial to have in your digestive tract? While it may sound counterintuitive, certain strains of bacteria offer a host of benefits for your overall health and well-being. However, most Western diets are not conducive to building a healthy gut microbiome, and many behaviors and habits are downright damaging to gut bacteria. Take our quiz and learn about what to do — and what not to do—to ensure your gut bacteria and overall well-being are as healthy as possible.

A Strong Health Team Can Help Detect, Mitigate Birth Defects

January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month, a time for discussions about how different birth defects can affect individuals over the course of their lifespan, and what can be done to minimize the risk of these occurrences. We spoke with pediatrician Heather Wardy of Central Florida Health Care to learn more about what can help prevent and mitigate defects.

The Battle Within the Battle

Rhonda Smith’s weight is finally under control after a battle with cancer that lasted almost two decades. Chemotherapy and steroids caused the Lakeland resident to pack on the pounds, but now she’s slimming down thanks to the skilled surgeons of BayCare Metabolic and Bariatric Center.

Enhancing the Safety Net

8 9 14 16 Departments 6 HEALTH COMMUNITY 14 HEALTHY AGING 18 HEALTHY COOK 19 HEART NEWS

& Columns

20 HEALTHY SKIN

21 MEDICAL ADVICE

21 BODY, MIND & SPIRIT

23 EDITOR’S DOSE

Roan Cadavona, ARNP FNP-C Nurse Practitioner

K.S. Chandrasekhar, MD,

FCC

Healthcare for our community

Community Medical Group is here to serve you and your whole family with personalized and accessible medical care. Preventing and managing chronic diseases can help you stay healthier so you may enjoy your family and the things you love. Our goal is to care for you and your loved ones by providing a positive patient experience, delivering comprehensive care for all your health needs and quality results.

Community Medical Group Services:

• In-house primary and specialist physicians

• Immunizations

• In-house laboratory

• Spirometry

• Diagnostic testing: X-Ray/EKG

• Appointment reminders

• Home delivery of medications

• Post appointment follow-up phone calls

• Multilingual staff (English, Spanish & Creole)

• Transportation

To visit your nearest CMG center, scan the code for a list of our locations: For more information visit our website www.communitymedicalgroup.com

Your Trusted Social Services Partner

Community Medical Group also assists you with key social services, from Medicaid eligibility/recertification, housing (Section 8) and immigration to access to healthy food and more

We are here for you. Scan code to make an appointment at one of the Community Medical Group Access Centers near you or visit us online at:

ASSISTANCE.COMMUNITYGRP.COM

You can also call us for more information: 786.377.7777

A Look Back Before Moving Ahead

NELSON KIRKLAND, PUBLISHER nelson@centralfloridamediagroup.com

Whew, 2023! Each January, I find myself saying the same thing: I can’t believe it’s already the new year!

This past year marked the 12th year for Central Florida Health News, and true to our mission, we’ve been busy sharing stories that touch our community.

• To celebrate heart health in February, we took a closer look at the effects of stress on the heart and shared Roger Walker’s health scare to underscore the importance of advocating for yourself as a patient.

• As the nation and Central Florida sink deeper into a nursing shortage, we worked to help you understand how it could affect our area. In May and September, we showed you how local educational institutions are working to recruit and train more nurses, and in July, we talked to various physician associations to learn more about their plans to stem the shortage.

• To mark Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we gave you insight into Peace River Center’s partnership with Polk Vision to host panel discussions on mental health.

• In October, we featured four breast cancer survivors to spread their messages of perseverance, inspiration, and hope.

• Last month, we gave you a detailed look at the explosive expansion of healthcare services in Polk County with two new hospitals putting down roots.

Packed alongside these highlights in each edition were stories of just as much importance and impact.

There’s nothing I love more than watching Central Florida Health News grow and fortifying our bonds with partners in the healthcare community. We are eternally grateful for those partners,the advertisers we depend upon so much to bring you this publication, our employees and contributing correspondents who are so very talented and dedicated, and — of course — you, our most valued readers. HN

PUBLISHER

Nelson Kirkland

MANAGING EDITOR

Jessica McDonald

PROJECT MANAGER

David Kiessling

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Juanita Halter, Cinda Shelby

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erika Aldrich, Mary Joye, LMHC , Teresa Schiffer, Carol Corley, Dr. Joy Jackson, Paul Catala

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS

Ritu Aparajita, MD; Alex Kennon, MD; Julia King, OD

CONTRIBUTING ARTIST

Dawn Lewandowski

DELIVERY

DLS Distribution

POLK COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

4315 Highland Park Blvd, Suite B

Lakeland, Florida 33813

863-644-4051

2023 OFFICERS

JAMES J. BOOKER, MD

President

GEORGE LYLE, MD

Secretary

STUART PATTERSON, MD

Treasurer

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

RALPH NOBO, JR., MD, Chair

GEORGE LYLE, MD

STUART PATTERSON, MD

GARY SCHEMMER, MD

SERGIO SEOANE, MD

ARVIND SONI, MD

HEALTH & HAPPINESS IN THE NEW YEAR

Now that the holidays are over and hopefully life is returning to normal, it’s time to focus on ourselves a bit. This edition of Central Florida Health News is all about facing the new year with renewed resolve to live a healthier and happier life.

We spoke with The Balance Culture, a fitness center exclusively for women, to learn how they help people jumpstart their fitness routines and — perhaps more importantly — stay committed to them.

Losing weight is the most common resolution, and inside we introduce

Sincerely,

James J. Booker, MD

James J. Booker, MD Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Winter Haven President, Polk County Medical Association

MEMBER BENEFITS

✱ Physician referrals

✱ Medical malpractice discounts with The Doctors Company

✱ Ongoing relevant communication

✱ Access to CME Programs

✱ Workers compensation insurance benefits

✱ Complimentary Socials/dinners

you to one woman who experienced weight gain as a result of the medications she took during her battle with cancer. Her decision to undergo bariatric surgery proved to be life-changing. Find out how!

There’s much more packed in this edition, so be sure to check it out.

From all of us at the Polk County Medical Association, we wish you health and happiness in the new year! HN

Some of the benefits of a PCMA membership include the following:

✱ Physician referrals

✱ Medical malpractice discounts with The Doctors Company

✱ Ongoing relevant communication

✱ Access to CME Programs

✱ Workers compensation insurance benefits

✱ Complimentary Socials/ dinners

✱ Strong PCMA physician representation in Central Florida Health News and Central Florida Doctor publications

✱ Listing advantages in the annual Central Florida Physicians Directory & Medical Providers Guide

✱ Physician and medicine advocacy at all legislative levels.

