The Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida is seeing an increase in demand for assistance from breast cancer patients, with its client base nearly doubling during the pandemic.
Category: Health
Posted inHealth
Lakeland Regional Health Joins National Ivermectin Study
Lakeland Regional Health is participating in a national study to determine the effectiveness of ivermectin and two other prescription drugs in treating COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms, The Ledger reports. Qualifying patients are offered the chance to participate at the emergency room, and those who agree receive the drugs or a placebo at […]
Posted inHealth
Drop in New COVID-19 Cases Signals Possible Omicron Peak in Polk
Declining numbers of new COVID-19 infections this week signal that the omicron surge in Polk County and statewide may have started receding. In Polk, 10,837 new cases were tallied between Jan. 14 and 20, according to the latest report from the Florida Department of Health. That’s a 27% decrease from the previous week and the […]
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LRH Opens a COVID-19 Clinic Near ER for Patients With Mild Symptoms
Lakeland Regional Health has opened a temporary COVID-19 Care Clinic for patients with mild, cold-like symptoms. It’s across Parkview Place from the hospital’s emergency room and intended to relieve pressure from the busy ER, News Channel 8 reports. The clinic is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Patients with difficulty breathing, chest […]
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COVID Cases in Polk Hit New High, But Rate of Growth is Slowing
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Polk County hit a new high last week, but the rate of increase is slowing down, according to the latest report from the Florida Department of Health. The testing positivity rate is still over 30%, but lower than the previous week, the report shows. And Lakeland Regional Health […]
Posted inHealth, People
Stargel Bill Would Ban Most Abortions After 15 Weeks
As the Florida Legislature convened Tuesday, Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, filed a bill restricting abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, mimicking a Mississippi law under review by the U.S. Supreme Court. Exceptions can be made if the mother’s health is at risk or in cases of fatal fetal abnormality, the Tampa Bay Times reports. There […]
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Polk Once Again Reports a Record Number of New COVID-19 Cases
Polk County experienced record numbers of new COVID-19 cases and a record high testing positivity rate last week as the Omicron variant — said to be more contagious but less virulent than previous strains — spreads.
Posted inConsumer, Health
North Lakeland Walmart Is Closed Through 6 a.m. Saturday for Deep Cleaning
The Walmart on U.S. 98 North in Lakeland will be closed until 6 a.m. Saturday so an outside company can sanitize the store as a COVID-19 precaution, News Channel 8 reports. The store shut its doors at 2 p.m. today, and employees will restock shelves during the closure, Walmart said. Source: News Channel 8
Posted inHealth, Schools
Polk State College Allowing Hybrid Classes Amid Omicron Surge
The rapid spread of the COVID-19 omicron variant has prompted Polk State College, where classes resume today, to modify its return-to-campus plan, ABC Action News reports. Starting next week, professors have the option of teaching hybrid classes, allowing students to either attend in person or online. | LEARN MORE: News release Source: ABC Action News
Posted inHealth, Schools
Read It in the Morning Paper, COVID-19 Edition
HOSPITAL: The number of patients with COVID-19 admitted to Lakeland Regional Health has increased to 143 on Monday afternoon from 65 last Tuesday afternoon. The virus’ more-contagious omicron variant is sending a growing number of patients to the emergency room, but a lower proportion is being admitted to the hospital than during last summer’s delta […]