We’ve all taken a misstep or fallen participating in everyday life. If you’ve twisted your ankle in the process, the pain can make it hard to tell whether you’re dealing with a sprain or a fracture. While both of these types of injuries have similar symptoms, like pain and swelling, they are very different and involve damage to different parts of the body and treatment can vary significantly. Knowing which one […]
Expecting a new addition to your family is an exciting time. You may be setting up a nursery, choosing a going‑home outfit, installing a car seat, or thinking ahead to labor and delivery. One topic many expectant parents have questions about is cesarean delivery, commonly called a C‑section. Even if you’re planning a vaginal birth, understanding what […]
Thyroid surgery, also known as a thyroidectomy, involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland due to nodules, cancer or other thyroid disorders. It’s important to know what to expect afterward, so you know how to best care for your body while recovering. The thyroid gland is a part of the body’s endocrine system. It’s small, shaped like a […]
Is obstructive sleep apnea why I’m always tired? “Dad, wake up, you’re missing the movie!” As a child, we had movie night on the weekends. Every time we’d start a movie, my dad would always fall asleep within the first ten minutes. For years, we thought my dad just didn’t like movies until we found […]
A leaky bladder is an unwelcome condition that can turn life’s special moments into embarrassing ones. No one enjoys spending quality family time in the bathroom trying to prevent a leaky bladder episode or heading home early from an outing because you just couldn’t make it in time. Leaky bladders, also known as urinary incontinence, affect […]
As the weather warms up, many runners — seasoned athletes and enthusiastic beginners alike —take to the outdoors to log miles and enjoy the sunshine. If you’ve ever been sidelined by a running injury, you know how frustrating it is. Sometimes the problem isn’t the miles themselves. It’s misinformation. Running injury prevention starts with understanding what’s actually true about how our […]
Many people think that planning for a new addition to the family doesn’t start until after a positive pregnancy test. But the reality is: Planning for pregnancy starts much earlier and involves preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy. In fact, there’s a special type of preparation you should do if you’ve decided to try […]
For most children, puberty begins around 8 years old for girls and 9 years old for boys. But in recent years, we’ve started to see puberty begin earlier – sometimes as early as age 6 or 7 for girls and age 8 for boys. This early start to puberty is often referred to as “precocious puberty.” If this is something you’re seeing in your child, I’m sure you have questions about why […]
Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a vascular surgery aimed at reducing stoke risk by removing plaque from the carotid arteries. This can be a lifesaving surgery for patients living with carotid artery disease. While the most common complication is stroke, the risk is relatively low and can be managed with careful surgical techniques and postoperative care. Before we go into more depth on carotid endarterectomy, let’s talk […]
As a gynecologic oncologist, I spend a lot of my time caring for patients battling cancers that could have been prevented. That reality is tough and doesn’t get easier. But it does make me passionate about learning and educating our community about one of the most powerful tools we have in cancer prevention today: the HPV vaccine. Although the vaccine has been available for nearly 20 […]
As an orthopedic surgeon serving patients in Gainesville and throughout north Georgia, I’ve seen a sharp increase in pickleball-related injuries over the past few years. What started as a trickle of sprained ankles has turned into a steady stream of shoulder repairs, knee reconstructions and tendon problems. The sport has taken off across our communities, especially among active adults who […]
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are a common condition that can make you feel pretty miserable. From facial pain and pressure to thick nasal discharge, sinus infections often bring symptoms that look a lot like the common cold. But they can linger longer and sometimes need different treatments. Understanding what causes a sinus infection, how to manage symptoms and when to see […]
Exercise for older adults is great for physical and mental health. It can lead to a longer, happier and healthier life! How much activity do older adults need? The best rule of thumb is to get at least 30 minutes of movement per day. Regular exercise: Popular exercise options for seniors: The most important thing […]
What’s the difference between pneumonia and bronchitis? Pneumonia and bronchitis both affect the respiratory system but involve different parts of the lungs. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes – the large airways that carry air into the lungs – often leading to a persistent cough and mucus production. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs […]
If you are considering parathyroid surgery, you likely have many questions – including what to expect after the procedure: “How will my body change after my parathyroid glands are removed? What does recovery from a parathyroidectomy look like?” The good news is that parathyroidectomy is a safe procedure and has positive outcomes. But it’simportant to know what to expect immediately following parathyroid gland removal […]
Each spring, I watch the same scene play out on sidelines across Northeast Georgia: a student-athlete goes down, and, within seconds, someone is already running out onto the field to check on them. As a sports medicine physician and high school team doctor, one of the questions I hear most often from parents on the […]
What is heart failure? Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s need for blood and oxygen. This means the heart cannot keep up with the demands of the body. Over time heart failure can worsen, even with appropriate medical therapy What is […]
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is common, but often uncomfortable, painful, and disruptive. Symptoms can appear suddenly and interfere with your daily routine. Fortunately, UTIs are treatable and often preventable. What is a UTI? A UTI is an infection in the urinary system, which includes the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. While UTIs can affect anyone, they are […]