When should you call hospice for the elderly? 

It can be so difficult to watch as your parents or other family members age and their health worsens. As they near the end of life, it becomes even more challenging. When can they benefit from hospice for the elderly?  You may think about hospice as a resource for those who have been diagnosed with […]

Will cardiac rehab help me recover after surgery?

As recently as a few decades ago, there were few good options for treating heart health issues like aortic valve disease. These days, innovative surgical procedures like TAVR greatly increase the odds of successfully treating these heart problems. Another key to successful treatment is completing cardiac rehab after surgery. In many cases, you might consider […]

Trusted surgical care close to home

When Pamela Boundy broke her shoulder, she took the 10-mile trip to Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Barrow. Pamela, like many others in and around Winder, knew she could trust NGMC Barrow for emergency care. But when it came to the next step in her recovery process, the 63-year-old grandmother of three was pleasantly surprised […]

Tips for increasing your breast milk supply

Embarking on the journey of motherhood is a transformative experience, filled with both joy and challenges. For many new moms, the decision to breastfeed is a beautiful and intimate choice that fosters a unique connection with their newborns. While breastfeeding is a natural process, it often comes with its own set of questions and uncertainties. […]

What is cervical cancer?

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. This presents a good opportunity for the question: How much do you know about cervical cancer and how to prevent it?  Most women undergo regular Pap smears, but you may not know or appreciate why we recommend you undergo the test. The Pap smear, which has been used since […]

Can I monitor my blood pressure at home?

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure or you are simply at risk of the condition, checking your blood pressure at home can be a good idea. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is very common among Americans. In fact, the numbers are pretty astounding—nearly half of all Americans ages 20 and older have […]

Unleashing Happiness: The Power of Volunteer Therapy Dogs

Hospitals can be a scary place. As a patient or loved one, spending time in the hospital can be stressful on the body as well as the mind. At Northeast Georgia Health System, pet therapy dogs are used to promote well-being and health for patients, visitors and staff alike. Started in 2012 as a collaboration […]

What are the benefits of TAVR? 

At your recent cardiology appointment, perhaps “TAVR” was mentioned as an option for treating aortic stenosis. But what exactly is TAVR?  TAVR is a relatively new and innovative way of treating aortic stenosis. In cases where surgery is needed to replace the aortic valve, this minimally invasive procedure offers an alternative to traditional open procedures.  […]

What are the 4 levels of hospice care?

If medical providers have recommended that your loved one enter hospice, you may have many questions about what that entails. The short answer: It depends on the type of care your friend or family member needs. Hospice care isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a method of providing care for patients nearing the end of life, and it’s […]

Young woman holding a warm cup of tea or coffee while going on a hike. Behind her are trees and a trail or dirt road.

The Flu Shot: Should You Get It?

It’s that time of year again! The leaves have fallen, the days are shorter, and the weather is turning chilly. It’s also the time of year when flu vaccination clinics abound, and you may have some questions. Why should I get the flu shot? The flu vaccine can help prevent you from coming down with […]

What to expect after your first round of radiation therapy 

Whether you recently began undergoing cancer treatment or are beginning radiation therapy as a new type of treatment, you may have many questions about what to expect. That’s only natural! Undergoing any type of medical treatment, even when it’s not related to cancer, can be nerve-wracking and a little bit scary. Knowing what to expect […]

What is a brain aneurysm?

You might have come across stories of individuals enduring a brain aneurysm. The experience of a ruptured aneurysm can be a sudden, life-threatening crisis, often making headlines and causing concern. Despite being aware of brain aneurysms, it’s entirely normal not to fully grasp the complexities of what happens during an aneurysm rupture. Let’s explore some […]

What is cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome?

When the body is functioning at its best, all the different parts work collaboratively. So, it makes sense that when one part of the body isn’t working optimally, it can also impact other parts of the body. That’s the case with the recently coined cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. In October 2023, the American Heart Association (AHA) issued […]

How do I relieve hernia pain?

When you experience pain, it’s only natural to want to know how to relieve it. So, what can you do to relieve hernia pain? Pain related to a hernia of any kind can often be alleviated temporarily with some basic at-home care. Getting rid of your discomfort in the long-term, though, requires more than a […]

What if my blood pressure just won’t go down?

If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, the odds are that your provider recommended some lifestyle changes or prescribed medication to help lower it. What happens if your blood pressure doesn’t respond to treatment? For most people, basic treatments like medications and lifestyle changes are enough to lower blood pressure into a healthier range. […]

Can taking a semaglutide help keep my heart healthy?

If you’ve turned on the TV at any time in the past year, odds are that you’ve seen an ad for a semaglutide medication. But while we’ve been inundated with commercials about these medications, few people have a good understanding of how they work—or the fact that they can benefit the heart. Semaglutide medications, including […]

Volunteering, stitch by stitch

Sandra Coley’s first encounter with Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) was in 2012 when her son passed away in a motorcycle accident. Now she sews memory bears to give back to Hospice of NGMC families who have experienced similar losses. After her son passed, she participated in the grief support program offered to […]

Answering your FAQs about antibiotics

Odds are, you’ve taken antibiotics a time or two to treat an illness. Most people have. But you may still have questions about what they are and how they work best. With the colder months coming up fast, the time where contagious illnesses go wild is also quickly approaching. If an antibiotic is prescribed to […]