When should you call hospice for dementia?

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. […]

What are the first signs of Parkinson’s disease?

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 […]

What expectant moms should know about perinatal mental health

You’ve probably heard of “postpartum depression,” but did you know it’s part of a category of medical conditions known as perinatal mental health issues? When you’re expecting a new addition to the family, you have many items on your to-do list—and on your mind. Be sure you’re devoting time to yourself during pregnancy, too. Your […]

What is a clinical ethicist?

When you think about employees at a hospital, physicians, nurses, technicians, pharmacists, and other clinicians probably come to mind. But there are many other essential members of the team at Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), including a clinical ethicist. You probably know what most of those roles above do—a physician makes diagnoses and offers treatment, […]

Can there be complications from not treating a hernia?

If you have a small hernia that isn’t causing you much discomfort, you may be tempted to put off seeking treatment. In most cases, a small delay in treating a hernia won’t cause problems, but there can sometimes be complications from not treating a hernia. When you have a calendar that’s filled up with to-dos, […]

Understanding breast density: what you need to know

Breast density is something that often perplexes and concerns many individuals, yet it’s crucial to understand its implications for breast health and cancer detection. In this blog, we delve into the topic of breast density, unraveling its meaning and significance. What is breast density? Breast tissue is composed of fibrous, glandular and fatty tissue. Your […]

Can heart bypass be done robotically?

When you hear about someone having a heart bypass, you probably think about it as a major open-heart procedure. But with new technologies and techniques, opening up the chest isn’t always necessary. Thanks to innovations in minimally invasive procedures in the last decade and robotic technology, some heart bypasses—also called coronary artery bypasses—can now be […]

A mom’s guide to postpartum recovery

Are you preparing for a new arrival? As you get your house and your life ready for a baby, take a little time to prepare yourself, too—for the postpartum recovery. Many new parents put a lot of thought and effort into getting ready before the arrival of a new baby. Decorating the nursery, attending baby […]

What are the advantages of histotripsy?

In the realm of cancer treatment, innovation is key to unlocking new avenues of hope for patients and clinicians alike. Among the arsenal of emerging technologies, histotripsy stands out as a groundbreaking approach with the potential to revolutionize how we combat certain types of cancer. In this blog, we break down the different key benefits to […]

What does a hernia look and feel like?

You may have heard someone talk about having a hernia, but would you recognize a hernia if you had one? Knowing how a hernia looks and feels can help you seek treatment if you develop one. When you think about hernias, the types that affect the groin or the belly button may be the first thing […]

Ibuprofen vs. Acetaminophen – Which pain reliever should I choose?

When you’re feeling under the weather or experiencing pain, reaching for a pain reliever is often your first step in finding relief. Two common, over-the-counter (OTC) medications you may try are ibuprofen and acetaminophen. And while they might look similar, they have some important differences that could affect how your pain is managed.  How do they work differently? Let’s start by […]

What is multiple sclerosis?

While you may have heard of MS and may even know of a celebrity or someone in your life living with MS, there is a lot about the condition you may not know. For example, did you know that almost one million Americans have MS? And, while MS is the most common disabling neurological condition […]

From first breaths to final moments: a volunteer story

For Julie Dulaney Haskins, mom of four and volunteer at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), a typical Wednesday morning begins in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit NICU (NICU) and ends on the Hospice floor.  “I can’t bear to think about anyone feeling scared or alone,” said Julie. “When I was told about the need for volunteers, I knew I had to sign up right away.” Julie’s volunteer journey began in the fall of 2022 after learning about the “cuddler” volunteering opportunity – a […]

Answering a few FAQs about colorectal cancer

March is designated as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, designed to raise awareness about cancer affecting the colon or rectum. How much do you know about this common type of cancer?  The American Cancer Society estimates that 152,810 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024, making it the fourth most common type of cancer. […]

What is atrial fibrillation? 

At your latest appointment with the cardiologist, you were told that you have atrial fibrillation. What does that mean, and how will it affect your life?  Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib, is a heart rhythm abnormality. AFib occurs when the heart’s upper chambers, or atria, are out of sync with the lower chambers of the […]

What is a mastectomy? 

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 310,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, including 9,840 women in Georgia alone. If you’re diagnosed with the disease, a mastectomy might be recommended.  A breast cancer diagnosis can quickly feel overwhelming, and you may have many questions about what the diagnosis means […]

What if I’m not a candidate for heart bypass surgery? 

Coronary artery bypass surgery, also called heart bypass or CABG, is a common way of treating severe blockages in the arteries that deliver blood to the heart. What are your options, though, when you aren’t eligible for a heart bypass?  More than 18 million Americans have coronary artery disease, making it the most common type […]

What to expect when you’re expecting: preparing for labor

You’ve decorated the nursery and stocked up on diapers. What’s next? It’s time to start preparing for labor.  Whether you’re expecting your first baby or your third, there are lots of puzzle pieces that need to fall into place in the last weeks and months of pregnancy. As you enter the final stages of your […]