08.17.2023

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6 reasons to consider Lakeland Regional Health for your primary care

With 290+ providers and 40 specialties, Lakeland Regional Health has your primary care needs covered. | Photo provided by Lakeland Regional Health

Finding a primary care provider is no small decision. From treating common illnesses to directing your healthcare strategies, your primary care physician frequently provides much of the medical care for you and your family.

If you’re on the hunt for a new provider, here are six reasons to consider turning to Lakeland Regional Health for your primary care needs:

290+ providers and 40+ specialized areas to choose from

ICYMI, Lakeland Regional Health (LRH) is more than just a hospital. The Lakeland Regional Health Physician Group (LRHPG) has 290+ providers specializing in areas like Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and more — 40 more actually.

map of lakeland regional health locations — You’re never far from a Lakeland Regional Health location if you live in Polk County.
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Graphic provided by Lakeland Regional Health

18 locations spread throughout the region

Including its 892-bed Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, the health system has over 18 locations throughout Polk County and surrounding areas — including two Urgent Care locations that can even care for patients that are not yet established with an LRH provider.

Easy referrals to multiple specialties

Providers can give patients continuous care by referring to multiple specialties within the LRH physician group. What that means for you: Patients have access to a vast network of providers, including those at:

Hollis Cancer Center
Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children
Harrell Family Center for Behavioral Wellness
Jack and Tina Harrell Institute for Advanced Cardiovascular Medicine
And more

Appointments for the whole family

Are you a parent? We’re guessing life is busy. Lakeland Regional Health helps shorten your to-do list by offering appointments for the whole family. Bonus: Each of their pediatric locations offer same-day appointments.

Bilingual services for a diverse population

Many providers offer bilingual services to better serve their diverse patient population. Pro tip: Get matched with the right physician by using the language filter.

All your healthcare needs in one place with MyChart

LRHPG locations use MyChart, an easy-to-use digital patient portal that keeps all your healthcare records in one place, including test results, history, appointment booking, and more.

Ready to find a primary care provider? Easily book an appointment online or call (863) 284-5000. Pro tip: Ask about their same-day appointments.

Browse physicians, appointments + more

Asked

Why is primary care so important?

A. A Primary Care Provider (PCP) is your first point of care
B. PCPs know your health history + can answer questions
C. Patients have access to other health services + providers
D. Regular check-ups prevent and/or detect health issues
E. All of the above

Take a guess

Events

Thursday, Aug. 17

Made @ the Library | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Join other adults for a free night of crafting at the library — this month, learn to make custom light switch covers via decoupage.
Roller Derby Exhibition Double Header | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Haus 820, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $12-$22 | Watch Swan City Roller Derby skaters compete in midtown Lakeland.

Friday, Aug. 18

The Legendary Jon Corneal and His Compadres Live | Friday, Aug. 18 | 12-2:30 p.m. | Hillcrest Coffee, 119 Hillcrest St., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab a coffee and enjoy live music by country musician Jon Corneal and his band every Friday.
Summer Nights w/ DJ Barca | Friday, Aug. 18 | 8-11 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate summer by dancing to a live DJ on The Joinery’s front patio.

Saturday, Aug. 19

Plantae Palooza | Saturday, Aug. 19 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Shop from local plant and flower vendors at this plant-filled event.
Fine Art at the Magnolia: Fine Art Show & Rising Star Scholarship | Saturday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 20 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Magnolia Building, 702 E. Orange St., Lakeland | Free | Attend this indoor art show to see works by 19 artists, including featured artist Beth Garcia.

Sunday, Aug. 20

Stand-Up Sunday | Sunday, Aug. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $10 | Laugh along with five Central Florida comics — there will be a two-drink minimum and food truck on site.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Edu

Elaine C. Thompson, PhD, is Southeastern University’s new distinguished professor of professional practice. Elaine has strong ties to the Lakeland community: She’s been the CEO of the YMCA of Central Florida and was Lakeland Regional Health’s president + CEO for a decade. (The Ledger)

Award

The Terrace Grille has been named a winner of the OpenTable Diners’ Choice award for 2023. Stop by to celebrate this week and take advantage of the Sizzlin’ Summer Special — customers can buy a $100 gift card for $75.

Biz

Aldi will acquire all Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets in 2024. The brand will convert some, but not all stores to the Aldi format; others will continue operating as Winn-Dixie or Harveys stores. It’s unclear at this time which, if any of Lakeland’s stores will become Aldis. (The Ledger)

Arts

Applications for Art Crawl 2023 are due by Sunday, Aug. 20. The juried outdoor art festival will be held at Swan Brewing on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Outdoors

Fort Meade Middle and Senior High School students welcomed a new classmate on their first day of school: A baby alligator. School Resource Deputy Clanton + the Polk County Sheriff’s Office safely coaxed the gator out from the softball dugout where it was found. Apparently, it didn’t make the team. (WFLA)

Feel Good

Polk County resident Charlene Friday was rescued from her overturned car following an accident on Highway 17 in Winter Haven. Raymond Harris jumped into action after passing by, helping Charlene safely exit her vehicle and contact her husband while they waited for first responders. (Bay News 9)

Active

The Lakeland Runner’s Club is hosting a group training program in preparation for this year’s Lake to Lake 10K, taking place in November. Plans are available for beginners, experienced runners, and everyone in between. The program starts on Saturday, Aug. 26.

Learn

Students in grades 8-11 who are interested in attending a US Service Academy are invited to an information session at Polk State College on Saturday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Congressman Scott Franklin and liaison officials from each service academy will be on site.

Eat

Looking to add some new dinner recipes to the weekly rotation? We’re bookmarking this Cilantro Margarita Chicken with Hearts of Palm–Mango Salad and this baked chipotle fish with citrus mint rice recipe.*

Biz

Why consider a Catapult membership? In addition to some invaluable networking opportunities, Catapult offers a cool space to work (think: Coworking, dedicated desks, or offices), plus an individual mailbox, free parking, and conference rooms. Oh — and unlimited coffee and snacks, too. See more membership perks.*

Outdoors

Travel and Outdoors

Also called “rain lilies,” you can find these flowers in pink, yellow, purple, and white. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

You love local food, music, business, and art — so while you’re planning your fall garden, why not choose local plants, too? Native plants are naturally adapted to the local climate, provide sustenance to native wildlife, and save water by thriving on normal rainfall. Plus, they’re more visually diverse than, say, lawn grass.

Consider planting some Florida flora this fall. We’ll get you started.

Atamasco Lily, AKA Zephyranthes atamasca

Water needs: Wet, moist
Light needs: Shade, part-shade
Bloom time: January-June
Growing tips: Also called “rain lilies,” these flowers tolerate seasonal flooding and grow best in the shade of taller plants.
Attracts: Hummingbirds, bees

Black-eyed Susan, AKA Rudbeckia hirta

Water needs: Moist, dry
Light needs: Sun
Bloom time: March-November
Growing tips: Black-eyed Susan can become aggressive without competition, so consider planting it alongside other plants on this list.
Attracts: Birds, butterflies (Bordered Patch + Gorgone Checkerspot)

3 more varieties to plant

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Rilee

Answered: E. The correct answer to our Quiz is “All of the above.” While we could go on about the many other benefits of utilizing primary care services, these are just a few of the reasons that establishing a relationship with a primary care provider is foundational to good health — from setting health goals when you’re well to getting the care you need when you’re not.

From the editor

I’m heading up north this week, and I won’t be far from Missoula, MT. Plan your trip to Big Sky Country with our Great Escapes guide.

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