If you’d like more information about becoming a PCMA member or need to check your membership status for renewal, contact our Executive Director Jackie Courtney at (863) 644-4051 or email director@ polkcountydoctors.com.

MEMBER BENEFITS

✱ Strong PCMA physician representation in Central Florida Health News and Central Florida Doctor publications

✱ Listing advantages in the annual Central Florida Physicians Directory & Medical Providers Guide

✱ Physician and medicine advocacy at all legislative levels

JACKIE

COURTNEY Executive Director

4315 Highland Park Blvd Suite B

Lakeland, Florida 33813

January 2023 | CALENDAR

compiled by TERESA SCHIFFER Zooming in on health in your community.

January 3 – Breastfeeding Support Group Virtual

From 10 – 11 a.m. breastfeeding mothers can get together online to support each other and talk with certified breastfeeding consultants for free. Sponsored by St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital. For more information, please call 855269-4777 or visit www.baycare.org/events.

January 3 – Maternity Center Orientation Virtual

Prepare for delivery at BayCare by attending a virtual tour of the Maternity Center. This is a free class for expectant mothers. One support person may also attend. The class will take place from 5:30 – 7 p.m. and is sponsored by St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital. For more information, please visit www.baycare.org/events or call 855-269-4777.

January 5 – Total Joint Replacement

This free class is for patients who have a total joint replacement surgery scheduled, plus one guest per patient. All attendees must wear a face mask over their nose and mouth at all times while inside the building. The class will be held from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Winter Haven Hospital – Wellness Conference Room, 200 Ave F NE in Winter Haven. For more information, please call 855-269-4777, or go online to register at www.baycare.org/events.

January 11 – Diabetes Support Group: It Is Never Too Late for Fitness

From 10 – 11 a.m. you can learn about diabetes at this free monthly support group hosted at Lakeland Regional Hospital, Kathy Hunt Learning Center, 2nd Floor (Pavilion), at 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd in Lakeland. The meeting is open to patients as well as those who do not have diabetes but care about someone who does. Get a complete list of dates by searching for “Diabetes Support Group Lakeland Regional Health” at www.eventbrite.com.

January 14 – Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida Fundraiser with Goat Yoga

Enjoy a delightful morning of snuggling goats and doing asanas from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at Monarchs & Miracles Farm, located at 1385 Ewell Rd in Lakeland. Proceeds and donations will go to support the Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida and local breast cancer patients. Sanitized mats will be provided, please bring your own clean towel. Ages 8 and up please. Bring water, and wear pink! Tickets are $40. Learn more about the beautiful venue and purchase tickets at www.monarchsandmiraclesfarm.com.

January 25

– Relay for Life of Polk County Kickoff Party

Presented by the City of Davenport at Tom Fellows Community Center Banquet Hall.

Polk County Out of the Darkness Walk

American Foundation for Suicide

Prevention • December 4, 2022

Lake Parker Park, Lakeland

January 26 –

The 2023 Inaugural Central Florida Multidisciplinary Research Symposium

Lakeland Regional Health is hosting this opportunity for researchers to share their discoveries at the Dr. Jay Mulaney Auditorium at Lakeland Regional Health Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children, located at 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd in Lakeland, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. All attendees and presenters must register to attend this free event by searching for the event by name at www.eventbrite.com.

January 28 – Neighborhood Service Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Grand Opening

Celebrate the establishment of a new resource for community services located at 608 Ave S NE in Winter Haven from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This facility will provide services for seniors including exercise programs, health care assistance, hot meals, social activities, entertainment, and more. Interested in volunteering? Contact Executive Director Felicia Bristol at (863) 875-6850 or (863) 342-3310.

January 29 – Let’s Talk Puberty for Girls

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is sponsoring this informative session for girls ages 9 to 13 to help them understand the physical and emotional changes they will experience during puberty, with a presentation on the reproductive system, the menstrual cycle, and staying healthy. There is an optional overview of the male reproductive system followed by a discussion about conception and abstinence at the end. This course is $35 and will be held from 1 – 5 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital – Medical Office Building – 4th Floor – Classroom 3, located at 4321 N MacDill Ave in Tampa. For more information, please call 855-269-4777 or visit www.baycare.org/events.

photos provided by JESSICA TOY

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West and Central Florida. CarePlus is an HMO SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Florida Medicaid Program. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on contract renewal. This plan is available to anyone receiving both Medicare and Medicaid: Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB/QMB+), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB/SLMB+), Qualifying Individuals (QI), Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) and other Full Benefit Dual Eligibles (FBDE). No amounts on the CareEssentials Card can be used to purchase Medicare-covered prescriptions or services, nor can it be converted to cash.Important: At CarePlus, it is important you are treated fairly. CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, religion, or language in their programs and activities, including in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their programs and activities. The following department has been designated to handle inquiries regarding CarePlus’ non-discrimination policies: Member Services, PO Box 277810, Miramar, FL 33027, 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). Auxiliary aids and services, free of charge, are available to you. 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). CarePlus provides free auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified sign language interpreters, video remote interpretation, and written information in other formats to people with disabilities when such auxiliary aids and services are necessary to ensure an equal opportunity to participate. This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our Member Services number at 1-800-794-5907. Hours of operation: October 1 - March 31, 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 1 - September 30, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may leave a voicemail after hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and we will return your call within one business day. Español (Spanish): Esta información está disponible de forma gratuita en otros idiomas. Favor de llamar a Servicios para Afiliados al número que aparece anteriormente. Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole): Enfòmasyon sa a disponib gratis nan lòt lang. Tanpri rele nimewo Sèvis pou Manm nou yo ki nan lis anwo an. H1019_MKBNDMFNPRcareneedsplus2023_M

POP QUIZ!

Trust Your Gut

How Much Do You Know About Microbiomes and Your Digestive Health?

Did you know that some kinds of bacteria are actually beneficial to have in your digestive tract? While it may sound counterintuitive, certain strains of bacteria — like lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, which make up your gut microbiome — offer a host of benefits for your overall health and wellbeing. However, most Western diets are not conducive to building a healthy gut microbiome, and many behaviors and habits are downright damaging to gut bacteria. Take our quiz and learn about what to do — and what not to do—to ensure your gut bacteria and overall well-being are as healthy as possible.

