The state of Florida is facing an unprecedented budget crisis. Our lawmakers will be meeting in special session in early January, where they will need to make difficult decisions to address the pressing needs of our state. One area of the budget under consideration is the Medicaid hospice benefit. Because of that, I am writing on behalf of some of our most vulnerable citizens, the terminally ill and their families that receive dedicated end of life care from hospice organizations across the state. The demographics of hospice patients might surprise you. Along with our aging population and cancer patients, hospice organizations also care for children, teens, young and middle-aged adults, heart disease patients, Alzheimer's patients and kidney disease patients. Anyone of any age diagnosed with a terminal illness is able to receive hospice care, where healthcare professionals and trained volunteers address all medical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. ...more

December 30, 2008 |

If you don't know the raw facts, here are some: 23.6 million Americans have diabetes; diabetes is implicated, annually, in hundreds of thousands of deaths; in 2007, the economic cost of the disease was estimated at $174 billion; diabetes has three classifications - type 1, type 2 and gestational. ...more

December 10, 2008 |

If you don't know the raw facts, here are some: 23.6 million Americans have diabetes; diabetes is implicated, annually, in hundreds of thousands of deaths; in 2007, the economic cost of the disease was estimated at $174 billion; diabetes has three classifications - type 1, type 2 and gestational. ...more

December 10, 2008 |

High blood pressure is tough but can be helped if you're willing to check food labels. ...more

December 6, 2008 |

Researchers think the way to a healthy heart might be through your gums and teeth. ...more

November 29, 2008 |

Breaking bread is a huge part of any family gathering. But some health advocates hope there will be less bread and more fruits and vegetables served to loved ones. ...more

September 20, 2008 |

My 19-year-old part-Siamese cat meows excessively for no reason. She stands at the door meowing. If I put her outside, in a minute she's at the door again meowing to come back in the house. The vet examined her and found nothing wrong. Spraying her with water doesn't seem to help. She's also been vomiting more often. What do you make of this? - P.P., Batavia, NY ...more

May 25, 2008 |

My dog had serious kidney disease, and rather than have him suffer long periods of not eating, we decided to put him to sleep. ...more

May 18, 2008 |

Being 25 pounds overweight doesn't appear to raise your risk of dying from cancer or heart disease, says a new government study that seems to vindicate Grandma's claim that a few extra pounds won't kill you. ...more

November 7, 2007 |

SEBRING — The Highlands County Health Department is holding flu vaccination clinics for the public at its Sebring office, 7205 S. George Blvd., on the following dates: ...more

October 25, 2007 |