Is it more than a tummy ache? Here’s what to know.
Presented by Lakeland Regional Health
Nemours Children’s Health at Lakeland Regional Health offers expert care for kids with IBD — helping families find answers, relief, and a path forward. | Photo provided by Lakeland Regional Health Nemours Children’s Hospital
When your child complains of belly pain, it’s easy to chalk it up to nerves, gas, or too much candy. But what if it’s something more?
Did you know? 100,000+ children in the US are living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and pediatric cases are rising fast — up 22% for Crohn’s and 29% for ulcerative colitis since 2009.
That’s why we turned to the experts at Nemours Children’s Health at Lakeland Regional Health to learn more. Their pediatric gastroenterologists specialize in early diagnosis and personalized care for IBD, including Crohn’s disease and colitis (read: conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the intestines and can lead to pain, fatigue, and growth delays).
What to watch for
Parents and caretakers should look out for:
Frequent diarrhea
Unexplained weight loss
Blood in the stool
Mouth sores
Constant fatigue
Poor growth or delayed puberty
These symptoms can be subtle — and easy to overlook.
Why early diagnosis matters
The earlier IBD is detected, the better the long-term outcomes. Diagnosis may involve blood work, imaging, and a colonoscopy or endoscopy. With the right treatment plan, kids with IBD can grow, thrive, and do what they love.
Food as medicine
Nutrition is a key part of managing IBD. Nemours Children’s Health specialists often recommend:
Enteral nutrition (liquid supplements)
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)
The Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED)
Gut-friendly choices include: fruit, vegetables, rice, eggs, and lean meats.
Foods that might stir up trouble
Every child’s IBD triggers are different, but these common culprits may worsen symptoms:
Wheat
Dairy
Animal fat
Additives
Processed foods
Red meat
Pro tip: Keeping a food journal can help identify patterns and avoid flare-ups.
If you’re concerned, talk to your child’s pediatrician and visit Nemours Children’s Health to learn more about their Lakeland location.
What will Lakeside Village turn in to this Hallow’s Eve? | Photos via @shoplakesidevillage
It’s August now, so that means we’re all thinking about Halloween, right? Maybe you aren’t, but we’re on the same page as Lakeside Village. Next week, the shopping center will announce this year’s theme for its Halloween Bash.
Past years have been inspired by enchanted forests + haunted circuses, featuring trick-or-treat trails, DJs, performers, and an excuse to wear your costume early.
Lakeside Village has teased some possible themes: Haunted Masquerade, Witch’s Academy, Monster Mash, or Gothic Garden. If you ask us, we would love to live out our “Phantom of the Opera” dreams with a masquerade.
Events
Events
Friday, Aug. 8
Perfume Making Workshop | 6-8 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | $50 | Indulge your scent palette by exploring a variety of fragrances + crafting a unique 20-ml Eau de Parfum.
Dixieland Night Market | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free+ | See what’s new from Lakeland’s art, fashion, food, and jewelry makers as you shop beneath the stars.
Saturday, Aug. 9
Wings ‘n Waffles | 9 a.m. | SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus | $10 | Dine on chicken and waffles before getting free admission to the Florida Air Museum.
Brett Foster and Friends | 8-11:59 p.m. | La La Land | $10+ | Get the Grateful Dead experience during this live tribute performance.
Sunday, Aug. 10
Sleeping Beauty Tea Party | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Enchanted Fairytale Hollow | $30+ | All princesses are welcome in this afternoon tea time featuring snacks, stories, a sing + dance along, and Princess Aurora — reservations are required.
There are 60 days left to register to vote in the Polk County Municipal Election, slated for Tuesday, Nov. 4. Residents in Lakeland, Auburndale, Fort Meade, and Winter Haven can save these important dates + links.
Transit
Citrus Connection’s COLTS Program launches on Monday, Aug. 11 for the 2025-2026 school year. This program allows high school students across Polk County to use the transit system for free — just show the driver your school ID. Bonus: It’s not just for going to + from school, you can use it any time.
Number
$1 million. That’s the total amount Polk Education Foundation awarded in scholarships this year to high school graduates. This marks a first for the nonprofit since its inception in 1988. (The Ledger)
Seasonal
In more ghoulish news, Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant City is getting ready for its fright nights. This attraction ranked No. 5 on USA Today’s list in 2024 — get a first look.
Community
Folks who are ratepayers to the Poinciana Water System can apply for a seat on the Tohopekaliga Water Authority Board of Supervisors. The Polk County-appointed member will serve a three-year term starting in October. Inquire by Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Open
Reborn Nutrition will host its grand opening tomorrow from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring samples, giveaways, music, and more. You can also order shakes, mega teas, acai bowls + waffles from the menu.
Answered
Out of 128 readers who took our recent quiz, 16.4% answered correctly — Winter Haven has 50 lakes within or around its borders. Most of the waterway system is made up of the Chain of Lakes. See if you can name them all.
Try This
Calling all anxious travelers. Make your Tampa Airport experience a breeze when you book parking in advance online. It only takes a couple of minutes to reserve a spot on the web, and all you have to do when you arrive is scan a QR code. Watch our Reel for a step-by-step guide.*
Have a variable monthly income? This freelancing couple found a creative way to pay down debt (and make the home improvements they’d been dreaming about). See how.*
Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team + apply today.
The Buy
Your new favorite pair of yoga pants:
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🛍️Under $40: These butterluxe, high-waisted leggings on Amazon are rated 4.8 stars.
🛍️ Under $30: Move comfortably and securely in this Superflex high waist pair sold on Nordstrom Rack.
🛍️ Under $20: Want to try a wide-leg style? This best-selling pair is marked down for under $20.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Okay, Swan City, it’s time for me to say goodbye. I think I might have gotten the best parting gift when I came across local nursery The Nectary’s post about my hometown— it’s safe to say I agree with their sentiments.
If you ever find yourself visiting Chattanooga, we’ve got you covered on fun things to do.
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