1. True or false? There are approximately 40 trillion bacteria in your body, most of which are found in your gut.

2. Which of the following are benefits of having a healthy gut microbiome?

A. Healthy bacteria keep out bad bacteria that cause health issues like inflammation, which has a possible connection to many serious conditions, like type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, chronic metabolic conditions, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and more.

B. They help you digest food, turning it into nutrients your body can use.

C. A healthy gut microbiome boosts your immune system.

D. Researchers believe it’s possible that there is a link between a poor gut microbiome and your brain that leads to conditions like autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and depression, as well as chronic pain.

E. All of the above

3. True or false? Studies have found that if you have too much of a certain kind of bad bacteria in your gut microbiome, you’re more likely to have Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

4. In addition to a diverse diet rich in whole foods, what are other ways you can boost the health of your gut microbiome?

A. Eat lots of foods that are high in fiber, including whole grain foods.

B. Eat fermented foods.

C. Eat prebiotic foods and probiotic foods, or even a probiotic supplement.

D. Eat foods rich in polyphenols.

E. All of the above

5. Which of the following are NOT high-fiber foods?

A. Raspberries, bananas, and apples

B. Potato chips

C. Artichokes, green peas, and broccoli

D. Chickpeas, lentils, and beans

E. Whole grains

6. Which of the following are fermented foods, or foods where yeast or bacteria have broken down the food’s sugars, that are good for gut microbiome health?

A. Yogurt and kefir D. Tempeh and miso

B. Kimchi and sauerkraut E. All of the above

C. Kombucha

7. What should you look for in a yogurt or kefir if you want it to improve your gut microbiome health?

A. Unsweetened yogurt or a yogurt with minimal added sugar

B. One that is made only of milk (if applicable) and bacteria mixtures, also sometimes called “starter cultures”

C. One that has “contains live active cultures” on the label

D. All of the above

8. Which of the following is NOT a prebiotic food?

A. Sour cream

B. Grains, seeds and legumes

C. Raw potatoes and unripe bananas

D. When potatoes and rice are cooked and then cooled

E. None of the above

9. In addition to red wine, cocoa, and dark chocolate, which of the following are foods that are rich in polyphenols?

A. Green tea D. Onions and broccoli

B. Grape skins and blueberries E. All of the above

C. Almonds

10. True or false? Many studies have shown that infants who are fed formula have an altered microbiome with fewer Bifidobacteria than infants who are breastfed, so breastfeeding a baby for at least six months helps the baby develop a healthy microbiome.

10. True.

Polyphenols are also an antioxidant with many other health benefits.

9. E.

8.

7. D.

6 E. All of the above.

5. B. Potato chips. Potato chips are not high in fiber.

4. E. All of the above.

3. True. Researchers believe there is a link between poor gut microbiome health and Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

2. E. All of the above. There are many benefits to having a good gut microbiome.

1. True.

ANSWERS:

All of the above.

A. Sour cream. Sour cream is not a prebiotic food.

All of the above.

compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH/ Information provided by healthline.com and WebMD

A Strong Health Team Can Help Detect, Mitigate Birth Defects

by TERESA SCHIFFER sponsored by Central Florida Health Care

January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month, a time for discussions about how different birth defects can affect individuals over the course of their lifespan, and what can be done to minimize the risk of these occurrences.

It’s important to understand that the term “birth defect” is used to describe a variety of conditions, also termed “congenital abnormalities.” Some of these abnormalities are minor, and can be successfully managed to allow minimal impact on the individual’s quality of life. On the other hand, some birth defects are severe enough to be considered incompatible with life and can cause spontaneous miscarriage. Between these two extremes is a spectrum of conditions causing a broad range of health issues.

Dr. Heather Wardy of Central Florida Health Care is a pediatrician dedicated to providing the best possible care for all children, including those affected by congenital abnormalities.

“A birth defect is any structural anomaly that is present at birth,” explains Wardy. “Some of the more common ones that we see are heart defects, neural tube defects that affect the brain or spinal cord, cleft lip and palate, and hypospadias.”

Spina bifida is an example of a neural tube defect that occurs when a neural tube in the spine does not fully close during a fetus’s development, resulting in damage to the spinal cord and nerves. This damage can cause physical and intellectual disabilities ranging from mild to severe. The incidence of this abnormality is roughly three babies in 10,000 in the U.S., or about 1,400 infants each year.

Although the exact causes of spina bifida are not fully understood yet, there are certain risk factors associated with having a baby born with this condition. Obesity and diabetes, some medications, and an insufficient intake of folic acid seem to increase a mother’s risk of her child developing spina bifida within the first few weeks of pregnancy.

“Any birth defect can range from mild to severe,” Wardy says. “Luckily, many of these are caught during pregnancy, during surveillance screenings done by OB/GYN providers, and we have many interventions that are available. That highlights the importance of seeking prenatal care.”

Proper medical care during pregnancy cannot prevent every case of congenital abnormalities, but it can greatly reduce the risk of a child being born with a severe birth defect. Regular

prenatal screenings create opportunities for healthcare providers to intervene if a problem is found. A mother’s medical team can also supply information to help protect her health and the health of her baby.

It is important that a mom-to-be discuss all medications, vitamins, and supplements that she may be taking with her doctor or midwife to ensure that they will not have a negative impact on her pregnancy. Many medications do carry risks to a fetus, and it may be necessary to weigh those factors against the risks associated with a woman discontinuing a prescribed regimen of medication. The team at Central Florida Health Care can answer any questions you might have regarding the safety of a particular drug or supplement during pregnancy.

The health of the mother is an integral component to having a healthy pregnancy and baby. Physical activity is recommended, to a degree appropriate for the woman’s capabilities. Being active will also help to control diabetes and obesity, two conditions that can increase the risk of a child being born with a congenital abnormality. Good nutritional habits are also important in these respects.

STRIKING A BALANCE

Fitness Center Is Helping Women Get On — and Stay On — the Road to Good Health

story by PAUL CATALA photos provided by THE BALANCE CULTURE

The temptation and indulgence of the holidays are enough to make even the most enthusiastic fitness buffs take a few weeks off.

