Newsroom

Essential Tips to Prevent Burns in the Kitchen Thanksgiving is fast approaching and professional and nonprofessional chefs everywhere are preparing their menus for the big day! Whether you prefer pumpkin pie or pecan pie, regular potatoes or sweet potatoes, there is something that should be on everyone’s menu–cooking safety. Here are a few tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Never leave pots and pans unattended Keep a fire extinguisher nearby Turn pot handles to the back of the sto... ... Read More

Know the difference between heartburn and a heart attack As Thanksgiving and other holidays approach, many Americans look forward to all of the festivities, spending time with family and friends, and indulging in traditional holiday dishes. But, what many people don’t know is that during the holiday season there may also be a higher risk of two health conditions - heartburn and heart attack. These conditions are not the same and not related, but sometimes they can be hard to tell apart. Heart attacks ar... ... Read More

As the weather gets colder, the landscape shifts from shades of green to oranges, yellows and browns. And while the leaves may be falling, we’d prefer to keep it to just the leaves! Every second of every day, an older adult falls leading to injuries, loss of independence, and in some cases, death. The good news is falls can be prevented, especially with the help of a loved one and/or caregiver. Here are a few action items recommended by the CDC’s STEADI (stopping elderly accidents, deaths and injuries) ... ... Read More

A growing trend in orthopedics reveals that younger people are undergoing hip and knee replacements, raising questions about the optimal age to undergo these procedures. According to the American Academy of Orthopedics, by 2030, people younger than 65 will account for more than half of hip replacements and more than 60 percent of knee replacements. Only an orthopedic surgeon can help determine if a joint replacement is appropriate for a younger person, but they are becoming increasingly common among Gen... ... Read More

Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer Gives Best Chance of Survival The American College of Radiology now recommends women who are at average risk for breast cancer get screening mammograms annually starting at age 40 for women of average risk. The recommendations are in response to the increase in breast cancer diagnoses in younger women and high mortality rates in Black women. Here in Mississippi, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. Across the U.S., 272,454 new fe... ... Read More

When we think of cancer prevention, we typically think of those we hear the most about, such as breast cancer or lung cancer. One of the most common cancers is actually colon cancer: cancer of the large intestine and lower part of the digestive system. It is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed and the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. – and early detection dramatically increases the survival rate. An estimated 106,590 new cases of colon cancer are expected in 2024, according to the Am... ... Read More

A board certified surgeon specializing in both general surgery and hand surgery has joined Merit Health Medical Group. Robert B. Harris M.D., FACS, originally from Montgomery, Alabama, is a distinguished surgeon with 30 years of experience. Dr. Harris earned his bachelor of science in physical science from Auburn University Montgomery and his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in general surgery and hand surgery fellowship at the U... ... Read More

The midpoint of the year is a good time to review health insurance policies to ensure you will get the most out of plan benefits, especially if you have already met the annual deductible. Many insurance plans will cover most, if not all, costs for eligible medical procedures and treatments once an individual meets the deductible and out of pocket maximum, making the second half of the year an opportune time to schedule any necessary or elective medical procedures that may have been postponed to reduce o... ... Read More

The midpoint of the year is a good time to review health insurance policies to ensure you will get the most out of plan benefits, especially if you have already met the annual deductible. Many insurance plans will cover most, if not all, costs for eligible medical procedures and treatments once an individual meets the deductible and out of pocket maximum, making the second half of the year an opportune time to schedule any necessary or elective medical procedures that may have been postponed to reduce o... ... Read More

By Dr. Keith Goodfellow Expecting a baby? Ensuring that your baby boy or girl has a healthy start to life begins with good prenatal care. Prenatal care refers to the care you receive for yourself and your baby during your entire pregnancy. Following a prenatal care plan can positively impact both you and your baby’s health by minimizing pregnancy complications, decreasing the likelihood of birth defects and easing postpartum recovery. It’s important to begin prenatal care early – and see your doctor reg... ... Read More