The Apopka Voice logo

Nesta proposes Apopka government restructuring; former campaign manager expresses interest in chief of staff role

Log in
Health
Sort by: Featured Most recent
765 results total, viewing 126 - 150
Photo Caption
Homeless youth say they need more from schools, social services
A new national report highlights how youth homelessness often begins long before a young person ever enters a shelter. Researchers and young people with lived experience say earlier intervention in schools, families, and child welfare systems could prevent many from ever becoming homeless. more
|
Photo Caption
January 15th marks the final deadline to enroll in health insurance coverage for 2026
For individuals and families who missed the initial Open Enrollment period, January 15th is the last opportunity to enroll in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan for 2026. Coverage for those who act before the deadline will begin February 1st. more
|
Photo Caption
This new year, consider resolutions focused on well-being instead of weight loss
As New Year’s resolution season arrives, experts are urging people to rethink health goals that focus on weight loss and appearance. A weight- and body-neutral approach prioritizes how we feel and function, offering a more sustainable path to physical and mental well-being. While it’s admirable to invest time and effort into improving one’s health and well-being, it … more
|
Active leisure experiences, like going for a walk outdoors, can help reduce stress and restore energy during the holidays. Chris Griffiths/Moment via Getty Images
Rest is essential during the holidays, but it may mean getting active, not crashing on the couch
The holidays promise rest and renewal, yet many people end the season feeling more exhausted than restored. A psychologist explains why meaningful rest often falls short in December—and how intentional, active downtime can make the holidays genuinely restorative. more
|
Photo Caption
Florida Department of Health shares holiday safety tips for food, travel, and well-being
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is urging residents and visitors to take simple precautions to stay healthy and safe during the holidays. Guidance focuses on food safety, physical and mental well-being, and preventing injuries while decorating and traveling. more
|
A “Ghost Bike” marks the site of a bicycle accident in downtown Tallahassee on Dec. 15, 2025.
It’s not getting any safer for Florida’s bicyclists
A Florida cyclist seriously injured after being struck by a motorcyclist during an organized ride is highlighting growing concerns about bike safety and accountability on the state’s roads. Advocates say weak enforcement and car-centered development continue to put cyclists at risk despite long-standing safety laws. more
|
Photo Caption
DOH-Orange to offer free or low-cost breast cancer screenings in Apopka
The Florida Department of Health in Orange County will provide free or low-cost breast cancer screenings to eligible women during a one-day mobile clinic in Apopka. The service is part of a statewide effort to expand access to early detection for uninsured and underinsured residents. more
|
Photo Caption
Researchers say “sloth fever” is unlikely to spread widely in the U.S.
The virus known as “sloth fever” raised alarm in 2024 after more than 100 travel-related cases were identified in Florida. New research now suggests the disease is unlikely to establish itself locally because common U.S. mosquitoes are ineffective at spreading it. more
|
Photo Caption
Florida’s Peanut Butter Challenge delivers hope one jar at a time
Thousands of jars of peanut butter are finding their way into Florida homes thanks to the annual Peanut Butter Challenge, a statewide effort led by UF/IFAS Extension. This year’s campaign collected more than 44,000 pounds of shelf-stable food, turning small donations into meaningful support for families facing hunger. more
|
Preterm birth is the second-leading cause of infant deaths.
How one Florida program reduced preterm births – and how it could serve as a model for other communities
As Orange County continues to confront its maternal and infant health disparities, the Hillsborough model offers a roadmap for targeted, data-driven interventions that could reduce costly NICU admissions and improve long-term health for local families. Preterm birth is the second-leading cause of infant deaths. … more
|
Studies show PFAS can be harmful to human health, including pregnant women and their fetuses.
PFAS in pregnant women’s drinking water puts their babies at higher risk, study finds
A new study shows that pregnant women who drink well water located downstream from PFAS-contaminated sites face significantly higher risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality. The findings suggest these “forever chemicals” pose far greater reproductive health dangers than previously understood and may justify stronger federal water regulations. more
|
Patients and employers are feeling the pain of increased health premiums.
Health insurance premiums rose nearly 3x the rate of worker earnings over the past 25 years
Health insurance premiums have surged over the past 25 years, increasing three times faster than worker wages and putting more financial strain on Americans. New research suggests that hospital consolidation and profit-driven pricing—not medical innovation alone—are key drivers of this dramatic rise. more
|
Shirley Wiggs handing out blankets.
Daughters of Ruth launches holiday drive to support Apopka’s homeless
Shirley Renee Wiggs, founder of the Daughters of Ruth, has turned her early experiences with homelessness into a lifelong mission of service. This December, her organization is collecting socks, hats, and gloves to help Apopka’s homeless community stay warm through the winter. more