New Year’s resolutions are often cited for driving gym membership and participation for the first couple months of the year. But for the staff, instructors, and trainers at The Balance Culture, helping the clients start –and more importantly stay on — a fitness routine that lasts is the goal all year-round.

Since opening in Lakeland in 2015, The Balance Culture’s 40-member team of instructors and interns has helped several thousand clients adopt healthy fitness routines.

The fitness center exclusively for women is

set to open its second location by January 2, but this time it is plating its roots in Winter Haven.

Prior to a recent training day at the Lakeland fitness studio in the historic Dixieland district, owner/instructor Stephanie Garrison and Faith Wagner, a studio manager, personal trainer, and motivational coach, held a preclass meeting.

Garrison explains that Balance Culture was co-founded by Ruthie Tait, who owns the Lakeland studio, and Kristin Czernek. She says one of the main reasons for starting the fitness center was to help women get motivated and give them a “safe space to be empowered and challenged in every goal of their lives.”

To do that, the staff offers an array of classes with exercise catered to individual fitness levels. Among them are barre – a workout that combines slow movements with highintensity intervals to work your entire body; pilates — a system of repetitive exercises done to promote strength, stability and flexibility; yoga; strength training; and personal training. The studio also offers personal training and nutrition coaching.

In the 2,000-square-foot Lakeland facility, Garrison, Wagner and the other instructors have developed a variety of ways for clients to reach their fitness goals once they’ve decided to get up and get going. They say they’ve begun that outreach in Winter Haven by offering Founder’s Memberships for those who buy memberships early, joining the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Winter Haven, reaching out to mothers of school children, and advertising in local publications.

“We already have about 50 members (in Winter Haven), even before the doors have opened,” says Garrison, a Buffalo native who now lives in Winter Haven.

Once inside those doors, Garrison and Wagner say personalized fitness focuses are outlined for clients. Wagner says fitness areas are created first with small lifestyle changes, then consistency is developed, and finally those changes and choices compound into healthier lifestyles. For example, a client can begin a low-impact exercise class once a week, attend regularly, then begin to add days.

“Everyone’s motivation level is different,” says Wagner, a Winter Haven native who holds a master’s degree in kinesiology from Southeastern University.

“We try to find a (fitness) style that fits each person. Whether it’s working out in the morning or in the evening, we try to make it something to look forward to and be enjoyable.”

All Balance Culture instructors are trained through a certification program to be able to offer clients fitness routines and patterns outside the studio. Additionally, Balance Culture has its own app that allows members to keep track of all of their workouts and schedule sessions ahead of time.

“We’re always thinking of ways to maintain

and create our community beyond just the classroom or studio,” says Garrison. “I think sometimes fitness can be intimidating, so we create a community of confidence that allows women to reach their goals mentally, physically, and emotionally.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 60 percent of U.S. women don’t get the recommended amount of physical activity, and more than 25 percent of U.S. women are inactive. The CDC also says physical inactivity is more common among women than men and that social support from family and friends is consistently and positively related to regular physical activity. The benefits of physical activity include:

• Decreased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes

• Ability to maintain healthy bones, muscles,

and joints

• Weight control

• A reduction in body fat

• A reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression

• Improved mood and feelings of well-being

• A reduction in blood pressure for those with hypertension

Those benefits are what motivate fitness centers like Balance Culture to keep seeking ways to improve their offerings for healthy living.

“I love to hear how lives have changed due to this place,” says Garrison. “That’s a huge testament to what we do as a business –seeing women being able to build a healthy relationship with food and exercise and build confidence with their lifestyle choices.” HN

THE BATTLE WITHIN THE BATTLE

Dry Eye Disease

Not So Cut and Dry

Dry eye disease, or dry eye syndrome, is a condition that affects millions of people.

JULIA KING, O.D.

Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed as many people don’t realize that their symptoms are caused by dry eye. Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears that are produced are poor quality. A better understanding of the disease has led to newer treatment options. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to treat dry eye.

Certain risk factors can make someone more susceptible to dry eye. Autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thyroid disease increase the chance of dry eye. Medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, allergy and cold medicines, anxiety and antidepressant medication can also increase risk. Even living in a dry or windy climate can lead to dryness. Using contact lenses long-term can undoubtedly be a factor, as well as having had refractive surgery. Working on a computer or prolonged reading can lead to reduced blinking causing dry eye.

Some common symptoms of dry eye are:

• Stinging, scratching, or burning sensations

• Watery eyes

• Light sensitivity

• Blurry vision, especially when reading

• Redness

• Stringy mucus in and around the eyes

• Irritation when wearing contact lenses

There are many treatment options available currently. Artificial tears are a good option for mild dry eye. If artificial tears are used more than six times a day, a preservative-free artificial tear should be used. Thicker gel tears and nighttime ointments are also available. Prescription medications such as Restasis, Xiidra, or Cequa are good choices for moderate to severe dry eye. These medications help your eye produce more tears by reducing inflammation, which is thought to be the underlying cause of dry eye. Small plugs made of collagen or silicone can also be inserted into the tear drainage hole (punctum). The plugs slow drainage and keep more tears in the eye. Tyrvaya is a new treatment that was recently approved for dry eye. It is a nasal spray that works by activating nerve endings in your nose that, in turn, trigger the glands and cells around your eye to increase the production of your natural tears. For severe and chronic cases, autologous serum tears can be considered. These tears are custom-made using your own blood and are closer to real tears. They contain essential biological nutrients and immunoprotective proteins. This is thought to reduce inflammation and promote overall eye health. The downside is that these serum tears can be costly and are not covered by insurance.

Certain actions can be taken to help prevent dry eye. Blinking regularly when reading or staring at the computer is beneficial. A humidifier is recommended to increase the humidity in your home or office. Wearing wrap-around sunglasses when outdoors can help by reducing wind exposure. Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration. Also, do not allow air vents or ceiling fans to blow directly at your eyes. Nutritional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, may help some people.

A comprehensive eye examination with careful observation of the eyelids and surface of the eye diagnoses dry eye syndrome. If you feel you could have dry eye, please call our office to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at 800-282-3937 or visit us online at EYESFL.COM.

Cancer Drugs Caused Weight Gain, but Bariatric Surgery Restored Her Health by

Rhonda Smith is feeling great these days. She’s in great health, eating right, getting regular exercise, and savoring life in a new way after an arduous battle.

In 2005, at the age of 27, Smith visited her doctor because she was having trouble keeping food down. She was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Two years later, the cancer had metastasized, and she was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer.

“At first, I thought that I had just twisted my knee because it swelled up real quick, and it was tender,” says Smith, a Lakeland resident. “So I went to the doctor and he told me to stay off of it for two weeks. Well, when I went back, it was even bigger. So they sent me to an oncologist who did some tests and found out that I had fibrosarcoma.”

Fibrosarcoma is a type of malignant tumor that begins in the connective fibrous tissue located at the ends of the long bones, then spreads to nearby soft tissues.

“I fought it with chemo for a while and was put on a bunch of medications, including steroids, that made me gain a lot of weight,” says Smith of her battle with bone cancer.

For seven years, Smith fought the bone

TERESA SCHIFFER

cancer with chemotherapy. When she had exhausted all of the options that the oncology team in her home state of Ohio could provide for her, all that was left to try was an experimental proton treatment that was only available in Texas and Florida.

“So I moved down here to Florida, and started a new treatment, a trial program called proton therapy,” Smith says.

Proton therapy, also called proton beam therapy or proton radiation, is a treatment for advanced cancers in adults. It differs from traditional radiation by delivering a beam of protons, positively charged subatomic particles found in an atom’s nucleus, to a tumor instead of a beam of photons as X-rays, packets of electromagnetic energy that emanate from the electron cloud surrounding an atom.

Both protons and photons irreparably damage the DNA of cancer cells, thereby rendering those cells unable to repair or copy themselves, effectively killing them. The benefit of using proton therapy rather than traditional X-ray radiation is that the photons in an X-ray travel through cancerous tissue and damage healthy cells as they exit. Protons stop at the

This column is sponsored by Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers. Bio: Dr. Julia King is an optometrist who practices at the Lake Wales location for Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida. She is currently accepting new patients.

NANCY ULM

Get $2,100 a year to help pay for essentials like eligible groceries, rent and utilities

The Healthy Options allowance* can help you pay for the things you need to be your healthiest. These include rent or mortgage, utilities, bathroom safety devices, healthy food, over-the-counter health items and more. Each month, a Healthy Options allowance of $175 is loaded onto a prepaid card. Unspent money rolls over to the next month. To pay for purchases, just swipe it at the register at participating stores.

New for 2023—one card for plan allowances

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Call a licensed Humana sales agent

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8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

FACOSTA5@HUMANA.COM

* Allowance amounts cannot be combined with other benefit allowances, used to purchase Medicare-covered prescriptions or converted to cash. Limitations and restrictions may apply.

Humana is a Coordinated Care HMO SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in this Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Applicable to Humana Gold Plus SNP-DE H1036-231 (HMO D-SNP). At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, religion or language. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 877-320-1235 (TTY: 711) 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文

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A more human way to healthcare™

Polk County Approves $4 Million for Indigent Health Care

by PAUL CATALA

ENHANCING THE SAFETY NET

It’s funding that’s being called a local healthcare “safety net” for the underinsured and uninsured in Polk County.

In November, Polk County Commissioners unanimously approved more than $4 million in funding for primary care, dental services and behavioral health services for Indigent Healthcare Services.

During a Nov. 22 meeting, two contracts with Central Florida Health Care Inc., were approved. One was to provide primary care services to eligible low-income county residents with a total not to exceed $2 million annually; the other was to provide dental services to eligible lowincome county residents not to exceed $1.5 million annually under the Polk HealthCare Plan. That plan is the foundation of Polk County’s local healthcare safety net program funded by indigent healthcare sales tax funds.

In addition, commissioners approved an amendment to the contract with the Winter Haven Hospital Center for Behavioral Health to provide behavioral health services, with a total not to exceed $1,022,625 annually.

Polk County’s Indigent Healthcare Services’ local healthcare safety net program is funded by a one-half cent sales surtax. As of 2020, close to 37 percent of Polk County’s residents use Medicare or Medicaid, and 11.5 percent have no insurance.

Joy Johnson, Polk County Health and Human Services Administrator, says primary care, dental services, and behavioral health services are available for full-time Polk County residents who are uninsured or underinsured with an income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

“Polk County is a medically underserved area and a medical provider shortage area,” she says. “We have a high number of people who are medically underserved, and we don’t have enough providers.”

According to information provided by Johnson, Polk County is designated by the federal government as a “Health Professional Shortage

Area,” with one primary care physician for every 2,080 Polk residents; one behavioral health provider for every 1,070 residents; and one dentist for every 2,930 residents.

The Polk HealthCare Plan provides comprehensive healthcare services to low-income, uninsured Polk County residents. It is not “health insurance,” but is health coverage without premiums or deductibles. It offers a network of roughly 800 public-private healthcare providers with approximately 300 access points across the county and serves Polk HealthCare Plan members with either primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, urgent care, labs and radiology services, and hospital services, as well as access to prescription medications.

Johnson says the $4 million is another component of the indigent health care safety net grants and aid, offering another way to access health services through other organizations outside of the Polk HealthCare Plan. Those include Winter Haven Center for Behavioral Health and Central Florida Health Care.

Additionally, Johnson says Polk HealthCare Plan case managers can refer residents based on their “qualifications, needs, and requests.”

Based on the 2020 Census, there are about 50,000 of 90,000 people in Polk County who are potentially eligible for safety-net healthcare programs.

Polk County — through the indigent healthcare sales tax program — has been able to increase funding and access to behavioral health services with approximately $11 million budgeted this fiscal year, a 66 percent increase from 2021.

To use part of the recently approved funding, residents are vetted to see if they’re eligible for the Polk Healthcare Plan. Some people may be a bit over income limits for that plan, but not other programs through indigent healthcare and can be referred to organization clinics for services. Organizations can be reimbursed based on contractual agreements with Polk County.

Johnson says the county lags behind the state and nation in the number of people with private

PRESENTED BY:

Anonymous

Friday, January 27

Polk Sporting Clays 5000 Firetower Road | Haines City

EVENT SCHEDULE

Check-in: 11:30 a.m.

Lunch: 12:00 p.m.

Shooting: 1:00 p.m.

Awards / Reception: 3:30 p.m.

