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 […]

What should I expect if I need cancer surgery?

The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with some type of cancer this year, including more than 61,000 people in Georgia alone. Many of those people will be treated with some type of cancer surgery. In fact, up to 60 percent of cancer patients will undergo cancer surgery, either […]

What is live therapeutic music?

Throughout history, music has been recognized as a potent force in healing and enhancing the human experience. The use of music as therapy dates back to ancient civilizations, where it was used to ease emotional burdens, reduce stress and promote relaxation. In the modern medical landscape, the field of therapeutic music has gained recognition for […]

What is life like after heart surgery?

If you’ve been told you need to undergo a heart procedure, you probably have many questions. One of those questions may be about what your life will be like after heart surgery. That’s a really common question, actually! It’s entirely normal to wonder what things will be like once you’ve had surgery. In many cases, […]

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that affects the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. This nerve runs from the lower back down to the legs and feet, and when it becomes inflamed or compressed, it can cause a range of symptoms.   Symptoms of Sciatica   The symptoms of sciatica can vary depending on the severity of the […]

Everything Happens for a Reason

Gainesville natives Don and Dot Pirkle had no idea their first date to a Christmas service in 2016 would lead to a life-saving robotic heart surgery for a stranger seven years later. Timing is Everything Don and Dot Pirkle, who both lost spouses in 2015, attended a church program during the holiday season for people […]

What is chemotherapy & how does it work?

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1.9 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Many of them will receive chemotherapy as part of a treatment plan. Chemotherapy refers to any chemical agent (or medication) used to treat any medical condition. The term itself is not specifically tied to cancer treatment, but […]

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitium which usually causes chronic inflammation and reactive fibrosis of the affected tissues. We all have a lymphatic system that is working to remove excess fluid from our circulatory system, which is made up of arteries and veins. When the lymphatic system is damaged, such […]

What should I do if I don’t have a robotic heart surgeon near me?

You need to have a heart procedure performed in the near future and know that robotic heart surgery is an option. But there isn’t a robotic heart surgeon nearby. What are your options? If you’ve talked with your cardiologist or a cardiothoracic surgeon and know that robotic heart surgery is an option for the type […]

NGHS updates COVID-19 vaccine & mask requirement for staff

Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) employees and medical staff will no longer be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine or wear masks if they have not received the vaccine, effective Aug. 5. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is eliminating its COVID-19 vaccination requirements for healthcare workers and suppliers, so NGHS, along with many […]

Raising awareness about head and neck cancers

Each year, thousands of Americans are diagnosed with head and neck cancers, but few people have a good understanding of these types of cancer. It may be helpful to take a few minutes of your time to learn more. The American Society of Clinical Oncology estimates that head and neck cancers make up around 4 […]

Is bempedoic acid an alternative to a statin?

If you’ve flipped on the news recently, you may have seen reports about a new medication for treating high cholesterol. What’s the scoop about bempedoic acid? We’ve got the answer: It’s an exciting new medication that can help lower cholesterol levels. Most people who are diagnosed with high cholesterol, also called hyperlipidemia, are treated using a combination of lifestyle changes and […]

What should you know before having heart surgery?

Learning that you need any type of surgical procedure can be worrisome. When heart surgery is needed, you probably have many questions. That’s actually a good thing! Before you proceed with a surgical procedure of any type, you should learn all you can about the surgery and why it’s necessary. Your surgeon, cardiologist, and other […]

5 signs it’s time to see a physical therapist

Everyone can benefit from physical therapy at some point in their life. If you’re an athlete, work a desk job or simply aging, physical therapy can help you improve your mobility, reduce pain, and enhance your overall well-being. But how do you know if you need physical therapy? Here are five signs that indicate it […]

When a typical Monday takes a turn

Dale and Jean Holmes, a real estate agent and broker in Clarkesville, Georgia, were beginning what they thought was another normal week at their home when Dale started to feel ill. “I started to feel like I had the flu,” recalled Dale. “I laid down for a few minutes and then told my wife we […]

Heart-Healthy Recipes: Quick Oats for One

This fiber-packed, 5-minute breakfast will help support balanced blood sugar, decrease cholesterol, and keep you feeling full. Add heart-healthy toppings and get energized for your day ahead! Ingredient Spotlight Oats:Oats are a fiber-rich whole grain. Research has shown that oats can reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels and help with weight management. Quick-cooking oats work […]

What is metabolic syndrome and how can I prevent it?

Metabolic syndrome is incredibly common in the United States. In fact, 1 in 3 adults struggle with metabolic syndrome. With the United States population rapidly aging, metabolic syndrome may become a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. What is metabolic syndrome? Metabolic syndrome, also known as insulin resistance syndrome, is a group of conditions that can […]