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Millions of Americans struggle with seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), each year. Commonly brought on during the fall and winter, the condition can occur during any seasonal change and last as long as four or five months. People with SAD may feel lethargic or moody and tend to sleep more. Symptoms also can include social withdrawal, trouble concentrating, weight gain, and feelings of depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women and those living farther ... ... Read More

Making new year’s resolutions is a common tradition, but 77% of people who make them, break them within just a few weeks. This year, focus on long-term lifestyle changes that can make a big impact on overall health and longevity. The start of a new year symbolizes a time for change, but adopting new, healthy habits isn’t limited to just one time of year. Even small, incremental changes in lifestyle can make a big difference in overall health. Seven habits for long-term healthy living: Eat well : Incorpo... ... Read More

The holiday season is well-known for being a time of thankfulness and generosity. In true Christmas spirit, Merit Health Biloxi made a donation to charity this December in honor of its medical staff. “The doctors, surgeons, and nurse practitioners on our medical staff do so much for our hospital and we relish opportunities to thank them,” said Travis Sisson, CEO of Merit Health Biloxi. “They sacrifice their time, spend their days offering their skills and expertise, and contribute kindness, caring, and ... ... Read More

Merit Health Biloxi today announced that Scott Turgeon, RN has been selected to receive its Nursing Excellence Award. This peer-nominated award, given in recognition of the critical role nurses play in treating our patients, was open to qualifying RNs and LPNs working in a direct patient care position who consistently demonstrate characteristics synonymous with nursing excellence. Scott was chosen for his outstanding contributions in the areas of patient experience and being a dedicated team player. “Me... ... Read More

The flu virus continues to spread across the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) closely tracking the number of confirmed cases and urging stringent precautions to minimize its impact. Merit Health Biloxi continues to see flu-symptomatic patients in the emergency room and numerous patients have been admitted for treatment of flu-related complications. While most people will be able to endure the flu’s effects on their bodies and recover, others are at high risk for suffering ... ... Read More

Winter holidays, parties and social gatherings often provide opportunities to overindulge, but when it comes to alcohol, moderation is important for maintaining good heart health. “Holiday heart syndrome,” or atrial fibrillation (AFib) brought on by binge drinking, can occur in healthy adults without any existing heart conditions and is commonly diagnosed around the holidays. AFib is an irregular and sometimes rapid heart rhythm that if left untreated can lead to blood clots or strokes. Symptoms of AFib... ... Read More

BILOXI, MS – (November 22, 2022) An estimated 1 in 5 American adults suffers from GERD, a chronic condition caused by changes in the gastroesophageal valve (GEV) that allow contents to flow from the stomach back into the esophagus. GERD often leads to bothersome symptoms ranging from mild or moderate to severe depending on the individual. For Leta Phillips, her symptoms included heartburn, nausea, and feelings of indigestion and lumps in the throat. “It didn’t matter what I ate,” Phillips said, “I still... ... Read More

Strokes, or “brain attacks,” claim the lives of nearly 160,000 Americans each year. As the fifth leading killer and the most common cause of disability, strokes devastate individuals and families every day. However, strokes can be prevented by up to 80% through adopting a healthy lifestyle and controlling stroke risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. According to the National Stroke Association, two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing the risk of... ... Read More

BILOXI, Miss. (November 8, 2022) – Merit Health Biloxi has named Travis Sisson as the hospital’s new chief executive officer (CEO) effective November 28, 2022. Sisson has more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, most recently serving as chief operating officer (COO) of Longview Regional Medical Center in Longview, Texas. In this role and throughout his career, he has led service line development, recruited physicians to grow services locally and supported efforts to enhance quality of car... ... Read More

2023 is fast-approaching: scheduling necessary appointments, tests and surgeries now makes sense When New Year’s Day 2023 rolls around, the slate will be wiped clean and everyone will gain a fresh start to another new year. The slate that’s wiped clean also will include the tally of healthcare expenses you’ve incurred through 2022 which count toward your deductible. “Now’s the time to play it smart and check to see if you’ve met your deductible,” says Brett Maxfield, chief operating officer at Merit Hea... ... Read More