SCAN TO EXPERIENCE

SHOOTER SHOWDOWN

Kick the Flu With the Right Ingredients

by CAROL CORLEY

So despite your best efforts, you caught a cold or flu bug and you feel wretched. You don’t feel sick enough to go to the doctor, just miserable. Your spouse wants to help but doesn’t know what to do.

It turns out, your mother was right. Chicken soup is the first place to turn. The adage of “feed a cold and starve a fever” is just wrong, according to Cleveland Clinic. But fluids are extremely important, especially if you have a fever. Broths of all types and hot herbal teas can help keep the liquids up, and that helps your body recover. Ice pops can also help with a sore throat. They are best if all natural and without added sugars.

Beyond that, as Mom said, leafy greens like spinach, kale and cabbage can help fight inflammation. So can foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, kiwi, peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, garlic, and even potatoes.

Mom often recommended the BRAT diet (bananas, white rice, applesauce, and toast). That would be especially good for people whose digestive system is out of sorts, but that diet wouldn’t help provide needed nutrients to fight the flu or a cold. Other foods to avoid would be alcohol, caffeine, dairy, sugar, and spicy foods.

When you are feeling sick, it is especially important to eat well to support your immune system while it’s fighting the tiny invader. While you can’t totally prevent getting sick by eating well, good foods might just help your body avoid letting the viruses and bacteria take up residence in your system.

Since most sources, Mom included, agree that chicken soup is a good first step in fighting foods when you have the flu or cold, let’s start with a recipe that should help. Plus, we are including a green leafy vegetable and potatoes.

Chicken and Kale Soup

(Adapted from eatingwell.com)

Ingredients:

Chicken breasts, 12 oz boneless, skinless

Chicken broth, 6 cups unsalted

Kale, 3 cups chopped fresh

Potatoes, 2 Yukon Gold peeled and diced

Great northern beans, 1 15-oz can salt-free, rinsed and drained

Onion, 1/2 cup chopped fine

Garlic, 1 tablespoon minced

Lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh

Thyme, 3 sprigs

Olive oil of choice, 1 tablespoon

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large pan, cook onion in oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for a minute, then add broth, chicken, beans, potatoes, and flavorings except lemon juice. Bring to a boil then simmer until potatoes are tender and chicken cooked to 165F, up to about 20 minutes. Then place the chicken on a plate and shred it using 2 forks. Stir kale into the soup and cook, stirring often, until wilted, then remove pan from heat and stir in lemon and shredded chicken, then serve.

Healthy Oatmeal with Fruits & Nuts

(Adapted from forksoverknives.com)

Ingredients:

Rolled oats, 1 cup

Water, 2 cups

Fresh fruits of choice — berries, ripe banana, apricot or others

Dried fruits of choice — raisins, cranberries, apples

Chopped nuts of choice — walnuts, pecans, cashews

Cinnamon, 1/3 teaspoon ground

Salt, pinch

Maple syrup optional, but I highly recommend it

Directions:

Cook oats in water, bringing to a boil in a small saucepan, then continuing to cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat, until water has been absorbed. Stir in cinnamon and salt, then top with fruits and nuts. Serve hot with maple syrup poured on top.

Honey Garlic Salmon

(Adapted from delish.com)

Ingredients:

Salmon, 4 6-oz filets rinsed and patted dry

Honey, 1/2 cup raw

Lemon, 1 sliced into rounds

Lemon juice, 2 tablespoons

Garlic, 2 cloves minced

Soy sauce, 1/4 cup low-sodium

Olive oil of choice, 3 tablespoons

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes to taste, if desired and tolerated

Directions:

Place salmon, skin-side up, into a large skillet with 2 tablespoons olive oil, pan preheated to medium-high heat. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Cook salmon for about 6 minutes until flesh golden, then flip and add remaining oil and continue cooking with added garlic. Finally add a mixture of honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook at lower temperature until sauce is reduced by about one-third. Baste salmon with the sauce. Serve garnished with a slice of lemon.

Meet Our Doctor

HEART NEWS Treatment Options for Deep Venous Thrombosis

Dr. Aparajita is a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon and has been serving the Polk County community for the past 1 year. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree at University of Delhi, India. She then completed a research fellowship in vascular surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York and a residency in General Surgery at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, she completed her fellowship training in Vascular Surgery at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey.

Dr. Aparajita is also a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK (MRCS Ed) and completed her Basic Surgical Training in England soon after her medical school.

Dr. Aparajita is the co-author of more than two dozen journal articles, publications and oral presentations, including topics such as endovascular treatment for thrombosis, aortic aneurysm repair, stroke, peripheral artery disease and other vascular conditions.

RITU APARAJITA, MD, RPVI KSC Cardiology

For a long time, treatment of deep venous thrombosis centered on anticoagulation alone. Depending on various factors — including provoked or unprovoked, location and whether new or recurrent episode, chances of causing a fatal pulmonary embolism or previous episodes of pulmonary embolism — the treating physician could decide the duration of the treatment from three months to lifelong.

Additional posts and volunteer work include a teaching position at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and as a Member of the Public and Professional Outreach Committee as well as the International Relations Committee at the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS).

Dr. Aparajita was recently nominated for the American Medical Association (AMA) Inspiration Award that recognizes physicians who have contributed to the achievements of women in the medical profession.

RITU APARAJITA, MD, MRCS (Ed), MBBS

Specialty: Vascular & Endovascular Surgery

Joining KSC Cardiology November 9, 2020

Recently, newer modalities (catheter-directed TPA-tissue plasminogen activator thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy) are available to treat acute DVT. (An acute DVT ideally is less than two to three weeks old.) This helps to reduce chances of post phlebitis or thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and to reduce chances of venous hypertension long term. This may help to reduce the chances of developing a wound in the leg. Based on available research, it is less clear whether a recurrent DVT episode is avoided by using these procedures.

In a catheter-directed TPA thrombolysis, a fine plastic tube is placed at the site of the blood clot, and strong clot-busting medication (TPA) is dripped through the catheter for 12 hours continuously. The patient is brought back the next day, and a balloon angioplasty is performed to get rid of the remaining clot. Some of it may be suctioned out or macerated. The obvious disadvantage is the chance of major bleeding occurring in the brain or elsewhere as a side effect of the prolonged administration.

In a mechanical thrombectomy (INARI), a wide-bore catheter is introduced in the vein of the leg and the clot is pulled out from an umbrella filter deployed on the other side. The advantage is the avoidance of clot-busting medication and the need for multiple visits to achieve the result.

