Over more than 20 years of practicing cardiology, Zachary George, MD, has learned that it’s important also to practice empathy with his patients. “I’m always reminded of a Robin Williams quote: ‘Everybody that you meet is going through a battle that you know nothing about.” Dr. George, an interventional cardiologist who recently joined Georgia Heart Institute, keeps […]
As a loved one nears the end of life and hospice services are recommended, you likely have many questions, concerns, and to-dos. Choosing a hospice may be among them. While your family member’s primary care provider or another member of his or her care team may have suggested it’s time to seek hospice care, you […]
Understanding medical procedures can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a medical background. If you or a loved one is scheduled for a PET/CT scan, you might have questions about what it is and what to expect. Let’s break it down into simple terms. What is a PET/CT scan? PET/CT stands for […]
June is Cancer Survivor Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the strength, resilience and courage of those who have battled cancer. Surviving cancer is a monumental achievement, but the journey doesn’t end with remission. Survivors often face a range of challenges that require ongoing support and care. Let’s shed light on some critical areas where survivors may need assistance […]
Skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the United States. Millions of Americans are diagnosed each year with some type of skin cancer. While skin cancer is quite common, it’s also usually quite treatable—when it’s detected early. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs of skin cancer and to examine your […]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that around 5,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Would you be able to recognize the symptoms of ALS? ALS is what’s known as a progressive disease, meaning it worsens over time. While there’s currently no curative treatment for the condition, there […]
As a Level I trauma center, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) is committed to providing the highest level of care for traumatic injuries. However, we believe that prevention is always better than cure. Data shows that the three leading causes of injury are falls, motor vehicle crashes and motorcycle crashes. Here are some essential tips […]
If you hear about “robotic surgery” and start thinking about a SciFi movie, you’re not alone. But while it may sound like something from the future, it’s actually a reality now – and has been around for more than 20 years. Robotic surgery is one of the latest innovations in surgery, offering a minimally invasive […]
When a stroke strikes, it can cause a large amount of damage in a small amount of time. Recovery after a stroke usually requires both emergency treatment and intensive rehabilitation. If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, you may wonder what to expect next. Understanding what happens during a stroke can help […]
Heart disease affects both men and women, but many still believe it is primarily a concern for men. However, women are equally at risk for heart disease, including heart failure, which is often overlooked. In fact, heart disease causes more deaths in women each year than all types of cancer combined, including breast cancer. Heart […]
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 report, there are approximately 16.2 million living American military veterans. As they near the end of life, many of those veterans can benefit from hospice care. Veterans of our country’s armed forces have sacrificed so much in defense of the United States. After their military service, veterans often […]
While heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women, it is still often considered a “man’s disease.” Because of that, many women don’t get the regular screenings they need to ensure their hearts are healthy. One important screening is a panel to check for high cholesterol. High cholesterol doesn’t cause […]
It was Christmas Eve in 2012 when Tommy McClure, 47, had his first heart attack. Tommy was attending his local church’s Christmas Eve service in Habersham County when he suddenly started feeling lightheaded and dizzy. “I remember fading out of consciousness and waking up to a young man asking if he could drive me to […]
You may be familiar with urology and gynecology, but you may be less familiar with the closely related field of urogynecology. Urogynecologists are specialized physicians who treat conditions of the female pelvic floor, such as urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and interstitial cystitis. These conditions can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing, but they are treatable and a […]
When you think about cancer affecting men, prostate cancer probably comes to mind. How much do you know about testicular cancer? Testicular cancer is relatively rare, affecting one in every 250 American men. According to the American Cancer Society, just under 10,000 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed this year. While it’s relatively […]
From left to right: Stéphane Rinfret, MD; Zachary George, MD; Olga Toleva, MD People in Northeast Georgia now have more choices for advanced lifesaving heart care. Georgia Heart Institute, the comprehensive heart and vascular service line of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), recently welcomed interventional cardiologists Zachary George, MD; Stéphane Rinfret, MD; and Olga Toleva, […]
While it is always difficult to watch as a loved one’s health worsens at the end of life, it can be even more painful when someone you love has dementia. If you’re struggling with the challenges of caring for your loved one or his or her health is rapidly diminishing, hospice for dementia may help. […]
You have heard about Parkinson’s disease, but how much do you know about the condition? Some of the first signs of Parkinson’s disease may surprise you. Parkinson’s disease, sometimes called PD, is the second most common neurodegenerative disease among Americans. Only Alzheimer’s disease is more common. More than 1 million people in the United States […]