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News that Harrison Ford withdrew from the 2025 Oscars ceremony due to a diagnosis of shingles has brought attention to this common, often painful, condition. Usually thought of as a childhood disease, the chickenpox can have lasting effects well into adulthood because the virus remains inactive in the body even after recovery. Years after you have had the chickenpox, the virus can reappear in the form of shingles. One in three Americans will experience shingles in their lifetime according to the Centers... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, MS. – March 4, 2025 – News that Harrison Ford withdrew from the 2025 Oscars ceremony due to a diagnosis of shingles has brought attention to this common, often painful, condition. Usually thought of as a childhood disease, chickenpox can have lasting effects well into adulthood because the virus remains inactive in the body even after recovery. Years after you have had the chickenpox, the virus can reappear in the form of shingles. One in three Americans will experience shingles in their lifeti... ... Read More

NATCHEZ, MS – March 3, 2025 – Today, Merit Health Natchez kicked off its annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive benefitting River Assembly Feed the Hungry, First Assembly of God and Pilgrim Baptist Church food pantries and is inviting community members to participate in this effort to fight hunger in the local area. Peanut butter is a sought after item for food banks because of its high nutritional value and long shelf life. Yet, it is one of the least donated items. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Driv... ... Read More

FLOWOOD, MS, February 24, 2025 – Today, Merit Health kicked off its annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive benefitting Mississippi Food Network, and is inviting community members to participate in this effort to fight hunger in Central Mississippi. Peanut butter is a sought after item for food banks because of its high nutritional value and long shelf life. Yet, it is one of the least donated items. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive kicks off on February 24 and will run through March 21. “Merit Heal... ... Read More

Small, consistent changes create healthier habits to last a lifetime HATTIESBURG, MS – 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, impro... ... Read More

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