In the next issue, we will talk about the newer types of anticoagulation (bloodthinner) pills available on the market.

This column is sponsored by KSC Cardiology, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Dr. Aparajita is a fellowship-trained vascular and endovascular surgeon. She is a co-author of 20+ journal articles and publications and was recently nominated for an Inspiration Award by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Your Skin Type Can Offer Clues for Care

ALEX W. KENNON, MD, FAAD

Knowing your skin type isn’t always easy, but it is essential knowledge to have when seeking out solutions, skin-care products, or dermatology services. There are four main skin types: oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. While a dermatologist can help you determine your skin type, there are some simple tests you can do at home to become more informed about your skin type.

Learn Your Skin Type

Wash your face as you would normally and pat it dry. Let it rest for 30 minutes without putting any products on it, and then come back to a mirror. Take a good look at what you see and feel with your hands. If your skin feels slick or looks greasy and shiny, that’s oily. If it feels tight, dry, or flakey, that’s dry. If you notice both dry and oily — typically seen as an oily t-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and dry cheeks/chin — you likely have combination skin. The last type, sensitive skin, may appear red and be painful to the touch. Depending on the type of sensitivity, you might need to see a dermatologist about potential solutions or diagnoses.

Now that you know your skin type, here are the best ways to care for each one.

• Oily Skin: Oily skin can accumulate dead skin cells easily, so use exfoliation and chemical peels to your advantage. Moisturizer is still necessary for oily skin, but try lighter-weight formulas that are oil-free or a gel in place of heavier creams and lotions.

• Dry Skin: Apply moisturizing products right out of the shower for maximum hydration potential. Look for ingredients such as lanolin, aloe vera, and glycerin. Try using a humidifier, but remember that hot water in the shower can dry your skin out. To combat this, try rinsing your face with cooler water.

• Combination Skin: Find the right products for each area of your face, and don’t be afraid to use two separate moisturizers or multiple types of serums to get the desired results.

• Sensitive Skin: Try all-natural skincare products to reduce your sensitivity, or try to avoid specific ingredients you know irritate your skin.

The Battle Within the Battle

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

tumor, causing significantly less damage to a patient’s healthy cells.

Proton therapy is about as effective as traditional radiation when it comes to successfully treating a patient’s cancer. In Smith’s case, her bone cancer went into remission after the proton therapy. That’s when a new struggle began for her.

Smith recalls how she felt physically after the cancer was taken care of, “After I got into remission, I started trying all these weight loss things to try to get my weight back under control because I had developed high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, my joints hurt, I didn’t want to get out of my chair. All I wanted to do was sleep. I was just miserable.”

That’s when a co-worker recommended that she go for a consultation with a BayCare bariatric surgeon. Frustrated with the lack of success she was finding with other methods of losing weight, Smith visited Dr. Clinton Hall, BayCare’s Bariatric Program Medical Director.

“When I had my first appointment with Dr. Hall,” recalls Smith, “he basically told me that if I had the surgery, not only could it take me off all my medications, it could also keep the cancer from coming back 80 percent.”

That was the clincher for her. A family history of stomach cancer gave Smith good reason to want to dramatically reduce her risk. She had already lost a grandfather and an aunt to the disease. Both had surgery to remove the cancer, but unfortunately it spread. This made Smith very reluctant to go the surgical route when faced with the same diagnosis. She opted for chemotherapy instead, but the cancer still spread to her bones.

Prior to her bout with cancer, Smith lived a fairly healthy lifestyle. “I walked every day, three miles,” she recalls. “I haven’t ever really eaten very unhealthy, but I didn’t keep track of what I eat, either. I’m not a big sweets eater. I don’t eat a lot of junk food.”

The cancer treatments and medications made Smith feel hungry all of the time, especially craving carbohydrates, and she ended up putting on weight. When she looked into the surgery, her weight had peaked at 261 pounds. Since having the bariatric procedure performed last May, Smith is down to 130 pounds. It takes about a year after the surgery for a patient’s weight loss to stabilize, so Smith is still in the process of losing weight.

Smith is now on a high-protein diet plan and retraining herself to eat smaller meals more frequently, rather than the three square meals a day that has long been a standard for most Americans. She’s been walking regularly again, and even joined a gym recently. Three days a week, Smith heads to the gym to do strength and muscle training. “I have a lot more energy, so I get a lot more stuff done,” Smith says. “My house is immaculate now because everything I see, I just do it now, where before I never had the energy to do that. I feel amazing compared to where I was before.” HN

This column is sponsored by Lakeside Dermatology, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.

Dr. Alex W. Kennon, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist who is fellowship-trained in Mohs micrographic surgery. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Florida State University and completed his dermatology residency at Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Lakeside Dermatology has offices in Sebring and Winter Haven.

The New Year Is a Great Time to De-Stress

by DR. JOY JACKSON

Just like tomorrow is a new day, 2023 is a new year. Each new year, many of us make resolutions in an effort to improve our lives. The Florida Department of Health in Polk County wants to encourage you to live your best life by changing how you manage stress.

Why Is Stress Bad?

Stress is a normal part of life. It’s the body’s response to perceived threats or dangers. However, if you get stressed out often, the stress response becomes constant. Chronic stress can be harmful to your health and your wellbeing. Symptoms of chronic stress include anxiety, depression, headaches, irritability, and an inability to sleep. Chronic stress can also increase the risk for diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. If this sounds familiar, it’s not just you. According to the CDC, more than 32% of adults in the United States reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression in late 2022.

Reduce Stress For A Healthier You!

We want to give some tips so that you rule your stress instead of the other way around. The cornerstones of stress reduction are sleep management, a better diet, regular exercise, and self-care.

• Get better sleep. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep every day. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time. Sleep helps bodies recharge.

• Eat healthier. Try to eat more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low or no-fat dairy. Reduce unhealthy fats, sugars, salt, and caffeine.

• Exercise regularly. Stay active everyday, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Exercise can relieve emotional and physical tension. If you need immediate stress relief, try walking briskly for a few minutes or even just running in place for 30 seconds. A quick burst of physical activity can help get your mood up and relieve some of your stress.

• Practice relaxation. If you find yourself overwhelmed during the day, take a deep breath in and out for several minutes and decompress from whatever is bothering you.

• Connect with others. Reach out to someone you trust and talk through your feelings.

