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Small, consistent changes create healthier habits to last a lifetime The new year often reignites an interest in health and wellness – in a 2024 poll, 79% of respondents said their New Years’ resolutions involved health. While sweeping resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, there are small, simple steps that you can take every day to make a lasting improvement in your health. “Even small lifestyle changes can increase longevity, reduce the risk associated with chronic disease, improve mental health a... ... Read More

At Merit Health River Oaks, stories of quick action and collaboration in emergency situations often serve as reminders of the life-saving power of teamwork. One such story recently touched hearts across the hospital, showcasing the critical role played by a family member, an emergency medical dispatcher, and the skilled medical team in overcoming a life-threatening emergency. Steven Saffold was relaxing in his favorite chair at home when his wife, Karen, noticed a change in his breathing. What began as ... ... Read More

Brush up on stroke risk factors and symptoms to protect your health In the midst of all the gifts and good times, the holidays also come with a higher risk for medical emergencies, including stroke. Celebrations often include rich foods and alcohol, and busier social calendars can leave less time for exercise and sleep. Added stress from holiday preparations, shopping for gifts, increased expenses or traveling, along with millions of other holiday activities can affect the body. Cold weather can, too. T... ... Read More

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

Brush up on stroke risk factors and symptoms to protect your health FLOWOOD, MS – In the midst of all the gifts and good times, the holidays also come with a higher risk for medical emergencies, including stroke. Celebrations often include rich foods and alcohol, and busier social calendars can leave less time for exercise and sleep. Added stress from holiday preparations, shopping for gifts, increased expenses or traveling, along with millions of other holiday activities can affect the body. Cold weath... ... 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

Extraordinary Nurse Recognized at Merit Health Natchez NATCHEZ, Miss., October 28, 2024 – Amy Dunaway of Merit Health Natchez was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. The nomination submitted read in part, “Before, during and after my surgeries at Merit Health Natchez, Amy went out of her way to comfort me, remind me that she would not leave my side during the p... ... 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

Merit Health Woman's Hospital employees recently raised $550 by selling sweatshirts and tumblers to support the Jackson Stitchery Guild (JSG), an organization that has generously donated over 500 pillows to mastectomy patients at Merit Health Woman’s Hospital since July 2020. These pillows provide comfort to patients recovering from surgery, and the JSG remains committed to their mission despite rising supply costs. Each pillow is thoughtfully crafted to be machine washable and dryable, taking over an h... ... 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