woman sitting on couch

What can I do to lower my A1C?

If you have diabetes, you’re probably familiar with the A1C test, which measures your blood sugar. What you may not know, though, is how to lower that seemingly stubborn number. Diabetes occurs when you have a high amount of sugar in your blood. This happens to everyone on occasion, but in those who don’t have […]

mother and daughter walking on a trail

Is lung cancer screening right for me?

The American Cancer Society estimates that 238,340 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year, including more than 7,000 people in Georgia alone. Like other forms of cancer, lung cancer is more easily treated when it’s diagnosed early. Could you benefit from lung cancer screening? When you think about cancer screenings, the routine screenings […]

Embraced senior couple enjoying in autumn day on a field

What is in-home palliative care?

When we think about receiving medical care, it typically involves treatment for specific physical or mental symptoms. But those who have a serious illness can often benefit from a different type of care—palliative care. You may have heard about palliative care in the same conversation with hospice. At Northeast Georgia Health System, in fact, in-home […]

Choosing the right type of care

What to know about hospice, palliative care, home health & long-term care If you’re helping a parent with an illness, choosing the right type of care can be challenging at times. Learning about the options is a good place to begin. These days, it’s incredibly common for middle-aged adults to be caring for at least […]

man looking in mirror with hands on jaw smiling

What is a TMJ disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ disorders, also known as TMD, can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. They can even lead to headaches and difficulty chewing. Physical therapists often see patients with TMJ disorders. We are breaking down the common […]

father and son walking in a park together

4 myths about strokes

Stroke Myths – What’s Fact and What’s Fiction? In the United States, stroke is the 4th-leading cause of death and the No. 1 cause of adult disability. It is estimated that someone will have a stroke every 40 seconds, leading to over 800,000 strokes each year. Such a serious health threat is often misunderstood and […]

two women walking together in nature

Am I at risk for breast cancer?

October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about this common form of cancer that affects 1 out of every 8 women. Do you know your personal risk factors? The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 300,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2023 alone, including […]

Nine reasons to use MyChart

In the age of digital convenience, efficient appointment scheduling and easy access to electronic health records (EHR) have become paramount. Healthcare providers have begun offering free, secure websites and apps, like MyChart, giving you direct online access to your electronic health record (EHR) while making healthcare management a breeze! Key benefits of MyChart Explore some […]

Understanding infant loss

The journey through welcoming a child into the world is often a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with hope, anxiety and an immense desire to see your newborn thrive. Sadly, not all stories have happy endings, and the pain of losing an infant during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the NICU, is a heartbreaking reality many families […]

Why do women need routine mammograms?

Headed toward your 40th birthday? Your OB/GYN or another women’s health provider may have recommended you begin routine mammograms at that age. But why is that? You probably know the basics: Screening mammograms are used to diagnose breast cancer. Beyond that, though, things may be a little fuzzy. If you’re more than a little confused […]

What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?

If you’ve watched a news program on TV recently, you probably heard them talk about a new medication on the horizon for Alzheimer’s disease. Odds are, they probably also used the word “dementia.” How are the two connected? Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often mentioned almost in the same breath. There’s a good reason for […]

Are hernia symptoms different for men and women?

If you’ve ever seen a TV character dealing with a hernia, odds are that the person was a man. While that’s often the stereotype, hernias actually affect both men and women. Would the symptoms of a hernia be the same for a woman as for a man? The short answer is yes. While hernia symptoms […]

4 common types of anterior knee pain that physical therapy can help with

Anterior knee pain is a common condition that affects many people, from athletes to sedentary individuals. It refers to pain or discomfort in the front of the knee, which can be caused by various factors such as overuse, injury or structural abnormalities. If you’re experiencing anterior knee pain, physical therapy can be an effective treatment […]

Myth vs. Fact: Understanding how hospice works

If a medical provider has suggested hospice for you or a loved one, you probably have many questions and maybe a few fears. Hospice encompasses compassionate and comprehensive care for those in the end stages of life. While it offers many families a gentle journey through a person’s last days, it can be confusing and […]

Could my symptoms be esophageal cancer?

While esophageal cancer accounts for only 1% of cancers diagnosed in the United States, that still amounts to more than 20,000 new cases each year. Knowing the symptoms of the condition can help you keep an eye on your health. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 20,640 cases of esophageal cancer will be […]

More than 130 NGHS volunteers honored at annual luncheon

Patients who visit one of Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s (NGMC) campuses are likely familiar with Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Auxiliary volunteers – always donning their red shirts. They can be seen at information desks, in waiting rooms, walking the halls with volunteer therapy dogs and doing crafts with pediatric patients. They provide comfort and […]

Does robotic heart surgery have increased risks?

Robotic heart surgery is becoming more common these days, but is it as safe as traditional heart surgery? We’re answering that question in today’s blog with a look at robotic heart surgery survival rates. Any type of surgery involving a robot may sound like it’s straight out of a science fiction thriller. When the surgery […]

Grandmother sitting with granddaughter looking at tablet.

What are the different types of heart surgery?

When you hear the word “heart disease,” you may think it’s a single condition. But in reality, there are more than 30 different types of heart disease. There are also just as many types of heart surgery. The heart is complex. It’s literally at the heart of everything the body does, responsible for moving oxygenated […]