In the Know

If you find yourself saying, “Oh, deer,” while trying to plan a holiday meal that’s crowd-pleasing, delicious, healthy and budget-friendly, you’re not alone. Check out these eight festive ‘reindeer rules’ to guide you in saving money and planning a tasty meal your loved ones will enjoy. Plan, plan, plan. This […]

November brings the fall season’s first taste of cold weather to Polk County, Florida – it also brings a crucial reminder for Polk’s residents. November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a moment to prioritize our health, understand our risks and increase awareness of this widespread condition. Diabetes, including Type 1, […]

October is more than just a time for cooler weather and autumn festivities-it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a vital opportunity to focus on women’s health and the importance of early detection. For women in Polk County and beyond, an annual checkup with your gynecologist is one of the best […]

September is National Childhood Obesity Month. In a country where approximately 1 in 5 children and adolescents has obesity, building healthy habits for kids can feel overwhelming. As a parent or caregiver, you want to support your child’s well-being—but where do you start? How much activity is enough? How much […]

Taking care of our health is a daily activity. Well-being is influenced by diet, exercise, sleep, and emotional support. Even when we carefully consider all these factors, we will still need to look for more healthcare help. Sometimes we may need help managing a chronic condition such as diabetes, high […]

Summer in Polk County, Florida, means bright sunshine, longer days, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re heading to a local park, spending time on the water at one of Polk County’s 554 lakes, tending your garden, or simply walking to the store, it’s important to protect […]

Caring for your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Just as there are things you can do to stay healthy and strong in your body, there are ways to take care of your mind and emotions. If you do not regularly eat well, […]

By: Todd Wills, MD, FAC Medical Director – Polk HealthCare Plan Each April, we recognize National Healthcare Decisions Day. This day focuses on discussions about our healthcare wishes with our family, friends and healthcare providers. Most importantly, these discussions help us to focus on what type of healthcare we would […]

March is National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” challenges us to reflect on how the foods that we eat impact us throughout our lives. Just like college basketball’s March Madness or wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day might bring us together, food connects us, too. Food connects […]

By: Todd Wills, MD, FACP Polk HealthCare Plan – Medical Director Your primary care provider (PCP) is a great resource for discussions regarding your overall health, including your risk for cancer. February is National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month and the perfect time to see your PCP to find out which […]

The new year is a time for fresh starts and renewed focus. If your resolution this year is to prioritize your health, you’re not alone. According to the Health & Fitness Association, almost 95 million Americans want to prioritize health and fitness in 2025. Here are five daily habits that […]

Author: Andrea Nikolai, MPH, RDN, LDN Keep these tips in mind to help you make this holiday healthy for you and those you love. Start by tweaking some of your traditional holiday favorites, making them heart-healthy without sacrificing flavor. Here are a few ideas to try when preparing your holiday […]

Every year on Nov. 11, we celebrate Veterans Day. This day honors the brave men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. These veterans have answered the call to defend our freedom. They often face great challenges during their service, which can lead to lasting health concerns. […]

For Polk HealthCare Plan (PHP) members, behavioral health is a covered benefit. “Behavioral health” is a term that encompasses mental health and substance use disorders. Polk HealthCare Plan members do not need a primary care referral to be able to seek mental health or substance abuse treatment. Diet is one […]

Polk HealthCare Plan (PHP) has partnered with the YMCA of West Central Florida to promote health and wellness through physical activity. PHP members now have access to a YMCA membership at two YMCA locations in Lakeland: Lakeland Family YMCA and Fontaine Gills Family YMCA. YMCA membership includes access to the […]

The Polk HealthCare Plan (PHP) provides health coverage for Polk County residents with limited income and no current coverage. The Polk HealthCare Plan is not health insurance. The plan helps ensure that residents have access to essential medical care. This includes services such as primary care, specialty care, behavioral healthcare, […]

Choosing a Primary Care Provider is a requirement for Polk HealthCare Plan members, and regardless of your insurance or health coverage, it should be one of the first steps you take. PRIMARY CARE AND PREVENTION Preventing health issues is a lot easier than correcting them, which is why there is […]

The Polk HealthCare Plan (PHP) is constantly evolving to meet the growing healthcare needs of Polk County’s medically vulnerable residents. The Polk Healthcare Plan aims to connect eligible residents with the services they need but otherwise wouldn’t have access to. As most PHP members know, the plan covers primary and specialty care services, […]