January, 2017

Observing Cervical Health Awareness Month

The Florida Department of Health in Polk County recognizes January as Cervical Health Awareness Month, a time to educate, encourage and empower women to visit their health care provider for information and screening for cervical cancer. It's important for women to know their health status and attend regular health checkups, said Dr. Joy Jackson, director of the Florida Department of Health in Polk County DOH-Polk . Women can help prevent cervical cancer by getting screened regularly beginni...

Coping with the Emotional Effects of a Disaster

Probably one of the last feelings you can expect to have after a natural disaster is calm. Whether you're dealing with the aftermath of a tornado, flood, or hurricane, your emotions are more likely to be a mix of fear and anxiety than complacency. And that's normal, according to the American Psychological Association APA . We're rarely emotionally prepared for a sudden disaster. It can leave us feeling stunned and overwhelmed—at least initially. A first step toward regaining a sense of con...

How We Defend Against Hospital Infections

Hospitals are places of healing—we go there to get well when we're injured or ill. And while hospitals are very safe, there is some risk of getting an infection while you're receiving medical treatment. We want you to know that we take hospital-acquired infections HAIs seriously—and we do everything possible to prevent them. Some common HAIs include: Central line infections. A central line is a catheter placed in a large vein. It's used to give medicines or fluids or to collect blood...

Should You Be Pro Probiotics?

You've probably heard of probiotics, especially if you spend any time in the yogurt aisles of supermarkets, but what are they exactly? Are they good for your heath? And should you join the millions of Americans who already take them? To answer those questions, here's a primer. First, most probiotics are live cultures of microorganisms. These bacteria are similar or just like those that are naturally found in your gut and help your body function properly. You can find probiotics not only in yogur...

Florida Health in Polk County Urges Vaccination as Flu Season Intensifies

With the current flu season in full swing and influenza activity increasing across the state, it is critical that all Floridians get the flu vaccine to protect against infection and help prevent the spread of seasonal flu to others. It is never too late to get your flu shot. While most cases of flu are mild, there are exceptions. Flu strains change from year to year so it is important to get the flu shot every year before the peak of flu season, says Dr. Joy Jackson, director of the Department o...

Watson Clinic Expands in South Lakeland and Bartow

Watson Clinic has long cherished the opportunity to serve the medical needs of our patients who reside in Bartow and the surrounding communities, including south Lakeland and Fort Meade. Recently, we’ve taken steps to increase our presence in the area like never before. Watson Clinic Bartow : Located adjacent to Bartow Regional Medical Center – where an increasing number of our specialists treat in-patients – our Watson Clinic Bartow offices house an assortment of popul...