• Avoid poor habits. If excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine is making your anxiety and consequently your stress worse, you might need to cut back or quit. If spending too much time on social media becomes a stressor, cutting back on screen time might help.

• Manage your time. Some stressors can’t be avoided but some can. Prioritize the most important tasks on your to-do lists and do them one step at a time. Cut out tasks that aren’t important.

• Do mental self-care. Talk to yourself in a positive manner whenever negative thoughts become intrusive. Be kinder to yourself.

Practicing some of these strategies in the new year will be helpful for your overall well-being. Try these tactics to see what works best for you. If your stress is still unmanageable, consider talking to your doctor for help coping. HN

The Power of Reframing and Intention for a New You

by MARY JOYE, LMHC

At some time in your life, you have probably reframed a painting or photograph and it changed your perspective entirely on the work. It may have caused you to appreciate the painting or photo more. Something as simple as changing a frame can elevate your emotions. It was your intention to update the frame and enhance the artwork, but it did much more.

The same is true of reframing your life. Emotional moments can become the momentum of looking at things in a more positive light. The term “reframe” in psychology is used as a word to describe a tool of changing your mindset. Cognitive behavioral therapy means when you change your thoughts, your behaviors change. Reframing is one way to change your thoughts and become more aware of how they are affecting your life.

An example of reframing would be how many of us say “I must LOSE WEIGHT!” Lose is a negative word, but reframed say, “I want to GAIN HEALTH.” Gain sounds less punitive and more helpful to the brain and prevents selfsabotaging. Instead of looking at a diet as deprivation and starvation, you have reframed healthy eating habits as a sustainable choice.

You can reframe anything in your life, including trauma. Trauma, as tragic as it is, teaches us lessons. It gives us more intuition and compassion for others who have suffered something negative. This is why group therapy for those in similar situations such as PTSD, alcoholism or grief is so helpful. Trauma can make people feel estranged from others but when a like-minded group

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

THE AUTHOR: Dr. Joy Jackson, an internal medicine physician, serves the community as director of the Florida department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk). For more information about DOH-Polk, visit mypolkhealth.org. Follow DOH-Polk on Twitter at twitter.com/FLHealthPolk.

Enhancing the Safety Net

medical and dental coverage, and there are more people on Medicare and Medicaid than the national average.

“And with our population growing, we definitely need to stay the course and plan for that added population and continue funding these services,” she says.

The committed indigent healthcare funding will help keep more of Polk County’s residents secured with the healthcare help they need, says George Lindsey, chairman of the Polk County Commission.

“The Polk County Board of County Commission is pleased to provide the indigent healthcare services funded and approved by citizen referendum,” he says. “We also appreciate the hard work and dedication of the Indigent Health Care Citizens Oversight Committee.”

The $4 million Indigent Healthcare Services funding will help contract local medical provider communities to provide services, and “it’s good for the economy,” adds Johnson.

“Our hope is to get more people connected to services they’re not currently getting or getting the healthcare services that they need,” says Johnson, who is in her 25th year working for Polk County. “There are a number of ways that people can access care, and we want to make sure they’re connecting to where they need to be. We’re going to continue to push money out the door to support our medical community and serve those people who need it.”

For more information, contact Indigent Health Services at 863-5331111 or go to www.polk-county.net/health-services. HN

My Resolution? To Make Better Resolutions

JESSICA McDONALD, EDITOR jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com

This is the time of year when talk of resolutions is rampant. Everywhere you look, friends are sharing their aspirations for the new year and planning their goals. While I applaud that, it’s also important to understand that for those with anxiety, new year’s resolutions can further exacerbate matters. One person’s goal to lose weight can easily become another’s downward spiral fueled by self-criticism and unreasonable expectations. If this sounds like you, it’s important to frame your resolutions in a way that works for you and doesn’t perpetuate the problem. Here are some tactics I personally have found to be helpful.

• Keep it about you. Resolutions and self improvement aren’t a competition. Stop comparing your goals to those of your peers or friends. Hone in on what’s important to you. (Pssst, this will also help you stay committed to it.)

• Create bite-size goals. Anything is more daunting when you focus on the overall end result. Instead, set incremental goals. For example, if losing weight is important to you, don’t tell yourself you are going to lose X amount of weight by year’s end. Instead, commit to exercising every day for a set amount of time.

• Be flexible. Goals that are set in stone can often cause more anxiety. After all, life happens. Can’t meet your exercise goal for the day because of the flu? Allow yourself to make it up a different day. This leads me to my last bit of advice …

• Practice self-compassion. Too often, we are far more compassionate and understanding with others than we are with ourselves. Unfortunately, self-criticism is the fastest way to kill your goal. Instead, go easy on yourself and be as supportive as you would be for a best friend or child.

This year, join me in making the resolution to make better resolutions. HN

Body, Mind & Spirit

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

comes together to process and reconceptualize negative events, change occurs from the connections. Sharing and caring works in groups and in individual therapy because the intention is to be supportive in a nonjudgmental environment.

Yes, it is said the road to Hades is paved with good intentions, but that is in a more cynical context than therapeutic intention. An example of elevated intention is much like reframing. Instead of correcting someone and making them afraid, you can change the intention. This is how a negative correction vs. positive protection would sound.

You are correcting and judging someone if you say, “If you go back to that person, you are just asking for trouble and don’t come running to me if your heart gets broken. I may never speak to you again if you do.”

The positive protection alternative is to say, “I want to be supportive and hope your decision to be with this person doesn’t harm you like it has in the past. I care about you and want what is best for you. I think you know deep in your heart this person does not have your best interests at heart. I wish you the best and hope we can maintain a good connection with each other.”

The first statement feels judgmental and has an ultimatum of abandonment in it. The second one allows for a mistake and does not threaten the relationship of either person.

Reframing and changing intention share the similarity of positively processing information in a way that is purposeful. It is life changing to reframe and develop positive intentions.

When making your new year, new you change, decide to reframe, and elevate intentions. This shift in thinking and acting on these new thoughts causes an uplift to achieve expedited results with greater confidence. It also allows for mistakes, which is how we all learn. We seldom learn from what we do right. Reframed, all mistakes are great teachers. Reinvention begins with setting a positive intention. It transforms things that caused you to make mistakes in the past and creates a fast track to a better future. Happy new year and new you! HN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 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.

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