Polk/Brandon

Nursing shortages are at an all-time high across the country. In Polk County, a region that has seen some of the fastest growth in Florida, BayCare hospitals – Bartow Regional Medical Center, Winter Haven Hospital and Winter Haven Women’s Hospital – have strengthened their partnerships with local institutions of higher …

Why do we produce earwax? Why do some people develop more than others? Why? Let’s try to answer some questions. What is earwax? Earwax, known medically as cerumen, is a naturally occurring sticky substance made up of oil and sweat, mixed with dirt and dead skin cells. Earwax is natural …

Losing hair presents a dilemma for lots of men. Ignore what’s happening and “live with it” or flounder around for a solution and be constantly on the march to adapt to their head’s ever-shifting geography. Maybe you’ve tried some of these remedies? Shaved your head Got a buzz cut Perfected …

Urinary issues are a common problem among women of all ages. It can be an embarrassing and frustrating issue to deal with, but it is important to know that you are not alone. We spoke with Dr. Kenneth Essig, a urologist with BayCare Medical Group, to better understand the urinary …

by Alan J. Bauman, MD, ABHRS I was looking at some Father’s Day cards the other day in a gift shop when I found myself intrigued by several humorous (corny, really) ones that playfully addressed the topic of hair loss. Here were a few of the messages (I snapped pictures …

The liver is the largest solid internal organ of the body. It cleanses and removes toxins from our blood. The liver performs hundreds of functions in the body. Like any other part of the body, the liver also needs to be taken care of. A healthy liver means a healthy …

May brings the annual International Nurses Day, a time to spotlight the contributions nurses bring to our society. At the time when shortages are affecting the health care industry, BayCare Health System is taking steps to recruit new nurses. These nurses in training will learn about providing extraordinary care from …

by Alan J. Bauman, MD, ABHRS Women’s hair has long been the subject of numerous poems written by lovesick admirers who’ve, well, waxed poetic about the beauty of a woman’s hair. Let’s face it. Nothing conveys good health more than thick, shiny tresses. Women’s hair has long been the subject …

To keep up with the health care needs of this growing community, two BayCare hospitals have worked to expand cardiac services. Recently, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, in Riverview, opened its fourth cardiac catheterization laboratory. And in Winter Haven, Winter Haven Hospital’s Bostick Heart Center held a ribbon cutting to christen its …

by Alan J. Bauman, MD, ABHRS Have you ever fallen for an April Fool’s joke? Last year on April 1, 7-Eleven introduced its Tiny Gulp (7-ounce) drink for just 7 cents. It was touted as being better for your health, and the cup could be used as a water dish …