|
Photo Caption
Therapeutic horticulture program helps students reduce stress, increase academic resilience
A University of Florida study shows that therapeutic horticulture — simple activities involving plants, mindfulness, and nature — can significantly reduce student stress and boost academic resilience. Researchers say the program could become a powerful tool for colleges facing growing mental health challenges. more
|
Photo Caption
Thanksgiving leftovers can be risky without proper planning, UF expert warns
A Thanksgiving meal doesn’t end when the dishes are cleared — and neither do the food safety risks. UF food safety expert Keith Schneider explains how a few simple precautions can prevent holiday leftovers from becoming health hazards. more
|
Photo Caption
What Medicare’s new $2,000 drug cost cap means for you in 2026
Medicare’s new $2,000 cap on annual Part D prescription drug costs promises major savings, but the rules behind it are more complicated than they seem. Understanding how costs are calculated—and reviewing your plan during open enrollment—will help ensure you receive the full benefit in 2026. more
|
Undercooked turkey is a leading cause of foodborne illness on Thanksgiving.
Don’t let food poisoning crash your Thanksgiving dinner
Thanksgiving brings people together around great food, but it also creates ideal conditions for foodborne illness if safety is overlooked. With a few simple precautions, families can avoid unwelcome microbes and keep their holiday gatherings healthy. more
|
To be eligible for hospice, a patient must have a life-limiting terminal illness that places their life expectancy at six months or less.
Florida expert urges shift in how we talk about end-of-life care
As National Hospice and Palliative Care Month is observed, Florida palliative care specialist Lolita Melhado says it’s time to reframe how we approach end-of-life conversations. She’s promoting a new online certificate program that helps health professionals learn to guide these discussions with compassion and clarity. more
|
The DeSantis administration, under legal pressure, allows a proposed petition initiative to legalize adult use of marijuana to take another step toward placement on the 2026 ballot.
After lawsuit pressure, Florida advances marijuana amendment toward 2026 ballot
Florida election officials have advanced a recreational marijuana amendment just days after being sued for allegedly stalling the process. The move comes as the DeSantis administration faces legal scrutiny over its efforts to defeat marijuana legalization in 2024. more
|
Photo Caption
Even with rising costs, health insurance remains one of the smartest financial decisions you can make
Despite rising costs, health insurance on the Individual Marketplace remains a crucial investment for financial stability and long-term well-being. With $0 preventive care, protection from unexpected medical bills, and available subsidies, coverage offers peace of mind at every stage of life. more
|
Community health clinics provide primary care to 1 in 10 people in the U.S., but they often operate on razor-thin margins.
Community health centers provide care for 1 in 10 Americans, but funding cuts threaten their survival
A new federal tax and spending package could leave millions more Americans uninsured over the next decade, placing intense pressure on the country’s network of community health centers. These safety net clinics already operate on thin margins and now face destabilizing funding cuts and rising patient demand. more
|
A Tallahassee hemp store.
Floridians react to federal legislation that could ‘devastate’ state’s hemp industry
A new federal proposal tucked into the bill to reopen the government could dramatically curtail intoxicating hemp-derived products, putting Florida’s multi-billion-dollar hemp industry and more than 100,000 jobs at risk. more
| | 1 comment
4.7 million Floridians use health insurance plans obtained from the ACA marketplace.
Why are 4.7 million Floridians insured through ACA marketplace plans, and what happens if they lose their subsidies?
Since the Affordable Care Act’s passage in 2010, the number of uninsured Americans has been cut nearly in half — but with federal subsidies now at the center of a prolonged government shutdown, millions could lose affordable coverage. In Florida, where 4.7 million residents rely on ACA marketplace plans, the stakes are especially high. more
| | 1 comment
Humans and nature can find balance in each other.
An Indigenous approach shows how changing the clocks for daylight saving time runs counter to human nature – and nature itself
As we turn our clocks back this weekend, an Indigenous perspective invites us to rethink daylight saving time itself. Rather than controlling time to maximize productivity, the change in seasons reminds us to slow down, rest, and reconnect with nature’s cycles. more
| | 1 comment
Photo Caption
Orange County erases $49.2 million in medical debt for 49,000 residents
Orange County has eliminated another $49.2 million in medical debt, helping over 49,000 residents through its ongoing collaboration with Undue Medical Debt. Since the program’s inception, more than $515 million in medical debt has been cleared for 302,000 residents, with no action required from those affected. more
|
« Prev | 1 … 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 … 31 | Next »
Currently viewing stories posted within the past 5 years.
For all older stories, please use our advanced search.

© Copyright 2026 The Apopka Voice Terms of Use
Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions